What size is a double DIN radio?

What is a Double DIN Radio?

Double DIN radios are in-dash car stereo receivers that are twice the size of a standard DIN radio. The DIN standard refers to the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), which set specifications for radios to be mounted in dashboards of vehicles. A standard DIN stereo is 2 inches high by 7 inches wide. Double DIN radios measure 4 inches high by 7 inches wide, allowing for a larger display and more features.

The first car radios appeared in the early 1930s and were basic AM receivers. As radio technology advanced, features like FM radio, cassette decks, CD players, navigation systems, and other entertainment options were integrated into car stereo systems. In 1985, the first double DIN radio was introduced by Pioneer, offering a larger screen and more functionality than a single DIN radio. Since then, double DIN has become a common standard for modern in-dash receivers (Vehicle audio).

Standard Double DIN Dimensions

The standard size for a double DIN head unit is 180 mm wide by 100 mm tall or 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall. This size is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7736 standard for car radio and head units sizes. The double DIN size allows for a larger display and more physical buttons compared to a single DIN unit.

Specifically, the ISO 7736 standard defines a double DIN unit as having a width of 180 mm and a height of 100.33 mm. While most double DIN units adhere closely to 180 x 100 mm, there can be minor variations of a few millimeters from the exact standard dimensions.

The double DIN size was first introduced in the 1980s as an upgrade from the previously common single DIN size of 180 x 50 mm. As technology advanced and in-car entertainment systems became more complex, the larger double DIN size became the standard for modern head units.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_7736

Typical Features

Double DIN radios often come with advanced features that go beyond just playing the radio. Some of the most common features found in modern double DIN units include:

Touchscreens

Many double DIN head units now come with large, high-resolution touchscreen displays. These allow you to control the stereo’s functions by tapping on options directly on the screen instead of using physical buttons. Touchscreens provide an intuitive and responsive user interface.

Navigation

Built-in navigation is a popular feature on double DIN stereos. This allows you to get turn-by-turn driving directions right on the head unit’s display screen. Many models integrate maps and traffic information to optimize routing.

Media Playback

Most double DIN radios support playback of media from smartphones, USB drives, SD cards, and other sources. This allows you to listen to your digital music library and streaming apps through the stereo. High-end units even support HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, and more.

Installation Considerations

Installing a double DIN stereo requires making some modifications to most dashboard setups. First, you need to ensure your dashboard has enough vertical space to accommodate a radio that is roughly 100mm or 4 inches tall [1]. Many older vehicles only have room for a single DIN stereo, which is about half the height. You’ll likely need a mounting bracket or trim piece to fill the gap [2].

Newer vehicles may have a double DIN slot already, making installation easier. But you still need to remove the factory head unit and connect the new stereo’s wiring harness. The harness enables all the necessary connections for power, speakers, steering wheel controls, and other integrated features. Fortunately, many double DIN stereos come with the wiring harness included or offer an optional one to simplify installation.

Popular Double DIN Radio Models

When shopping for a double DIN radio, there are several major brands to consider such as Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine. These companies have extensive experience manufacturing car audio equipment and offer quality double DIN models with the latest features.

Pioneer Models

Pioneer is known for making high-end double DIN radios packed with technology. Some popular Pioneer double DIN models include:

Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX – Flagship model with a 7″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation

Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX – Another top model with a 7″ screen and navigation, plus DVD playback
Pioneer MVH-S622BS – Budget-friendly option with a 6.2″ screen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration

Kenwood Models

Kenwood offers competitive double DIN radios with large touchscreens and network features. Well-reviewed models include:

Kenwood DNX996XR – 6.8″ touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Kenwood DMX7706S – 6.95″ display with built-in navigation and DVD player
Kenwood KDC-X704 – Affordable model with 6.8″ display and Bluetooth

Alpine Models

Known for their premium sound quality, Alpine’s double DIN radios also tout impressive displays and connectivity. Top choices include:

Alpine iLX-F309 – 9″ floating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Alpine Halo9 iLX-F903D – 9″ screen with navigation, 64-bit processor

Alpine CDE-172BT – Budget model with Bluetooth and 6.1″ display

With their advanced features and attractive designs, these Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine models represent some of the most popular double DIN radios on the market.

Pros and Cons of Double DIN Radios

Double DIN radios offer some key advantages over single DIN models, but also have some potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

One of the biggest pros of double DIN radios is their larger screen size. Double DIN models have a screen width of 4 inches, whereas single DIN radios max out at 2 inches wide. This allows for a much more immersive multimedia and navigation experience.

The extra space also enables double DIN radios to integrate more features like built-in navigation, DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and more. High-end double DIN receivers often pack cutting edge technology and connectivity that isn’t possible with single DIN units.

According to RadioPicker, double DIN radios are the preferred choice for car audio enthusiasts looking for maximum functionality in a stereo.

Cons

The most obvious downside of double DIN stereos is that they take up twice as much space as single DIN models. Many vehicles, especially older cars, do not have openings large enough to accommodate the roughly 4 inches x 7 inches size.

Installing a double DIN stereo will often require custom fabrication of the dashboard and trimming of surrounding panels. This can add complexity and cost to the installation process.

Additionally, higher-end double DIN stereos tend to be more expensive than single DIN counterparts due to the more advanced feature sets. Budget-conscious buyers may want to consider a single DIN radio if cost is a concern.

Comparisons to Single DIN

The most noticeable difference between double DIN and single DIN radios is the size. Double DIN radios have a height of 4 inches, whereas single DIN radios are only 2 inches tall. The double DIN form factor allows for a larger display and more features.

In addition to being taller, double DIN radios tend to have more advanced features like touchscreens, DVD players, navigation, and multimedia playback capabilities. Single DIN radios are more basic with traditional buttons and knobs and lack extra display space for maps or video. Double DIN units support higher wattages and usually have better sound quality as well.

So in summary, double DIN radios are bigger, have more features like touchscreens and navigation, better sound, and more multimedia options. But single DIN radios are smaller, simpler, cheaper, and easier to install in vehicles with limited dash space.

Other Stereo Options

In addition to double DIN radios, there are other stereo options to consider for your vehicle:

OEM Systems

Many modern vehicles come equipped with advanced OEM (original equipment manufacturer) stereo systems. These are integrated into the vehicle’s dashboard and allow you to control various features like Bluetooth, navigation, and entertainment. OEM systems can provide seamless integration with the vehicle’s other systems. However, they tend to be proprietary and difficult to upgrade or customize. Aftermarket double DIN radios offer more flexibility and features in most cases.

Aftermarket Single DIN

Single DIN head units are more compact than double DIN, with a height of just 2 inches. They fit in vehicles with limited dashboard space. Single DIN stereos provide the essential features like radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. However, they have a smaller display and more limited controls compared to double DIN units. If dashboard space is very constrained, a single DIN stereo may be the only option.

The Future of Double DIN

The double DIN radio market is expected to grow over the coming years as technology improves and more vehicles are equipped with these units. According to research, the global automotive radio market size is projected to reach USD 15.5 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2023 to 2030 (Source).

Some key technology improvements on the horizon for double DIN units include:

Larger, higher resolution touchscreens

Faster processors and more RAM for smoother performance
Built-in navigation and mapping
Enhanced voice control and hands-free calling

Wireless smartphone integration and mirroring
Internet connectivity and access to apps

As these features advance, double DIN radios will become even more versatile entertainment hubs in vehicles. Market research indicates the integration of navigation features into double DIN units is a particularly significant area of growth (Source).

The global double DIN stereo market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of over 5% through 2030 as consumers continue to upgrade their car audio systems (Source). Key factors driving this growth include rising disposable incomes, greater demand for entertainment features, and increased new vehicle production globally.

Conclusion

In summary, double DIN radios are twice the size of standard single DIN car radios, with dimensions of approximately 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall. The larger size allows for a bigger display and more functionality like built-in navigation, Bluetooth, DVD playback, and more. While they take up more space in the dash, many find the increased functionality worth it.

For most consumers looking to upgrade their car stereo, I recommend considering double DIN radios if you want modern tech features like touchscreens, navigation, and multimedia playback. The installation may be slightly more complicated, but there are dash kits available to make fitting a double DIN stereo easier. Leading brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, and Sony make high quality double DIN models loaded with features. Just be sure to match the features to your needs and budget.