Can you imagine driving around town without being able to blast your favorite tunes? Neither do we. Without a car head unit, our daily commute in the car would be boring and uneventful. Plus, it would also be difficult for us to navigate the road without access to traffic information.
Here’s what you need to know about a car head unit and we also list down four popular car head unit brands in Malaysia in case you’re thinking of getting an upgrade.
What Is a Car Head Unit?
The first audio system for cars called the “motorized victrola” or also known as Motorola, was created back in 1930 and at that time it was only able to receive mono AM radio broadcasts. Today, we can find highly advanced audio systems in modern cars called the car head unit that can do more than just receive radio broadcasts and play music.

Usually located in the center of your dashboard, the car head unit acts as the brain to your car’s stereo system. It allows you to control the volume, adjust the equalizer, and tune the radio channels. With more advanced ones, you can issue voice commands, use a navigation app to help with your daily commute, make or answer phone calls, connect it to multiple cameras to help you park your car or reversing it, and even watch videos online.
How to Choose One for Your Car
If you’re looking to upgrade the generic head unit that is included in your car, there are various options available with a variety of interesting features for your consideration. But before you upgrade, here are some factors that you should look into.

Compatibility
As cars get more advanced, you’ll find that there are less buttons and knobs for features like climate control on the center console for modern cars. This is because most of the controls have been integrated into the car head unit.
So, it’s important to look for a head unit that is compatible with all the integrated systems in your car and can support these functions or you’ll risk losing access to them once you upgrade.
Higher RAM is Always Better
You will usually see the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) as part of the head unit’s listing. Just like phones, RAM enables the applications in the head unit to run smoothly without any lags or crashes. With a higher RAM, you will be able to run multiple apps in your head unit smoothly. We would recommend getting a head unit with at least 2GB of RAM.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or wired, there’s a lot of connectivity options that a car head unit offers. You can now sync your playlist to the head unit via Wi-Fi, connect your phone to the head unit via bluetooth to play music from Spotify, or you can also connect it to your phone via aux cable to play music.

On top of that, you also have to consider if the head unit supports either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can achieve seamless connectivity between your phone and car head unit with these features. Without having to look at your phone, you can play music and use navigation apps on the car head unit itself.
Read more: Want to Improve Your Ride? Here Are the Top Car Upgrades You Can Get
5 Popular Car Head Units in Malaysia
Malaysia’s car enthusiasts have access to a variety of high-quality head units. Here are some of the most popular models:
Ekleva 2 Din Universal Car Android Player – RM292

The Ekleva 2 Din Car Android Player is popular for its comprehensive functionality and user-friendly interface. Its ability to support multiple connection methods, extensive media playback options, and GPS navigation makes it a versatile choice for drivers. Additionally, the support for steering wheel control and a range of languages caters to diverse user needs, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Get the Ekleva 2 Din Universal car android player here.
Soundstream Anzuo Explore Car Android Player – RM688

Soundstream’s Anzuo Explore is favored for its high-performance specs and versatile features. The choice between two memory variants allows users to select a configuration that best suits their needs. Its high-definition QLED display, advanced audio tuning options, and comprehensive connectivity make it a strong contender for those seeking a powerful and flexible car head unit.
Get the Soundstream Anzuo Explore car android player here.
Mondes TS10 Universal Car Android Player – RM1,100

The Mondes TS10 stands out for its versatility and high performance, catering to different user requirements with its various configurations. Its high-definition QLED screen, robust connectivity options, and advanced features like built-in DSP and 360-degree camera support make it a top choice for drivers seeking a comprehensive and high-quality car entertainment and navigation system.
Get the Mondes TS10 Universal car android player here.
Mohawk Car Audio PRO Series Android Player – RM1,399

The MOHAWK Car Audio PRO Series Android Player boasts a stunning 9/10 inch 2K QLED screen for crystal-clear visuals. Powered by an 8-core processor, it offers two configurations: 4GB RAM with 32GB ROM or 6GB RAM with 128GB ROM, running on Android 12. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. It supports Carlink 2.0 for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring smooth integration with your smartphone. The unit is 360-degree camera ready (cameras sold separately) and includes a built-in DSP with a 32-band EQ, time alignment, bass adjustment, and loudness control for superior audio quality.
Get the Mohawk Car Audio Pro Series android player here.
ALPINE iLX-W660E Car Android Player – RM1,780

The Alpine iLX-W650E boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display with an ultra-shallow chassis design, making it easier to install in a wide range of vehicles. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and more. The innovative dual swipe user interface lets you control your music easily while keeping your eyes on the road. The unit also features built-in Bluetooth, dual camera input for rear and front/side cameras, and compatibility with various audio streaming apps such as Spotify and Tidal.
Get the Alpine iLX-W650E car android player here.
With that, we hope this article will be helpful in your effort to upgrade your car head unit in the future. It’s always fun to drive around while blasting your favorite tunes, but be sure to drive safely!