So you want to buy the best flip-out car stereo…
Flip-out stereos are an excellent alternative for expensive, standard double DIN touch screen head units.
If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s audio system by installing a flip-out stereo, this guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
Most guides will give you all the positives and flashy features of the stereos they want to sell, but below, you’ll find the facts you need to know to make a smart purchase. Let’s get started!
Top 4 Flip-Out Head Units:
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Pyle PLT85BTCM – the Best Flip-Out Car Stereo (Editor’s Choice)
Pros
- Comes With Backup Camera
- Simple Installation
- Inexpensive
Cons
- USB for MP3 only
- The backup camera isn’t high-quality
Overview
If you’re looking for an in-one flip-out unit, this might be the one for you. It even comes with a backup camera system, so you don’t have to buy one separately.
That saves you time and money, and for about $140, this unit is a steal. Although it might not be as flashy as Pioneer’s well-known brand, this unit gets the job done.
The screen is detachable, but with the faceplate detached and the screen closed, you’ll still see the screen’s edge with the “Pyle” logo in the middle.
One huge downside is that you can’t plug your phone into the unit because the USB is for MP3 only. But Bluetooth is the answer to that problem. You can pair it with your phone to navigate/listen to music.
Unique Features
Built-in mic and Bluetooth make hands-free calling easy.
Although you can only hook up one device to Bluetooth at a time, there is a unique feature worth mentioning. If you don’t want your passengers to see whose calling is on the screen, you can set up your calls manually connected to your phone.
Most units just-auto-connected calls, but you can set up your calls manually connected with no problem with this flip-up stereo. It does come with remote control, and the screen even zooms in and out when you adjust the screen’s angle.
Common Questions
Does The Backup Camera Have Night Vision?
The camera cannot use night vision, but it does have “low lux lighting.” It’s just a low-quality night vision.
Does It Automatically Switch To Camera Mode When You Back Up?
Yes, but you have to wire it to your backup light. It’s all in the installation instructions.
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Soundstream VIR-7830B Flip-Out Car Stereo
Pros
- Bright LCD
- Upgradable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Difficult Installation
- Unreliable Bluetooth Issues
Overview
The great thing about this flip-out car stereo is that you can keep upgrading it.
There are three sets of 2V preamp outputs for your front, rear, and subwoofers. In addition, it comes with a fixed 80Hz subwoofer output.
Dual Zone for the back seat and overhead entertainment options, as well as a rear-view camera output, makes this unit a bargain for about $130. In addition, you can connect a 32 GB flash drive for MP3 audio and video.
Also, the reviews for call clarity are all very positive. People say there isn’t any distortion when talking through the built-in mic.
There’s also a lot of positive reviews regarding durability and build quality.
Another huge plus is you can operate the screen stowed away or extended.
One of the downsides is that the installation is a bit difficult.
Another downside, some reviews mention that when you try to change your phone settings while streaming on Bluetooth, the Bluetooth will stop. You have to reconnect then.
So, make sure your settings are to your preference before you pair your device.
Unique Features
In the back of the unit, you’ll find RCA connections for video and audio.
You’ll also find the wires needed to connect the unit to the steering wheel controls or subwoofers (If you have them).
Overall, this unit is very user-friendly. In addition, there’s a detachable faceplate, which is always a great feature worth mentioning.
The unit is iPod and iPhone ready, meaning the cable is compatible with the inputs. Also, the built-in Bluetooth supports A2 DP audio streaming.
Common Questions
Will The Front A/V Inputs Route The Video To The External Video Ports?
Yes, but only when there is an input and an output A/V.
Does This Unit Support Steering Wheel Controls?
Yes, the installation has connectors for cable wheel control.
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Pioneer AVH-X7800BT Flip-Out Car Stereo
Pros
- Advanced Bluetooth Capabilities
- Detachable Face Plate
- Great Resolution
Cons
- USB Port In Back Of Unit
- Expensive
- Difficult Installation
Overview
This single din flips out is the upgraded version of the X7700BT. There are a few downsides regarding this product but let’s focus on the positives first.
The resolution is bright and precise, along with the colors it emits on the screen.
The screen is very responsive, and the faceplate is detachable. Responsiveness is a crucial factor when looking at these units. No one likes a screen that makes you push down and hold the buttons to get a response.
If you’re parked in the wrong area, the detachable screen can come in handy. The 7-inch screen could easily fit in your bag.
Overall, this unit defiantly stands out in build quality, but the installation and price tag might be deal-breakers for you.
Unique Features
Dual Bluetooth technology enables the stereo to connect with two different devices simultaneously. Few units are capable of this, so if that feature interests you, keep it in mind. Also, you can hook it up to four different speakers. So, if you have two tweeters and two subs, then this unit could effortlessly support them. One unfortunate fact in the design is that the USB port is in the back of the unit, so if you want to plugin, you have to install a cable that runs up into the passenger compartment.
Common Questions
Does it Have Navigation?
No, it does not. You’d either have to buy a navigation unit separately or get the add-on for the unit itself. Getting the add-on is relatively simple. It can also just pair with your iPhone so that you can use google maps with no problem.
Can I Hook Up A Rear View Camera?
Yes, but you’d have to buy it separately.
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JensonVX7010 Flip-Out Head Unit
Pros
- Speed Limit Indicator
- 5 Color Themes/Wallpapers
- Simple Installation
Cons
- Face Does Not Detach
- Not Water Resistant
- Slow Navigation Response
Overview
Just because the face doesn’t detach, don’t disregard this flip-out radio. This is a very flashy unit.
You can enjoy Pandora, Spotify, SXM, iHeartRadio, and more. It’s got all the bells and whistles.
Some units automatically flip out when the vehicle is turned on, but there are unique settings that you can adjust to make it, so the screen stays in its compartment. The 7-inch monitor has a high-quality LCD resolution, and the remote control is included.
If you’re serious about your flip-out unit’s quality, it doesn’t get any better than this. But at a price of about $300, you may want to consider the less expensive units above.
Unique Features
You have the option of five color themes as well as live wallpapers. In addition, there is a speed limit indicator, that although it doesn’t display how fast you’re going, can tell you that you’re speeding, which is, of course, adjustable in your settings.
The mic uses noise cancelation technology, so the person you’re talking to through Bluetooth doesn’t hear the car’s engine.
There are rear RCA A/V inputs, A front USB input, and a front SD card input. If you want to play a CD, the screen will display all the song/band/artist information.
The mic is external and has noise-canceling technology. There are three sets of 6V preamp outputs. Like mentioned before, this unit is defiantly for the serious buyer.
Common Questions
Does The Unit Display The Artist/Track/Album Info On The Screen?
It only shows the name of the device connected via Bluetooth. If you use a USB, then it will show all the music information on the screen.
Do I have To Buy A Separate Wheel Control Interface, Or Is It Included?
Unfortunately, it does not come with an interface, so you’d buy it separately.
How to Pick a Flip-Out Car Stereo
There are a few things you should know before deciding on which stereo you will buy. You don’t want to end up buying something that isn’t even compatible with your vehicle, which I, for one, am guilty of. Below are some of the most important features you should keep an eye out for.
So, what do you need to know?
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Bluetooth Capabilities
Most flip-out stereos come with Bluetooth capabilities. With Bluetooth, you can stream wireless music as well as make hands-free calls. But some are better than others. For example, with more advanced Bluetooth systems, you can have more than one device paired simultaneously.
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Customization
Please read the fine print in the reviews and specifications if you want to customize your flip-out stereo. For example, you’ll find that some stereos aren’t capable of changing angles or displaying colors. If you’re not worried about flash or style, you still need to keep this in mind because if you ever want to upgrade your system, you’ll need to buy a stereo that you can upgrade.
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Rear View Camera
Some flip-outs do not have the capabilities to be hooked up to a rear-view camera system. So, for most, you have to buy it separately, and based on what you buy, the installation could be complicated. So, it’s essential to read about how easy/complicated the installation process is for the flip-out stereo you buy.
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Durability
Some touchscreens are detachable and can also change angles. Changing angles is a huge plus, especially when you’re driving. It makes it easier to see the screen and navigate at the same time.
A detachable screen doesn’t have many purposes, but it’s another cool feature to look out for. Some screens are water-resistant and have better reviews on durability. Also, look out for reviews on how the touchscreen responds to your touch and how long the buttons last.
The Best Flip-Out Car Unit: The Winner Is…
The winner of the best flip-out car stereo has to be the Pyle PLT85BTCM.
The fact that it comes with a backup camera is so convenient. You can’t beat the price, and they are almost no negative reviews.
There’s a simple installation process so you could be enjoying your high-tech accessories in no time. Out of the four reviewed, the PYLE is the best single din flip-out by far.