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Last updated: 20 Aug 2020

The Best Flip Out Head Units (Review) in 2020

Pioneer Flip Out Head Unit

Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Flip Out Head Unit

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Jensen single din touch screen

Jensen VX7012 Single Din Touch Screen

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Power Acoustik Flip Out Head Unit

Power Acoustik PTID-8920B Flip Out Head Unit

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Show contents
Contents
  • The Best Flip Out Head Unit
  • 1 Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Flip Out Head Unit
  • 2 Power Acoustik PTID-8920B Flip Out Head Unit
  • 3 PIONEER AVH-X7800BT Flip Out Head Unit
  • 4 Soundstream VIR-7830B Flip Out Head Unit
  • 5 BOSS Audio BV9979B Flip Out Head Unit
  • 6 Jensen VX7012 Single Din Touch Screen
  • 7 Pyle PLTS78DUB Single Din Touch Screen
  • 8 Planet Audio P9759B Single Din Touch Screen
By Car Bibles Staff
Published May. 8, 2019

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As much as we all love our older, reliable cars that come with better insurance premiums and a sense of nostalgia and reliability, nobody can deny that they lack some of the better features of new cars. Take the radio, for example. Many older cars and some of the more basic newer models often lack the in-built sat-nav or on-screen displays that we have come to know and love.

Luckily, the easy switch of new for old means you no longer have to stick with what you’re given. Indeed, many owners are looking to save money on high-end cars by purchasing a lower-end model and fixing the remainder up themselves. Enter the flip out head unit.

The flip out radio works with almost any dashboard – simply register whether you need a double or single din flip out unit and swap out the old for the new. Better yet, these flip up car stereos come packed with their own features that can greatly improve your car’s audio. Below, we look at some of the best options on the market, so you can get the best radio your money can buy.

The Best Flip Out Head Unit

1
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Flip Out Head Unit

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Pioneer Flip Out Head Unit
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Pioneer Flip Out Head Unit
Pioneer Flip Out Head Unit
Pioneer Flip Out Head Unit
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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.

Despite packing quite the punch, the layout of this flip out radio is simple enough to use, even without first reading the instructions. Then there’s the sound quality, which has pretty much set the bar for all other flip out stereos as the crystal-clear quality allows for a great audio experience- although one wouldn’t expect much else from the market-leading brand of Pioneer.

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Key Features:

Brand: Pioneer

Model: AVH-3300NEX

Screen Size: 7”

Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 15 inches

Connectivity: Android Auto, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, USB

Specification:
  • BrandPioneer
  • Model AVH-3300NEX
  • Weight 5 pounds
Pros

Can use branded phone systems

Despite being a high-end bit of kit, this option doesn’t make itself overtly obvious to would-be thieves

Comes highly recommended by customers

Cons

USB port is situated at the back of the stereo, so you would have to pull the unit out to fit your wire

This is the most expensive option on our list

2
Power Acoustik PTID-8920B Flip Out Head Unit

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Power Acoustik Flip Out Head Unit
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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.

The biggest sell with this flip up unit, however, is the clarity of the sound, which makes this the perfect choice for audiophiles who want to up the system in their car. Particularly as this option gives you the ability to connect with a subwoofer, so you can really amp-up the sound as you drive.

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Key Features:

Brand: Power Acoustik

Model: PTID-8920B

Screen Size: 7 inches

Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 4.6 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX, SDHC

Specification:
  • BrandPower Acoustik
  • Model PTID-8920B/8920BT
  • Weight 0.16 ounces
Pros

Superb sound quality

Compatible with rear parking cameras

Cons

Poor picture quality

Customers complain of rear-parking camera taking a while to load

3
PIONEER AVH-X7800BT Flip Out Head Unit

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PIONEER AVH X7800BT Flip Out Head Unit
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Pioneer Display Flip Out Head Unit
PIONEER AVH X7800BT Flip Out Head Unit
Pioneer Display Flip Out Head Unit
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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.

Still, this choice is still a great upgrade from many other standard radio units on the market and comes with a high-quality screen that allows for crystal clear images- great for those who opt for a rear camera- as well as crystal-clear sound that customers love.

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Key Features:

Brand: Pioneer

Model: AVH-X7800BT

Screen Size: 7 inches

Dimensions: 13.4 x 10 x 5 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX

Specification:
  • BrandPIONEER
  • Model AVH-X7800BT
  • Weight 6.2 pounds
Pros

Can connect up to 2 devices at once- perfect for passengers who like to be in charge of the music

Great audio quality which is highly-rated by customers

Cons

Some updates on your smartphone can interfere with the compatibility between your phone and this flip out radio

4
Soundstream VIR-7830B Flip Out Head Unit

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Soundstream Flip Out Head Unit
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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.

Naturally, having so many features at such a great price was bound to come with a few flaws, most notably of which is the lack of sensitivity on the touchscreen, which can be frustrating at times. You would also need to get this professionally installed, as many buyers note that there needs to be a little more personalization on the dashboard before this unit can fit comfortably.

Finally, it’s worth noting that there is no warranty on this particular flip up car stereo so, should something go wrong, it’s likely that your parts and labor won’t be covered. Although this might not affect every user, it can still be a huge pain for those odd occasions where things go wrong and it’s worth bearing in mind, before purchasing.

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Key Features:

Brand: Soundstream

Model: VIR-7830B

Screen Size: 7 inches

Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 4.6 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX

Specification:
  • BrandSoundstream
  • Model VIR-7830B
  • Weight 5.85 pounds
Pros

Great value for money

No instructions but the simple interface can easily be worked out through use

Cons

No warranty means no parts and labor coverage if something goes wrong

5
BOSS Audio BV9979B Flip Out Head Unit

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BOSS Audio Systems flip up radio
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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.

These may not sound especially exciting, but when you consider the surprisingly low price of this item, you begin to realize just how much value you are getting for your money. Especially as this is one of the cheapest options on our list, which makes it one of the best value car stereo units on the market, today.

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Key Features:

Brand: BOSS Audio Systems

Model: BV9979B

Screen Size: 7 inches

Dimensions: 7.4 x 7 x 2 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX, SD

Specification:
  • BrandBOSS Audio Systems
  • ModelBV9979B
  • Weight 5.66 pounds
Pros

Crisp, clear display that customers love

Compatible with rear parking cameras and steering wheel controls

Cons

There have been some complaints about inconsistency in the settings from radio to Bluetooth/USB/AUX

6
Jensen VX7012 Single Din Touch Screen

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Jensen single din touch screen
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Jensen Single Din Touch Screen
Jensen single din touch screen
Jensen Single Din Touch Screen
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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.

The touchscreen can lag a little, although this isn’t too much of an issue if you prefer to use your steering wheel controls and the audio prompts can be annoying for some users- especially if you’re a bit of a speed demon, as you’ll be routinely reminded that you are over the speed limit, causing your music to cut out.

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Key Features:

Brand: Jensen

Model: VX7012

Screen Size: 7 Inches

Dimensions: 9.5 x 11.5 x 6.5 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, AUX, MicroSD, USB

Specification:
  • BrandJensen
  • ModelVX7012
  • Weight 6.7 pounds
Pros

One of the best flip out radios that includes GPS navigation

Includes a one-year parts and labor warranty

Cons

Touchscreen can be slow to respond, which has led to some frustration in buyers

7
Pyle PLTS78DUB Single Din Touch Screen

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single din flip out by Pyle
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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.

There have also been some complaints about this option getting caught on the dashboard as the screen flips out, which may mean you have to do a little re-jig of your layout in order to get the full use of this. If you’re not technically-minded, it may be better to go for another option.

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Key Features:

Brand: Pyle

Model: PLTS78DUB

Screen Size: 7 inches

Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.5 x 4 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX

Specification:
  • BrandPyle
  • ModelPLTS78DUB
  • Weight 6.77 pounds
Pros

Can be linked to parking cameras

Includes a responsive touchscreen with large icons

Cons

The display screen can cause significant glare on sunny days

Flip-out screen can be caught on the dash if there isn’t enough room given

8
Planet Audio P9759B Single Din Touch Screen

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Planet Audio single din flip out
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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.

As you would expect for a unit of this price, there isn’t a huge deal of extras that can set it apart. That said, for those who want a simple upgrade that allows them to have the benefits of phone connectivity and a touchscreen, this is still a great option that gives plenty of power for buyers to enjoy their travels, while listening to their music.

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Key Features:

Brand: Planet Audio

Model: P9759B

Screen Size: 7 Inches

Dimensions: 8.1 x 7 x 2 inches

Connectivity: Bluetooth, AUX, USB

Specification:
  • BrandPlanet Audio
  • ModelP9759B
  • Weight 5.9 pounds
Pros

Can be wired up to include rear parking camera and steering wheel control

A great price that provides plenty of features at great value

Cons

Comes with no instructions for installation

Connection can sometimes drop out

Our Top Pick

Whether it’s the clear audio on both phone calls and music, or the ability to easily set up your new car stereo, this is a flip out radio for your car that has left customers more than happy- with the reviews to prove it. In particular, they rave about the fact that users can opt for voice-activated controls (via their phone/Bluetooth) and sheer quality of the flip up car stereo and the audio superiority.

With such a user-friendly interface and a brilliant range of features, the AVH-3300NEX from Pioneer easily surpassed every other item on our list. While this is one of the most expensive options out there (not including the motor company’s own, branded car radios which are inevitably more expensive), the wide range of compatibility and connectivity means you’ll never go without in your car.

Sources:

  1. How to Pick the Right Aftermarket Car Stereo - Wiki How
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