From the puerile to the racist, thousands of offensive license plates were rejected by DMVs across the country last year, just as they do every year.Don’t look for LATE AF or WEED42O on any cars on the road, because vulgar phrases and drug and sex references were all caught and weeded out last year.We don’t mind the authorities making sure offensive internet meme jokes stay away from license plates, but we’re not as sure about rejected plates like GRLBOSS or EWWW G4S.There are limits, people. More than 750 car owners in Ohio submitted personalized license plates that the authorities at the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles denied. Hundreds more were attempted in Oregon. Down in Texas, over 5000 people tried last year to slip a few naughty words past the poor people at the DMV.The rules about what phrases or letter combinations are allowed or not allowed vary from state to state, but KHOU in Texas explains that the general rule is not to permit anything that could be considered indecent, vulgar or derogatory. Texas also states that plates referring to “race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation are also not allowed, whether they are derogatory or not.”You’re likely reading this with some curiosity about the potentially inappropriate and offensive language people tried to put on their plates, but we’re still going to issue a content warning for, well, potentially inappropriate and offensive language. So, be prepared, this list may get inappropriate AF.Speaking of which, the Cincinnati City Beat notes that one of the most commonly denied phrases in Ohio was people putting “AF” at the end of their plates, as in LATE AF, SALTY AF, and FINE AF. One Oregonian attempted MILFAF.Some of the rejected plates were a little too obvious—DOOKIE and POO BUTT, for example —but others must have given the submissions people at state DMVs a bit of a challenge to understand what the intended message was. Only the terminally online among us would understand why LIGMA is a problem, but the Oregon DOT caught it and labeled it “alarming, threatening, offending, or misleading.” We won’t reprint some of the racist labels, but you can believe they were attempted.PL8 Stories Oregon also said noTexas Department of Motor Vehicles does allow some symbols to be used on license plates, but it did not approve MAMACIT@, Y2*SLOW or BYE@H8RZ.Drug references were routinely caught, with BLAZIT, EM0420, and PHATT1 all making the lists. Turns out, using an “o” instead of a zero isn’t the foolproof plan that the person who submitted WEED42O thought it was. to R0LC0L as a configuration that refers to illegal acts.This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.List: Personalized Texas license plates denied in 2022Watch onThere were a few rejected plates that would have made us smile in an unoffended way had they made their way to a driveway near you. GRLBOSS, for example, and EWWW G4S or L8YBUG, but the general attitude seems to be better safe than sorry. We’ll check back in a year from now to see what people tried to tell the world through government-issued metal plates in 2023.This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Have you ever regretted accepting a ride from someone the second you stepped into their car because it smelled like a mixture of yesterday’s pizza pickup and a sweaty soccer kit? Most of us have been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. But what about when that car is your car?
That’s when it’s time to take some serious action. News flash: standard air fresheners don’t work! They can actually make the problem worse since they add chemicals to the weird smell mixture in the air. Not to mention the possible side effects, like headaches.
Instead, opt for a car essential oil diffuser. These nifty little things shun the chemicals and fill your car with lovely scents that are also antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal – doing their part to get to the root of the problem.
Wondering where you can find one? You’re in the right place.

Features to Look for in Car Essential Oil Diffusers
All essential oil diffusers have the same end goal, but they use different means to reach it. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Design
Choosing the right design for your car essential oil diffuser isn’t just about what looks the most aesthetically pleasing (though that’s important too). You also have to think about what’s most practical.
Where will you store it? Some diffusers are shaped to slot into your car’s cupholders, while others are tiny enough to hang up or put anywhere.
If you’re particularly short on space, you could also consider a vent clip, a simple accessory that you can slide into your car’s air vent. However, vent clips produce a weaker scent than electric diffusers.
Waterless
The most common type of essential oil diffuser, the ultrasonic diffuser, relies on water to work – you pour a little water into the tank and mix in a few drops of essential oils. But this can be inconvenient and fiddly, especially if you don’t have water to hand.
An alternative is waterless diffusers (or nebulizing diffusers), which you add essential oils to directly. This is more convenient and produces a stronger scent.
Vent clips also don’t require water.
Mist Settings
The majority of car oil diffusers on the market offer two or three mist settings to choose between, which affect how quickly a diffuser emits the essential oil. Intermittent and continuous are the two most common settings.
Light Settings
Similarly, many diffusers offer various colors to alternate between. Some people like this feature since it means their diffuser doubles as a light during night drives – but others find it distracting.
Power Type
Regular essential oil diffusers must be plugged in at a regular plug socket, but car essential oil diffusers work differently. You can plug some into cigarette lighters or USB ports, and others are rechargeable, meaning you don’t need to keep them plugged in constantly.
Material
Most essential oil diffusers are plastic. This is the most affordable option, but some people prefer to avoid them – mixing essential oils with plastic reduces their soothing properties. However, choosing a BPA-free or noncorrosive plastic is a good way to get around this problem.
Run Time
Diffusers can’t emit essential oils forever. They always run out of liquid, usually within two to eight hours.
Of course, even when the diffuser stops, all you need to do is top it up –a shorter run time might be slightly less convenient, but it’s not the end of the world.
Automatic Shutoff
Leaving a diffuser switched on when it’s run out of liquid is wasteful and could even be a fire hazard – but it’s not easy to stop and turn it off when you’re driving. Thankfully, many diffusers shut down automatically, giving you a little peace of mind.
Now you know the basics, it’s time to skip to the good stuff: the top car essential oil diffusers on the market. The ten options below will be sure not to leave you disappointed.

Top 10 Best Car Essential Oil Diffusers 2021
1. Best Overall Car Diffuser: InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: If you want a snazzy but sleek car diffuser with all the settings you could want and more, look no further. This InnoGear diffuser will tick all your boxes!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Six hours
Waterless: No
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: Yes
This light, portable device can be whatever you want it to be – a vaporizer, a night lamp, a humidifier, and of course, a diffuser. It fulfills all these roles beautifully and makes a trusty companion for many future journeys.
The high-quality PP material used is BPA-free, ensuring it’s safe for everyone – including babies. It’s also whisper-quiet, so you won’t need to turn the radio up to drown out its noise.
Special Settings
With seven color settings, you can drive while basking in the glow of your favorite color. It’s great for using as a night light on those dark evening drives.
You can also choose between two modes for diffusing the oils: intermittent or continuous. The first option lasts around six hours, while the second lasts for two hours.
Design
This diffuser might look like a regular black design, but when you switch it on, you’ll see that it’s much more. The clear panel at the front is actually an LED and lights up in multiple colors as soon as you turn it on.
It’s designed to be perfect for cars. All the buttons are on top of the diffuser, so you won’t need to perform some dangerous gymnastics to control it while driving.
One drawback of the design is that it’s quite large – if your car has smaller cup holders, it might just tip over or fall off.

Pros
Different light and diffusion settings
Shuts off automatically
Stylish design
BPA-free

Cons
Could be too large for some cars

2. Best Premium Car Diffuser: Minidiva Professional Grade Diffuser

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Why we like it: If you’re looking for a premium diffuser that’s technologically advanced and optimized for health, this Minidiva diffuser will be a match made in heaven.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Eight hours
Waterless: Yes
Material: BPA-free plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
When we say premium, we mean premium – this diffuser is quite the splurge. But it’s also completely unlike any other item on the market.
The Minidiva diffuser is a nebulizing diffuser – it works without water. There’s some evidence this is more beneficial to health since it means you’re breathing in a purer aroma.
As if that wasn’t fancy enough, it also utilizes atomizing technology, which means it gives off high-frequency vibrations that can atomize a wider variety of essential oils. Not just the usual suspects like tea tree oil, but also Vetiver and coconut oil.
Finally, it emits less than 38 dB of sound.
Can you see what you’re paying for now?
Special Settings
Unlike many of the other products on this list, the Minidiva diffuser doesn’t include a light – this could be a disappointment to some people. If having a light is important to you, try the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
However, it does offer three settings for mist: low, medium, and high. You might prefer a lower setting since waterless diffusers emit a much stronger scent.
Design
As noted already, this is a car diffuser with a completely different design to anything else on the market. Instead of being a cylindrical shape, it’s a curved rectangle with a hole in the middle that you insert your essential oil bottle into.
This has advantages and drawbacks. At five inches wide, just under six inches high, and under two inches wide, it’s a tiny and nifty device. However, it’s less obvious where exactly you can store it in your car since it won’t slot into your cupholder like other diffusers.

Pros
Waterless diffuser
Can use it with other types of oils
Very small and portable

Cons
Doesn’t have a light

3. Best Vent Clip Diffuser: ttstar Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Keeping your car smelling good has never been easier. No need to remember to charge a diffuser – just slot this cute vent clip into your ventilation system.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Charging type: Not applicable
Run time: Not applicable
Waterless: Yes
Material: Alloy
Auto shutoff: Not applicable
Technically, the ttsar Car Diffuser is waterless – but as a vent clip, it works in a different way to electric diffusers. Just open the vent clip up, put a few drops of essential oils onto the refill pad, fasten it up, and stick it on your vent. It really is that simple!
One of the best things about these vent clips is that you’ll get three of them – one for each air vent in your car. This pack also comes with 36 refill pads.
However, although a pack of 36 sounds like a lot, you could get through them quickly. Whereas rechargeable diffusers are a one-time purchase, vent clips involve more consistent expense.
Special Settings
Unlike electric diffusers, you can’t control the intensity of the smell – the overall result is a weaker aroma that might not be strong enough for some people. There’s also no light.
Design
Vent clips look similar to a compact mirror on a clip – but they’re even smaller! The circular clip has a diameter of just over one inch, and the clip part you stick into your air vent is also around an inch long.
The high-quality alloy used to make the main part of the clip gives a classy touch. As a bonus, each vent clip has a lovely, floral design on the front. The reusable refill pads also come in various colors, so they’ll be sure to give your car a funky twist!

Pros
Come in a pack of three
Comes with various refill packs
Nice design
Don’t need to charge it

Cons
Scent is weaker than an electric diffuser
Will eventually need to buy more pads

4. Best Portable Car Diffuser: Weljoy Wood Grain Diffuser

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Why we like it: If it’s convenience and portability you’re after, this wood grain diffuser is bound to float your boat (or drive your car). It’s cute and neat yet effective!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: Battery or USB
Run time: 5.5 hours
Waterless: Yes
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: No
There’s portable, and there’s portable – at just five inches wide and four inches high, this car diffuser is definitely portable. Fit it into the palm of your hand or any crevice in your car; the choice is yours.
It also comes with a cord, so you can hang it from your mirrors like a traditional chemical air freshener.
It’s a waterless diffuser, but unlike some other options, it won’t break the bank. It also comes with eight refill pads.
However, there is one big caveat: there’s no automatic shutoff.
Special Settings
You can choose between three different diffusion modes: Level 1 (lasts for 5.5 hours), Level 2 (lasts for 2.5 hours), and Level 3 (lasts for 1.5 hours) – the one you choose depends on the intensity level you’re after.
Sadly, it doesn’t last as long as other diffusers, even on the least intensive level – that might be something to do with the tiny size. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider a more long-lasting option, like the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser.
Design
As discussed, this diffuser is tiny, and it’s also pretty cute – the wood grain finish gives it a somewhat quaint and vintage feel.
However, bear in mind that it’s not actually made of wood – it’s plastic. Still, the materials are reasonably high quality, with medical-grade and BPA-free plastic.

Pros
Very small and portable
Waterless
Comes with refill pads

Cons
Doesn’t last as long as other options
No automatic shutoff

5. Best Budget Car Diffuser: TOPLANET Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: The TOPLANET car diffuser has all the settings and features you could want but none of the expenses you might expect. Snap it up before they change their mind!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Eight hours
Waterless: No
Material: Plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
Plug the TOPLANET car diffuser into your USB plug, and you’ll be ready to rumble. It has a 300ml water capacity, doubles as a humidifier, and automatically shuts down when it runs out of water to avoid dry burning.
Plus, it won’t cramp your style by being too noisy. The gadget operates at under 36 decibels – for some context, that’s a similar noise level to a library.
Unfortunately, some customers have complained that their diffusers broke within a few weeks or months, so that’s something to be aware of.
If you’re not willing to take this risk and want a more high-quality option that’s less likely to break, consider the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser instead.
Special Settings
There are seven light settings to choose between – including shades of red, purple, and green. This makes it perfect for using as a night light for children or babies.
It also has two mist settings: continuous (which lasts for four hours) and discontinuous (lasts for eight hours).
Design
Although it’s our budget option, this TOPLANET diffuser just might be the most attractive on the list. With a blue top that looks semi-metallic and a white bottom that lights up in multiple colors, no car is too chic for this stylish gadget to look out of place.
It’s also ultra-portable, weighing in at just 192 grams. Wherever you’re heading, just chuck it in your travel bag and you’re good to go – or keep it in your car’s cupholder permanently.

Pros
Seven color settings and two mist settings
Automatic shutoff
Very portable
Attractive design

Cons
Some products have broken quickly

6. Best Ultra-Quiet Car Diffuser: Gocheer Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Diffusers lose some of their magic if they’re so noisy that you can’t hear yourself think when they’re turned on. That won’t be a problem with the Gocheer car diffuser – it’s so quiet that you’ll barely believe it’s really there!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Six hours
Waterless: No
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: Yes
We’ve already seen a few diffusers that operate between 35 and 40 decibels, or the noise level of a library – and anyone would concede this is pretty quiet. But the Gocheer diffuser blows them all out of the water, with a noise level of under 30 decibels. That’s about the noise level of a whisper!
We might have reached controversial territory by suggesting whispers are quieter than libraries, but we digress.
Special Settings
There are seven different color settings to choose between, giving you plenty of choice.
The light is more subtle than other diffuser models, featuring a ring around the top instead of an entire light-up section – this could be a good or bad thing depending on your taste.
Another limitation is that there aren’t different mist settings – you can only choose to turn the mist on and off. For more choice, check out the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
Design
One nifty element to this diffuser’s design is the way you can control it. Instead of having to reach back to the cupholder while you’re driving (inconvenient), you can simply use switches by the charging cable.
It’s also made of corrosion-free material to help it last as long as possible.

Pros
Has automatic shutoff
Very quiet
Control it by the charging point.

Cons
Light isn’t very strong
No mist settings

7. Best Black Car Diffuser: MADETEC Ultrasonic Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: Give your car a classy, minimalist aesthetic with this cool diffuser and you won’t regret it. Complete with a convenient design and changing colors.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Unclear
Waterless: No
Material: BPA-free plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
Some might think it’s fickle to choose a diffuser based solely on its color, but if your car is your pride and joy, you don’t want to choose a diffuser that ruins your vibe! Especially when it’s so prominent in your vehicle.
Besides, you don’t need to worry about compromising functionality here. The MADETEC diffuser comes with a range of features, including automatic shutoff and various settings.
Special Settings
It features seven light settings, although there are only subtle differences between each one.
One major drawback is that you can’t control the mist settings, and it’s also unclear what the average duration is.
Design
The cool black design is perfect for anyone who likes to go for a monochrome vibe.
It has two power buttons (one on the diffuser itself and the other on the body) so that you can always be in control. Another convenient touch is a dedicated slot for the USB cable underneath the device, allowing you to store it effortlessly.

Pros
Minimalist, classy design
Auto shutoff
Dual power button

Cons
No mist settings
Unclear how long it runs for

8. Best No-Mist Car Diffuser: Weftnom Essential Oil Diffuser

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Why we like it: For a no-nonsense diffuser that focuses on creating good vibes and good aromatherapy instead of offering lighting and mist effects, this is the one for you.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: Lithium rechargeable
Run time: Not specified
Waterless: Yes
Material: Polypropylene (PP)
Auto shutoff: No
This Weftnom diffuser is a diffuser like no other. It uses nanovibration technology to diffuse the essential oils, meaning it doesn’t produce fog or water – it emits essential oils into the air in the purest way possible.
This is great for anyone worried about mist distracting them as they drive. It also makes the diffuser a lot quieter than many alternatives.
Unfortunately, although it requires refill pads to work, it doesn’t come with a pack of them, meaning you’ll incur a fair bit of extra expense. An alternative is the Weljoy diffuser, which does come with some refill pads.
Special Settings
Since this style of diffuser doesn’t produce fog or light, there aren’t any extra settings to choose between. But that’s the beauty of this model – and minimalists will rejoice.
Design
The design makes this diffuser extremely easy to set up – just slide the lid off, slot in your refill pads, blot the essential oils on the pads, and turn it on.
However, the design isn’t quite as convenient to slot into your car as some others on the list. It’s wider and flatter, so you can’t put it in your cupholder.

Pros
Waterless
Very quiet
Doesn’t produce mist

Cons
Shape is less convenient for the car
Doesn’t come with refill pads

9. Best Pink Car Diffuser: LEASTYLE Essential Oil Diffuser

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Why we like it: It’s 2020, pink isn’t just for girls – especially when it comes to a diffuser this cute! This one also lasts for an impressive six to eight hours.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: 10 hours
Waterless: No
Material: Plastic
Auto shutoff: Yes
If we give you the best black diffuser, you can be sure that we will also give you the best pink diffuser! Some people just need a little color in their life. And nothing can beat this gorgeous LEASTYLE portable diffuser.
But color isn’t all this diffuser has going for it. It lasts for up to 8 hours, making it the longest-lasting option on the list.
Special Settings
Like most other diffusers with light settings, there are seven colors to choose between. Also, a red light will appear once the water has almost run out.
Unfortunately, you can’t adjust how much mist comes out.
Design
The simple but effective design makes this diffuser very easy to control. Just press it once to turn the mist and light on, press it twice to turn the light off; then give a long press to turn off the diffuser altogether.
You’ll get the hang of it quickly, we promise!
One bonus is that it comes with an anti-slip mat – perfect if you want to be sure that it doesn’t fall off your cup holder and cause havoc during your journey.

Pros
Easy to control with one button design
Lasts up to ten hours
Comes with no-slip mat

Cons
No mist settings
Only comes in pink

10. Best Wood Car Diffuser: One Fire Car Diffuser

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Why we like it: This diffuser would look just as good in your cottage or country kitchen as your car, and it comes with all the essential features, like auto shutoff and lighting modes.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Charging type: USB
Run time: Unclear
Waterless: No
Material: Abs
Auto shutoff: Yes
Most car diffusers on the market tend to be made of plastic and block colors like black, white, or pink. While there’s nothing wrong with this, some people prefer a more rustic feel to their car. If that’s you, we’ve got just the thing!
Unfortunately, it’s unclear exactly how long the average run time is for this diffuser, and the water capacity is fairly low. The price you pay for style…
For an option that will last longer, consider the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser, which can last up to ten hours.
Special Settings
One Fire makes up for the poor run time You can choose between a continuous and intermittent mode for the mist, plus seven lighting modes.
Design
Although the wooden exterior is the standout design element, the panel in the center is equally charming – especially when it lights up with one of the seven different colors available.
Meanwhile, the shape is designed to slot perfectly into your car’s cupholder. That’s about as practical as it gets!

Pros
Has automatic shutoff
Slots easily into cupholder
Has a rustic design

Cons
Unclear how long the runtime is
Low water capacity

How to Choose the Right Car Essential Oil Diffuser
You’ve seen what’s on offer – but how can you choose between them? If one particular diffuser isn’t jumping out at you (or maybe it is and you’re doubting your judgment), here are some criteria you can use to pick which one is right for you.
Why Choose a Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
The main benefit of car essential oil diffusers is obvious – they get rid of those horrible odors and help you enjoy your journeys more. But why choose an essential oil diffuser over a conventional air freshener or incense sticks?
Predictable Fragrance Output
A diffuser is more efficient than incense sticks – instead of suddenly stopping working for no apparent reason, an oil diffuser is predictable. It will last as long as it remains plugged in/charged and has liquid inside.
Can Work as a Humidifier
Diffusers are also the only option that can second as a humidifier if need be – great for dry weather and improving air quality.
Can Have Therapeutic Effects
And did you know that aromatherapy has the word “therapy” in it for a reason? Certain essential oils do a great job of relieving stress, energizing you, and more.
Although not all the benefits outlined above apply to vent clips, they do use authentic essential oils instead of chemicals.
How to Use Your Car Oil Diffuser
Exactly how to use a car oil diffuser depends on the type of diffuser you have.
Some things are universal – you should always add three to five drops of essential oil – but other elements vary.
For diffusers that rely on water to run, you must fill up the tank with water before adding the essential oils. You also need to refill the tank when the water runs out and clean the tank after using it.
If you have a waterless diffuser, you only need to add essential oils to your diffuser, and you also won’t need to clean it.
For vent clips, you need to replace the reusable pad after each use, and you can also skip the water step.
Which Type of Car Oil Diffuser Should I Choose?
There are a few different types of car oil diffusers out there, and they each have their pros and cons. To figure out which is best for you, it helps to think about how long the typical journeys you take are, where you can or will store your diffuser, and how strong a smell you want.
Water Diffusers
Diffusers that use water are by far the most popular, and for good reason. They’re very affordable, they often have added features like light or mist settings, and they double as dehumidifiers. One of the best on the market is the Innogear Ultrasonic car diffuser.
Waterless Diffusers
Alternatively, you might want a waterless model.
If you’re lazy, the idea of being able to switch your diffuser on instantly without the extra step of adding water undoubtedly holds appeal. And they also involve less cleaning!
But it’s not just lazy people that should be rejoicing. Waterless diffusers might also be healthier – because water doesn’t dilute the oil, you can get the full benefit that essential oils provide. Which is everything from boosting immunity to providing antioxidants, by the way!
If you want a waterless oil diffuser, consider the Minidiva diffuser.
Vent Clip Diffusers
The final option is a vent clip. These small diffusers can be clipped onto a car’s air vents, allowing them to slowly and gradually diffuse oils into the air when you use the air conditioning or heating. A great option is the ttstar car diffuser.
Vent clips never need to be charged since they’re not electric – but they also have a much more subtle effect. If your car needs some more intensive treatment, a vent clip might not be sufficient.
The Safety of Car Oil Diffusers
There are conflicting messages floating around about essential oil diffusers. Some rave about their health properties, while others warn that they could actually be harmful. Who should you trust?
Generally, car oil diffusers are safe, but there are a few exceptions. Certain groups – like pregnant women, diabetics, and children – are at greater risk. Especially when it comes to lavender and tea tree essential oils.
Something else to worry about is that essential oils can corrode plastics and alter the properties of essential oils, possibly exposing us to harmful chemicals. One of the most worrying ingredients is BPA, which is linked to various health conditions – especially in children.
To err on the side of caution, opt for a BPA-free diffuser like the Weljoy wood grain diffuser and avoid the most problematic essential oils.
Which Oil Is Best for Your Essential Oil Diffuser?
Most car diffusers don’t come with essential oils – so your next question is probably which essential oil to opt for. There’s no right or wrong answer here (unless you have an allergy or another condition), so we recommend experimenting, but here are a few suggestions:
Cedarwood
Frankincense
Lemongrass
Sweet orange
Sandalwood
Vanilla
As mentioned already, certain essential oils have more side effects, like lavender, tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
FAQs
Still got a few burning questions? We’ll answer them to the best of our ability.
How Long Will a Car Essential Oil Diffuser Last?
Every model of oil diffuser lasts for a different length of time – there’s no set duration. Most diffusers also have different settings that affect its run time: a continuous mode that doesn’t last quite so long, and an intermittent mode that lasts longer.
However, on average, you can expect a diffuser to last anywhere between two and eight hours.
What Type of Water Should I Use in My Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
If you take your aromatherapy seriously, you might be wondering whether it’s best to opt for distilled water or tap water in your diffuser. This depends on which type of oil diffuser you choose – they all come with their own instructions, which might specify the type of water you need to use.
Some diffusers work best with distilled water since they have fewer minerals, resulting in less buildup of mineral deposits. However, most modern diffusers recommend using tap water since the minerals help to diffuse the water into mist. Who knew?!
Can a Car Oil Diffuser Be Used as a Humidifier?
Diffusers and humidifiers are very similar: humidifiers emit water into the air to regulate the moisture level, whereas diffusers give off smaller amounts of water along with a scent (unless it’s a waterless diffuser).
In theory, it’s possible to use an essential oil diffuser as a humidifier – all you need to do is run it without any essential oils and use water instead. This will ultimately have the same effect.
However, it’s unlikely to be as effective as a “true” humidifier since diffusers are smaller and use less water.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Dogs?
Many essential oils are indeed harmful to dogs. The dogs should only be in danger if you apply essential oils to their skin directly or if they ingest them – but diffusers may also be harmful to dogs with respiratory issues. Certain essential oils are more toxic than others, such as pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and citrus oil.
If your dog vomits, coughs, or sneezes frequently, this could be a sign of overexposure to essential oils.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Cats?
As with dogs, essential oils shouldn’t harm cats as long as they don’t directly ingest them and you don’t apply them to your pet’s skin. However, cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs since their livers aren’t as effective at metabolizing them.
You might prefer to tread carefully and switch the oil diffuser off when your cat is traveling with you!
Kiss Goodbye to Your Stinky Car
A car essential oil diffuser is one of those things that most people never realize they need, yet almost everyone does need. Come on – how many times have you stepped into somebody’s car and thought, “it smells lovely in here.” Very rarely (if ever), right?
You’ve clearly realized that you do need one, putting you ahead of 99% of the population. For that, you have our full respect. You’re about to become the owner best-smelling car in town – just make sure to keep it a secret, or everyone you know and their grandma will be asking for rides from you! More

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.IIHS crash propulsion system still pulling its weightWatch onIIHS has been crashing vehicles into barricades for decades. Until now, the heaviest vehicle the organization has tested was a 6000-pound Audi e-tron.With heavier electric vehicles on the way, like the 9640-pound Hummer EV, IIHS wanted to make sure it could handle bringing something that heavy up to speed in the crash chamber.To that end, an old Ford F-150 was loaded with concrete and steel and successfully smashed. IIHS, of course, provides the video receipts.After a crash, first responders need to approach electric vehicles differently than internal combustion engine vehicles. But even before a collision happens, people who work with crashed cars are changing their approach.That’s what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has discovered as it gets ready to crash test some incredibly heavy EVs. In a video posted to YouTube, IIHS explains that it acquired a junked Ford F-150 that could still roll and loaded it up until the total weight hit 9500 pounds. The heavy tests aren’t meant to see what happens when an old F-150 loaded with concrete blocks and heavy steel plates hits a wall at 40 miles per hour (spoiler alert, it’s not pretty), but to make sure that IIHS’s test equipment can handle testing, for example, the GMC Hummer EV, which in our testing measured the scales at a whopping 9640 pounds. The heaviest vehicle IIHS has yet tested was an Audi e-tron that almost hit 6000 pounds.”With electric vehicles coming in and that battery weight pushing vehicle mass higher and higher, we want to be able to know that we can conduct the test here,” Raul Arbelaez, vice preside of vehicle research at IIHS, said in the video. “And if we can’t, we need to make some modifications to our crash machine.”More on the IIHSThe machines IIHS uses tow cables connected to the crash machine to bring the vehicles up to speed before they hit the barrier. IIHS has 600 feet of runway, but when you’re trying to get almost five tons of steel and batteries to 40 mph, you need a robust propulsion system. Based on the video IIHS released, the system works just fine. Stand by for slow-motion videos of a giant, zero-emission beast being torn apart.IIHS has studied the effect of vehicle size and weight on occupant safety for decades. In 2003, automakers entered into a “compatibility agreement” that they would work on improving the safety of smaller vehicles when in a crash with a larger one, especially when it came to front-to-front and front-to-side crashes. The agreement was finally adhered to in 2009, and a 2012 paper noted that the reduction in “car crash partner death rates” for SUVs and pickups had dropped, and that intentional safety efforts in specific areas like this one could lead to “a passenger vehicle fleet that is much more compatible in crashes.”This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Mechanical bits the Crawler shares with the Mercedes G-class include its powertrain, locking diffs, and front and rear axles.Brabus increases the displacement of the G63’s V-8 from 4.0 to 4.5 liters for Crawler duty.Output jumps from 577 horsepower to 888.Whether you’re a Russian oligarch dodging bullets, an African despot on a rhino hunting trip, or a Los Angeles-based movie star, you’ll soon need to find room in your budget to add the radical, Mercedes-AMG G63-inspired Brabus Crawler to your extensive collection of cars. This is assuming you’re able to claim ownership of one (or more) of the 15 Crawlers that Brabus intends to build.

While it’s technically not a G-Wagen, the Crawler relies on a few essential parts from the three-pointed star’s racy G63. Additionally, the Brabus-built dune buggy’s carbon-fiber body panels also crib styling cues from the boxy Mercedes. Notably, the Crawler uses the SUV’s twin-turbo V-8 for motivation—albeit bored and stroked to 4.5 liters and boosted to 888 horsepower (the G63’s 4.0-liter unit, meanwhile, makes do with just 577 horses)—as well as its nine-speed automatic transmission and solid rear and independent front portal axles, replete with front, center, and rear locking differentials from the G 4×42. Other G-class pieces on the Crawler include its round headlights, tiny taillights, steering wheel, and two 12.0-inch dashboard-mounted displays. The entire frame is a custom high-strength steel tube design that shares no dimensions with the actual G-class (look how narrow the front grille looks). The Crawler’s 21.0 inches of ground clearance takes the opposite approach of the slammed G63 900 Rocket, although this door-free SUV leashes itself to 99 mph.
The Crawler is also ill-equipped for overlanding. For that, you’ll want the roof rack and pickup bed of the Brabus 800 Adventure XLP. Additionally, the Crawler’s oversaturated red bucket seats are far too conspicuous for those in search of a Brabus-badged Mercedes with a more monochrome look (for that, there’s the 800 Black Ops Edition).All 15 of these tube-frame terror machines include four carbon helmets and synthetic upholstery from the company’s speedboat interiors. Where you take your Crawler is up to you, but Brabus asks you to inform its cartographers of your travel plans in advance. This way the dune buggy’s passenger-facing GPS unit will show the correct custom-made topography maps (a feature you won’t find in the G63’s MBUX infotainment system). At what price does one get to brag about owning a vehicle that looks and performs like the lovechild of a G63 and a UTV? About $800,000 at current exchange rates.
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We here at AutoQuarterly are big fans of telling you about how awful your factory sound system is. Whether we are laying out the amps you have to have or the speakers you should have bought already, there’s no end to the car audio upgrade journey.
That journey starts with the head unit; it’s the master control station for the rest of the components. Modern touch screen stereos are an entire home theater in a box. They turn your car into a total entertainment system. If you’re looking for a big screen in a compact package, a head unit with a flip-out screen is your best bet. Keep reading for our top picks.

The Ins and Outs of Flip Out Screens
Here’s the problem. A lot of older cars don’t have room for modern, double DIN stereo systems. Even some newer cars don’t. That sucks because the contemporary world is all about touchscreens, and touchscreens take up a lot of dash real estate. That’s where the flip-out head comes in. It’s got all the functions of a beautiful modern screen, where you can watch videos or control your playlists like a DJ, and none of the additional space requirements.
The Advantages of a Flip-Out Screen
There are a lot of touch screen stereos, so what makes a flip-out screen appealing? There aren’t nearly as many options, and they are more likely to break. It seems like you’d be better off just going for a big fixed screen. Well, hold on, there are a few big advantages to the flip-out design.
They Are More Compact
Flip-out screens are a feature of single DIN units. That means they are compatible with a lot more vehicles, especially older vehicles. If you don’t have enough space for a double-DIN setup, but you still want a big screen, your options are limited. You either get a “floating screen” style unit or the flip-out style.
The advantage that flip-out screens have over floating screens is that they can be retracted. On older cars or cars that weren’t designed to have a display, a screen can block other things like the a/c controls. It’s nice to just retract the screen, make your adjustments, then bring it back.
They Attract Less Attention
Not everyone wants the world to know that they have a nice stereo. When you retract the screen on a flip-out, it looks just like any old cheap head unit. That’s good if you are trying to keep the look of your interior simple. If you want your original 90s ride to still look period correct, flip outs are a great option.
It’s also good if you are worried about people with sticky fingers. Thieves are much less likely to notice a nice stereo if it doesn’t have a giant screen advertising that it’s a nice piece of equipment. Many single DIN units even feature removable faceplates for extra security.
Inputs and Outputs
Probably the most important feature when choosing any head unit is the input. A stereo is mighty useless if it won’t play the songs you want to listen to. The second most important feature is output. If you have an amp driving a monster sub so you can shake the world, and you buy a head unit with no sub outputs, well, that’d be bad.
If you want to know more about inputs and outputs, head down to our complete buyer’s guide.
Common Inputs
Bluetooth
AM/FM Radio
HD Radio
AUX In
USB
Backup Camera
RCA
Common Outputs
High-level, your standard speaker wires
Low-level/RCA, your preamp outputs for an amplifier
Sub, a dedicated output for a subwoofer
Video
USB for charging
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
If you use a cell phone, it’s probably an Android or Apple product. Each OS has its own dedicated car system for using apps, listening to music, and making calls while in motion. It’s uncommon to find these features in flip-out units. If you really value these apps, be prepared to shell out the money for units like the Pioneer 3400 head unit we recommend.
Quality
When we talk about quality concerning stereos, there are two main categories: sound quality and build quality. Sound quality is all about clarity of the audio and the amount of power you can get from the head unit. Build quality is pretty straightforward. How well do the buttons work, how fast it boots up, how many times can the screen retract before the hinges break, etc.
As a rule, you have to pay for quality. That also means sticking to bigger brands is a good idea if you want a reliable, good sounding unit. Unfortunately, many big brands, like JVC and Alpine, just don’t make flip-out options. All is not lost, though; we have a great range of quality and cost in the recommendation section.
The Little Things
Most of the major players all have the inputs and outputs you could want. To narrow down the best unit for your car, you have to look at the minor quality of life features. Things like: style, screen resolution, screen type, color, DVD/CD formats, USB charging, etc. Most of these things are secondary to function. If it doesn’t have the input you want, it doesn’t matter how good it looks.
There are a couple of little things that are worthy of a closer look. Steering wheel inputs are important if you have steering wheel controls and want to keep them. Equalizers are great for balancing your sound levels. Color-changing faceplates and background can help you add style to your dashboard.
There’s a lot of junk on the market, but we combed through everything and found ten great options for you.

Top 10 Best Flip Out Head Units 2020

1. Best Overall Flip-Out Head Unit: BOSS BV9979B

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Why we like it: BOSS nailed it with the perfect balance between a great price and a high number of functions without sacrificing build quality.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Preamp outputs
Aux, USB, SD, and Bluetooth inputs
Video output for extra screens
Equalizer
Remote control
Reasons to Buy
BOSS is a big name in the car audio world. If you check any of our articles on amps or speakers, you’ll see them come up. Usually, though, they never take the top spot. They are so well known for just being good enough. The price is right, but they never quite overcome the drawbacks of the sacrificed features to get that price.
The BV9989B is one of the exceptions. It’s not the highest quality, the Pioneer on this list easily eclipses it in that category. It isn’t the least expensive, that’d be the Regetek.
What it is is the perfect balance between them all. You get all the features that a high-end unit offers, like subwoofer outputs and video inputs. You get an easy to use touch screen that won’t snap off if you accidentally set your drink on it. It can even change color to match your interior.
It also has some great features that are rare on even the more expensive units. It has steering wheel inputs on the back, too. If you have steering wheel controls, it’s as simple as plugging in the right wires. It has automatic backup camera functionality and A/V inputs to hook up external players. If you ever wanted to pull up to a meet and chill out playing the original Forza on your dash, the BOSS gives you all the hookups.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
Even with all the praise we give the BOSS for its features, we can’t ignore a few issues that might cause you to look at other units. It has some minor inconveniences. The screen is not as high def as others, especially not compared to the Jensen down the list.
It’s also a bit slow. It’s not unusable or anything, but we live in a world where the average cell phone puts the computers of 10 years ago to shame. You will notice that the BOSS just takes a little while longer to do things like start and switch modes.
If you are an audiophile, though, the biggest problem you’ll have is sound quality. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t make the claimed 85-watts. It’s got low-level outputs, so it’s totally ready to be plugged into an amp. It just isn’t as powerful as most of the other options on the list.
It also doesn’t have the construction quality to produce ultra-clear sound, you will get distortion at higher volumes. Again, if you want better sound from this unit, run an amp. It’s basically begging for it.

Pros

Inexpensive
A lot of output options
The screen has good feedback and resolution
Lots of input options

Cons

Sound quality could be better
Load times can be slow, especially when switching inputs

2. Best Premium Flip-Out Head Unit: Pioneer AVH-3400

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Why we like it: The Pioneer AVH-3400 is one of the best sounding flip-out head units you can buy. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
RCA outputs
Automatic and preset equalizer
Bluetooth
Full display customization
HD Radio ready
Pandora and Spotify ready
Android and Apple compatible
Reasons to Buy
When you travel around audio circles and see Pioneer, you know two things: the sound is going to be amazing, and it’s going to be expensive. The AVH-3400 is no exception.
It supports everything. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Yup. Satellite radio? Yup. Pandora and Spotify? They are installed on the unit, and you can run them off a WiFi signal without a cell phone present. It works with Siri, it has voice command calling, and you can plug any device into it.
The biggest reason to get the AV-3400 is quality. It is hands down the best sounding head unit on this list. It’s also the most well built. Pioneer wouldn’t put their name on it if it wasn’t.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
There are a few nitpicky things. The menus can be a little hard to navigate. There’s a lot of features, and some of them are buried under layers of menus. Also, it is a bit hard to use with the screen closed. If that seems like a really minor complaint, that is because it is. It’s hard to criticize such a nice stereo head unit. The only way to get better options is to leave the single-din world behind.
Except for the most significant drawback that the Pioneer has, that is. You could buy 4 BOSS units for the same price. Now, we are not saying that the audio and build quality isn’t worth it. If sound is your passion, there’s no reason to compromise. It just hurts to see the number.

Pros

Amazing quality
Apple Car Play and Android Auto read
Full range of inputs, including HD radio
Full range of outputs

Cons

Very expensive
Buttons are hard to press when the screen is closed

3. Best Budget Flip Out-Head Unit: Regetek 7”

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Why we like it: The Regetek is a perfectly acceptable head unit with an ok screen that is less than $100.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
USB Fast Charger
No CD/DVD player
Subwoofer output
Reasons to Buy
Let’s start with the best part about the Regetek: it’s cheap. We are talking less than half the price of most things on this list cheap. It’s also simple. Really simple. Once you pair your phone with it, that’s pretty much the end of the interactions. Your phone will be doing all the hard work.
Despite being cheap, the Regetek has some really neat features. It’s ready to accept a backup camera, and you can hook up additional screens. The screen resolution is actually one of the highest on this list, boasting full HD. It’s not, but it still has a nice screen for the price. See our note here on resolutions.
The audio quality is fine too. It’s not top tier, and you can’t play CDs, but unlike a lot of other units, it accepts FLAC as an audio format. Honestly, the Regetek really represents how far cheap gadgets have come over the last decade. It’s a generic, cheap head unit, but it can do most of the things that the big players can do.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
When you think of sacrifices to make in order to cut costs, a lot of things come to mind. Regetek chose as many of them as they could, and it shows. The screen is low resolution, there are no apps, and you have to pull out the screen manually. That last one is a little insane and might be a deal-breaker. It just can’t do very much, especially not compared to other budget units like the BOSS or the Power Acoustik.

Pros

Inexpensive
Supports FLAC
Has reverse camera input

Cons

Very low on features
Screen has to be pulled out manually

4. Best Easy To Use Flip-Out Head Unit: Power Acoustik PID-8920B

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Why we like it: The Power Acoustic has big friendly icons and a great, easy to use interface.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
Subwoofer outputs
Backup camera inputs
USB, SD, and Aux inputs
Reasons to Buy
It’s hard not to compare the Power Acoustik directly to the BOSS. They occupy the same price point, have similar features, and look very similar. When you compare them, it becomes obvious why the BOSS deserved a top spot, but the Power Acoustik doesn’t. There isn’t much that the Power Acoustik does better.
It does shine through in a few areas. It’s easier to use than the BOSS. BOSS has a bit of a habit of over-simplifying their menus to the point of frustration. In contrast, the Power Acoustic has big friendly icons and straightforward settings. Part of the reason the Power Acoustic is easier to use is that it’s much simpler. That’s a good thing if you just want to listen to your music and not fiddle with anything. If you never touch the bass EQ on your current unit and want to upgrade to a CD/DVD player with a screen, then the PID is an excellent purchase.
Power Acoustik is a brand carried by a lot of companies, used by a lot of people, and very well documented online. That’s often the deciding factor when it comes to these picking a head unit. A more popular unit is just less likely to cause you trouble, and don’t you have enough trouble in your life?
Reasons to Pick Something Else
Like we said above, there isn’t much that the Power Acoustic does better than the BOSS. It only has bass preamp outputs, not the full range. It doesn’t have steering inputs, and it doesn’t have BOSS’s online support.
The biggest reason to shy away from this unit is the simplicity we mentioned above. If you like simple, then it’s not an issue. If you want control over your sound profiles, though, then you are out of luck. This is the only flip-out head on this list without an equalizer.

Pros

Inexpensive
Very easy to use
The software is very clean and nice-looking

Cons

Low on input and output options
No equalizer

5. Best Looking Flip-Out Head Unit: Pyle In Dash 7”

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Why we like it: It’s a very good looking device that delivers a good amount of power.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
Smart device compatibility
High powered for a head unit
RCA outputs
Backup camera support
HD radio capable
Reasons to Buy
The first thing that stands out about this in-dash entertainment system is that it looks great. Even with the screen tucked away, it’s got a modern, carbon-fiber finish. It’s also got all the right features: low-level outputs, backup camera support, sound profile settings, etc. You won’t be left wanting.
The other thing you will really enjoy about the Pyle is the screen. It’s a little old school nowadays, but they put a lot of effort into the full-color display. Don’t be fooled; they claim “HD” but there’s actually nothing on this list with a true HD display, except for maybe the Pioneer here that uses your own phone as the screen. We wrote about that down the page. What it does have is a really nice screen driver that allows for a ton of color and sharpness.
You can also change the face colors and the screen backgrounds, so it fits your dash theme. Like we said, this is a good looking unit no matter how you slice it. If you have trouble deciding between a few different options, that style might be enough to sway you.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
It costs too much for what it is. At the risk of being too blunt, the reason it doesn’t rank higher is because of the price. Yes, it does everything you can want, and it has good quality, but so does the BOSS.The BOSS costs a lot less, though.
The Pyle can also be a bit frustrating. The Bluetooth isn’t as advanced as other options, especially not the Jensen on our list. That leads to annoying things like having to reconnect every time you power the unit on. Having a picky Bluetooth system wouldn’t be a deal-breaker if not for the fact that you will really be relying on it. It doesn’t have very many inputs. There’s no SD slot or RCA input, so you will really need that Bluetooth for modern audio streaming.

Pros

Good looking
Good audio quality
High powered

Cons

Bluetooth can be picky
Expensive for the quality

6. Best Alternative Budget Flip-Out Unit: Sound Storm Labs SD726

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Why we like it: The Sound Storm is a budget option with a CD/DVD player and good audio control.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
SD, USB, and Aux inputs
Backup camera compatibility
Steering wheel control
Full preamp outputs
Reasons to Buy
If you saw the price and features of the Regetek, but couldn’t stand the idea of not having a CD/DVD player, then the Sound Storm is perfect. In addition to the CD/DVD player, Sound Storm also gives you a full set of low-level outputs to hook it straight into your amplifiers.
It’s also a good unit if you want something that looks way more expensive than it is. Unlike a lot of the straight from China, brand swappable units all over the internet, the Sound Storm has bold logos and bright lights. The screen is nice enough, and the software is a bit more polished than the generic Android-based systems that you find when you go too cheap.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
The SSL will do what you need if you want a basic unit with an ok screen that doesn’t cost very much. If that’s what you are looking for, stop reading and buy it. You’ll be fine.
What you really can’t expect from it is good quality. The audio signal isn’t noise-free, so you will get distortion at higher volumes. It’s built to be cheap, too, so the buttons and knobs feel cheap. The screen wobbles sometimes and isn’t as sturdy as you probably want it to be. In short, the whole thing feels cheap because it is. We hate to keep repping the BOSS, but if you want just a bit more quality, spend a bit more and get the BOSS.
It does have a 3-year warranty. Even if it feels cheap, you can at least rest easy knowing that it’s simple to replace if it does break.

Pros

Inexpensive
low-level outputs
3-year warranty

Cons

Build quality isn’t great
Audio quality isn’t great either

7. Best Bluetooth Focused Flip-Out Unit: Jensen CMR3710

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Why we like it: The Jensen has no CD/DVD player and no extra inputs. It focuses on being a Bluetooth powerhouse.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
Backup camera compatible
Preamp outputs
Robust equalizer
Reasons to Buy
The Jensen CMR3710 is a solid unit with good audio quality. It compares most easily to the Regetek. They both don’t have a CD/DVD player, and they both focus on Bluetooth. The Jensen is just a higher quality option. It’s built better and has better audio quality. The screen is nicer, the outputs have less noise, and it’s better suited for running amplifiers.
The Bluetooth is excellent. It’s just a bit easier to use than everything else, has a bigger range, and the software controls on the screen are really well done. It’s effortless to make calls. This is probably the only unit that rivals apps like CarPlay and Android Auto in terms of phone controls.
Finally, the audio quality is really good for the price. It’s not Pioneer good, but it’s better than the BOSS. That’s helped by the fact that the Jensen has an 8-band EQ and a 6-channel low-level output. If you are running amplifiers, the Jensen is ready.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
The first thing is a little bit of a strange one. Jensen is a good company that used to be well known for its great audio components. In fact, if you bought a new Jeep in the 80s or early 90s, it would have a Jensen stereo system. Since the early 90s, though, they have been bought and sold a lot. Most recently, they became a subsidiary of Dual, who is BOSS’s biggest competitor.
That’s a lot of exposition all to say that it can be hard to find support for Jensen units nowadays, and their quality control is not as good as it once was. They have online support that will replace units that break, but don’t expect to troubleshoot an issue with customer service, and don’t expect your friends to know what the heck it is.
Also, the parking brake safety feature can make you want to hit things. It has a wire that needs to be connected to a parking brake switch so that it locks you out of some features while you are driving. That’s not unusual; almost every head unit does that. The Jensen is just a little bit draconian about it. You’ll be searching for a way to disable it after about a week of using it.

Pros

Very nice screen
Good software
Bluetooth works great

Cons

Jensen does not have very much support
Parking brake safety feature can be picky

8. Best Cheap Total Package: CarThree Single DIN Touch Screen with Backup Camera

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Why we like it: This super cheap unit comes with a backup camera.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
Backup camera included
A/V inputs
USB and Aux input
Subwoofer output
Reasons to Buy
The CarThree 7 inch has a surprisingly good screen for such an inexpensive option. I mean, sure, you have to push the screen in manually just like the Regetek, but it looks good for being so cheap. Cheap is the operative word. The whole box with the camera and the unit is less than everything else on the list.
That’s really all there is to it. It’s super cheap, plays music, and includes a backup camera in the box. Enough said.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
On some level, every person knows what they are getting into when they buy a cheap piece of generic tech. The quality might be exceptional, but it also might be garbage. It depends on the day. The software will be slow, the audio quality will be meh, and there will be strange little problems here and there. If you are in a hurry to watch the 2 Fast 2 Furious in your car while waiting for a mocha frappe, don’t rely on this unit.
This head unit is a fine choice for bargain hunters looking for a lot of features at an impossibly low price. Just know what you are getting into. It’s not meant to be high quality. It’s meant to be cheap. Spend the extra on the BOSS if you want everything to be easy, or shell out big money for the Pioneer.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Has a decent screen

Cons

Cheap
Limited customer support

9. Best Ultra-Compact Head Unit: Pioneer SPH10BT

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Why we like it: It uses your phone as the screen, meaning it’s likely the highest quality, most feature-rich screen on the list.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
No CD, Aux, or SD input
Bluetooth
Fast charge USB port
Pop-out phone cradle
Reasons to Buy
This is another Pioneer for the list, but it’s totally different from the audio behemoth above. First of all, it’s ¼ the price. Second, it’s incredibly, incredibly simple. It’s a box with 6 buttons. That’s it. It doesn’t even have a screen. That might make it a weird thing to include on this list, but let us explain.
Instead of a screen, it has a retractable cradle for your phone. It turns the phone you already have into the ultimate audio head unit using Bluetooth. If you have a modern cell phone, that means this little unit actually has the best resolution and processing power on the list.
Since it’s Pioneer, you know the sound quality and build quality is solid. It automatically syncs with your phone. The buttons on the front of the device can control your phone, and it comes with special software that makes it easier to use your phone as a DJ station. If you don’t care about any features and just want to Bluetooth in and listen to your tunes, here you go.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
It’s got no screen, for one thing. On a list of head units that have screens, it’s sort of an issue that it doesn’t have one. If you don’t want to use your cellphone as a central component of your car’s audio system, then get the Jensen instead. It’s got great Bluetooth capabilities and actually has a screen.
It’s also, somewhat surprisingly, not very good if you want to run a bunch of amps. You’d think Pioneer would make a product that worked well for audio nuts, but they really strived to keep the SPH simple and friendly. They sacrificed a lot of inputs and outputs to do that. If you have your heart set on driving a ton of amplifiers to get the best audio quality possible, then we are sorry. You’ll be spending the money on the other Pioneer above.

Pros

Ultra-simple to use
Good audio quality
Inexpensive

Cons

No built-in screen
No low-level outputs

10. Best Single DIN Flip-Out Alternative: Camecho Single DIN Car Stereo

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Why we like it: The Camecho is a bit of an insane pick. It’s a single DIN unit with a backup camera, but the screen is in the face rather than a fold-out.
Editor’s Rating:

At A Glance:
Bluetooth
USB, Micro SD, and Aux inputs
Backup camera included
Ultra-compact
Reasons to Buy
We talked about the pros and cons of generic electronics when we broke down the CarThree. This has all the same ideas. In fact, as if to drive home the point, it uses the same remote and backup camera as the CarThree despite calling itself a Comecho.
What makes the Camecho really interesting is that it has all the advantages of a single DIN flip-out screen. It’s compact, has a screen that doesn’t interfere with anything, and adds modern features to older cars. The difference is that it doesn’t have a flip-out screen. It just has a tiny screen built into the front.
The lack of a flip-out screen makes this thing cheap. Like really, really cheap. You could buy two of these for the price of the already very reasonable Regetek.
Reasons to Pick Something Else
Take everything bad we said about the CarThree and amplify it. It’s harder to use and even harder to figure out. It’s got a ton of unlabeled buttons, and some of the menus have poor English. You’ll spend a lot of time just trying things out. This isn’t a unit for someone that just wants something that works. If that’s all you want, get the BOSS, like we keep saying.
The screen is also tiny. That’s the big downside to the lack of a flip-out. Yeah, it’s a single DIN with a screen, but you’ll have to push your face into it to tell what’s going on. That’s not conducive to safe driving.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Ultra-compact

Cons

Terrible documentation
Screen is tiny

All About Head Units
We gave a brief overview in the beginning, but there’s where it gets complicated. Audio components are a mess of numbers and acronyms. Unless you have experience with them, it can get very confusing quickly, so we wrote this section to decode and demystify all the jargon.
Inputs
To say that audio formats have evolved over the last couple of decades would be the understatement of the year. Car audio went from tapes, to CDs, to DVDs, to ⅛” auxiliary, to Bluetooth, and finally to dedicated car apps in a blink.
Nowadays, the average head unit has to cover so many bases it can be hard to keep track of what it can and can’t do. It can be even harder to know what format you want and which ones you don’t need, and whether you should adapt to a head unit or buy one that suits you. Let’s take a second to break down the more popular inputs.
Radio
AM/FM radio has been around since the late 1800s and is still used today to transmit music and information. It probably won’t be going anywhere since it’s still the primary way to find information on roads and emergency situations.
A common antenna is all you need to receive AM/FM radio. HD radio is a much newer invention. It’s usually transmitted from satellites, and you do need a special antenna. You also need to pay for a subscription. It works around the world. If you regularly drive to areas that don’t have cell connectivity and are remote enough that radio doesn’t reach you, you can still get satellite.
CD/DVD
The oldest technology you’ll find in modern head units are CD/DVD players. Physical media has been on its way out for a while, and we are starting to see companies offer models without them altogether. Budget units especially, like the Regetek we recommend, choose to cut costs and complexity by removing the CD/DVD drive.
That has a couple benefits. First, a unit with a CD/DVD drive must be at least as big as a CD/DVD, whereas one without can be smaller. Second, the engineers can dedicate more power and processing to Bluetooth, which is honestly what most people care about nowadays.
USB/SD
USB, and SD card, inputs occupy a weird space in audio. They were meant to be the evolution of CDs and DVDs as physical media. They were competing with other forms of media that didn’t require a physical device, though. They never became very popular.
However, if you want to store a lot of ultra high-quality music files, like a library of FLAC, or a lot of movies, then a USB drive can be nice. It can also be helpful if your phone is dead since a card or USB drive works without extra power. Most people will simply use the USB on a head unit to charge their phone, though.
AUX
It’s easiest to think of AUX inputs the same way you think of wired earbuds or headphones. The head unit and much larger car speakers simply take the place of the much smaller speakers in earbuds. That means any device you can use earbuds for, you can use to play music through your car.
You will need to get an aux audio cable that fits the device and the head unit. Usually, both sides are ⅛”, but sometimes phones have micro ports or don’t have a headphone jack at all.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a form of wireless communication between devices. If you are using the internet, then chances are you have a Bluetooth device somewhere nearby. That’s why it makes so much sense that car audio began to focus on Bluetooth. You can load music files on your phone or stream music straight to the head unit without wires getting in your way.
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
The newest players on the list are dedicated programs that integrate seamlessly with a cell phone. Unfortunately, it’s pretty rare in the flip-out scene. The only one we recommend is the Pioneer AVH-3400.
Built-In Apps
Some head units, like our premium pick, have apps and services pre-installed onto them. Pandora radio and Spotify are the two most common, but other streaming services or brand-specific programs pop up from time to time. It’s nice if you can get WiFi or cell service where you are, but they don’t tend to be as convenient as phone driven services.
A/V Inputs
Extra audio and video inputs, usually “component” or RCA inputs, can allow you to do cool things like run a video game console or backup camera.
Outputs
Outputs are less varied than inputs, but they are still an important thing to consider. The biggest consideration surrounds the rest of your audio system. If you want to run dedicated amps or high-quality speakers, you will need to make sure that the head unit has the right outputs and power ratings.
High-level vs. Low-level
High-level outputs are just your standard speaker outputs. It’s a thin wire that connects directly to a speaker. It’s also how a factory sound system hooks everything together. If you don’t want to change anything, then it’s fine to just have speaker level outputs. All head units have high-level outputs, even the CarThree piece of… fine audio tech.
Low Level, also called preamp or RCA, are for connecting your head unit directly to an amplifier. Many amplifiers don’t have high-level inputs. That makes it super important to make sure that a unit has low-level outputs if you want to drive big subs or get loud. The BOSS we recommend has front, rear, and low-level subwoofer outputs, covering all your bases.
Most aftermarket head units will have low-level outputs for a monoblock amp to power a subwoofer at the very least. The budget-friendly Regetek has high-level outputs and a dedicated subwoofer low-level output, for instance. That’s a great compromise between amping an entire system and losing out on that sweet bass.
Wattage
Whenever anyone talks about watts, it’s essential to make the distinction between RMS and peak power. Peak wattage is not a very useful measurement, it’s just a big number that advertisers like to put on the box. The problem is that peak only represents what the amp or head unit can do for a very short time.
The unit wouldn’t even last one song sustaining that level, no matter what the box says. The BOSS we recommend up there likes to claim 85-watts on the box, but the actual output is lower because 85 is just the peak.
RMS is the average power level that an amp can sustain. Most head units don’t produce very much power on their own. That saves you the trouble of having to match speakers to the power rating. Most factory speakers and entry-level aftermarket speakers are simply in the range of the average head unit.
The minute you start looking into the world of amplifiers, it becomes important to match wattages. Here’s a great article from elsewhere online that breaks it down. They mostly talk home theater audio there, but the concepts are identical.
Video
Since a car has to be an entire entertainment system nowadays, it makes sense that modern head units can control audio and video. That way, if you put in a DVD, or stream Netflix, you can use the head unit to power a bigger screen in addition to the tiny one they come with. Many companies make headrest or flip-down screens that can be used to entertain passengers. It’s important to look for video out if you want to make your car a theater. Generally, any “do all” head unit will have RCA out, like the BOSS we pretty much constantly refer to.
A Primer on Screens
Screen specifications come in two main flavors: the type and the resolution. The type is easy enough. There aren’t very many different types, and with modern technology, you likely won’t notice any differences unless you have them side by side.
It does get confusing since manufacturers like to name their screens in a way that sounds good. That can mean that two different makers will call the same type of screen different things. Tom’s hardware has a rundown on them here, if you are curious.
It’s honestly best to not worry about it very much. You aren’t buying a flip-out screen to get an amazing screen. If you really want the best quality video, get a floating screen or double DIN unit. Resolution is another matter, though. The higher the pixel density, the better the image will look.
Resolution
Screens can get confusing since, just like with wattage, manufacturers like to give you the best sounding numbers. Those numbers aren’t usually the most useful, though. The Jensen on our list boasts a meager 800×480 resolution on the box, and the letters HD don’t even appear. The Pyle, however, has the amazing 1440×234 display as high definition. You might be inclined to think that the Pyle is the clear victor here, right?
Except if you do some quick math, the Jensen has 384k pixels. Compare that to the Pyle’s 336k, and the Jensen has higher pixel density. The image will be sharper and look better on the Jensen. That doesn’t make the Pyle bad. It’s still a good looking screen. Just be aware that it’s never as simple as what the marketing department wants you to think.
Something to keep in mind is that no matter what, you aren’t getting an amazing screen. That just isn’t an option in flip outs, they have to be lightweight and low powered. It’s tough because your average cell phone has incredible resolution by comparison.
An iPhone XR has a resolution of 1792×828. That’s over 1.4 million pixels, several times more than even the best flip-out. It’s why we weren’t just being cheeky when we said the Pioneer SPH that uses your cell phone as a screen is probably the best looking screen on any unit.
Upgrade Your Factory Head Unit ASAP
No matter what, even if you grab the funky error-riddled Camecho, you are getting a big upgrade on the average factory single DIN system. So don’t worry too much about choosing the perfect head. Go with your gut; select the one that speaks to you after making sure it has the inputs and outputs you want.
You have the power to turn your commute into a zen experience after splicing in some wires. Maybe get in a few episodes of your favorite baking show during your lunch break. You do you. Just do you with better audio than the average old stereo. More