What are The Best Double Din Head Units With Backup Camera?
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-06
I've spent years wrestling with car audio installs. If you're after a double DIN head unit with a backup camera, I'll tell you which ones are worth your money and which are a waste of time.
Right then, let's have a proper chinwag about double DIN head units with a backup camera. I've been messing about with car audio for over two decades now, and honestly, the sheer amount of kit that’s out there can make your head spin. From dodgy eBay specials that pack up after a week to proper high-end units that cost more than a decent holiday, I’ve seen it all. But getting the right head unit, especially one that plays nice with a reversing camera, can be an absolute game-changer for your motor. It’s not just about bumping tunes; it’s about making driving a bit less of a faff. I've had my hands on countless units in the workshop, wrestling with wiring and trying to make sense of cryptic manuals, and I’m here to tell you what's genuinely worth your hard-earned cash and what’s best left on the shelf. Now, I remember the days when a car radio was just that – a radio. Maybe a cassette player if you were feeling fancy. My first proper install was in an old Mk2 Escort, took me a whole weekend, and I still managed to short something out. Fast forward to today, and these double DIN units are essentially mini-computers for your dash. They offer so much more than just sound; we're talking navigation, app integration, hands-free calling, and, crucially, that backup camera input. Believe me, trying to reverse a long-wheelbase Transit in a tight Bristol car park without a camera is an exercise in pure dread. I speak from experience. ### Quick Verdict **For a cracking all-rounder that won't break the bank and just works, the Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB is usually a safe bet.**  *What are The Best Double Din Head Units With Backup Camera? — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop. Yeah, that's my old workbench, a bit dusty but gets the job done.* ## Why Even Bother with a Double DIN and a Camera? Is it Just for Show? Honestly, it's not just about having a big, shiny screen to impress your mates down the pub. A decent double DIN unit can properly transform your driving experience. Think about it: a significant upgrade in sound quality over your dreary factory radio, crystal-clear Bluetooth for hands-free calls and streaming your favourite podcasts, and often, the magic of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These aren't just fancy bells and whistles; they're proper conveniences that make commutes less mind-numbing and longer journeys more bearable. I've had customers tell me it's like getting a new car, just by swapping out the head unit. And the backup camera? Absolutely essential, mate. Seriously. Especially if you've got a bigger motor, a battered old van with terrible rear visibility (my old Transit, again!), or you're constantly squeezing into tight parking spots in town. It saves your bumper from scuffs, your sanity from endless craning your neck, and potentially a hefty insurance claim if you clip someone's brand-new Mercedes. I've seen countless scrapes and bumps that could have been completely avoided with a simple, well-placed camera. It’s a small investment that can save you a world of bother down the line. Plus, fitting one gives you that satisfying feeling of having properly upgraded your vehicle yourself. Or, if you're paying someone, knowing you've made a sensible choice. ## What I Look For in a Head Unit – My Hard-Earned Checklist Before we get stuck into specific models and what I really think of them, let me tell you what I'm always on the hunt for when a new unit lands on my workbench. After twenty-odd years of this lark, you get a real feel for what matters and what's just marketing fluff designed to relieve you of your cash. First up, and probably the most important for SpeakersMag, is **sound quality**. This is what we're all about, isn't it? Does it have a decent Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)? Are the Equaliser (EQ) options detailed enough, or is it just a few rubbish preset buttons like "Rock" and "Pop" that make everything sound like mush? Can I properly fine-tune the sound to my specific speakers and the acoustics of *my* car, or am I stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach? I want to tweak crossovers, time alignment, and maybe even individual channel levels. Without that control, you're leaving a lot of performance on the table, no matter how good your speakers are. Then there's **the screen**. It needs to be responsive, clear, and easy to read in all conditions – direct sunlight, at night, you name it. A laggy, dim screen is just frustrating. Capacitive touchscreens are the way to go; resistive ones feel like you're poking a sponge with a stick. Resolution matters too; you don't want to be looking at big, pixelated icons, especially when you're trying to glance at the sat-nav quickly. And it needs to be intuitive. I shouldn't need to read a 100-page manual just to change the radio station. **Connectivity** is another big one. Bluetooth is a given, but I want stable, quick pairing. USB inputs are essential for playing high-res audio files or charging your phone. And obviously, the whole point of this article: a dedicated **camera input**. Not just one, mind, but sometimes multiple – one for the rear, maybe another for the front if you've got a tight driveway. And it needs to activate quickly when you pop it in reverse. Nothing worse than a two-second delay when you're trying to parallel park. Finally, **build quality and reliability**. Will it last? Is the fascia flimsy? Do the buttons feel solid? I've seen too many units develop phantom glitches or just conk out after a year or two. You're spending good money, so you want something that's built to handle the bumps and vibrations of daily driving. And a decent warranty is always a bonus, though I prefer something that doesn't need claiming on in the first place. ## The Contenders: Double DIN Head Units I've Put Through Their Paces Right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. I've had a fair few of these units in and out of various vehicles, testing them in all sorts of conditions. Here are a few that have either impressed me or left me a bit cold. ### Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB – The Dependable Workhorse This one’s been a staple in my recommendations for a while. Pioneer usually gets it right, and the DA250DAB is no exception. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it does everything you need with a quiet competence that makes it a joy to use. The 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen is bright and responsive, and it handles both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like a champ. Wireless CarPlay would be nice, but for the price, you can't grumble too much about plugging your phone in. Sound-wise, it's what you'd expect from Pioneer – clean, detailed, and with plenty of adjustment options. You get a 13-band graphic EQ, proper high-pass and low-pass filters, and time alignment. That's enough to get most systems sounding pretty spot on. The camera input works instantly, no lag, which is brilliant when you're trying to parallel park on a busy high street. I had one of these in my Ford Focus for about 18 months, and it never missed a beat. It just did its job, day in, day out. * **Who it's for:** Anyone wanting a reliable, feature-rich unit with excellent sound and seamless smartphone integration without spending a fortune (usually around £300-£350). * **Who should skip it:** If wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is a non-negotiable for you, or if you need a truly massive screen. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality with comprehensive EQ and tuning options. * Responsive 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen. * Flawless wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. * Quick-activating camera input. * Solid build quality. **Cons:** * No wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. * Screen size might be a tad small for some. ### Kenwood DMX7018DABS – A Strong Contender with a Few Quirks Kenwood often runs neck-and-neck with Pioneer, and their DMX7018DABS is a really strong option. It offers a very similar feature set to the Pioneer – CarPlay, Android Auto (both wired), DAB radio, and a good-quality screen. The interface is a little different, maybe a touch less intuitive than Pioneer's for some, but you quickly get used to it. Sound is good here too, perhaps a bit more "punchy" out of the box, but again, with enough adjustment to tailor it to your liking. I had this in a customer's VW Transporter, and once we dialled in the sound, he was chuffed to bits. Where Kenwood often shines is with its processing. They put a fair bit of effort into making things sound good, and it shows. The camera input is reliable, though perhaps a millisecond or two slower to engage than the Pioneer – splitting hairs, really. My main niggle with Kenwood units sometimes is the menu navigation. It can feel a bit like diving into a labyrinth until you learn where everything is. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. * **Who it's for:** Those who appreciate Kenwood's sound processing and don't mind a slightly different user interface. Often a good alternative if the Pioneer is out of stock (around £320-£380). * **Who should skip it:** If you prefer the absolute simplest, most direct menu system, or if you're very sensitive to screen response time. **Pros:** * Excellent sound processing with good tuning options. * Good quality screen and reliable CarPlay/Android Auto. * DAB+ digital radio built-in. **Cons:** * User interface can be a bit busy. * Might be slightly more expensive than comparable Pioneer models at times. ### Sony XAV-AX5500 – The Clean and Simple Approach Sony's entry into this market is a bit different. The XAV-AX5500 focuses on a minimalist design, with a sleek, bezel-less 6.95-inch screen and a very clean user interface. If you're not a fan of physical buttons, this is one to look at. Everything is touch-based, which keeps the fascia looking very smart. It also has dual USB inputs, which is handy if you want to run CarPlay/Android Auto and charge another device or play music from a USB stick. Sound-wise, it's very neutral and clear, as you'd expect from Sony. The EQ isn't quite as comprehensive as Pioneer's or Kenwood's, but it's still got enough adjustability for most people to get a sound they're happy with. The biggest selling point for many is how quickly it boots up – practically instant. No waiting around for the system to load, which is a blessing on those cold mornings. The camera input is also nice and quick. I installed one of these in a friend's Vauxhall Corsa, and he loves how sleek it looks and how responsive it is. It's certainly got a different feel. * **Who it's for:** Those who prioritise a sleek, minimalist design, quick boot-up times, and a very clean user experience. Great if you value simplicity (around £350-£400). * **Who should skip it:** If you prefer physical buttons or need the absolute most granular control over your sound settings. **Pros:** * Sleek, minimalist design with a clean interface. * Very fast boot-up time. * Responsive 6.95-inch screen. * Dual USB inputs are very useful. **Cons:** * Less extensive sound tuning options compared to rivals. * No physical buttons whatsoever, which some might dislike. ### ATOTO A6 PF – The Budget-Friendly Smart Option Now, let's talk about something a bit different. ATOTO has made a name for itself by offering Android-based head units at seriously competitive prices. The A6 PF is one of their better efforts. It runs a full Android operating system, which means it's basically a tablet in your dash. You can download apps, run Waze directly, Spotify, YouTube, whatever you like. It's got Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and often comes with a basic reversing camera included in the price, which is a nice touch. However, it's not without its compromises. While the features list is massive, the sound quality, while decent for the price, isn't quite up to the standard of a Pioneer or Kenwood. It's perfectly fine for general listening, but if you're chasing true audio fidelity, you might find it lacking a bit of sparkle. The interface can also be a bit clunky at times, not quite as refined as the big brands. And while it has a camera input, the camera quality itself (if using the bundled one) is often just okay. I fitted one of these in an old Renault Kangoo for a local delivery driver, and for his needs – sat-nav, music, and a basic camera – it was brilliant value. But it's a different beast entirely. * **Who it's for:** Budget-conscious buyers who want maximum features and an Android operating system to download apps directly. Ideal for a second car or a workhorse vehicle (usually £180-£250, often with camera). * **Who should skip it:** Anyone prioritising absolute sound quality or a super-refined, OEM-like user experience. If you prefer CarPlay/Android Auto over a full Android OS. **Pros:** * Runs full Android OS, allowing app installation. * Very feature-rich for the price. * Often includes a basic reversing camera. * Excellent value for money. **Cons:** * Sound quality is good, but not on par with premium brands. * User interface can feel less polished. * Build quality might not be as robust as others. * Reliance on Android, not dedicated CarPlay/Android Auto. ## Comparison Table: A Quick Look at the Stats | Feature | Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB | Kenwood DMX7018DABS | Sony XAV-AX5500 | ATOTO A6 PF | |-------------------|----------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-----------------------| | **Screen Size** | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches | 6.95 inches | 7 inches (varies) | | **Screen Type** | Capacitive | Capacitive | Capacitive (Bezel-less) | Capacitive | | **CarPlay/AA** | Wired | Wired | Wired | Android OS (Apps) | | **DAB+ Radio** | Yes | Yes | No | No (requires dongle) | | **USB Inputs** | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | | **Sound EQ** | 13-band GEQ | 13-band GEQ | 10-band GEQ | 10-band GEQ (varies) | | **Boot Time** | Moderate | Moderate | Very Fast | Moderate | | **Price (approx.)**| £300-£350 | £320-£380 | £350-£400 | £180-£250 | | **Camera Included**| No | No | No | Often Yes | ## Getting it Fitted: Not Always a Walk in the Park Now, buying the unit is one thing, but getting it properly installed is another kettle of fish entirely. If you're replacing an old single DIN radio, you'll probably need a double DIN fascia adapter. And don't forget the wiring harness adapter for your specific car model – trust me, trying to splice wires by hand is a recipe for disaster and possibly a minor electrical fire. I've seen it happen. ISO connectors are your friend here. Then there's the camera itself. Running the cable from the back of your car, through the boot, under the carpets, and up to the dash unit can be a proper mission. You'll likely need to tap into the reverse light circuit for the camera trigger, so it knows when to switch on. Take your time, get a decent trim removal tool kit, and don't rush it. Or, if you're not confident, find a local car audio specialist. It’ll cost you, probably £80-£150 for the install, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and a tidy job. I’ve spent countless hours in uncomfortable positions, contorted under dashboards, trying to get these things in perfectly. It’s part of the fun, or so I tell myself. Just make sure you get good quality crimps and connectors, not cheap electrical tape. You want these connections to last in a vibrating, temperature-fluctuating environment. ## Essential Accessories to Consider Once you’ve picked your head unit, you’re not quite done. There are a few bits and bobs that will make your life a lot easier and your install much tidier. * **Fascia Adapter:** Absolutely crucial for making your new double DIN unit look factory-fitted. Get one that matches your dash colour and style. Don’t skimp here; a cheap, ill-fitting fascia ruins the look. * **Wiring Harness Adapter:** Converts your car's factory wiring to the standard ISO plugs used by aftermarket head units. This saves you cutting any wires and makes the job reversible if you ever sell the car. * **Antenna Adapter:** Most aftermarket units use a different antenna connector than factory radios. You'll need an adapter to ensure you still get decent radio reception, especially for DAB. * **DAB Antenna (if not included):** If your chosen unit has DAB, you'll need an aerial. Often, these are stick-on window aerials, but external roof-mounted ones offer better reception if you're willing to drill a small hole. * **Reversing Camera:** Obvious, I know. But choose a good one. Look for wide-angle, good low-light performance, and ideally, adjustable guidelines. There are plenty of cheap ones online, but some are absolutely dreadful. I usually recommend something from a reputable brand, even if it costs a bit more. A £20 camera often gives a £20 picture. * **Steering Wheel Control Interface:** If you want to keep using your steering wheel buttons to control your new head unit (volume, track skip), you'll need one of these. They can be a bit fiddly to set up but are well worth it for convenience. ## My Thoughts on Brands: Are They All the Same? Definitely not. Over the years, I