What is a Double DIN Stereo?
You may remember a blog we wrote to help the less tech-savvy amongst us decipher the differences between single DIN and double DIN stereos. We fear we didn’t quite do enough to answer the popular search term ‘what is a double DIN car stereo?’, so we’re having another go.
  After all, it is something we should know the answer to, considering we stock and sell hundreds of double DIN car stereos each year.  
Double DIN Stereo Simplified
 
What does DIN stand for?
Firstly, ‘DIN’ is an acronym for Deutsches Institiut für Normung, which is the German standards organisation.  
What does Double DIN mean?
In layman's terms, ‘Double DIN’ or ‘2 DIN’ is a term coined to specify a measurement. It’s a standardised size for a car stereo, radio or head unit.  
Why was Double DIN introduced?
Due to hundreds of different cars, with varying styles, being manufactured all around the world, the measurements of 178mm x 100mm, were introduced as a common standard, by the Germans, to make things more efficient. There were also single DIN units, and the double DIN car stereo are, essentially, twice the size. Arguably, this was to accommodate for more power, performance and features such as digital displays etc. as technology advanced. Although this standardisation gave an accurate measurement for width and height, a depth was never really determined.  
What does a Double DIN car stereo look like?
Obviously, over the years, the styles and designs of double DIN car stereos have changed alongside the technologies available and demands of the times. Our Double Din car stereos are a universal fit, so it shouldn’t matter which make or model car you have, it should just slot straight in to the standardised slot. Thanks, Germany.   Here are some typical examples of the universal head units (ones that adapt to most cars):  
 
 
   
 
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What features come with a Double DIN stereo?
  Nowadays, the latest double DIN car stereos on the market come complete with all the expectations. Today, most have a large, digital display which is more often than not HD ready and touchscreen. This is to accentuate modern features such as built-in DVD players, navigation, screen mirroring and playing games. To discover more of the latest features, select any of our Double DIN head units and browse the individual specifications and features.  
Why would you choose a Double DIN stereo?
  The four key reasons as to why you may invest in a double DIN stereo are as follows: Entertainment  At the speed in which technology advances, Xtrons allow you and your car to keep in touch and not get left behind. A lot of old car stereo systems do not have the capability or functionality to comply with modern day devices and needs. For example, with Xtrons Double DIN stereos, there’s no longer a need for additional wires or devices to connect and listen to your music. With Wifi capability, Bluetooth, 4G, USB, SD & HDMI ports, there’s not many things you can’t do with an Xtrons car stereo. Safety  Outside of the entertainment facilities, there are a lot of additional safety benefits. Having real time information fed through your car’s computer to your head unit, can monitor and detect any problems. Additional extras like the OBDII Scanner tool and the TPMS can be introduced to give you a better understanding of your car’s performance. On top of this, reversing cameras and journey recorders can also be linked up to prevent accidents or for security purposes. Aesthetics  With interchangeable backgrounds displays, adaptable colour lighting and the plush finish only a smooth HD screen can provide, the modern visual appeal can lift any car interior. Not to mention the sleek and stylish design of each unit and their fittings and fixtures. Performance  The majority of our Double DIN stereos are built with Android operating systems. Android are often updating the performance of their units, the latest being Android Oreo 8.0 like in this unit, prior to that it we created universal head units with Android Nougat 7.1 technology like this one. The main difference being an additional 2G RAM with the latest model. Either way, they both are powered by powerful Octa-Core processors, allowing smooth transitions whilst navigating many features and applications. The overall performance is slick and can outperform some desktop computers.  
Double DIN, Danke.
  That’s it for double DIN stereos, for now. If we have any updates, we’ll be sure to share them with you. If you have any other questions regarding Double DIN or any of our products or services, just get in touch.
FAQs
Single-DIN refers to stereos that are two inches tall (and seven inches wide) Double-DIN refers to stereos that are four inches tall (and seven inches wide)
What is double DIN stereo? ›
A double-DIN car stereo is a unit that has double the height of a standard DIN radio, coming in at 100mm by 180mm (or seven by four inches). Be aware that the “double” only applies to the height and not the width.
What size is a 2 DIN stereo? ›
Generally, a double-DIN (also known as 2-DIN) radio has twice as much height as a standard DIN radio, or 180 mm x 100 mm, or 7 x 4 inches. These are more common in modern or luxury vehicles. This extra space is used for video, reverse car cameras, navigation and a range of other purposes.
What is the difference between double DIN and single DIN stereo? ›
A standard automobile radio body size. A DIN radio (single DIN) measures 2x7", while a double DIN measures 4x7". When factory radio/CD players are replaced with aftermarket units, the DIN standard ensures compatibility; however, new or altered dashboard trim may be required. See DIN and DIN connector.
Are double DIN stereos universal? ›
Does a double DIN fit my car? Your car will accept either one or both size stereo, depending on the make and model. But, it's not always easy to tell by looking at the size of the factory stereo. The best option is to use a vehicle selector tool to see what fits your car.
What is double DIN used for? ›
The main benefit of double DIN head units is typically in the display since double DIN comes with so much more screen real estate than single DIN. Most of the best touchscreen head units fit the double-DIN form factor, which also means that most of the best video head units also fall into this category.
What is the best double DIN stereo? ›
The best double DIN head units of 2024
| Best overall | Alpine iLX-W650 | SEE IT |
|---|
| Best splurge | Sony XAV-AX6000 | SEE IT |
| Best budget | Pioneer MVH-S622BS | SEE IT |
Dec 7, 2023
Which is better – single-DIN or double-DIN? Well, it depends. For basic stereo functions like power and sound controls, they're pretty much the same. Double-DIN stereos have more room for the controls, so they tend to be easier to use.
How do I know what radio will fit my car? ›
Find the right fit using an online database, such as Crutchfield's Outfit My Car, Pioneer Electronics Fit Guide, or Sonic Electronix Car Selector. Enter your car's make, model, year, and relevant trim options. Make note of head units the tool says will fit in your vehicle. Or, physically measure your current head unit.
Is my car double DIN? ›
If you car has a single DIN head unit, the front face-plate should be about 7 x 2 in. (180 x 50 mm.) If it has a double DIN head unit, the front face plate will be twice as tall (7 x 4 in).
Double din car stereo with navigation and Bluetooth upgrade tend to conform to specific size standards; however, variations exist. Factors such as dashboard design and vehicle model can affect stereo compatibility. Technological developments have opened our minds up to many new dimensions.
What does DIN stand for stereo? ›
DIN is a car audio standard that was created by the German standards body Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN). It specifies a height and width for car head units. When a unit is referred to as a single DIN car stereo, or a single DIN car radio, that means it is the height and width outlined in the DIN standard.
Can I put a single DIN in a double DIN? ›
No. A single DIN space is about 2 inches tall. A double DIN space is about 4 inches tall. If you have a big enough hammer you might be able to make it fit, but it wouldn't work too well after.
Is single DIN sound quality better than double DIN? ›
Single DIN Vs Double DIN Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, there is little to no difference between the single DIN and double DIN head unit. The real difference between the two receivers is in the size of the display and the features that can be added to the stereo system because of the size.
Can any stereo fit in any car? ›
In theory, you can put any stereo in your car, but it may not be compatible or appropriate for your car's specific make and model. Before purchasing a new stereo for your car, you should research which stereo models are compatible with your car's wiring and dashboard configuration.
Can you put a touch screen radio in an older car? ›
The simplest is to go for a portable infotainment system. These can be attached to your dashboard or windshield, and they add a touchscreen interface to your vehicle that can be either hard-wired into your existing stereo system or connected via Bluetooth.
Can I put a single DIN radio in a double DIN? ›
No. A single DIN space is about 2 inches tall. A double DIN space is about 4 inches tall. If you have a big enough hammer you might be able to make it fit, but it wouldn't work too well after.
What does DIN mean for car stereos? ›
DIN refers to size 2″ x 8″ opening that a radio fits into. DIN stands for Duetch Industri Normen which the Germans starting using to standardize the radio's in Audi's, BMW's, Mercedes, VW's way back in the mid 80's. It has since become the industry standard. Double DIN is the same width of 8″ but is 4″ instead of 2″.
How do I know if a radio is compatible with my car? ›
A green check means that the product will fit into your vehicle's factory openings without the need for any modifications. A yellow warning triangle indicates that the product will fit if you make a minor modification, such as trimming plastic in the dash or drilling new holes for speakers in your door panels.
  
  