The Best Flip Out Head Units (Review) in 2021

We’ll start off by saying that this is the only high-quality single din touch screen flip out head unit that allows Android Auto and Apply CarPlay to be used easily. And, while that in itself is not enough to suggest that this is the best flip out car stereo on the market, you should already be able to see why this little car accessory goes above and beyond others on the market.

Indeed, this is a popular option simply because it includes pretty much everything you would want your head unit to cover- from being compatible with rear-facing parking cameras (sold separately) to being easy to install and easy to use. The latter being held mostly due to the touchscreen, which makes flipping from input to output an absolute breeze.

If you haven’t got the budget, or aren’t quite willing to shell out for the most expensive flip up radio on the market, then this option from Power Acoustik is a great second choice in touch screen car stereos. This car radio has a couple of nice features which the Pioneer doesn’t, such as the ability to read SDHC cards with ease, which makes it a great alternative- especially if you have kids or do a lot of long-distance travelling.

The connectors at the rear of this unit make for an easy installation, and the hands-free aspects of this radio can allow for users to use voice-control to make simple requests, although a few users have mentioned that this can still be awkward and require some basic button-pressing before a call would go through.

This Pioneer flip out head unit is so popular that it is often out of stock, so it may be worthwhile to check out the refurbished options if you’re not willing to wait for your new unit. Both options come with a quality system that, once again, give a great quality sound system and provide a highly-customizable interface that creates a more personal feel.

One of the biggest benefits of this particular choice is you can add up to two devices at once. Just be aware that if you and your passenger have different operating systems, you may need to disconnect one from its Bluetooth as this can confuse the car stereo. These technical glitches can sometimes be compounded by updates on your phone’s system, which can cause a loss of compatibility, according to some users.

Available with a remote control and plenty of connectivity options, including a USB and AUX port, this choice from Soundstream comes with an LCD touchscreen that allows for easy use and simple set-up. These benefits are made even simpler with the voice-control that users claim is better than the voice recognition on their smartphones- a huge plus if you need to make lots of calls from the road or simply like to request specific music as you travel.

The flip out car unit itself is very sturdy and can handle road travel- even on rougher surfaces or travel with those who make frequent long-distance trips, as many of the truck-driving buyers have mentioned. This adds to the value-for-money and makes for a great choice for those who spend a considerable amount of time on the road.

A great choice for audiophiles who like to have a little extra control over their music, this unit comes with some simple-but-effective options for customizing your sound- as well as your dashboard. While features such as the multi-color illumination options are in no way groundbreaking, they are certainly nice to have- especially when you can change the preset equalizing options to give yourself the sound system you crave, as you drive.

The detachable panel is a nice touch, albeit a little expected in many modern-day car accessories, as a way of deterring thieves and rendering the unit inoperable. But the real benefit of this item comes with its simple interface that hides some great features. For example, you can hook-up this unit with your rear-facing camera for easier parking and can even input your steering wheel controls to make it easier to switch, without having to take your hands off the wheel.

Right from the start, it’s easy to see the biggest selling point of this unit- the GPS navigation of this option sets it apart from the rest simply by including this somewhat standard feature. Yet, for so many drivers, having the ability to navigate, along with great sound quality, are the two big things that make or break a quality unit. If anything, it’s a wonder that more flip out car radios aren’t trying to incorporate this.

There’s a wide range of connectivity on offer here too, with users having the ability to go through the USB, Bluetooth, Aux or MicroSD to connect their phone without fuss, as well as the unit being able to mirror from any connected phone. Indeed, it can do all this without losing any of the quality you’ll find on your smartphone, as the screen is dedicated to reproducing the mirror at high quality.

Initially looking like the thousands of other, more basic receivers available online, this flip out unit from Pyle can take many users by surprise with it’s responsive touchscreen and sharp display. It’s also super-easy to fit, making this one of the quickest set-ups available, allowing users to get stuck in to their driving within a few minutes of installation.

A mic is included with this option, which is ideal if your car hasn’t previously been kitted out with Bluetooth compatibility, although the sound of the calls can be a little hit-and-miss, with users pointing out that their callers note how distant they sound during phone calls. Of course, you could get around this by simply raising your call volume- a simple solution although still a sticking point for some users who prefer a quick and easier system.

Our final top pick is the P9759B from Planet Audio, which offers a sturdy, simple flip up car radio that covers all of the basics with no extra niceties- including any instructions, if users are to be believed. This can, naturally, make set-up a little awkward and you may find yourself scrolling through YouTube to find some step-by-step instructions to get this unit in place.

Of course, once you’ve passed the biggest hurdle of adding your new car stereo to your dash, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s all downhill. You can even set up your car radio to link up to your rear-facing camera, to make parking easier, and can even opt to use the controls on your steering wheel- both of which are nice features that make for increased usability during driving.