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Best Sony Car Stereos

Updated November 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Sony XAV-AX100 Stereo
Sony
XAV-AX100 Stereo
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Bottom Line

One of the best premium stereo choices that upgrades much more than just the sound in your car.

Pros

Functions as a complete infotainment system for cars that lack more advanced features and entertainment capabilities. Offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with voice control.

Cons

Only compatible with cars that have a double din space in the dashboard.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sony GS MEXGS610BT Stereo
Sony
GS MEXGS610BT Stereo
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Bottom Line

A good budget option from Sony to replace your existing single din factory stereo.

Pros

Provides better connectivity to smart devices in older cars. Comes with a dual Bluetooth system to connect multiple devices and phones at the same time. For example, dual phones can provide navigation, call, and play music at once.

Cons

Requires special adapter brackets for cars with double din bays.

Sony MEX-N5200BT Stereo
Sony
MEX-N5200BT Stereo
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Bottom Line

The type of stereo to choose for older vehicles when you want to add modern conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity.

Pros

Comes with an affordable price tag as a simple way to add advanced features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming to single din vehicles. Uses an external microphone for crystal-clear calling. A dual Bluetooth connection allows you to connect two phones or smart devices at the same time.

Cons

The device can unexpectedly reset itself at random.

Sony XAV651BT Stereo
Sony
XAV651BT Stereo
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Bottom Line

A more budget-friendly way to add a complete infotainment system into your car with minimal installation requirements.

Pros

Available either with or without Bluetooth. Includes a front USB port to plug in audio and smart devices for connected music playback if you choose the system without Bluetooth. The included CD/DVD player is compatible with a variety of video and audio formats to play movies and TV shows for passengers.

Cons

The infotainment system is only compatible with vehicles that have a double din space.

Sony Xplod CDX-GT320MP Stereo
Sony
Xplod CDX-GT320MP Stereo
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Bottom Line

The best budget option from Sony to simply upgrade your car’s audio system without any additional features you don’t use.

Pros

Fits into a single din space common in most older and modern vehicles that don't have an infotainment system. Adds a more powerful stereo with CD receiver and front auxiliary input for direct audio playback. The face plate is detachable to deter would-be thieves from stealing the system.

Cons

Requires a special bracket adapter if you want to replace a double din system or infotainment system.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
Models
Considered
75
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
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The team that worked on this review