The car stereo with Bluetooth function and external microphone for the passenger compartment is very convenient for listening to music from our smartphone, and for making voice calls.
To make quality phone calls, if our car does not have a stereo system already set up with all the necessary connections and with an external microphone integrated in the passenger compartment, we will be forced to use the smartphone’s speakerphone, which is not the ideal choice.
So if we are looking for a car stereo with integrated BT hands-free, we have to consider some parameters. And since we are in the process of changing the stereo system of our car, it will be convenient to consider not only the hands-free function but also other options that could be useful in the future.
Among the car radios, choose one with a CD player if you want to use your own record collection. If, on the other hand, this aspect is futile for you, choose a multimedia receiver without a CD.
As for the Bluetooth connection, all the radios in this ranking are good, but some more than others because they offer more compatibility options with Siri and Android voice assistants. If you want to dictate voice commands to make calls, send messages and ask maps for road information, this function will be necessary.
If you are a fan of stereo systems and want to install subwoofers, car speakers and external amplifiers, take a good look at the connectivity options on the rear of the chassis.
Finally, consider whether it is important for you to have access to DAB digital radio, as well as regular FM / AM radio. The DAB radio offers more stations and better sound quality.
Now let’s see which are the best car stereos with Bluetooth hands-free on the market today, with relative technical characteristics and prices.
1. Pioneer DEH-X8700DAB
Excellent car stereo with DAB + and microphone for Bluetooth connection
Our first choice as the best 1-din Bluetooth car stereo with speakerphone is the Pioneer DEH-X8700DAB, highly recommended because it comes complete with all the necessary connectivity options.
We really like the clean and essential design, with a large LCD display that covers most of the faceplate and a few buttons, which you need. The double volume knob performs several functions, including changing radio stations, tracks, scrolling through menu options and many more.
We also have a handy button marked with the telephone symbol to answer incoming calls and make phone calls. The audio of our voice is transmitted to the receiver via the Bluetooth microphone that you will have to install inside the passenger compartment. The microphone cable connects to the dedicated port on the rear panel of the car radio.
Here we also find other connections to connect the car speakers, to connect subwoofer and external amplifier if necessary, and these pre-amp outputs have a high voltage of 4V .
The car radio reads CDs or connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth connection. There is also the possibility of configuring a “guest” device when we have a passenger in the car who wants to connect temporarily.
The USB port (on the back)it is useful for connecting Android and iPhone smartphones, to have access to the internal files of the device, or for a USB key with audio files of different types (also compatible with lossless FLAC files). For those who have to connect an external MP3 player or another device, there is the AUX input with a 3.5mm connector.
2. Alpine CDE-205DAB
High-end Bluetooth hands-free car stereo with DAB and CD player
For those looking for a top-of-the-range model complete with all the features of a modern car stereo, the Alpine CDE-205DAB is one of the best in terms of quality and price. It suits many needs and offers a lot of connectivity options.
In this car stereo, we find the CD player, the USB connector, the Bluetooth technology and the speakerphone with a dedicated external microphone. Not only that, we will also have access to the DAB + radio with an internal tuner, just mount the dedicated antenna. DAB is much better than FM radio (which is available here anyway) because it offers higher sound quality and many more stations.
Designed for both iPhone and Android, we can connect a device via USB cable to have direct access to music libraries and audiobooks. There is compatibility with the lossless FLAC format, as well as with other more common audio files, to have quality audio directly in the car speakers. Even if we use the CD player, the car stereo is very good.
The output power managed by the internal amplifier is 4 x 50W, and external peripherals such as amplifier, speakers and subwoofers can be connected via the three pre-outs on the rear of the chassis. The only flaw is that these outputs have a voltage of 2V, so if you are looking for a higher voltage we recommend that you look at other models of this ranking.
3. Sony DSX-A510BD
Best mid-range car stereo with BT handsfree
The Sony DSX-A510BD is a great mid-range car radio, complete with Bluetooth, and offers comprehensive options at a reasonable price.
In a single package we have the bluetooth hands-free, the DAB radio, compatible with iPhone and Android, USB port and AUX input.
To connect with the mobile device, simply place the phone against the volume knob (where you see the NFC symbol) to start pairing. It is possible to wirelessly connect two smartphones simultaneously, with the second having access to calls with bluetooth hands-free. The first smartphone instead has full access to navigation, music and of course calls.
With Siri Eyes Free, iPhone owners will be able to control their smartphone using the car stereo’s hands-free system to perform navigation commands, music, messages and calls. Even for those who own an Android phone, the Voice Control option is available to perform these hands-free operations.
In addition to all these functions, the Sony car stereo also offers DAB digital radio, which gives you access to more options than regular FM / AM radio, and with higher quality sound.
The only weak point is the presence of only two pairs of RCA pre-amp for the connection of subwoofer and external amplifier. For some lovers of custom car audio, this feature may be limiting.
4. Sony MEX-N7300BT
Advanced radio with CD player, DAB radio and Bluetooth hands-free
If you are looking for the latest-generation Bluetooth stereo with CD and USB player, the Sony MEX-N7300BT is one of the best for a quality price and is easily integrated with the smartphone for voice calls from the car.
The integrated Bluetooth connectivity offers the possibility to call hands-free via a dedicated microphone and transmit music in streaming or from a music library. There is also integration with Siri and Android Voice Control to dictate voice commands to our smartphone so that you can drive with your hands always glued to the wheel.
On the volume button, you will notice the NFC symbol. Just place the phone to initialize the Bluetooth connection and start using the smartphone functions via the car radio, and thanks to the convenient call button we can answer a phone call directly by interacting with the stereo.
Even for those who need to connect two devices at the same time, there is the dual Bluetooth function, so as to also satisfy the other person who shares the journey by car.
Good output power from the integrated amplifier, which offers 55 Watts on each of the 4 channels, for natural sound quality and high volume on dedicated speakers.
Other connectivity options are the front USB port, which allows the use of Apple and Android phones to read music files (as well as to recharge the battery), and the AUX input for external devices. The system is compatible with MP3, WMA, FLAC and AAC files.
The primary color of the front of the stereo is pleasantly customizable, to choose the shade we like best.
5. Kenwood KDC-BT640U
Radio with CD player and Bluetooth connection for up to 5 devices
Here is a Bluetooth car stereo to consider for those who want to wirelessly connect up to 5 devices, send audio tracks to the receiver from more than one smartphone and have fun mixing tracks in the company.
As for voice calls, there is the BT hands-free function applicable to two smartphones at the same time. The Bluetooth microphone is of good quality and the controls on the faceplate allow us to answer calls directly from the car stereo.
For high-fidelity music lovers, with the Kenwood KDC-BT640U, we have support for FLAC lossless audio, so you can listen to our paid streaming services at the highest quality with 96kHz / 24bit sampling. The time alignment functions and the 13-band equalizer also offer us further options for improving the audio inside the passenger compartment, to find the best settings for our needs.
For car audio specialists, this receiver has 3 high voltage 3.5V pre-amp outputs to connect quality subwoofers, better than stock car speakers and external amplifiers if needed.
Through the USB port that we find on the front panel of the car radio, we can connect devices such as iPhones, smartphones, iPods and USB sticks for reading music files of different types.
6. Sony DSX-A416BT
Bluetooth car radio, with customizable colors
If you want to stay below the 100 dollars threshold for a car stereo with Bluetooth handsfree, and if you don’t care about the CD player, this Sony media receiver is a little gem in capacity and performance.
From an aesthetic point of view, we can set a lot of color combinations thanks to the lighting of the front panel divided into two zones, to perfectly match the color of the car radio to the car interior.
As for the connections and input options, we have everything you need: there is bluetooth to connect up to two smartphones at the same time, the USB port to recharge the phone, or to insert an external reading device such as a USB key or iPad, and the AUX input for direct connection via cable with 3.5mm connector.
The car stereo is also compatible with Siri and Android Voice Control, to perform voice commands without taking your hands off the wheel. To dictate directions, call a contact in the address book and send SMS, it will then be possible by voice. During voice calls, the Bluetooth microphone that will be installed in the car will offer fairly clean audio for the listener.
The power of the integrated amplifier is 4 x 55W and it is possible to connect speakers, external amplifiers or a subwoofer via the three pre-amp outputs on the rear of the car radio.
7. JVC KD-T702BT
Radio with hands-free Bluetooth, CD player and USB port
The JVC KD-T702BT is a car stereo that includes a CD player, Bluetooth connection with hands-free, USB input and AUX input. Virtually everything you need for those who want to change their car stereo and get a complete package of features.
On the rear panel, we find the connection for the cables, the connector for the Bluetooth hands-free microphone, RCA pre-amp for subwoofer or external amplifier, and the input for the radio antenna. The only thing we point out is the presence of a single RCA pre-amp pair, which will eventually limit you to a single subwoofer, or to an amplifier, and not both options.
By connecting the smartphone to the front USB port(covered by a protective door) allows you to have direct access to your music library and to the Pandora, iHeart Radio and Spotify apps. Also via the USB port, it is possible to connect a key to play MP3, WMA, WAC, AAC and FLAC music.
The 3.5mm mini-jack input allows you to connect an external auxiliary device in case the Bluetooth or USB connection is not sufficient.
On the front panel we find a button with the telephone symbol, to receive and make hands-free calls, and it is also possible to connect a second smartphone via Bluetooth.
As for the radio, we have normal FM / AM, and there is no DAB radio. We can save 24 FM and 6 AM presets. The front panel is removable to hide it safely or take it with you if necessary.
8. Sony DSX-A410BT
1-Din multimedia receiver with integrated bluetooth
The Sony DSX-A410BT is a car multimedia receiver with many options in connectivity and good performance, recommended for both owners of Apple and Android devices.
If we connect our iPhone or Android smartphone to the USB socket of the car radio, not only will we be able to recharge the mobile phone, but we will also be able to directly access the audio library contained in the phone using the radio controls.
The Sony can also be connected via Bluetooth to two smartphones at the same time. You can set up a primary smartphone for hands-free calls, music and map driving directions, plus another secondary smartphone for phone calls only, so both you and your partner can use the radio for in-car calls.
In case you want to expand your car stereo in the future, with an additional amplifier or with a subwoofer, there are two pre-amp connections that will come in handy if needed.
By itself, the Sony DSX-A410BT can handle an output power of 55W for each of the four channels, and you can optionally connect the steering wheel controls to your car stereo by purchasing a separate adapter.
For safe driving without having to interact with your phone or radio, this multimedia receiver is compatible with Siri and Android Voice Control, so you can use voice commands to search for directions, start music and call a contact in the phonebook.
The NFC function allows you to place the phone on the radio to perform the bluetooth pairing quickly and without difficulty.
9. JVC KD-X451DBT
A good Bluetooth media receiver with a speakerphone
If you are looking for an entry-level bluetooth car radio model that can satisfy your media receiver and hands-free smartphone calling needs, the JVC KD-X451DBT is the right choice. Two smartphones
can be connected simultaneously to receive and make hands-free calls, and it is also possible to connect up to 5 smartphones to send audio tracks to the receiver from your smartphone in DJ mode. For a car trip with friends, it is ideal.
The quality of the voice call with Bluetooth is good, and you have no problem conversing in the car simply by installing the wired microphone included in the purchase. And if you prefer to connect your smartphone via USB rather than bluetooth, you can do it both to recharge the phone and to play music and audio.
Lacking the CD player, we will have a shallower depth than the usual car radios, with less installation difficulty and less weight of the unit on the dashboard of the car.
Audio quality, for those who have a fine ear and want to enjoy their high definition music files, is another positive aspect of this bluetooth car stereo. The JVC is in fact compatible with FLAC format and supports 96kHz / 24bit compression.
10. Pioneer MVH-S320BT
Best cheap price car stereo with integrated bluetooth handsfree
This 1-din car stereo with the multimedia receiver from Pioneer is one of the most recommended entry-level models if you want to connect your smartphone to make calls with bluetooth hands-free and to listen to music in streaming.
Designed for compatibility with Android and Apple phones, it can be used with Pandora and Spotify applications. It can play MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC and FLAC music files if you connect a flash drive to the front USB socket, with good audio quality and lossless file reading. For those who want to use an external CD player or an MP3 player, we also have the 3.5mm auxiliary input.
Included in the Pioneer MVH-S320BT package, we find the bluetooth microphone to be installed inside the car, convenient for making voice calls without using your hands and touching the smartphone. The audio is clear and limpid and our interlocutor can hear us speak clearly.
On the back of the receiver we have the connection for the cables, the antenna, the input for the Bluetooth microphone cable, the input for the steering wheel controls adapter and two RCA pairs for a possible external amplifier and subwoofer.
The car radio is equipped with an internal amplifier capable of amplifying up to 4 speakers with 50W power per channel.