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Let’s face it: some car horns aren’t loud enough. If your car horn isn’t loud enough, it can be a safety hazard. If you’re in a noisy area and other drivers can’t hear your horn, it can lead to an accident. Many people are quick to write off train horn kits as obnoxious and unnecessary, but they can save your life.
Shopping for train horn kits can be tricky. First and foremost, train horn kits are commonly known as trumpet horns and air horns. This is because most train horn kits use an air compressor to project a loud sound, and they typically resemble a trumpet. If upgrading your factory-standard horn has been on your mind, read on.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Train Horn Kits
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for train horn kits. They all have different parts and require different installation processes. There are a few essential factors that tell you a lot about a train horn kit and what it has to offer.
Voltage
We’ll start with the voltage. Train horn kits come in a few different voltage settings. Luckily, most train horn kits run on 12-volt car batteries, and most vehicles use 12-volt batteries. Still, some batteries can reach up to 24 volts, so you’ll need a train horn kit that’s compatible. For this reason, you’ll come across products that run on both 12 and 24 volts. Be sure to know the voltage of your car battery before purchasing one of these kits.
Decibels
Decibels measure the noise level of a sound. For example, a sound that’s 150 decibels is louder than a sound that’s 100 decibels. This also applies to how far sound travels.
OEM car horns, excluding commercial trucks, typically have horns that produce around 106 decibels. Train horns, on average, are 150 decibels. This sound level gives them the noise level of a train, which is why they’re referred to as train horn kits.
Number of Horns
While most train horn kits come with one trumpet-style horn, this isn’t always the case. You’ll come across train horn kits that come with more than one horn, and two or three horns are often better than one. Why? Because if you have more horns, there can be more bass and a more comprehensive range of tones. While more horns aren’t always louder, they’re better at projecting low and high tone sounds.
High tone sounds are higher in pitch and travel across a shorter distance more effectively. High tone horns are great for short distances and alerting drivers in your vicinity. Low tone horns produce more bass, which carries the sound further. Low tone horns can also be heard from far away, but they’re not as loud. So, if you have a horn that can do both, it’s more useful than having a horn that produces only a single tone, as you can adapt to the situation you’re in.
Installation
Every vehicle is different, which makes it difficult to determine if you’ll be able to install a train horn kit on your own. The good news is that most products come with the parts you need, and they can fit different vehicle types. Still, some train horn kits are harder to install than others. We’ve grouped each train horn kit into one of three categories: beginner, advanced, and expert.
Beginner
Beginner horns are simple and straightforward products. Everything you need comes with the train horn kit, so you don’t need to worry about getting particular parts. Beginner train horn kits are also easy to mount and can be attached to different locations. With a beginner train horn kit, you won’t need much help, and it can be done in your driveway.
Advanced
Advanced train horn kits are more complicated. The compressor kits might require additional components, and they can take all day to install. Instead of needing an hour or two, advanced train horn kits require more care and attention. Still, advanced train horn kits come with everything you need and instructions, so you can still get it done on your own.
Expert
Expert level train horn kits are difficult to install, and if you don’t have automotive experience, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from an experienced mechanic. These train horn kits usually require additional components to install, and they’re more expensive. While they’re difficult to install, they’re often the best train horn kits you can find.
Price
Train horn kits have a wide price range. While many products are affordable, some products are expensive. A cheaper train horn kit is often one that doesn’t need an air compressor, and is less loud as a result. A more expensive kit is often better for larger commercial vehicles, but usually has the additional expense of needing extra parts or expert installation. To make your shopping experience more streamlined, we’ve grouped each train horn kit into one of three categories:
$: Around $30
$$: Around $75
$$$ Around $100
With these factors in mind, shopping for train horn kits should be more straightforward. If you want a more in depth look at the process, we have a full guide below that runs through everything in more detail. Now, we’re going to take you through the ten best train horn kits available and provide you with shopping tips along the way.

Top 10 Best Train Horn Kits 2020

1. Best Overall Train Horn Kit: GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn

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Why we like it: The GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn is a well-rounded train horn kit that gives any vehicle an aggressive appearance. We love how it sounds as aggressive as it looks.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Decibels: 150db
Volts: 12V
Horns: 1
Installation: Advanced
The GAMPRO Air Horn is a reliable and robust product. It’s made with high-quality materials, like chrome zinc, which is resistant to corrosion from harsh weather. This coating also keeps the horn safe from premature rusting. The chrome zinc coating can also be found on the compressor. Materials aside, it produces a mighty 150 decibel sound that other drivers can hear, even in noisy environments.
It comes with everything you need right out of the box. All of the mounting hardware is included, and the installation process is simple. It can be mounted on most vehicles, but it’s more suitable for large trucks than it is for passenger cars or motorcycles.
What Sets it Apart
This kit is unique because of the chrome zinc coating. Many train horn kits use chrome horns, but zinc is not standard in less expensive products. So, seeing chrome zinc being used on an affordable train horn kit is nice to see.
Things to Consider
Although it’s excellent, it’s too big for motorcycles and passenger cars. It’s impossible to fit the horn under your hood, so you’ll need to mount it on your hood or roof. While this is acceptable on larger vehicles, it makes the horn look out of place on smaller vehicles. Plus, because of the black color, it stands out a lot.
If you need a smaller and compact horn that can fit under your hood, the Hella Twin Trumpet 12V Horn Kit is a great alternative. It’s not as loud, but it’s better suited for smaller vehicles.
Who It’s For
This air horn is an excellent choice for people that live in areas with rough weather. The chrome zinc coating is superior for most situations and can handle snow, rain, hail, and high winds. Also, because of the coating on the air compressor, it can survive high-head conditions under the hood of your vehicle.

Pros

Loud 150 decibel sound
Sleek black color
Durable chrome zinc material
Air system and mounting parts are included

Cons

Not suitable for passenger cars
Not suitable for motorcycles

2. Best Train Horn Kit for Passenger Cars: Hella Twin Trumpet High/Low Tone 12V Horn Kit

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Why we like it: The Hella Twin Trumpet 12V Horn Kit is a great product that allows passenger cars to benefit from a loud train horn. We love
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Decibels: 110
Volts: 12
Horns: 2
Installation: Beginner
The Hella Twin Trumpet 12V Horn Kit is an excellent set of twin trumpet horns. This train horn kit is designed for passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and other automotive 4-wheel vehicles. The reason this horn kid works well for smaller vehicles is because it can be mounted in a few different places. One example is how they can be mounted right in the engine bay.
It is also compact, but still produces a loud sound. The low tone and high tone horns blend well, making a unique sound that other drivers can recognize. This train horn kit also comes in a few different color options, so if you are mounting them on your grille, you can create some interesting combinations.
What Sets it Apart
This kit is unique because it can be used on passenger cars. Sure, any horn can be mounted to any vehicle, but these horns are compact enough to fit under the hood of most vehicles. This is important for passenger cars because large train horn kits can look out of place.
Things to Consider
Although it’s a great product in many ways, the sound is lackluster. Both horns only produce 110 decibels of sound, which pales in comparison to full-size train horn kits. Still, for passenger cars, there aren’t a lot of options in this regard without having to mount it to the hood.
If you have a larger vehicle or a commercial truck, a full-size train horn kit is a better alternative. A great example is the VaygWay Air Horn. While it produces a sound on-par with full-size train horn kits, it’s small enough to mount on passenger cars.
Who It’s For
This train horn kit is an excellent choice for people that own passenger vehicles. While they work well for most makes and models, they’re best suited for smaller cars.
This train horn kit is also an excellent product for shoppers that don’t want to worry about air compressors. This train horn kit can replace your OEM horn and runs off of your car battery, with no need for air.

Pros

Fits under the hood of passenger cars
Excellent low and high tone sound
Different color options to match your vehicle’s paint
Corrosion-resistant materials
Durable copper wires

Cons

Not as loud as full-size train horn kits
Relies on two horns instead of one

3. Best Premium Train Horn Kit: MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit

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Why we like it: This is one of the best train horn kits you can find. It comes with three horns that offer multiple tones, and a full-size compressor is included.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Decibels: 150db+
Volts: 12
Horns: 3
Installation: Expert
MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit is an excellent train horn kit that comes with everything you need. It has three powerful horns that produce enough bass to be heard even in the loudest environments. The train horn kit also comes with brackets, mounting equipment, and an air system. While there are a lot of parts, it’s not difficult to install in your driveway, but you will need some automotive knowledge.
It’s made with high-quality materials. You get 12 feet of 10 gauge wire, making it easy to install on larger vehicles. There are also a handful of assorted clamps and fuse protectors to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get damaged, even if you make a mistake.
What Sets it Apart
What really sets this apart is the air system it comes with. While it’s common to see smaller train horn kits come with an air system, larger products usually don’t. This train horn kit comes with an air system that runs up to 110 PSI, so you don’t need to worry about buying one separately.
Things to Consider
The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit comes with everything you need, but it’s expensive. The high cost is based on the air system it comes with, so if you already have one, you should consider a different product like the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn.
Who It’s For
The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit is a great product for people that need a complete and premium train horn kit. Large train horn kits don’t usually come with air systems, so this is a great choice for people that don’t want to shop for additional parts.

Pros

Comes with three powerful horns
Full-size compressor is included
Corrosion-resistant material

Cons

Expensive
Not suitable for passenger vehicles

4. Best Budget Train Horn Kit: Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn

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Why we like it: This kit is very impressive for its price. We love how you get high-quality materials at a bargain.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Price: $
Decibels: 150
Volts: 12
Horns: 1
Installation: Beginner
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a simple train horn kit that’s well-made. The horn is made with stainless steel and coated to prevent elemental damage. Even in blizzard-like conditions, this horn can be used without needing to worry. This train horn kit is also easy to install. It comes with everything you need right out of the box, and you can do it in your driveway.
While the Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn performs well, it also looks beautiful. It’s big enough to look good on larger vehicles. The compressor comes in a shiny red color, and the horn is chrome.
What Sets it Apart
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is unique because it’s portable. A portable train horn kit sounds strange, but it’s helpful if you have more than one vehicle. A great example is if you have a vehicle you plan to leave in the garage for cold winter months, and another one you use in that period. Since the kit gives you everything you need, it can be switched to a different vehicle in less than an hour.
Things to Consider
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great kit, but it’s too big for passenger cars or motorcycles. Sure, the horn kit can be attached to any vehicle, but it looks out of place on smaller cars.
If you like the trumpet-like design but need a smaller horn, the VaygWay Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s as loud as bigger trumpet horns, but it has a compact design that fits well on motorcycles and passenger cars.
Who It’s For
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great choice for anyone that needs a budget-friendly train horn kit for a commercial or light truck. It’s as loud as other horns for a lower price, and it fits well on vehicles of all sizes.

Pros

Durable chrome materials
Weather-resistant
Comes with a compressor
Comes with wires, mount, and required hardware

Cons

Too big for smaller vehicles

5. Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn

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Why we like it: Zone Tech did a great job with this train horn kit. While it’s difficult to install, it works as well as expensive train horn kits for half the cost.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Decibels: 150d
Volts: 12
Horns: 1
Installation: Expert
This is a high-quality horn that has a subtle shine to it. The chrome material is resistant to most weather conditions and doesn’t dull or rust. This train horn kit can also fit most vehicles, including trains, trailers, motorcycles, vans, boats, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, it’s too big to fit on smaller passenger cars.
The Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is also easy to install. All of the parts you need come in the box, including the compressor and mounting parts. As long as you have the tools, it can be done in your driveway. While it’s a simple product, it performs as well as top-tier train horn kits.
What Sets it Apart
This is an excellent product because the compressor is on-par with more expensive train horn kits. One of the first things to go on most train horn kits is the air system, but Zone Tech made a durable and affordable compressor. While it’s small, it gets the job done and lasts a long time.
Things to Consider
It’s not perfect though. While the compressor and horn work well, the horn is difficult to install. Most single-horn products take less than an hour to install, but this train horn kit is time-consuming.
If you like this horn but need one that’s quicker to install, the Zento is a great alternative. It’s almost identical to this train horn kit, but it’s easier to install.
Who it’s For
The Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great product for people that need a high-quality train horn kit for a low price. You’ll have to spend a lot of time getting it installed, but if you’re patient, it’s worth the time and money. It performs as well as premium train horn kits.

Pros

Powerful and loud full-size horn
Durable materials resistant to corrosion
Fits most vehicles

Cons

Not a great fit for passenger cars
Difficult to install on most vehicles

6. Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit

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Why we like it: The Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit caught our attention because of its safety features. We love how there are copper wires, fuse protectors, and brass pins to prevent battery damage.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Decibels: 150db
Volts: 12V
Horns: 1
Installation: Beginner
The Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit is simple and powerful. It has a good sound range that travels a great distance and comes with everything you need. The train horn kit includes an air system, mounting brackets, nuts, and bolts. This makes it an easy product to install in your driveway, and it shouldn’t take more than one hour.
It’s also made with high-quality materials. The stainless steel parts are resistant to high winds, rain, snow, and even hail. The horn is also small enough to fit well on light trucks, vans, and motorcycles.
What Sets It Apart
It’s unique because it comes with high-end features for its low price. It comes with a built-in fuse protector to make sure you don’t blow a fuse and damage your vehicle. All of the connections are also made with high-quality copper wire and brass pins that are safe for your vehicle’s battery. It’s one of the most reliable train horn kits you can use.
Things to Consider
The Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit uses high-quality parts, but it’s not big enough for large trucks or commercial vehicles. When used on larger vehicles, it looks out of place, and the lack of bass causes engine noise to drown out the sound of the horn.
If you’re shopping for a commercial vehicle, or diesel truck, the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a great alternative. The price isn’t too much higher, and you’ll need your own air system, but it’s better for commercial vehicles.
Who It’s For
This is a great product for people that need an affordable and reliable train horn kit. The copper wire, brass pins, and fuse protector make it safe to use and install on most vehicles. For the price, it’s unique to see these types of safety features implemented. It makes the installation process less of a headache, even if you make a mistake.

Pros

Low price
Corrosion-resistant
Quick installation
Comes with everything you need

Cons

Too small for large trucks and commercial trucks

7. Loudest Train Horn Kit: Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn

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Why we like it: The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn comes with a lot of horns that produce a distinct sound. We love how loud this train horn kit is and how quickly it commands attention.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Decibels: 150db
Volts: 12V and 24V
Horns: 4
Installation: Expert
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a powerful and premier train horn kit. It comes with four horns that produce a loud sound with great bass. The horn kit is also made with high-quality steel parts. From the mounting hardware to the horns, every piece of steel is resistant to harsh weather conditions. High winds and blizzards won’t come close to damaging this horn.
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn also comes with most of what you need to install it. You’ll need your own onboard air system, but all of the mounting hardware and screws are included. The installation can also be done in your driveway. Naturally, it’s quite a bit harder than single trumpet horns, but it’s possible.
What Sets it Apart
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is unique because of the number of horns it comes with. It’s common to see train horn kits that come with 1-3 horns, but with this kit, you get four. An extra horn doesn’t seem like much, but it provides additional base and more sound protection over greater distances.
Things to Consider
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is great, but it doesn’t come with an air system. This means you’ll need to find one yourself if you don’t have one already. So, while the cost of the horn kit is low, this product can end up costing additional money as compressors are expensive.
If you like the sound quality of this train horn kit, but don’t have your own compressor, the MPC train horn is a great alternative. While it only has three horns instead of four, it comes with an air system.
Who It’s For
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a great horn kit for expert shoppers looking to upgrade. If you’re already running an air system, you’ll have everything you need to install the horn. If you already have a train horn kit installed, but it’s not loud enough, this product is worth it.

Pros

Comes with four powerful horns
Sleek black style
Louder than most train horn kits
Compatible with more than one battery type

Cons

The air system is not included
Not suitable for small vehicles
Difficult to install

8. Best Train Horn Kit for Commercial Vehicles: Grand General Chrome Train Horn

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Why we like it: This kit looks as nice as it sounds. It boasts an impressive three horns and can run on multiple PSI settings.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Decibels: 140+
Volts: 12V
Horns: 3
Installation: Expert
The Grand General is an impressive train horn kit. It comes with three trumpet style horns that project a powerful sound. Unlike most single trumpet horns, you can customize the sound however you want. The additional horns provide a range of bass to project low tones, and you can change how loud the horns are because it operates between 70-140 PSI.
The kit is also made with commercial-grade materials. The horns are made with stainless steel that’s resistant to rust, and the chrome-brass horns work in all weather conditions. This train horn set also comes with most of the parts you need to install it in your driveway, except for the air compressor and hoses.
What Sets it Apart
It’s unique because you have a lot of choices. Many train horn kits rely on one blaring sound, but you can choose the noise level and bass level. This is a great feature if you’ll be driving through congested metropolitan areas in the day and long highways at night, giving you a chance to adjust it to produce the sound you need.
Things to Consider
Overall, this is an excellent train horn kit, but it’s not easy to install. To make matters worse, it doesn’t come with everything you need to use it. The air compressor is not included, and you’ll need to use your own hoses.
If you’re looking for a simple train horn kit that comes with everything you need, the Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great alternative. It has a similar sound output but is far easier to install and needs no extras.
Who It’s For
The Grand General 69991 Chrome Heavy Duty Train Horn is a great choice for people with commercial vehicles. Heavy trucks and 18-wheelers are loud vehicles, so you’ll need a horn that other drivers can hear over the roaring diesel engine. While it can work on passenger cars and light trucks, it looks and feels out of place.

Pros

Comes with three powerful horns
Shiny chrome finish that’s Corrosion-resistant
Perfect for commercial vehicles

Cons

Only suitable for commercial vehicles
No air system included
Difficult to install

9. VaygWay Air Horn

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Why we like it: The VaygWay Air Horn is impressive because of the noise it produces from its compact size. We also love how straightforward the installation process is and how inexpensive it is.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Decibels: 150db
Volts: 12V
Installation: Beginner
The VaygWay Air Horn is an affordable and straightforward train horn kit. It comes with everything you need to install it right out of the box. While it’s affordable, the sound and quality is on-par with more expensive brands. It produces up to 150 decibels of sound and uses high-quality materials that are resistant to the elements.
The VaygWay Air Horn is also compact and designed for any vehicle that uses a 12-volt battery. So, the horn can be used on cars, light trucks, heavy trucks, motorcycles, vans, busses, and more. Overall, it’s an excellent product that offers great value.
What Sets it Apart
The VaygWay Air Horn is unique because of its price and compact size. The low price makes it appropriate for any budget, and the small size helps it fit most vehicles. Even if you use it on a passenger car or motorcycle, it doesn’t look out of place.
Things to Consider
The VaygWay Air Horn is excellent for its price, but there are a few drawbacks worth noting. First and foremost, it’s not as durable as more expensive train horn kits. While it’s still fairly durable, plastic parts simply don’t last as long as steel or stainless steel. The other issue is the need for a 12V battery. Some train horns rely on either a battery or compressor, but you’ll need both for this product.
If you’re looking for a train horn kit that has better parts, the GAMPRO Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s similar in price but uses chrome zinc instead of plastic.
Who It’s For
The VaygWay Air Horn is a great train horn kit for casual shoppers. It’s a great item to experiment with to determine if a train horn kit is a good fit. Plus, if you have a smaller vehicle, you can still find value in this horn kit because of its compact size.

Pros

Compact size
Suitable for most vehicles
Corrosion-resistant materials
Quick installation with everything in the box
Low price

Cons

Not as loud as other train horn kits
Not as durable as other products

10. Carfka Air Train Horn Hit

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Why we like it: We like the Carfka Air Train Horn Kit because it’s easy to install and affordable.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Decibels: 150db
Volts: 12V
Installation: Beginner
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is a unique train horn that’s big, loud, and easy to install. It’s made with durable chrome zinc materials that don’t succumb to rust easily, and it’s loud enough to be heard in noisy areas. The train horn kit also comes with all of the parts you need to install it. It comes with mounting parts, copper wires, fuses, and an air system.
While the Carfka Air Train Horn Kit comes with a lot of parts, nothing is particularly complicated to install. As a result, the installation can be done in your driveway, as long as you have a few tools handy.
What Sets it Apart
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is unique because it comes with enough parts to be able to mount it anywhere on your vehicle. It can be mounted underneath your car, under the hood, on the roof, on the side of a motorcycle, or even on your door. While it’s large, it’s a versatile train horn kit.
Things to Consider
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit performs as advertised, but some of the features are useless. While it can be installed anywhere, that doesn’t mean it should be installed everywhere. For example, it looks funny under the hood of passenger cars or on the side of motorcycles.
If you drive a smaller vehicle and want a more compact train horn kit, the VaygWay Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s small enough to fit under the hood of passenger cars, and it’s as loud as larger train horn kits.
Who It’s For
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is a great choice for shoppers that need a cheap and reliable train horn kit. While some of the materials are cheap, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. Still, it’s best suited for large trucks, commercial trucks, and boats.

Pros

Low cost
Loud sound
Easy to install
Comes with everything you need for installation

Cons

Some of the materials are cheap
The horn feels flimsy

The Complete Guide to Train Horn Kits

When you have the best train horn kits in front of you, it’s easier to make a decision. Still, you need to be careful when selecting a train horn kit. You want to make sure you know all of the facts and what works for your vehicle. So, we’re going to take you through a handful of shopping tips to help you narrow your options down.
Choosing the Right Train Horn Kit for Your Vehicle
The best place to start when you’re shopping for a train horn kit is with your vehicle. Before you decide on a product, it’s essential to know which train horn kits are compatible. There are a few different types available, so we’re going to take you through a few examples.
Motorcycles
We’ll start small with motorcycles. Motorcycles are small vehicles, so you’ll need a compact train horn kit. While motorcycles are small, their engines produce a lot of noise. For this reason, many motorcyclists rely on train horns. Unfortunately, this makes shopping for one tricky because you need the sound of a full-size train horn in a small package.
If you have a motorcycle, hope is not lost. The VaygWay Air Horn is an excellent choice because of its size and volume. It’s smaller than most train horn kits, so it won’t look ridiculous on your motorcycle, but it creates the same level of noise.
Passenger Cars
Many people believe that train horns are reserved for trucks, but that’s not the case. Everyone can benefit from a train horn kit, even if you drive a coupe or sedan. Your options are limited because most products won’t look right on a small vehicle, but some train horn kits can be mounted under the hood or on your grille.
The Hella kit is a great choice because it comes with two loud horns that fit under the hood of any vehicle.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are a fan-favorite for train horn kits. Their size makes them appealing because they can mount most products on the roof, and it adds to a truck’s aggressive look. Plus, some pickup trucks are diesel, so they need a louder horn.
If you have a pickup truck, there are a lot of options. You can go with a train horn kit that’s affordable and easy to install, like the Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit or a more complex product like the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles rely on loud engines that create a lot of noise. For this reason, commercial trucks typically have train horn kits to make sure other drivers hear them. Still, some commercial vehicles don’t come with loud enough horns.
If you’re shopping for a commercial vehicle, you’ll need a loud and capable train horn kit. While most train horn kits are noisy, a product that has more than one horn is more suitable. The Grand General Chrome Heavy-Duty Train Horn is a great choice. It comes with three stainless steel trumpet horns that can survive any weather condition and be heard in all environments.
Finding a Train Horn Kit You can Install at Home

If your current horn is damaged, or you’re not looking to spend all day installing a train horn kit, getting your hands on one that’s easy to install is essential. What counts as easy-to-install depends on your technical know-how, so we’re going to take you through the best horns for each difficulty level.
Beginner Level
If you’re not great at working on cars, don’t sweat it, there are plenty of train horn kits that are hassle-free to work with. Still, you’re going to need some tools and the courage to assemble a product. You’ll also want to look for products that don’t require an air compressor because they make things complicated.
A great beginner level horn to start with is the Hella kit, because it doesn’t require an air compressor to function.
Advanced Level
Advanced level train horn kits are the most common products you’ll find. Advanced train horn kits can be done in your driveway, but you’ll need to connect an air compressor. This makes the installation process difficult, so you’ll want to look over the instructions carefully.
The most straightforward advanced train horn kit to install is the Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn. While it uses a compressor, it comes with everything you need and easy to read instructions.
Expert Level
Expert level train horn kits sound intimidating, but they can still be done at home if you have the parts you need. What makes these train horn kits challenging to install is their lack of an air system or complicated installation process.
Luckily, there is one horn that comes with everything you need right out of the box. The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Horn Kit is an excellent example of an expert level product that’s still relatively easy to install.
FAQ
Are there Laws for Train Horn Kits?
Train horn kits are loud, and the United States government has taken steps to reduce the public’s exposure to loud noise levels. Some U.S. states have laws in place to keep horns below 110 decibels, but every state is different. Luckily, every state has its noise codes available online. Usually, you won’t have any problems if you use your horn correctly.
What is a Safe Decibel Level?
If you’ve ever had your eardrums ring, you know that some noises are too loud. This makes train horn kits dangerous if you blast the horn for too long because they’re 150 decibels. Luckily, short bursts typically won’t cause you or anyone else harm.
How Loud are Train Horn Kits?
Train horn kits are very loud products. OEM horns are typically 106 decibels, but train horns reach up to 150 decibels. So, what does 150 decibels sound like? Think of a jet taking off. Not only is that loud, but it’s loud enough for people within 200 yards to hear you loud and clear.
Is a Train Horn Kit Necessary?
If you’re looking to upgrade your factory car horn, you’re probably wondering if train horn kits are necessary. While some people view them as obnoxious, they can keep you and other drivers safe by commanding attention. Also, if you drive a vehicle with a loud engine or exhaust, a train horn kit can make sure drivers know you’re honking the horn.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right train horn kit is not always easy. There is a lot to consider. You want to make sure that you have the know-how to get the job done and that it’s loud enough for other drivers to hear. Luckily, after reading this guide, you know everything you need to know about train horn kits.
Always be sure to shop based on your needs and vehicle. While some train horn kits work for some, it might not fit your vehicle. As long as you shop carefully and keeping your needs in mind – and know what to look for – finding the best train horn kit is a breeze. More

Do you remember the very first time that you got behind the wheel of your car? Whether you bought new or used, the interior of your car was likely clean, polished, and awaiting your arrival. Though, over time, it’s more than likely that your car’s interior has transformed into a mess of fast-food wrappers, loose papers, and this morning’s coffee receipt.
It’s about time you prioritize the cleanliness of your car’s interior, though. Not only will keeping your car clean make for a more enjoyable drive for both you and passengers alike, but it will also improve the longevity of your car’s interior.
Fortunately, there are an endless number of car interior cleaners on the market. Not all car interior cleaners were created equally, though. If you’re on the hunt for the best products to keep things spick-and-span, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, which also covers all of the tips and tricks you need to keep the interior of your car cleaner than ever.

The Complete Guide: How to Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean
We have sorted through the bestsellers and forever favorites to find the best car interior cleaners of 2020. Check out our top picks below!
Picking the Best Car Interior Cleaners of 2020
When it comes to choosing the best car interior cleaner for your car, there are several things to consider. Not only should you think about how often and what types of messes you anticipate cleaning, you must also think about the cost of a product, what it does, and how easy it is to use.
Versatility
Some car interior cleaners are more versatile than others. While some cleaners are made specifically for cars, others can also be used on boats, planes, and even on indoor surfaces in your house. From leather cleaners to plastic cleaners, the best car interior cleaners are the ones that can be used in a multitude of ways.
Ease of Use
Cleaning the interior of your car shouldn’t be complicated. The products you use to clean the interior of your car shouldn’t be complicated either. When buying a car interior cleaner, consider how it must be used. Is it a simple disposable wipe? Or does the cleaner require you to have additional tools on hand?
Protection
Several car interior cleaners not only clean the interior of your car but also provide it with lasting protection after you’ve given it a thorough scrubbing. Such cleaners can also help to ensure the longevity of your car’s interior, making them a particularly valuable product.
Affordability
Even if you’re a car enthusiast, you likely don’t want to spend more than you have to when purchasing car interior cleaners. Fortunately, today’s market offers several options to pick from, all of which range in price. Whether you’re currently pinching pennies or are ready to treat yourself, you’ll be sure to find a car interior cleaner that doesn’t break the bank.

Top 10 Best Car Interior Cleaners 2020

1. Best Overall Car Interior Cleaner: CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit

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Why we like it: There’s a reason CarGuys has dubbed this car interior cleaner as a super cleaner. This all-purpose cleaner is for use on multiple surfaces and even comes with its own microfiber towel.
Editor’s Rating:

The CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit isn’t like other car interior cleaners. Instead, it’s better. Using the latest advancements in nanotechnology, this multi-surface car interior cleaner effectively lifts away dirt and grime without requiring the use of additional solvents or tools. Not to mention, the CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit can be used on different types of surfaces, including fabric upholstery, leather, vinyl, plastic, and more.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, this car interior cleaning kit knows just how to please. Because this car interior cleaner uses the newest advancements in nanotechnology, it’s able to effectively clean a variety of surfaces, although if you need a specific product for every surface, check out this full cleaning kit.
Ease of Use
This car interior cleaner is remarkably easy to use. First things first, vacuum all loose dirt and debris from your vehicle’s interior. Then, spray the cleaner directly onto the included cleaning cloth and wipe down the interior of your car. For surfaces with more grime, spray the cleaner directly onto the surface and scrub with the cleaning cloth. When you’re ready to dry, simply turn over the cleaning cloth and buff dry.
Protection
There aren’t many downsides to the CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit until it comes to protecting your car’s interior from future grime. While some car interior cleaners offer a layer of protection against accumulating dirt, the CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit does not.
Affordability
The CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit comes with one 16 ounce bottle of cleaner and one microfiber cloth. Though the kit does come with two products, some might consider it costly. As effective as this cleaner may be, it’s more expensive than other products.

Pros

Comes with towel
Cleans multiple surfaces
Leaves clean finish
Easily removes stains

Cons

Pricey
No protective coating

2. Best Kit for Cleaning the Interior of Your Car: Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit

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Why we like it: For new and seasoned car owners alike, this car care kit makes taking care of your car easier than you could have ever imagined.
Editor’s Rating:

Not everyone wants to spend a considerable amount of time researching the products they use to clean their car. There are also those who don’t have the time to spend finding the perfect mix of products to use on their car’s interior. For those in need of an all-encompassing car cleaning kit, Meguiar has got you covered. This kit includes 12 premium car cleaning products, each of which will clean and protect the interior of your car.
Versatility
Seeing as this kit comes with 12 products, you can count on it achieving a 10/10 when it comes to versatility. Use the Quik Detailer to clean the inside of your car’s interior, then opt for the PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish to revitalize the plastic in your car. No need to buy a separate liquid cleaner with your microfiber towels.
Ease of Use
Each of the products included in Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit is fairly easy to use. Most of the products included in the kit are sprays, and only require that you use a microfiber towel. Always be sure to read through a product’s directions before using it, as some of these products can damage materials that they’re not intended for.
Protection
This car cleaning kit boasts several products designed to protect your car’s interior. Not only do the wax bricks help to protect your car’s interior from blemishes and discoloration, but many of the included cleaning sprays are also able to quickly remove the contaminants taking up residence in your car’s interior.
Affordability
This car cleaning kit does come at a price. Though considering this kit boasts 12 premium car cleaning products, it’s easy to understand why Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit is more expensive than other car interior cleaners on the market.

Pros

Great price
Easy to use
Includes everything

Cons

Takes up space
Bottles can leak

3. Best Budget Car Interior Cleaner: Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant

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Why we like it: Boasting a wallet-friendly price tag and multiple uses, this car interior cleaner is a great pick for budget shoppers.
Editor’s Rating:

Chemical Guys know what it takes to create an effective car interior cleaner. Not only is the Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant able to effectively remove dirt, dust, and oils, but it’s also designed to protect the interior of your car from UV rays, dust, and dirt.
Versatility
The Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant is the ultimate car interior cleaner. Formulated using a unique set of conditioners, this car interior cleaner is meant for use on dashboards, door panels, steering wheels, shift knobs, seats, glass surfaces, and LCD screens. Furthermore, consider that this spray is able to not only clean but protect your car’s interior, and it’s safe to say that Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant was created with versatility in mind.
Ease of Use
Much like other car interior cleaning sprays, the Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant is very simple to use. First, grab a clean microfiber towel and spray it two to three times. Then, wipe down the interior of your car to remove dirt, dust, and body oil. Once you have finished wiping down the interior of your car, use the other side of the microfiber towel to buff out excess product.
Protection
If your goal is to maintain the original appearance of your car’s interior, look no further than the Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant. Equipped with premium sun blockers and UV reflectors, this car interior cleaner not only cleans but also protects your vehicle’s interior from damaging sunlight. Meanwhile, enzymatic odor eliminators put a stop to unpleasant orders, replacing them instead with the fresh scent of baby powder or pineapple. Keep in mind that for some, these scents can come on strong, so sensitive noses beware.
Affordability
For budget shoppers, Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant is a great option. The product is available in multiple sizes, each of which is affordably priced. To really get the most bang for your buck though, opt for the 1-gallon container. Although if you just need a quick clean, you might prefer a smaller bottle of liquid cleaner.

Pros

Excellent UV protection
Quick and easy to use
Lifts and removes dirt
Anti-static technology repels dust

Cons

Strong scent

4. Best Leather Cleaner for Leather Car Interiors: Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit

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Why we like it: This car interior cleaner is pH balanced, making it the most effective for cleaning leather car interiors. It’s also formulated to preserve your car’s leather interior while so it continues to look as fresh as the day you picked it up from the dealership.
Editor’s Rating:

The Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit aren’t like other car interior cleaners on the market. Instead, it was dutifully crafted with leather car interiors in mind. Proper cleaning is absolutely crucial to keeping your car’s leather interior in pristine condition, making this car interior cleaner a valuable addition to your car care kit.
Versatility
Since this product is exclusively for leather, if you’re the proud owner of a sedan outfitted with fabric upholstery, this car interior cleaner just isn’t for you. Unless you have a boat outfitted with leather seating or have a house full of leather sectionals, you won’t get much use out of the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit unless you have a car with a leather interior.
Ease of Use
Using the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit does take a considerable amount of time and effort. To get started, you need not only the leather cleaning kit, but also a leather cleaning brush, a microfiber towel (we’d recommend these) and a microfiber pad.
Spray the leather cleaner directly on to the bristles of the leather cleaning brush. Then, scrub the interior of your car. Once you have finished, use a microfiber cloth to wipe up excess product. After you’ve wiped away any extra product, use a microfiber pad to evenly spread the leather conditioner over the interior of your car.
Protection
If you want to keep the leather interior of your car in top-notch condition, it’s important to choose car interior cleaners that were created with leather in mind. While the leather cleaner lifts and separates dirt and grease taking up space within the pores of your car’s leather interior, the leather conditioner replenishes essential nutrients like Vitamin E that are regularly depleted by harsh elements like the sun. Use the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit and your car’s leather interior will feel clean, look great, and be protected from everyday wear and tear.
Affordability
This car interior cleaning kit comes with not one, but two bottles: a leather cleaner and a leather conditioner. Fortunately, the kit is affordably priced, particularly when you consider each product has been formulated in such a way that you can get expect to get several uses out of each bottle. Consider that this car interior cleaner will also help ensure the longevity of your car’s interior, and this leather cleaning car interior kit becomes an even better buy.

Pros

pH balanced
Lifts and suspends dirt and oils
Reduces UV damage

Cons

Requires extra tools
Time-consuming to use
Strong smell

5. Easiest Car Interior Cleaner to Use: Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes

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Why we like it: Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes are convenient, affordably priced, and made to keep your car’s interior clean.
Editor’s Rating:

If you’re chasing after that freshly detailed look but aren’t ready to bog yourself down with a laundry list of different car interior cleaners, then consider the Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes. Made for those looking for an easy-to-use car interior cleaner, these wipes make keeping your car’s interior clean an absolute breeze.
Versatility
While the cleaning wipes remove dirt and grime, the leather-specific wipes are primarily meant to clean, condition and protect the leather interior of your car. Though the cleaning wipes can be used on multiple surfaces, the leather wipes are truly meant for leather surfaces only.
Ease of Use
Using these wipes is as easy as opening the moisture-locking lid, grabbing a wipe or two, and wiping down the interior of your car. Once you’ve finished having done so, simply dispose of the wipe and you are good to hit the road.
Protection
These wipes provide minimal protection. Unlike other car interior cleaners on the list, these wipes are made to clean the interior of your car, and not much more. Though the leather cleaning wipes can help protect against spills and stains, they won’t provide nearly as much protection as a leather-specific car interior cleaner would.
Affordability
With two containers and 30 wipes per container, Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes seem like a great deal. To really determine their cost though, it’s worth considering how often you plan on cleaning the interior of your car. Though these wipes are definitely on the cheaper side, it’s going to take more than one wipe to clean your car’s interior, meaning that you could polish off these car interior cleaning wipes within just a few cleanings.

Pros

Convenient to use
Remove dirt and grime
Safe for delicate surfaces
Outfitted with moisture-locking lid

Cons

Doesn’t offer protection
Takes several wipes to clean

6. Most Versatile Car Interior Cleaner: Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer

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Why we like it: Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer is an all-in-one car interior cleaner that uses built-in antimicrobial technology to clean the interior of your car while also preventing unpleasant bacteria growth on the surface of your car’s interior.
Editor’s Rating:

If you’re in the market for an all-in-one car interior cleaner that’s as affordable as it is versatile, Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer makes for a good choice. This car interior cleaner uses Microban protection to prevent dirt, grime, and bacteria from building up in your car’s interior while also using powerful odor neutralizers to keep your car smelling fresh. It contains special UV blocking agents, odor neutralizers, and anti-static additives to really ensure that it’s getting the job done properly too.
Versatility
We said it before and we’ll say it again, this product is versatile. Though it was formulated to clean your car, it also provides continuous protection from bacteria, protects against sun damage, and prevents static from overtaking your car’s interior.
Ease of Use
Much like other car interior cleaning sprays, Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer is very easy to use. Spray Adam’s Interior Detailer with Microban onto the surface of your car’s interior, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior of your car, and then use the clean side of the cloth to remove any residual cleaning fluids. Watch out though, the sprayer on this bottle can malfunction, leading to inconvenient leaks and poorly distributed product. To get the most out of Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer, consider having a second spray nozzle on hand.
Protection
From its antimicrobial technology to its UV blockers, Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer makes nary a compromise when it comes to protecting the interior of your car. Count on this car cleaning solution to not only clean up messes but also prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
Affordability
Considering the many uses this one-step car interior cleaning solution has to offer, its price really isn’t too bad. Spend less than $20 to enjoy a full 20 ounces of this car cleaning solution.

Pros

Built-in antimicrobial technology
Features powerful odor neutralizers
Safe to use on multiple surfaces

Cons

Sprayer can malfunction

7. Best Car Interior Cleaner for Plastic Surfaces: Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish

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Why we like it: The plastic surfaces in your car deserve just as much care as leather and fabric. Fortunately, Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish is more than capable of getting the job done.
Editor’s Rating:

Your car is likely outfitted with a considerable amount of plastic. Though spraying that plastic with a blast of universal cleaner might sound enticing, household cleaning products are not formulated with your car’s interior in mind. Instead, opt for a car interior cleaner that was designed specifically to clean and protect the plastic surfaces throughout your car’s interior.
Versatility
Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, and Polish was originally developed for the aviation industry. Clearly, its use extends well beyond the aviation industry. The product can be used on any plastic surface. Use it to clean vinyl windows, laminated surfaces, and even computer screens such as the navigation system of your vehicle.
Ease of Use
Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, and Polish comes outfitted with a convenient aerosol applicator and takes minimal effort to use. Simply point the canister at the plastic surface you would like to clean, spray, and wipe away the spray using a microfiber cloth.
Protection
Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, and Polish isn’t just for cleaning the interior of your car. It also provides long term protection for plastic surfaces and will help to ensure your car’s interior holds up for miles to come. By sealing the pores of the plastic surfaces throughout your car’s interior with a micro-thin layer of protective wax, this car interior cleaner helps plastic resist damage caused by debris, oil, and scratches.
Affordability
We won’t beat around the bush, the Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, and Polish is expensive. For budget-conscious shoppers, the price of this car cleaning solution may have your jaw hitting the floor. However, if you’re committed to keeping the interior of your car clean and protected, this product is well worth the spend.

Pros

Protective wax seals plastic
Leaves plastics vibrant
Convenient aerosol applicator

8. Best Microfiber Towel for Cleaning Your Car: Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels

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Why we like it: Every car owner should have a set of high-quality microfiber towels on hand. Not only do these towels come in multi-packs, but they’re also extremely absorbent.
Editor’s Rating:

Cleaning your car with a roll of paper towels isn’t only wasteful, it can also scratch interior plastics and screens. That’s why we recommend stocking up on microfiber towels for cleaning your car. Fortunately, these microfiber towels from Chemical Guys are more than capable of handling the job. Whether you’re wiping down leather or plastic, these microfiber towels will be sure to please even the choosiest of car enthusiasts.
Versatility
Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels are capable of handling multiple surfaces, whether that means cleaning the interior of your car or using them to wipe down your computer screen. Choose these wipes and we can promise you’ll find yourself using them around the house faster than it takes to get from 0 to 60 mph behind the wheel of your favorite sportscar.
Ease of Use
Using these towels really comes down to what type of product you’re using them with. Before cleaning the interior of your car, be sure to understand how best to use microfiber towels alongside of the car interior cleaners you will also be using.
Protection
This may surprise you, but these towels do offer a considerable amount of protection in the way that they resist scratching car parts. Outfitted with silk banded edges and featuring premium microfiber materials, these towels are scratch and lint-free. Remember to tag the tag off the towel before using it. Forget, and you could risk compromising the scratch-free nature of this microfiber car towel.
Affordability
These towels definitely cost more than your average hand towel. Though, that shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Do you really want to wipe down your car’s interior using a subpar towel you dug out of the clearance bin at Walmart? No, probably not. That’s what makes these towels well worth the price. Sure, they may be expensive, but they’re also banded with silk, lint-free, and able to withstand multiple cycles in the washer.

Pros

Extremely absorbent
Comes in a pack of 3 or 6 towels
Silk edges mean scratch-free results
Able to pick up dirt

Cons

Requires laundering
The tag can be problematic

9. Best Car Interior Protectant: 303 UV Protectant Spray

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Why we like it: This car interior cleaner features powerful UV blockers, repels dust and stains, and can be used on multiple different surfaces.
Editor’s Rating:

Imagine it’s a sunny day. You throw on your shades, get behind the wheel and you’re good to go. What about the interior of your car, though? Is there such thing as protecting your vehicle’s interior from the sun’s harmful UV rays? You betcha. Originally engineered for aerospace and aviation, 303 UV Protect Spray is designed to protect your car’s interior from harmful UV rays. Not to mention, this spray is formulated to repel dust and stains too and can be used on vinyl, fiberglass, carbon fiber, rubber, plastic and finished leather surfaces.
Versatility
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, get ready to put 303 UV Protect Spray at the top of your shopping list. Not only is this car interior cleaner able to protect your car’s interior from UV rays, but because it’s water-based, it can also be used on athletic equipment, patio furniture, and more.
Ease of Use
Using 303 UV Protect Spray is as easy as spraying your car’s plastic surfaces down and then wiping them completely dry. Keep in mind that this car interior cleaner does not air dry and that additional buffing with a dry cloth can increase the longevity and effectiveness of the dry.
Protection
Protectant is in the product name, so you better believe 303 UV Protect Spray was formulated to take care of your car’s interior. This car interior cleaner is not only able to protect against fading, discoloration, and cracking caused by UV rays but it’s also formulated to keep dust and stains at bay.
Affordability
When it comes to pricing, 303 UV Protect Spray is costly. Though it comes with 32 ounces of UV protectant spray, it does so for a price. For those looking to save their pennies rather than spend them, 303 UV Protect Spray can be a pricey option. It’s not necessarily a bad value, though, as it will help to ensure the longevity of your car’s interior.

Pros

Provides UV protection
Repels dust and stains
Leaves matte finish
Non-toxic
Easy to use

Cons

Expensive
Does not air dry

10. Best Portable Vacuum for Car Interiors: Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner: High Power Corded Handheld Vacuum w/16-foot cable

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Why we like it: Not everyone has the time to visit the local car wash for a quick vacuum, so a quick once-over with a portable vacuum can really clean things up.
Editor’s Rating:

There’s something about sitting in your car, opening a bag of potato chips, and then proceeding to drop that bag on the floor in front of you. Just imagine, heaps upon heaps of potato chip crumbs taking up residence in your car’s interior. That’s what makes having a portable car vacuum cleaner on hand so convenient. Fortunately, this one comes with a convenient carry bag and doesn’t need an external power source.
Versatility
This vacuum cleaner can really suck up just about anything. From tiny crumbs to clumps of dog hair, you can count on this vacuum cleaner to rid your car’s interior. Don’t overlook the multiple attachments that this vacuum cleaner comes with, either. Multiple nozzles and a built-in LED light will allow you to vacuum all of the hard to reach nooks and crannies in your car as well.
Ease of Use
Using this car vacuum is as simple as plugging it into the 12V lighter port of your car and turning it on. With 16-feet of cable, this vacuum cleaner also makes cleaning the entirety of your car’s interior quick and easy. The only trouble with this vacuum, really, is deciding where to put it as it is somewhat bulky. Our tip? Leave it in the garage.
Protection
Though this vacuum doesn’t offer long-lasting protection, there are many reasons to vacuum your car’s interior on a regular basis. In doing so, you’re removing dust and debris from the interior of your car. Not only does that help keep your car clean, but it also helps to ensure the longevity of soft surfaces like carpets and seats.
Affordability
This Portable Vacuum Cleaner costs about what you expect. Though it’s certainly not dollar-store-cheap, its price in no way rivals that of a Dyson. Unfortunately, though, you’ll still have to buy additional products like this cleaning kit to take care of the hard surfaces in your vehicle.

Pros

Comes with carrying bag
Plugs into 12V lighter port
Built-in LED light
Multiple nozzles

Guide to Buying the Best Car Interior Cleaners
In this section, we will review what you should consider when choosing the best car interior cleaners for your vehicle.
Tips for Cleaning the Interior of Your Car
Cleaning is less of a chore when you know how to do it well. Be systematic with your car cleaning and follow these tips to help save time and energy.
Before using a new product, always do a patch test. Test the product in an inconspicuous area of your car’s interior to confirm it doesn’t negatively impact the fabrics or plastics in your car.
Car interior cleaners vary when it comes to application. Get in the habit of reading the directions before cleaning the interior of your car. Remember to pay attention to specific techniques mentioned in the directions too.
Before you go through the trouble of bringing out your cleaning supplies, make sure your car is free of trash, debris, and your everyday items. Doing so will not only make cleaning your car faster but will also prevent you from losing track of items in your car.
Having multiple microfiber towels on hand is very important. Use them to distribute car cleaning solutions throughout the interior of your car and to wipe away excess products.
If you’re having trouble reaching a particular space in your car, try using a thinner vacuum nozzle to clear out dirt and debris.
Consider cleaning your car at regular, scheduled intervals. Making a habit out of car cleaning makes it easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Messes are You Cleaning?
There’s a benefit to understanding what types of messes you expect to clean up in your car. If you work with your car and anticipate having to clean the interior of your car throughout the day, a product like Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re a parent and regularly anticipate having to track down crumbs, a portable vacuum cleaner might be the best option for you. Regardless, understanding the types of messes you expect to clean up allows you to buy products that are designed to fit your exact car cleaning needs.
How Often Do You Plan on Cleaning?
If you plan on cleaning your car multiple times per month, keep in mind how much a product costs versus how much product you get and just how far that product goes. If you plan on cleaning the interior of your car regularly, it might be worth it to buy something with all of the products you need like Meguiar’s Full Cleaning Kit. It shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, but it should last for a decent enough period of time so that you’re not regularly robbing your savings account on the quest to keep your car clean.
How Much Time Do You Want to Spend Cleaning?
For a car enthusiast, cleaning your vehicle’s interior can serve as a moment of zen. For others, cleaning their car is a chore. While car enthusiasts may not be opposed to using multiple types of interior cleaners when cleaning, others might prefer an all-in-one product like Adam’s Microban Interior Detailer because of its ability to clean and protect simultaneously.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning a car’s interior is an inconvenient chore that’s made much easier by having effective products at your disposal. Whether you require a full cleaning kit, a liquid cleaner, or you just need some microfiber towels, the right tools for the job will have you spick-and-span in no time. More

Camping is the most relaxing experience you can have without four margaritas and a hot tub. Or with four margaritas, we don’t judge your camping preferences. Setting up camp can be a chore, though. You have to find a place where the ground isn’t covered in ants, fight with tent poles, yell into the darkness when you find out your camp hammer didn’t make it into the stake bag, etc. Wouldn’t it be nice if your tent was just attached to your car and set up in minutes?
Good news, that’s exactly what a rooftop tent is.

Choosing the Right Rooftop Tent
This guide is here to help you get out there and make the most out of the beautiful rock we call Earth. In it, you’ll find quick info on choosing the perfect rooftop tent for your situation. Following that will be a review section where we will look at ten of the best tents on the market right now. Finally, at the bottom, we have an in-depth section so you can fine-tune the decision-making process. First things first, though: are you sure a rooftop tent is for you?
Why Rooftop Tents Are Awesome
We go over the finer points and compare the pros and cons here, but this is a quick start guide. We’re comfortable just telling you that rooftop tents are awesome and totally worth it. Be honest, what would you rather do? Sleep above the critters on a clean mattress, or sleep on the cold lumpy ground with the bugs? Kind of a no brainer.
The biggest downside is the cost. Rooftop tents start at a thousand dollars and go up from there. It’s still a lot cheaper than an RV or travel trailer. They are way more convenient than an RV, too, since unless your only car is a Pinto, there’s a rooftop tent that will work on your roof.
Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Tents
Rooftop tents come in two main flavors. Soft shell tents are more like traditional on-the-ground tents. They are made of fabric and have poles that you have to snap into place. Hard shell tents use the hard case as the roof. Some you open like a briefcase, and some just pop up vertically. Here’s a quick comparison:
Hard Shell Tents
More aerodynamic when traveling
Faster to set up
Better weather protection
Soft Shell Tents
Cost less
More spacious
Take up less space when packed
Weight
A roof rack can only support so much weight, so when you buy a tent to mount to the roof, you need to pay attention to the numbers. Specifically, the dynamic weight your roof rack can support, the weight of the tent itself, and the total weight your car can support.
We’ll get more into mounting specifics in the deep dive at the bottom here. To keep it simple, your car’s rack has a dynamic weight, that’s how much weight it can carry while moving. Don’t get a tent that weighs more than the dynamic weight capacity. The static weight is usually many times the dynamic weight, so the total weight probably won’t be an issue. Just google your car model’s total roof weight capacity and double-check before you load it full of your entire lead fishing anchor collection.
Size
When it comes to choosing the right size, it’s all about balancing the amount of space you want and what will fit your vehicle. A small vehicle won’t be able to fit a larger tent, it’s just not possible. To get the most space, you’ll need a tent that both takes up more roof space, and folds out. That’s where the most significant advantage of the soft shell design comes into play.
Other Considerations
The most significant things to think about are type, weight, and size, but that’s not all. The following considerations probably won’t be the deciding factor, but they can help sway you one way or the other after narrowing down the options to a few.
Expected Weather
Most tents are three-season rated, which basically means they aren’t useful if it gets super cold and windy. A four-season rated tent is thick enough and sturdy enough to survive a blizzard. A three-season can survive a few winter outings, but serious winter campers will want to shell out for something a bit sturdier.
Creature Comforts
By their nature, rooftop tents are more comfortable than their ground-based counterparts. Some tents feature pockets and awnings that make setting up a base camp easy. Some rooftop units feature extra-thick mattresses. A unit with a nice ladder makes your life easier than buying a unit with a ladder that takes more work.
Ease of Setup
The speed and minimal effort required to set up camp using a rooftop tent is one of their bigger selling points, but they still vary wildly model to model. Hard shell pop up tents can be set up in seconds just by undoing the latches. Other, less expensive soft shell tents are a lot more like setting up a conventional tent. You have to open up the base and install the tent poles.
In this section, we put together a variety of great rooftop tents and reviewed them. We’ve rounded up great soft shell tents, hard shell tents, budget tents, and premium tents. There’s even a couple high tech hybrids. Hopefully, this will give you a great overview of what’s out there, and help you choose the perfect tent for your situation.

Top 10 Best Rooftop Tents for Your Next Adventure 2020

1. Overall Best Rooftop Tent: Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland

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Why we like it: Tuff Stuff’s RTT is the perfect balance between cost, space, quality, and comfort.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 2 and a child/dog
Weight: 150lbs
Footprint closed: 56” x 48”
Footprint open: 56” x 96”
Minutes to set up: 15
Highlights
The Tuff Stuff is really the perfect tent for someone just getting into the rooftop tent world. It comes with everything you need, including an install kit with tools. Nothing else does that. It’s also big enough for a small family, and comes with its own annex room for extra storage.
Review
If you just want to buy a rooftop tent and be done with it, get the Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland. It’s the entire RTT experience for a very, very reasonable price. It comes with its own annex room, something that you’d typically have to buy extra. It also comes with its own installation tools, which is nice.
What propels the Overland towards the top of our list is how well rounded it is. It’s not the best at anything. It’s not as spacious as the CVT, it’s not very lightweight – any hard shell like the SkyCamp 2.0 will survive the elements better, and there are cheaper units. At the same time, with the Ranger Overland, you aren’t compromising on any of those categories either.
It is spacious. You get a full 52″ of height to sit up and have morning coffee, and with the included annex room, you don’t have to store your clutter in the same tent compartment as you. The box doesn’t say four-seasons, but it is well built enough to withstand the winter. The material that it’s made from, 420D polyester/canvas, is plenty waterproof and sturdy enough for wind and snow. You get to be mighty comfortable during the wind and rain too, the included foam mattress is one of the thicker ones on the market.
There’s only one thing that might annoy you: the ladder. It comes with a sliding ladder that doesn’t offer enough mounting and height options. Bring a shovel with you to dig out underneath it, or swap it for an aftermarket telescoping ladder, and you’ll be fine. Honestly, the fact that our only nitpick is that the ladder isn’t amazing should tell you all you need to know.

Pros

Excellent value
Easy to install
Made of good quality materials
Lots of extras included

Cons

Ladder could be better
Too heavy for smaller vehicles

2. Tepui Explorer Ayer

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Why we like it: Small, tough, and four-season-ready are the final words when it comes to the Tepui Explorer Ayer. All for a really fantastic price.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 2
Weight: 104lb
Footprint closed: 42”x48”
Footprint open: 84”x48”
Minutes to set up: 10
Highlights
Tepui is one of the leaders in quality rooftop tents. The only reason this one doesn’t rank higher is because the competition is so dang good.
Review
The Tepui Explorer is a really fantastic tent. This tent rates highly based on its features, price, and quality.
One thing really holds it back, however, and that thing is the size. It’s tiny. Like really tiny, it has a smaller sleeping area than the SkyCamp Mini. At the same time, that might be its best feature. You can easily mount this to any car, just like the SkyCamp Mini, but it’s one-third of the price. It’s more than one third the quality, though, so the value is through the soft, canvas roof.
Unlike other soft shells, the Explorer Ayer is four seasons ready. It has a heavy-duty cover/awning/rain fly that will keep the wind, snow and rain off. The whole thing is made of Tepui’s favorite ultra-durable fabric blend. There’s not much more to it, it’s a basic, high-quality tent that sleeps two for cheap. It even has a great ladder, something that Tuff Stuff could learn from.

Pros

Very lightweight
Easy to find online
4 season ready

Cons

Tiny
Takes longer to set up than others

3. Best Premium Rooftop Tent: iKamper SkyCamp 2.0

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Why we like it: The SkyCamp 2.0 is simply one of the best rooftop tents you can buy.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 4ish
Weight: 160lbs
Footprint closed: 55”x80”
Footprint open: 100”x80”
Minutes to set up: 1
Highlights
The Skycamp sets up in one minute. You just open it up, and you are good to go. It’s also the most spacious hard shell tent on this list, and one of the most spacious that’s for sale.
Review
iKamper makes an appearance on this list 3 times. That’s because they all have quality and comfort that just surpasses everything else. The X-Cover is the nicest soft shell tent you can get, and the SkyCamp Mini is the coolest tiny tent ever. Meanwhile, this SkyCamp 2.0 is luxury defined.
Start with the fact that it has a full king-size mattress. See, the SkyCamp is more of a hybrid than a full hard shell design. It’s a big indestructible briefcase when it’s packed away. When you open it, though, it folds out like a soft shell and doubles in area. A process that takes seconds, by the way. With an interior roof height of 48” you won’t be standing up inside, but you’ll definitely be able to sit up and have a beer while watching the sun go down.
The downside is the price. This is a premium product, and it has a premium price tag, so it’s not surprising that the unit is expensive. It is such a good unit though, they thought of and solved a ton of problems that you probably didn’t even know were problems. Stuff like the ladder rungs have a slight angle, so you know the perfect position to set it at, and the back is padded so you can use it as a headboard.
If the price is the biggest issue, then choose if you want to sacrifice durability or luxury. If you can sacrifice luxury, go for the HyBox. If you don’t need the hard shell, iKamper makes the soft shell X-Cover. If you can’t live without either, you won’t be disappointed in the Skycamp.

Pros

A lot of space, especially for a hard shell
Extra comfortable
Ultra-fast set up
Four-season ready

Cons

Expensive
A bit on the heavy side

4. Best Hybrid Rooftop Tent: iKamper X-Cover

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Why we like it: Like the iKamper SkyCamp, the X-Cover is one of the best RTTs on the market. It’s just soft-shelled instead of hard.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 4-ish
Weight: 120lbs
Footprint closed: 47”x75”
Footprint open: 82”x75”
Minutes to set up: 5
Highlights
The X-Cover has all the benefits of a soft shell rooftop tent. It’s light, compact when folded but spacious when open, and can be totally opened up for maximum ventilation. Unlike most soft shell tents, though, it can be set up in a few minutes. Due to the combination of its soft-shell design and its quick deployment, it’s referred to as a hybrid rooftop tent.
Review
iKamper’s second entry on this list is the X-Cover. It’s easiest to compare it to the SkyCamp, because honestly, they are nearly identical in terms of perks. Same ladder, same amazing king size mattress, same high-quality construction. The X-Cover has some advantages over the SkyCamp, though. First off, it’s cheaper. Second, it has more room inside of it. It takes full advantage of the interior height, unlike the SkyCamp’s lean-to design. Finally, it weighs 40lbs less. That’s an extra case of wine you can take with you.
It’s not as durable or compact as the SkyCamp, and it takes longer to set up. That being said, the X-Cover is still the fastest soft shell tent to set up on this list. The website claims people can do it in 3 minutes, but field testing indicates that the number is really closer to 4 minutes. If your buddy bought a Smittybilt because he breathes Jeep lifestyle, you’ll have enough time to set up, grab a drink, climb into your extra comfortable tent and heckle him as he wrestles with tent poles.
It’s not all sunshine and lollipops, though. While the X-Cover is cheaper than the SkyCamp, it’s still expensive. We made fun of how long it takes to set up the Smittybilt, but you could buy 3 of them for the same price. That puts the X-Cover in a weird place. It’s a high-end soft shell RTT that costs the same as many hard shells. One of the defining advantages of the soft shell tents is the lower price, and it doesn’t have that. It’s noisier, not as durable, and not as convenient, but costs the same.
Being in a weird place value wise is not enough of a reason to dislike it, though. It’s still one of the nicest units on this list, and you will absolutely feel like a king lording over your subjects as you watch the world from atop your rooftop castle.

Pros

A lot of interior volume
Very comfortable mattress
High quality

Cons

Expensive
Noisy in the wind

5. Best Budget Rooftop Tent: Smittybilt Overlander

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Why we like it: The Smittybilt Overlander has two things that make it great. It’s a very nice price, and it is made for the Jeep lifestyle.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 2+
Weight: 144lbs
Footprint closed: 56”x48”
Footprint open: 56”x96”
Minutes to set up: 15
Highlights
Highlight? It’s about a thousand dollars for a full-function, good quality tent. What more do you want?
Review
Jeep people are in a cult. A cult that values rugged, offroad, and tactical over wimpy things like “easy” and “comfortable.” Smittybilt is a company that is closely associated with the Jeep lifestyle to the point where some of their most famous products are Wrangler specific. The good news is that their rooftop tent (or RTT), the Overlander, is not Jeep specific. It will clamp to a 4Runner with just as much ease as a Liberty. But that Jeep mentality bleeds through the tent’s design, and that’s fantastic.
What we mean is that it’s a very straightforward, no-nonsense unit. It’s made of good quality material so it can withstand the trails, and the construction is solid enough that it can take a beating when the weather gets uppity. It has enough space for two people and their dog, and the ladder is extra wide. It’s also got cool little features that you don’t find in other units, like LED lights and 12v hookups.
The biggest selling point is the price, though. It doesn’t have the amazing space that the X-Cover has, or the included extras of the Tuff Stuff. It’s impossible to be disappointed with the quality, though, and it’s nearly the cheapest thing on this list. It’s the best value on this list, the only cheaper RTT is actually cheap and not just inexpensive.
They can afford to sell it so inexpensively because they got rid of the easy part of the equation. It’s a Jeep thing. It takes a long time to set up. The rugged, sturdy, no-nonsense shape is set up by erecting a bunch of aluminum poles, and that takes time to do. It’s also not the easiest thing to install initially. Premium setups like the SkyCamp come on their own frame that just clamps right onto an existing rack. The Smittybilt only comes with some bolts and a cheap wrench.
If a little bit of DIY doesn’t scare you, though, this is a great deal.

Pros

Inexpensive
Good quality
Has internal lighting

Cons

Not the easiest to set up
Heavier than other small soft shells

6. Least Expensive Rooftop Tent: TMBK 3 Person

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Why we like it: Sometimes you just want to buy the least expensive thing that works, and the TMBK fits the bill.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 3+
Weight: 108lbs
Footprint closed: 57”x50”
Footprint open: 57”x94”
Minutes to set up: 10
Highlights
This is the only rooftop tent we are willing to recommend coming in at less than a grand. Suppose you don’t know whether or not you will actually enjoy the rooftop experience. In that case, it’s hard to justify paying a premium price.
Review
It’s less than a thousand dollars and is available on Amazon. There isn’t a whole lot more that needs to be said. Honestly, it feels like every criticism can be countered with “yeah, but it’s so cheap!” It’s slow to set up, but of course it is. It’s not amazingly durable, but of course it’s not. It’s cheap. It’s also got flimsy installation hardware.
That’s not to say it does everything poorly. It’s a completely adequate tent for a hobbyist. It’s one of the lighter tents on the list, and the size is actually on the bigger side as far as lightweight, inexpensive tents go. You won’t regret buying it, which we think is the best indicator of whether or not something is worth recommending. It’s good enough that it does do everything the box says it will do. You get a tent that mounts to your roof.
The only suggestion we have is that if you are new to the RTT scene and just want to test the waters, so to speak, take a hard look at the Smittybilt. It’s not much more expensive, but it’s easier to set up and a lot stronger.

Pros

Cheap
It has a good amount of interior room
Lightweight

Cons

Cheap
Poor-quality hardware

7. Best Large-Footprint Rooftop Tent: CVT Mt. Denali

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Why we like it: Not only is the CVT Mt. Denali gigantic, it’s got cool features like a skylight so you can stargaze.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 4+
Weight: 225lb
Footprint closed: 87”x48”
Footprint open: 87”x132”
Minutes to set up: 20
Highlights
It’s got two rooms. The CVT Mt. Denali is so big that it’s got two rooms. If you have kids and you want them to be somewhere not where you are when they wake up and want hot chocolate before you have coffee, there’s a wall between you. They’ll even have their own ladder, because the CVT comes with two of them.
Review
Most rooftop tents are small. Even the bigger ones like the X-Cover are still somewhat small. They say they can fit 4 people, but no one wants to sleep like a sardine in a can. Enter the CVT Mt. Denali. They claim it sleeps 4, and that’s probably a stretch. We’ll restate this because it’s a little crazy, but it’s got two separate rooms. If you include the person-sized annex room, it’s got three bedrooms.
What’s nice is that it’s not just big, it’s also a quality tent. They didn’t just go for size and neglect the rest of the unit. It has some really neat features that we wish were included in other tents. The center of the roof is a clear panel so you can lay beneath the stars and watch the satellites go by. Also, the ladders are enclosed in the annex room, so you can climb out of the weather. It’s a minor thing, but if it’s storming and you need to get into your vehicle, you don’t have to go outside the tent.
The size is the biggest problem with the CVT. You will need a heavy-duty roof rack on a heavy-duty vehicle to lug the thing around. That’s probably not a problem if you plan on camping with your family. After all, an SUV is sort of the de-facto vehicle for a family adventure. What might pose a bigger problem is that it weighs a whopping 225 pounds and takes up a ton of space. That means you need help getting it on and off, and you need a ton of storage room just to keep it around.
Think of it like backpacking: more space is the same as more inconvenience. The CVT takes a long time to set up, takes a lot of muscle to manage, and even cleaning it will take extra time. If you don’t need the space, the Tuff Stuff also has an annex and is way easier to manage. Either that, or pay the extra money for the SkyCamp that still has tons of space but can be set up in one-tenth the time.

Pros

Humongous
Has separate rooms and lots of extras
Windows are large and plentiful

Cons

You need a big vehicle to carry it around
You also need big muscles to take it on and off

8. Best Rooftop Tent/Storage Hybrid: Tepui HyBox

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Why we like it: The Tepui Hybox is a combination of rooftop storage box and hard shell tent. It’s perfect for 2 people who don’t have much vehicle storage.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 2
Weight: 177lbs
Footprint closed: 84”x55”
Footprint open: 84”x55”
Minutes to set up: 2
Highlights
On a smaller SUV, or other small overland rigs, storage space is at a premium. That makes one the main disadvantage to hauling a rooftop tent the fact that it takes all your rooftop cargo space away. The HyBox solves that problem by being both a storage box and a tent, perfect for compact adventure vehicles.
Review
If you allow us, we will start with the bad. That’s because it’s probably the biggest deal-breaker when it comes to an RTT, so it’s better to rip off the bandaid. The HyBox has the least amount of room out of any tent on this list when set up. The 51″x81″ sleeping area is ok for two people, that’s about standard. It’s the super low 3ft ceiling that makes it feel more like a Japanese pod hotel than an idyllic wilderness cabin.
That being said, if your only goal is to sleep, it’s fine. It’s still a huge upgrade over a tiny conventional tent, you just won’t want to wait out any storms in it. Which is a shame, because it can withstand them fine. It’s got a hard composite roof that will protect you from hail or severe weather, and the fabric can withstand wind for days. That’s one of Tepui’s features as a brand, they like their space-age ultra-durable fabrics. Both on this hard shell unit, or their soft shell unit we list here.
The biggest feature of the HyBox isn’t its toughness, though. It’s the fact that the HyBox is also a rooftop storage box. Instead of popping it up fully, it’s hinged on both sides and can be opened like a trunk. In fact, you can just unzip the walls from the base and convert it fully into a storage box. That makes the HyBox the most reasonably-priced tent to leave permanently attached to your vehicle on the market.
As far as comforts go, the HyBox is fine. Tepui is no stranger to making great tents, and unlike their other offering on this list, the HyBox only takes a few minutes to set up. Inside, you get all the basics: windows, a ladder, a foam mattress, and not much else.
It is heavy, though. That’s why the SkyCamp Mini is really the only great hard shell option for small cars. The HyBox would steal the show with its extra storage space, but there’s no way for this 180lb unit to bolt to the average small crossover or wagon. For two intrepid explorers in a medium SUV, though, the HyBox is perfect.

Pros

Very durable, four-season-ready construction
Set up takes minutes
Doubles as a storage box

Cons

Low ceiling height
High install weight

9. Best Rooftop Tent For Small Vehicles: iKamper SkyCamp Mini

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Why we like it: It’s a mere 125lbs and less than 5’ square when collapsed. That makes the SkyCamp Mini perfect for anyone without a large vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers   
Sleeps: 2
Weight: 125lbs
Footprint closed: 55”x56”
Footprint open: 81”x56”
Minutes to set up: 1
Highlights
If you long for the luxury of the SkyCamp 2.0, but own a small Subaru or similar that would be crushed under the weight of the bigger unit, get the SkyCamp Mini. It sleeps two, has the same high-quality construction, and is fully ready for whatever the weather has in store.
Review
iKamper is at it again, this time with another hard shell luxury tent that looks really good in addition to being very nice to sleep in. Unlike the SkyCamp 2.0, this one is half the size. It also comes in at a very manageable 125lbs. That weight is important since it’s more or less the cutoff for most basic roof racks. If you have a wildly popular Subaru Crosstrek or Mini Clubman, you don’t have to make any modifications for the SkyCamp Mini. The only way to get that kind of convenience elsewhere is to go soft shell, but you’d be sacrificing the durability and speed of the iKamper.
The Mini is smaller than everything else on this list due to clever engineering, but is average-sized when set up. It’s actually bigger on the inside than both the HyBox and the Explorer, so you can very comfortably fit two people. The foam mattress is best in class, and like the rest of the iKamper models, it’s insulated.
That’s actually something we didn’t mention in the other two iKamper reviews, but it’s worth talking about. The floors, walls, and hard lid all have a thin layer of insulation. Unlike your average nylon tent, the SkyCamp Mini will stay quite warm during cold nights. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t want to be up there in the heat: the insulation is good, but the lack of cross breeze can get stifling. The compact, clamshell nature of the Mini means you don’t get many window options.
Unfortunately, it shares SkyCamp’s high price. You have to fully commit to wanting luxury at all costs to validate purchasing the Mini when you could probably make other lightweight tents work. The Tepui Explorer weighs less and is smaller folded up, you don’t even have to make something work. Nothing else will look as good above your short bed truck, or bolted to your WRX.

Pros

Very compact when folded up
Luxurious
Sets up in minutes

Cons

Expensive
Windows are tiny

10. Best Lightweight Rooftop Tent: Front Runner Rooftop

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Why we like it: If you are a one-man-band, the Front Runner is lightweight enough to completely manage alone.
Editor’s Rating:

The Numbers
Sleeps: 2+
Weight: 93lbs
Footprint closed: 48”x53”
Footprint open: 98”x53”
Minutes to set up: 10
Highlights
For those who want to install the tent, do your camping thing, then come back and remove it, the Front Runner is perfect. It’s ultra-lightweight and has quick-release clamps for mounting.
Review
The Front Runner is very basic. That’s not bad, it does do everything a tent should do. It keeps bugs out and most of the water. It just lacks the fit and finish of the Tepui, or the cool features of the Tuff Stuff. The fact that it directly competes with the Ruff Tuff in terms of size and complexity doesn’t help. They share the same ladder issues, but the Front Runner doesn’t have an annex room.
What it does have is the lightest weight out of any RTT out there. It’s 30lbs lighter than the SkyCamp Mini. That makes it totally manageable if you are just a one-person operation. They seem to have run with that motif too. The way the Front Runner installs onto a rack is probably one of the most straightforward ways possible. You just line it up and clamp.
You have to make a lot of sacrifices for that usability, though. For one thing, it has a fairly thin mattress. For another, even though the box claims three people, it’s smaller than some of the two-person tents. The weight really is the most significant selling point of the Front Runner, which is where the comparisons get really ugly. The Tepui Ayer is only ten pounds heavier and is a lot more durable. It’s also a lot more comfortable. The difference in price between the two is negligible, so it’s hard to justify the Front Runner if you are just looking for a basic tent.
Still, if you are camping in moderate climates and plan to take the tent on and off a lot, you’ll be delighted with the Front Runner.

Pros

Very lightweight
Easy to mount
Very open and breezy

Cons

Thin mattress
Ladder sucks

A Closer Look at Rooftop Camping
Rooftop tents are fairly straightforward in application. It’s a tent that bolts to your roof. As you can see by the variety of options in our guide above, there are still tons of options to choose from. Our quick guide above hits all the major decision-making points, but leaves out a lot of the details. If you are still thirsty for more knowledge, we put together this section to find those details we left out before.
The Pros and Cons of a Rooftop Tent
The most difficult decision for buying a rooftop tent is the decision to want one at all. Compared to sleeping on the ground in a conventional tent, a rooftop tent is a complicated, expensive, and heavy piece of extra gear. To make the decision easy, here are some of the significant pros and cons explained.
The Disadvantages of Rooftop Tents
We figure it’s easier to start with the cons. If you see any of these and they are an immediate deal-breaker, you’re done. Go enjoy sleeping on the ground. If you make it through, you’ll be showered in the advantages and really feel like it’s worth it.
They are Expensive
A cheap conventional tent is around 50 bucks. A cheap rooftop tent is $1000.
They are Difficult to Manage
The average weight of a rooftop tent is 150lbs. That’s hard to take on and off, especially alone. They are also big and take up a ton of space, so you need a good amount of room to store them when they aren’t on your vehicle.
You Have To Climb A Ladder
This one’s straightforward. If for whatever reason you are not comfortable climbing a ladder, then rooftop camping is not for you.
You Can’t Stake A Claim
One of the advantages of setting up a tent on the ground is that it marks your space. That gives you a home base to come back to. When your car is your tent, if you ever leave your camping space, you lose your claim.
You Have to Break Camp to Move
Similar to above, a conventional tent can just sit there on the ground while you drive off to explore. A rooftop tent has to be broken down and packed up before you can move.
The Rooftop Advantage
With the disadvantages out of the way, we can look at the reasons rooftop tents are awesome.
They Get You Off The Ground
The ground is cold, lumpy, and full of bugs. It’s nice to be off it.
They Are Comfortable
Even the more inexpensive rooftop tents come with their own mattress attached to a flat, even surface. No rocks or ant hills to put a kink in your back.
They Are Easy to Level
Unlike conventional tents where you are at the mercy of the terrain, you can just drive to a level spot, and you are ready to go.
They Are Clean
This is one of those advantages you don’t really get until you experience it. Camping is supposed to be dirty, right? With a rooftop tent, you have to get up a ladder out of the dirt to get in, and you leave a lot of the mud and grime behind. That keeps everything much nicer inside the tent.
Most Are Faster to Set Up
This isn’t true for all scenarios. Pop-up tents that you just throw on the ground couldn’t be simpler, so no rooftop will compete with that. However, the average rooftop tent is as fast as folding it out and attaching the ladder. Some have hydraulics and set themselves up, so if you don’t feel like fighting fiberglass poles, you don’t have to.
Mounting
The hardest part about owning and using a rooftop tent is the part where you actually have to attach it to your vehicle. There are two key components to the process. The first is specific to the actual tent you buy, and that’s the clamps and rigging system that the tent comes with. The second part is the part that you are more in control over, the rack on your vehicle.
All About Racks

There’s actually a lot of variety when it comes to mounting systems. We’ll touch on them here, but you will likely have to research your own vehicle’s system (they’re usually car-manufacturer specific) to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Factory Roof Rack
The easiest, most straightforward way to mount anything to a car is to buy a car with a factory roof rack option. They probably won’t be strong enough for the bigger RTTs, but they will be fine for most. Largely because the average capacity for a factory rack is 150lbs, and since you always want to be on the safe side, even the lightweight SkyCamp Mini is pushing it.
Aftermarket Roof Rack
These racks are ones you purchase and install yourself. They vary wildly, and you may have to do some research to find out what the capacity is. If you are looking to buy one, Popular Mechanics has a great overview here.
A subsection of the aftermarket racks are homebrew racks. Lots of off-road rigs have their own roll cages that make it easy to bolt a tent frame onto or weld in a couple of cross members to mount cargo wherever you want. Jeeps have no less than thousands of aftermarket solutions for mounting cargo, tents and lights. Don’t think you have to have a roof rack, specifically, the world of offroad fabrication has no limits.
Truck Bed Rack
Truck racks are trendy in the Overlanding scene. They allow you to mount a rooftop tent, or large cargo pod, above the bed, so you don’t sacrifice any storage and don’t have to have objects above the cab. Tuff Stuff, the maker of our number one pick for an RTT, makes a great truck mounted rack you can pick up [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NDL7MWC/”]here[/amazon].
Cargo Carriers
If you’ve got enough roof space and you’re headed for a larger journey, it’s a fantastic idea to pick up an auxiliary roof cargo rack or cargo carrier specifically designed to load equipment and cargo. Whether you’re a rock climber, hiker, kayaker, or you’re just looking for some more camping equipment space, mounting a cargo carrier alongside your tent can provide the space to make the transition from weekender to full-time adventurer.
Bike Racks
Plenty of four-wheeled adventurers love two-wheel adventures as well, mountain biking, road biking, and cycle-touring the entire country. If you’re getting ready for more serious outdoor adventures with a rooftop rack, also consider installing a bike rack on your vehicle that makes hauling your bicycles easy, convenient, and safe.
Maximum Roof Load
The dynamic load of the rack is really important when choosing a tent to mount. It’s probably the most important; imagine the embarrassment of spending a few thousand dollars on an RTT only to have it fly off while driving on a mountain road.
It’s not the only number you need to consider, though. Most vehicles have a maximum roof load in addition to a maximum dynamic load. Trucks and SUVs have ratings well into the thousands, so 200 pounds of tent and 400 pounds of person aren’t going to be an issue. Smaller crossovers and cars, though, can have roof loads that dip below 500lbs. That’s not a lot of weight once you add the rack, tent, and bodies.
The only thing that kind of sucks is that sometimes the actual number can be hard to find. The Crosstrek, a very popular RTT platform, doesn’t list it in the owner’s manual. That makes searching for other people with similar cars and setups the best option for knowing if a setup will work for you. A google search with your car model and rooftop tent will almost always lead to forums or posts with people’s experience doing something similar to what you want to do.
Quick Tips for RTT Camping
If you are ready to hit the trail, here are some quick trips to make your experience the best it can be. We’ll refrain from general camping tips since this is an automotive site, but if you want those, KOA has you covered here. We don’t mind plugging them because they make perfect places to take a vehicle with a rooftop tent.
Bring Leveling Blocks
They can just be some 2×6 chunks of wood that you drive up onto, or you can buy plastic ones like [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028PJ10K/”]these[/amazon].
Bring a Shovel Especially if you have a sliding ladder instead of a telescoping ladder. You might have to dig a little to get a good angle for the ladder.
Always Do A Trial Run Do a trial run in your driveway so you know if there are any issues. Do two, and give it a good shake to make sure it’s not going to come off while you drive.
Hang a Bag From The Top of The Ladder Some tents, like the Smittybilt, come with their own shoe bag. Most don’t. Just tie one to the top of the ladder. That way you don’t track mud into your tent, but your boots are still easy to get too.
Stash Spare Keys Especially if you have a locking tent like the SkyCamp, Mini or 2.0, hide a spare key to the tent in the car. You can also hide a spare car key in your tent.
What Are You Waiting For? Get Out There!
Rooftop tents are the ultimate balance between RV luxury and rugged, at-one-with-nature camping. If you are sitting on the fence about it, get off the fence and into a rooftop tent. Then go exploring. When you have a self-contained, fully independent camping rig, roads lose their meaning, and the world becomes unlimited. More

Ever since Star Trek graced the airwaves in the mid-sixties, touch screens have been a symbol of the future. We live in that future, and if your car doesn’t have a touch screen radio, it can feel like you are trapped in the past. Good news, there are tons of options to fix that.

Choosing the Best Head Unit for You
We’ll get this out of the way first. A lot of people use the words head unit and stereo interchangeably. Technically, a stereo is the whole system. It’s the interface, amp, crossover, speakers, etc. A head unit is just the device in your dashboard. If you want a touch screen that connects to your car’s existing speakers, what you are going to buy is a new head unit. Got it? Let’s move on.
There are a ton of companies that all have their own idea of what makes a great car stereo. It’s confusing as hell to look at the hundreds of options and know which one to choose. That’s why we are breaking it down here. Start with this quick start guide. We’ll follow up with a showcase of some great head units for you to choose from. Finally, if you’re still thirsty for knowledge, there’s a deep dive at the end into the math and finer points of car audio.
Inputs Are Your Biggest Concern
There are a lot of ways to store music. While we have largely left the world of 8-track and cassette behind, there are still a ton of options that seem to stick around forever. CDs, for instance, are still something people rely on, despite being three decades old. Meanwhile, there are plenty of people who expect everything to be wireless and inconvenienced when they have to find a cable. Which are you? That’ll likely be your biggest consideration when choosing a head unit.
The Standard Inputs
The most common inputs are AUX and Bluetooth. AUX is just your everyday typical headphone cable. You plug one end into your audio device, one end into your stereo, and then play music through your stereo. Bluetooth is the same thing but without the cable. Bluetooth speakers and stereos are so ingrained into our society it’s difficult to believe that there are people who aren’t familiar with them. It’s that, but for your car.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are rapidly becoming the standard for in-car entertainment. Being able to control your system with your cellphone is awesome. First off, you can get music or video streamed directly from the internet. Second, having all your relevant apps appear on the “big screen” makes driving safer. You won’t have to take time to scroll through settings and tiny menus while navigating rush hour traffic.
Do You Really Need CD/DVD Support?
Take a second, and be honest with yourself. A CD/DVD player means that a head unit must be at least as deep as a CD, and have a slot to insert them. That slot takes up valuable screen real estate, and the extra depth eats up your cable management space. In some cars, the extra depth means you’ll be buying special faceplates because there isn’t enough room stock.
Other Inputs
In no particular order, you might also want: USB input, SD card, micro SD, HD radio, AM/FM radio, RCA in, Video in, WiFi, and ¼” audio. We have a more serious breakdown of inputs down the page here.
Screen Size
Just like TV screens, car stereo touchscreens are measured diagonally. The standard size for car touchscreens is 7’. Drivers who plan on using apps or watching movies on their screens (not while driving of course!) should look for a bigger screen.
Make Sure it Fits Your Car
We explain this in more detail at the bottom here, but the gist of it is that there are two sizes: single and double. Double is bigger, and there are a lot more options with more features. Older cars and even some newer cars won’t be able to fit them, though. A simple google search will tell you what your car can use.
Brand Matters
Sticking to the bigger name brands will guarantee you a good quality unit. Brands like JVC, Alpine, and Pioneer, are going to be your best sounding, best performing units. Boss, and their close competitor Dual, are solid options as well. Both have made a name for themselves by producing consistent audio components that may not be the best, but will definitely do what you ask of them.
At the bottom of the quality pile, we have anything from the flood of cheap, brandless imports. They aren’t all bad, you can read our thoughts down here, but the chances of you being unhappy with the product are higher.
Outputs
The last major consideration are outputs. For music, there are two output types you’ll be worried about. All head units have high-level, or speaker-level, outputs. Those are your typical speaker wire hookups. Low-level, or preamp, or RCA, outputs are for plugging the head unit directly into an amp.
Now we get to the meat of the article. These 10 head units represent a great cross-section of the best head units you can get, and range from funky single DIN units with tiny touch screens to a double DIN with a massive 10” tablet attached to it. You’ll find one you like, or at least be inspired to start your journey.

Top 10 Best Touch Screen Stereos For Your Car 2020

1. Best Overall Touch Screen Stereo: Boss Audio BCPA985RC

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Why we like it: Boss is a leader in budget audio, and the BCP puts that on display with this inexpensive full feature unit. It also has a backup camera.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN, shallow
Inputs: HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If you are on a budget, but still want Apple CarPlan and Android Auto, voila. The Boss Audio BCPA985RC comes with a backup camera, which probably doesn’t matter to most people. It also comes with an external mic that you can tape closer to your mouth. That way, your friends can hear you better as you yell expletives at other drivers.
Our Review
Boss, like we’ve said before, does the whole budget car audio thing really well. The BCP is a perfect example. It’s straight up the least expensive way to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in your car without dipping into the scary generic brands.
The BCP does everything you expect. It’s got inputs and outputs, nothing really notable. What is notable is the design. Boss did a good job with the way this unit looks. It’s very minimalistic and clean. Since it doesn’t have a slot for CDs/DVDs and doesn’t have any physical buttons, you get the impression that it’s a lot bigger than it is.
Boss seems to have taken that design philosophy and applied it to the install as well. They include good instructions and all the cables you need to just get going. Since they also sell their own line of adapters, just google your car and “Boss stereo adapter,” it makes this one of the easiest DIY projects on our list. Maybe that’s not the most important thing, but trust us when we say that the biggest drawback to buying inexpensive stuff is the documentation and ease of install. With the Boss, you won’t be suffering like the people who buy the really cheap units like this one on our list.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Like with other inexpensive units, if you really value audio quality, you will have to spend more. Get the Alpine, you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t need Android or Apple support, get this Pioneer.
Of course, if you don’t need Apple or Android support, the cheaper Boss will probably be okay. It doesn’t look as good, but it’s half the price. If half the price is still too much, the Sarcch unit is one quarter the price, just don’t expect it too much from it.

Pros

Inexpensive for a unit with Apple and Android support
It has got a clean minimalist design
Included installation kit is really well put together

Cons

Sound quality could be better
Touchscreen doesn’t respond as fast as other options

2. Best Premium Touch Screen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-2400NEX

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Why we like it: The Pioneer blows everything else out of the water when it comes to features and sound quality. The screen tilts to reveal the CD/DVD drive.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Pioneer developed the AVH-2400 for the person that’s willing to spend money to get the best. It’s easier to list the things it can’t do, and when people look at your car and see the Pioneer label, they’ll know you take audio seriously.
Our Review
The word Pioneer appears on this list more than any other brand, and that’s for a good reason. They are sort of the leader when it comes to quality. The AVH-2400 NEX exemplifies that. It’s got everything: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a big screen, CD/DVD support, way more inputs and outputs than you’ll ever use, and one of the fastest processors on the list.
That speed is worth talking about. You can get the sharpness and color resolution from the other Pioneers we list, even the flip-out screen here. What you can’t get anywhere else is the speed. You tap, it works, there’s no waiting around for an app to load.
There’s also something else about Pioneer that’s hard to explain. We’ll mention it again in other reviews of Pioneer units, but they build things in a way that makes them more satisfying than other units. It’s a combination of a lot of little things, like the NEX has a bunch of apps pre-installed that are meant to work with the unit, so you don’t have to guess at it. The screen has a good response and a nice feel, and the built-in microphone for Bluetooth calling sounds just a bit better than its competition.
Why You Might Want Something Else
There’s one big drawback to the NEX, one that is definitely the reason most people pass on this unit: the price. It falls into the category of “of course it’s amazing, it’d better be if it costs that much.”
The truth is that the Boss with Apple and Android support will do almost everything the Pioneer will do for less than half the price. If you aren’t absolutely obsessed with quality, you’ll have a tough time justifying the extra dollars you have to throw at the NEX.

Pros

Pioneer build quality and support
Apple Car Play and Android Auto ready
Full range of inputs, including HD radio
Full range of outputs

Cons

Expensive
The CD/DVD slot is inconvenient. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s hard to come up with reasons not to like this unit.

3. Best Budget Touch Screen Stereo: Boss Audio BV9364B

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Why we like it: The Boss BV is a perfectly acceptable head unit with great features that is less than $100. It also includes a wireless remote.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 6.2”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If you are looking for a cheap option that still comes from a reputable company, the Boss BV is excellent. Sure, it doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it’s tough to care for the price.
Our Review
Boss is more or less the leader in budget audio. We here at AQ talk about them every time we mention car audio, and this list is no exception. This time around, we are talking about the BV9364B, and it can be summed up in two words: perfectly acceptable.
It’s got everything you could want out of a budget stereo. The Bluetooth is fine, the screen is on the smaller side, but it’s still fine. Plus, unlike the units we’d call cheap rather than inexpensive, it’s got preamp outputs.
There is some funkiness, though. It’s got little doors over the SD and USB slots. Our guess is that it’s supposed to make it look cleaner, but it actually makes it look cheap. Boss makes up for it by being dead simple to use. It’s got big friendly icons and a giant mode button for rapidly switching inputs. It’s no Pioneer. It’s not that intuitive, but like we said before, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Why You Might Want Something Else
First, there’s another Boss on our lists that actually has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If budget is your biggest concern, but you still want those apps, get that one.
You’ll also be disappointed if you are really into audio quality. It has preamp outputs, but doesn’t support FLAC or have a full equalizer. It’s also not going to give you any volume or real bass without the amplifiers. The box claims 80-watts, but they are being tricky. The watts RMS is hard to find. That’s the number that tells you what power level you can actually get instead of just the peak output during perfect conditions. Whenever a company hides the RMS rating, you know that’s because it’s on the lower side. Don’t expect to make your ears bleed if you buy it. Shell out for the Alpine if you need that.

Pros

Inexpensive
Has every all the outputs you could want
Included installation kit is really well put together

Cons

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Sound quality could be better. Box says 80w output, but no way it will ever do that.

4. Best for Apple Play and Android Auto: Alpine iLX-W650

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Why we like it: The Alpine iLX is high quality, has all the right inputs and outputs, and has a massive screen.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 6.75”
Size: Double DIN, shallow
Inputs: AM/FM, HD radio, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
The Alpine iLX is the iconoclast’s dream. It doesn’t waste space with CD/DVDs, and it doesn’t even do the AM/FM radio thing so great. It’s got future tech and expects you to use it. If you like physical media, don’t like using your phone to control the music, or aren’t ready to accept our robot overlords, then look away.
Our Review
When we set out looking for the best, we had a few criteria. It had to be well built, it had to have Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and it had to have a full complement of inputs and outputs. The Alpine delivers on all fronts.
First, Alpine is no stranger to the audio world. They rank up there with Pioneer and JVC, and all three are Japanese companies well known for audio quality. You can bet they stand behind their products 100%. Consider that checkbox checked.
Second, Alpine built the unit to work around Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This thing represents the future. It’s incredibly minimalistic in design, making the screen feel huge. The minimalism extends to the form, it’s less than 3” deep. For reference, the monster Pioneer here is twice that. The small size makes it easy to install and work with.
Finally, it’s got all the preamp outputs you could want. You can plug right into your 5-channel amp and blow the doors off. Since it’s an Alpine, even if you don’t plug into an amp, you’ll still get great audio quality, and great video quality. In fact, it supports two backup cameras simultaneously. That’s a unique feature on this list, even if it’s not one most people will really worry about.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Suppose you don’t really care about Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You could spend your money better elsewhere, especially if you want a CD/DVD option. Units like the Pioneer AVH-X we mention are probably a better fit, it’s nearly identical. Just swap the Android and Apple stuff for a more beautiful screen and a DVD player.

Pros

Large screen
Compact design makes it easy to install
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Fantastic audio quality

Cons

Need special wiring harnesses for preamps and standard inputs
No radio metadata display. It’s not a friendly device if you prefer old school media options.

5. Best Looking Touchscreen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-X390

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Why we like it: You can take full advantage of Netflix and your DVD collection with this Pioneer’s beautiful screen.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 6.2”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If the do everything Pioneer is too expensive or you need the CD/DVD player the Alpine doesn’t have, the AVH-390 is a good fit. The only issue is that this really needs amps to take advantage of that beautiful Pioneer quality. The output is pretty low. If you are a hardcore audiophile, though, you probably already have that base covered and are just looking for a head to play your FLAC files. This will do it.
Our Review
Here’s a Pioneer again. That means good quality, a great range of features, a really nice touch screen, etc. It gets boring reviewing Pioneer units because it’s hard to find bad things to say about them. This one has sort of a small screen, especially compared to minimalist designs like the Boss.
That screen, though, is beautiful. We have a note about it here, but don’t let the “low” resolution fool you. We’re spoiled on iPhones that have higher than 4k resolution, but the truth is on a small screen 800×480 is more than enough to look great. If you’re going to pop in your favorite Fast and Furious movie to play during Cars and Coffee, this is the screen to view it on.
It’s more than just the quality of the picture, though. The menus, icons, and colors are all customizable. If you want to stick to an interior theme with your build, the AVH can be made to fit in. We are talking a lot about the display, which isn’t the most important thing, but that’s just because the rest is what you’d expect from a high-quality unit. That lets us focus on the standout features, and the display stands out.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Every time we mention a unit without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, we have to point out that if those are valuable to you, you won’t be happy with it. This is no exception, although if you wanted to learn to love FLAC, this would be the unit to do it with. Get the Alpine, those apps are the reason it’s such a great buy.
It also isn’t inexpensive. There’s a lot of great options that cost less, so if your budget is tight, get this Boss head uint instead. It has all the same features, including the DVD player, and it’s a third the cost. You won’t find a substitute for the customization, though.

Pros

Beautiful LED display
Great audio quality
Pioneer build quality and support

Cons

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Screen is on the small side

6. Best Flip-Out Touch Screen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-3400NEX

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Why we like it: If you have a single DIN setup and don’t want to sacrifice anything, Pioneer has you covered.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
In general, if you want a full feature unit that has a great screen and fantastic sound quality, but have an older car, then you are out of luck. Most good head units require double the space that older stereos required.
Pioneer has come to the rescue with the AVH-3400NEX. It’s all the goodness of the other NEX on our list, but it is crammed into a tiny single space unit with a fold-out screen. Audiophiles building classic JDM customs rejoice.
Our Review
The Pioneer NEX series is one of the best lineups on the market. We reviewed one here and called it the best premium setup you could buy, in fact. The AVH-3400 is pretty much the same thing, except the screen pops out and raises up like some kind of futuristic laptop. As far as impressing your friends go, this unit takes the cake.
There’s a lot to like about a flip-out screen. You can keep a car looking stock, if that’s your thing. With the screen retracted, it looks like any old head unit. It’s also good if you get super distracted by shiny objects while driving; you can withdraw the screen and kill the distraction.
Now, generally, with flip-out screens, you live in constant fear that something is going to break. This is a Pioneer flagship model, though, so that’s not likely. Since flip-out units are so small, they usually lack outputs. Pioneer did their thing and somehow crammed all the standard preamp outputs and a backup camera hookup. It’s honestly amazing, you might change your opinion of flip-out screens after a few minutes with this one.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Let’s rip the bandaid off and get right into the most prominent problem; it costs a lot. That cool flip-out screen and compact, high-quality Pioneer goodness makes this NEX head uint the most expensive thing on this list. It even costs more than the more powerful NEX here, so if you can fit the double unit, you’d probably be better off going that route.
If you don’t have the space for a double DIN unit, there are still less expensive options. The fixed screen Power Acoustik is still a fine unit, if not nearly as feature-filled, and if you are really, let’s say “adventurous,” the Comecho is a fascinating single DIN head with a screen that fits inside the faceplate.

Pros

Single DIN so it fits older vehicles
Can do just about everything
Pioneer build quality and support

Cons

Quite expensive, especially compared to the Double DIN counterparts
Frustrating to use with screen retracted

7. Best Extra Large Touchscreen: Dual Electronics DMCPA11BT

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Why we like it: Dual Electronics brings the home theater to your dashboard with a gigantic 10” screen. The screen is attached on a mount allowing it to be bigger than the face of the stereo.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 10.1”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, SD
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Do you like big screens? Do you wish your car had a big screen in the middle of the dash? Well, Dual made a unit for you. The screen is 10” and on an adjustable arm. It has actual HD resolution, unlike a lot of the fakers in the cheap sections, and it’s strangely bright and inviting. Seriously, if you don’t mind that it’s going to dominate your car’s interior, this thing is fantastic.
Our Review
The first widespread use of touch screens in cars came in the form of GPS units, like TomToms and Garmins. They had, if you were lucky, a 5″ screen. Then came the infotainment centers from the factory, which boasted 6″ screens. Aftermarket 7″ solutions like the Alpine unit on our list are commonplace now, so believe us when we say that the Dual feels massive with a full 10″ display.
If a big screen is all it was, the Dual would still be a pretty good unit. It seems like they are trying hard to compete with Boss, though, and pulled out all the stops. It’s got Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is lovely. It’s got preamp outputs and USB fast charging. It even has the decency to be very reasonably priced for what it is.
Dual Electronics is a bit of an oddball company. Their products range from Walmart discount bin quality to better than Boss. They used to be just a random Chinese import brand. Over the last couple of decades, they have grown into a real competitor in the budget audio scene. Notably, they acquired Jensen, which is a name audio enthusiasts are probably much more familiar with. That’s where the Dual DMCPA11BT came from. On the inside, it’s all Jensen.
That’s the sprinkles on an already fantastic stereo sundae. The Dual is a rebranded Jensen; that means getting a unit that punches way above its weight class for a much lower price than you’d expect.
Why You Might Want Something Else
The giant 10″ screen is pretty, futuristic, and perfect if you like watching movies or really detailed GPS maps. It’s truly terrible if you don’t have very much space. The Alpine screen fits neatly inside the double DIN space, the screen on the Dual sticks way out. It sticks above and all around the install space. If you have vents or climate controls nearby, you’ll probably want to go for something more conventional.
The screen has a lot of wasted space, too. It has an Apple-style bezel that creeps into the screen real estate and makes the unit look bigger than it already is. If you have a small car, this thing will dominate your cockpit space.

Pros

Giant screen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready
Very easy to use

Cons

Reverse camera safety can be temperamental
Takes up a lot of room

8. Best Inexpensive Stereo with Backup Camera: Sarcch Double DIN

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Why we like it: It’s hard to believe that this head unit is so inexpensive. It’s basically an entire computer, with a camera, for less than a date night at Olive-Garden.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB,
Preamp out: None
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
The Sarcch is the right unit for someone who builds furniture without instructions, doesn’t mind laughing at electronics when they get weird, and prides themselves on buying cheap gadgets. It’s not high quality. It’s not easy to use by any stretch of the imagination. You will be googling issues when you can’t decipher the menu system.
But if you are the type that drives around a 93 Metro and goes livid at the idea of spending more on a head unit than the total cost of your car, the Sarcch is perfect.
Our Review
We want to put you in the right mindset to understand the Sarcch, and we think the best way to do that is a quote straight from their sales page.
“The line of the car stereo is a bit complicated, each color is connected with different functions, please compare with our picture or installation manual /Video to install patiently.”
That really tells you everything. This is a random, brandless piece of imported tech. These types of units usually come from China and are thrown together from the parts bins of other manufacturers, or are suppliers of other components trying to get a few extra dollars by assembling their own units. They aren’t bad, but they are a risk.
The Sarcch really makes a case for that risk being worth it, though. It’s truly, unbelievably incredible how many features they give you for pennies. It includes its own backup camera. They even give you a roll of vinyl tape in the box. Not even Boss does that with their famous install kits.
Why You Might Want Something Else
If you want to plug in the unit and get straight into listening to your music, get something else. Get the Boss without Android or Apple support if you are on a budget.
Look, we don’t want to discourage you from experiencing cheap junk units. Lots of people tinker with them and make them do what they advertise without issue. It’s just that, well, let’s put it this way. They warn you nine separate times on their website about the dangers of installing it yourself. Seriously, they don’t tell you the RMS wattage. They do mention, twice, to “pay attention to the electricity when install by yourself.” If you don’t want to deal with that, spend the extra money, you won’t regret it.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Looks kinda cool with red buttons and minimal front features

Cons

You’ll have to figure out how to use it by trial and error
No preamp outputs

9. Best Single DIN Large Screen Stereo: Power Acoustik PD-710B

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Why we like it: Power Acoustic’s unit is single DIN, so it fits older cars, but still boasts an impressive 7” touch screen. The screen is detachable.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Single DIN car owners on a budget who still want the future inside their cabin have really limited options. The Power Acoustik is one of them. It’s not amazing, it’s just good enough to bring you into the modern era for a reasonable price. It’ll fit older cars and do just enough to not bother you with its lack of features.
Our Review
This Power Acoustik PD-710 is a really interesting little unit. It’s a single DIN, so it fits most cars. Unlike most single DIN units with a touch screen, though, the screen hangs down. In theory, that makes it more likely to fit without taking up too much dash real estate. In practice, most cars have stuff underneath the radio, so your mileage may vary.
Other than the compact size, the Power Acoustik isn’t much to write home about. It does everything it says it does with little fuss. The user interface is very clean and straightforward, and the screen is adequate. It has a CD/DVD player, and while it doesn’t have preamp outs, it is still an upgrade over a factory head unit.
There’s not much else to say, really. It’s perfectly adequate, and it’s a reasonable price.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Probably the biggest reason you’d want to run from Power Acoustik is the lack of features. It’s neat that it is a single DIN unit, but if you don’t need that, there are way better options. The Pioneer here has a DVD/CD player also, and a full set of preamp outputs. If you don’t care about features, the Boss costs less.

Pros

Single DIN, so it fits older vehicles
Has preamp outputs
Inexpensive

Cons

Screen hangs down, so it might interfere with other dash controls like A/C
The screen could definitely be better quality, with slow touch response and only ok resolution.

10. Best Compact Single DIN Touchscreen: Camecho Single DIN Car Stereo

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Why we like it: The Camech’s screen is only 4” tall and technically isn’t a touchscreen. But its exceptionally compact design and wide-ranging compatibility meant we had to put it on the list.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 4.1”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB
Preamp out: Front, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Allow us to be blunt for a moment, but this is an excellent unit if you like weird things. It fits all the standard requirements for a modern head unit. It accepts Bluetooth and comes with a backup camera, remote, a microphone, and an itty bitty 4” screen. It’s just really different; the whole screen and control panel fits inside a single DIN face.
Our Review
Camecho is another piece of inexpensive imported tech. The English quality in their interface is much higher than the unit from Sarcch, but only marginally. It has all the telltale markers of a unit that will be frustrating to use. The buttons are really tiny, for a start, and the volume knob wiggles in unpleasant ways.
Despite that, there is a charm to the Camecho that nothing else comes close to. It’s a tiny, full-featured touch screen unit that fits where nothing else could. It doesn’t have a screen that sticks out and blocks your controls, and it doesn’t feel the need to prove itself with a screen that folds out. Having all the features crammed into the tiny space makes it look especially high tech. We’ve been programmed to think of smaller gadgets as more futuristic, the Camecho really captures the essence of that.
If being a conversation starter isn’t enough, and we aren’t saying that it’s not enough, then the Camecho still does ok. It’s at least got a subwoofer preamp output, and it comes with a backup camera. Unlike similar units, the Camecho has Bluetooth capabilities. You just have to get really close to it to watch things or use the menus.
Why You Might Want Something Else
We said that this was the perfect unit if you like things a little bit weird, but if you value function, it’s probably not your best option. The instructions are terrible, the buttons are hard to see, it’s missing a lot of simple features. The Power Acoustik we mention is also a single DIN unit that has a much bigger screen, and it won’t have you pulling your hair out trying to decipher what “varies of a car logos adjustable” means.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Ultra-compact, it will fit any vehicle

Cons

Terrible documentation
Screen is tiny

A Deep Dive Into Car Stereos
We want to apologize. The world of audio has no end. Each time you learn something new, you will also learn that there are two more things to learn. It’s a rabbit hole that has claimed many lives; you probably know a few people that spend all their time mumbling about RMS and pass filters. Maybe you are that person.
Regardless, we put together this section to help you de-mystify the finer details of car stereo heads. Hopefully, it can at least answer any questions you have without losing you to the void.
Single DIN vs. Double DIN
Just in case it’s on a test, DIN is a German standard measurement for car radio equipment. One DIN is 7 inches by 2 inches. A double DIN is 7”x4”, double the height of a single. There, go win your next trivia night.
In practical application, though, most cars have space for either a single DIN head unit or a double DIN head unit. If you have a car that can fit a double DIN unit, your choices are infinite. You can buy special bezels that will hold a single DIN if you really want to, but most touch screens and high-performance stereos are double.
If you have an older car or a custom setup that doesn’t have space for a double, then your touch screen options get a lot more limited. We included a handful on our review list, including a Pioneer with a fold-out screen and a funky tiny infotainment unit. They cost more or have fewer features than their larger counterparts, though.
Getting the Music to Your Speakers
There are way too many different ways to play music these days. Except for cassettes, every time a new technology comes out, we add it to the pile. AM radio has been around since the early 1900s. We still rely on it to give us road updates, meaning your head unit has to be able to use tech from pre-WWI right alongside tech that is only a few years old. When you are buying any stereo, it’s helpful to narrow down which technologies are the most important to you.
Radio
Radio tends to come in three flavors nowadays. First on deck is the oldest broadcasting technology, the AM/FM radio. Useful for if you are in a place with weather conditions you need to know about or enjoy commercials. Satellite, sometimes simply called XM radio because of the most popular company offering it, is radio waves from space. That means you can get them worldwide, which is cool. You do have to buy a special receiver though, even if your stereo says it’s HD radio-ready.
Finally, we have the most recent addition to the radio lineup: Internet Radio. There are hundreds of internet content providers, including the giants Pandora and Spotify, so it’s impossible to talk about all of them here. You probably already have your favorite.
Like the Alpine or any of the Pioneer unit, most of the higher quality units have internet radio apps built-in. The Pioneer NEX, for example, has no less than four different internet radio apps that connect instantly with your phone and can be controlled from the screen.
Physical Media
Physical Media is any media that has a physical form. It’s refreshing when things are so straightforward. This includes DVDs, CDs, USB drives, SD cards, and Micro SD/TF cards. It used to include things like 8-tracks, but unless you are very into keeping things period correct, that’s not a concern. In today’s age of the cellphone, most people don’t use physical media anymore. That’s why units like this Boss don’t even have a CD/DVD player anymore. The Alpine doesn’t even have an SD slot, and includes the USB largely for charging your phone.
Some people like watching their DVD collection while they drive. Units like the Pioneer X390BS have video output as well as DVD input. That way, you can use a single head unit to power an entire entertainment system in your car and keep the kids entertained.
AUX
Auxiliary input is the most straightforward way to plug in an audio device. Anything that has a headphone jack can be plugged into a stereo with AUX in. Just run an auxiliary cable from the device to the head unit, and you are good to go. If you still sport an OG iPod that doesn’t have Bluetooth, it’s pretty much your only option.
The problem is that as Bluetooth and app-driven services like Apple CarPlay become standard, the headphone jack is disappearing. iPhones famously don’t have headphone jacks, and they have historically set the trend for the future. In the car audio world, we are already seeing the repercussions. Not to keep calling attention to the Alpine unit we recommend, but it only has an AUX input in spirit. The port is on the back, buried under your dash. You aren’t really meant to use it.
Wireless
Bluetooth is the most common wireless hookup and the universal standard. If you have a modern device of any kind, it has Bluetooth. Most people have interacted with a Bluetooth speaker; a car head unit with BT capabilities will behave the same way.
Fancier devices like the Dual we recommend can talk both ways. It can receive audio signals from your phone when you stream music, and it can control the music stream from your phone with the buttons on its own screen.
A/V Inputs
Backup cameras, video game consoles, other media devices like DVD players, and similar can all be plugged into head units with video and extra audio inputs. For instance, the Power Acoustik we recommend has a full set of RCA inputs. You can even run a Super Nintendo right on your car’s stereo screen and play Mario Kart with your friends. Just don’t do it while driving, that might make the crashes a little too realistic.
Touch Screens

The centerpiece to a touch screen stereo is, of course, the touch screen. To best understand touch screens, it helps to break them into the two main ingredients: touch and screen.
Resistive vs. Capacitive
When you touch a touch screen, there has to be some way to translate your finger into an input, otherwise, you are just poking at a TV like a weirdo. There are four main ways to do that, and if you want to know about all four, ViewSonic has a handy article with diagrams here. In the car audio world, we really only care about resistive touch and capacitive touch, though.
Restive touch means that when you press on the screen, the screen acts like a button. They are slower than capacitive touch, and generally, they have less accuracy. They also have sensors that take up space and diminish screen size. The only upside is that they are a lot cheaper to produce. You’ll find them on inexpensive units like the Boss BV9364B we recommend.
Capacitive touch screens use the tiny amount of electricity in your body to register touch. They are faster, look better, and usually feel better. Cell phones and tablets use capacitive touch, as do most modern touchscreen head units like the gigantic Dual we recommend.
Screen Resolution
Small screens don’t need a lot of pixels to look great, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see many ultra high definition screens when searching for a head unit. We are spoiled by cell phone and tablet screens that have incredible resolution. Honestly, stereo technology just hasn’t entirely caught up yet.
The only thing to be aware of is how companies might be misleading you. Just because the box says “HD” doesn’t mean it’s a better screen than one that just says “VGA.” Case and point, the Pioneer AVH has an excellent looking display, the Sarcch doesn’t. The Sarcch makes the bold claim that it’s a full HD display, whereas Pioneer is smart enough to know that HD requires more than 800×480 pixels.
Pixel Density
Without getting too technical, it’s important to know that they aren’t outright lying to you either. If you browse through CNet’s primer on HD resolutions here, you’ll notice that a 32” TV with a resolution of 1280×720 is absolutely high definition. If you’ll allow us to do some math, a 32” TV has 720 pixels along its width of 28”. That’s 25 pixels per inch. The Sarcch has 800 pixels along its width of 6”, and that’s 133 pixels per inch. The math checks out.
All of this is a really long-winded way of saying that you shouldn’t worry too much about the screen. If a screen is your only concern, get the giant Dual we recommend. It’s definitely a tablet with a head unit attached and not a head unit with a screen sort of scenario.
Imports, Knock-Offs, and Cheap Junk
At the bottom of the quality pile are the cheap, usually from China gadgets that have flooded the market over the last couple of decades. They are easy to identify: weird brand names, terrible descriptions, and there will be a ton that all look identical but vary slightly in name and price.
The biggest reason they can exist at all is because Android is a free platform, so almost all of them run some version of the Android OS. The screen technology and processing technology are open source, so any factory that produces any modern gadget has all the tools necessary to build a cheap stereo. The units themselves are usually built from factory leftovers, or by suppliers with questionable business practices trying to undermine the larger companies that they are contracted by. It’s a constant, ever-changing world of corporate espionage, knock-offs and cheap labor changing hands.
Now let’s be clear, they aren’t necessarily bad units. They will be lower quality, sure, and probably have weird little quirks like indecipherable labels. That doesn’t mean they won’t play videos or music, or work fine over Bluetooth. You just have to know what you are getting into. You might get a great unit that works great, or you might get something that falls apart after a month. You might have to spend a half-day reading forums to figure out how to change the station. It’s really, really hard to beat the price, though.
Welcome to the Future
No matter what you choose, you are getting something awesome. Upgrading a head unit in a car is one of the best ways to make it feel new again. Seriously, get in a resto-mod Chevelle or something. If it has a touch screen, it will feel new despite being sixty or more years old. Even if you don’t really want a screen in your car, you should get one. If Tesla is any indication, cars will only have touch screens instead of physical controls in the future. You might as well get used to it now. More

Picture a messy toolbox. Doesn’t it give you anxiety? Maybe you’re picturing your own toolbox, and every time you work on something, you tell yourself that you’ll get eventually get around to organizing it. But it never happens! There’s always one more project that needs to get done. Well quit waiting, and grab a super convenient organizer.

How to Get Organized
A socket organizer is a simple and intuitive way to keep all of your socket heads together, organized, and accessible. While different socket organizers accomplish the task with different designs and materials, all sockets have a single purpose: making dealing with your toolbox a bit easier.
Storying Your Socket Organizer
The biggest consideration when choosing a socket organizer is where the sockets are going to be stored. Are you going to keep them in a drawer, on a workbench, or do you need to carry them out into the field?
Drawer
The rolling toolbox is the ultimate symbol of shop work, and it’s probably the most common way people store tools. Like the very budget-friendly Sedy on our list, most organizers are designed to load up with sockets and throw in a drawer.
Workbench
If you have a bench or like to work at a station, then there are organizers built for you. Units like the OEM have all the sockets sitting upright in the tray, which makes them super easy to grab and organize. The magnetic Olsa can just be slapped onto any surface, so every place you are working is a workbench.
In the Field
Working out of a truck or a van presents its own unique organizational challenges. Road bumps can knock everything around, and even if your truck has drawers, they are prone to disorganization or the wrong size. Socket organizers like the Makitoyo have all the holders packed tightly, and a carrying handle. It’s super portable and compact, so it’s easy to throw in a box and drive out to a job.
How the Sockets Are Held
The way that an organizer holds a socket varies a lot. The spectrum typically ranges from easy-to-grab and securely fastened. Organizers like the OEM unit here just have a peg that the socket fits on. Super easy to use, but if you knock over the tray, your sockets scatter.
Methods get more secure from there. The standard ball lock has largely replaced the easy-to-bend metal spring locks of the past, and can now be found on even inexpensive units. Some innovators like MLTOOLS have a twist lock, which is very secure. It does take longer to get the socket off the organizer, though. If you want the best of both worlds, you have to pay. Olsa makes a fantastic magnetic organizer. It holds the sockets using powerful magnets, so they are super secure and easy to grab.
Number of Sockets/Type of Sockets
Another important thing you need to consider is the number and type of sockets you have that need organizing. If you have like 100s of ¼” and ⅜” sockets that include weird sizes, getting a single, 10 spot organizer is probably a silly thing to do. Conversely, if all you have is a very simple ⅜” set, something like the 80 spot portable Olsa is a waste of money and space.
Just as a note, labeled organizers usually come in both SAE and Metric. Some companies, like OEM, include both in the same box. Most will make you buy separate units for each standard. There are tools that are neither SAE nor Metric that we talk about below, but you aren’t likely to find dedicated organizers for them.
In our ‘Quick Facts’ section, we list out the capacity of each organizer ranked by the type of socket (SAE or Metric), the size of the driver (1/3, 3/8, or 1/2 inch), depth (whether it’s a shallow or deep socket), and the capacity (number of slots for each size).
Quality
We’ll go over materials and a more in-depth look at what makes a quality tool down here, but the gist is that even cheap tools in our modern era are good enough. We wouldn’t recommend anything that won’t work, so it just comes down to how much you are willing to pay for extra durability.
This top 10 list showcases many different styles and mounting options. Just make sure that whatever organizer you purchased fits your needs, as it’s way more important to pick the socket organizer that works for your situation than to pick the most expensive or fully-featured holder on the market.

Top 10 Best Socket Organizers 2020

1. Best Overall Socket Organizer: MLTOOLS Socket Organizer

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Why we like it: What holds 90 sockets, is modular, and has a super satisfying twist-lock design? This MLTOOLS rail set.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Twist-lock
¼ drive number: 15/15 SAE/Metric
⅜ drive number: 15/15 SAE/Metric
½ drive number: 15+15 SAE/Metric
Best Suited For
Deep drawers, the top of a toolbox or small tool caddies are where this organizer is most comfortable. It holds the sockets upright, so shallow drawers beware. It is easy to carry around, and each individual strip of sockets can be removed. That makes this the best compromise between portable, easy, and compact.
Our Review
First of all, we’re fans of the twist-lock system that the MLTOOLS uses. It will hold the sockets upside down, there aren’t any little metal bearings to wear out, and unlike the old-school metal springs, it’s never a fight to get a rarely-used socket off the holder. The individual rails can be removed and carried individually off the tray. They are modular, so you can customize the trays. You can arrange the trays by drive size, metric vs. standard, or any combination of things, all that for a really reasonable price.
There are only two things that slow it down. First, it has tons of space with 90 spots, but it’s an equal number of each drive size. That means you’ll probably have empty ½” spots, and not enough ¼” spots. That’s not a huge deal since it’s pretty much par for the course when it comes to tool organizers. The difference is that since they are sold as a set, you can’t just buy one more rail, you have to get at least 3. Grab the Horusdy 3pc on our list to fill out the kit, as they are cheap and compact.
Second, perhaps the biggest problem is that they won’t hold up to years of hard daily abuse. It is absolutely perfect for everyone who wrenches on their project every weekend or needs a track day set, but not the professional shop. For an ultra-durable model, check out the Olsa portable.

Pros

Holds sockets firmly with a twist-lock system
Has a lot of neat features
Very good value for price

Cons

Doesn’t come with extra holders
Plastic clips can wear out with hard use

2. Best Premium Socket Organizer: Olsa Tools Magnetic Organizer

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Why we like it: Olsa’s Magnetic Tool Organizers can be positioned anywhere, even upside down, making this one of the most user-friendly socket organizers out there.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Magnets
¼ drive number: 13 deep, 13 shallow SAE
⅜ drive number: 13 deep, 13 shallow SAE
½ drive number: 7 deep, 9 shallow SAE
Best Suited For
The Olsa Tools organizer is magnetic and holds the sockets upright, so it’s not good for throwing into drawers. It is super good to take with you to whatever you are working on and sticking it to whatever metal surface is nearby.
Our Review
We’ll get the bad out of the way first. The set is an SAE-only version. If you want to organize your metric set too, you’ll need [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XV756J6/”]this onet[/amazon] also. That pushes the price for the whole set to well over $100. You could buy 6 of the Makitoyo sets, giving you 480 spots to work with for that much. Each place on this Olsa is precisely the right size. If you have a super mismatched socket set, some of them might not fit. If you have a meticulous setup, this is perfect, but get the twist locking organizer if you have a bunch of random brands for sockets.
What you don’t get with the cheaper units is quality and convenience. An advanced-polymer plastic is nearly unbreakable, but it’s the convenience that pushes this organizer into one of our top spots. Magnets hold the organizer to a surface, and magnets hold your sockets in place. That makes them super easy to remove, but still secure enough to slap the thing on the side of a toolbox. You’ll never have an excuse not to put the socket back in its spot.

Pros

Magnetic holder is super convenient
Holds sockets securely
The labels are easy to read

Cons

High price
Tight tolerances for mis-sized sockets

3. Easiest to Use Socket Organizer: OEMTOOLS 22233

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Why we like it: We love it when organizers are easy to work with, it makes us more likely to use them. The OEM organizer couldn’t be easier, just toss the socket at its labeled peg.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Round plastic peg
¼ drive number: 9 short and 9 deep SAE, 12 short and 12 deep Metric
⅜ drive number: 12 short and 12 deep SAE, 12 short and 12 deep Metric
½ drive number: 14 short and 11 deep SAE, 15 short and 14 deep Metric
Best Suited For
It’s good for benchtops and the top of large toolboxes, as it takes up a lot of space. The pegs stick up too far for drawers, and the sockets are not held securely enough to survive moving around a lot anyway. It’s one of the biggest sets on our list, though, so if you need to hold 170 different sockets, you probably have the space for it.
Our Review
You can choose the colors! Ok, so that’s not an amazing feature, but it is fun to coordinate toolsets. The bigger, cooler thing is that it has a ton of spots for a ton of sockets. There are 170 labeled pegs, with different size pegs for different drive sizes, although nothing is stopping you from putting things on the wrong peg. This versatility is what separates this from our other labeled peg option, the Grip. That, and the OEM has twice as many spots.
You’ll break those pegs off if you are too rough with it. Also, unlike most holders, if you tip the OEM tray over, all your sockets will fall out. Not the worst issues, but definitely something to consider if you’re hard on tools.

Pros

Tons of spaces
Very easy to use
Comes in cool colors

Cons

Sockets are not held securely
Pegs can break off if you push too hard on them

4. Best Portable Socket Organizer: Olsa Tools Portable Tray

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Why we like it: The Olsa Portable Tray has a place for 80 sockets and locks them super securely.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 20 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
It’s got a metal base, a handle, and enough spaces for any portable set. That makes the Olsa Portable tray perfect to be thrown into a truck for travel, or into a backup set that you keep in your trunk for when things go wrong. You can also throw a nail on the wall of your garage and hang it if toolbox space is at a premium.
Our Review
Olsa is a leader in quality, as we have already seen with their giant magnetic system here. This one is affordable though! It’s not the cheapest portable carrier on our list – that honor belongs to the Makitoyo, but the Olsa will survive a lot more abuse. The tray and rails are metal, so you won’t feel bad letting it bang around in a big truck box. They stayed away from the annoying metal spring retainers of old, and instead they opted for the plastic holders with spring-loaded bearings. Those holders hold the sockets securely. A little too securely sometimes, so tight you might have to fight with it to get infrequently-used sockets off.
Most of our complaints are just complaints about the portable tray design. The sockets will be hard to read when they are all packed on densely, and hard to grab when the tool tray is full. Since the same thing is true of other portable sets like the MLTOOLS and the Makitoyo, it’s unfair to use it as a strike against the Olsa. It can be annoying, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Pros

Very high quality
Compact
Has plenty of spaces

Cons

Can be hard to read the socket size
Sockets can be hard to remove from organizer

5. Best Budget Socket Organizer: Sedy 3 Piece ABS

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Why we like it: For the price, it’s impossible to find better socket holders.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 16 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 15 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 10 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
This set is great for drawers and boxes. These are just your standard rails meant to hold the sockets in one spot. They won’t really hold the sockets upside down, although the sockets stay relatively firmly on the organizer. They also don’t include magnets or anything convenient for mounting the rack itself. Just throw them in a drawer and enjoy the extra space.
Our Review
Neophytes and occasional mechanics rejoice, because this organization set is cheap. It’s made of ABS and vinyl, which is good enough, and the plastic holders will hold a socket as long as you don’t fling it too hard. You get 41 spaces for less than lunch, don’t try to make it more than it is.
If you need more spaces but still want to keep things cheap, the Makitoyo holds 80 sockets and is twice the price. At that point, you might as well just buy two sets, though, as they’ll better fit the drawers.

Pros

Inexpensive
Colorful
Perfect for a small set

Cons

Retention could be better
Less-than-stellar plastic quality

6. Best Ultra-Compact Socket Organizers: Horusdy 3pc

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Why we like it: If space is at a premium, the Horusdy 3pc is the perfect way to keep organized.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 20 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 18 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 16 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
Unlike a traditional rail holder, the Horusdy organizer has retainers on both sides of the rail. That makes them hold the same number of sockets as a traditional unit, but stay half the length. It’s perfect for small toolboxes or anywhere that space is limited.
Our Review
The Horusdy organizer has a cool feature you won’t find anywhere else: the rails are double-sided, so they are short and wide rather than long and narrow. That’s great if you don’t have very much space to work with as they can fit in smaller drawers and boxes.
Unfortunately, no matter how you carry it, one side is always less than the other. The whole thing is plastic, so quality isn’t the best, and the rubber cap that holds them all together is easy to knock off. They are really cheap, though. It’s only a few dollars more than the cheapest set on our list, the Sedy. If you need quality, get the Olsa portable. If you need to save space, the Horusdy is perfect.

Pros

Super compact
Inexpensive
Easy to read socket stamps

Cons

Quality could be better
Rubber end caps prone to wearing out

7. Best Portable Magnetic Socket Holder: Olsa Tools Portable Magnetic Socket Tray

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Why we like it: This offering from Olsa is probably one of the least frustrating organizers on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Magnets
¼ drive number: 0
⅜ drive number: 0
½ drive number: 11 shallow and 11 deep SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
The Olsa Portable Magnetic organizer is both shockingly portable and shockingly effective. Unfortunately it’s also small; each tray can only hold a handful of sizes. The best thing to do with it is to fill it with the 20 sockets you use the most and keep it handy as a portable workstation. Throw it in your travel toolbox, hide one under the seat of your car, or keep one hidden in your workshop so your clumsy friend won’t lose all your sockets when he comes over to work on his old beater.
Our Review
This magnetic organizer is really nice. It’s made of strong materials, and the magnets will stick to any metal surface and hold it in place. Plus, even though the sockets are super secure, they are still easy to remove and use. The only thing holding it back from being truly amazing is its small size. It seems like no matter what, the size you need won’t be in the set you brought with you.
In addition to being small, they come in different sizes. If you need a bunch of smaller ¼” drive sockets but bought the ½” drive sized tray, you are pretty much out of luck. They are expensive enough that you probably won’t want to buy a multiple to make a complete set, so you just have to put smaller sockets in the bigger sized slots. The magnets will hold the small sockets in place well enough, but it looks bad. If you need to carry around a lot of sockets, a full-sized setup like the other portable Olsa, or the much cheaper Makitoyo, will serve you better.

Pros

High quality
Magnets make the tray super convenient
Really easy to use

Cons

On the small size
Each tray only holds set sizes

8. Best Portable Socket Organizer for Toolboxes: Makitoyo 80-Piece

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Why we like it: The Makitoyo has a handle, spots for 80 sockets, and a reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 26 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 24 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
If you saw the c and thought it was perfect, but hated the price, Makitoya has you covered. It’s the same deal: you need something portable that is easy to throw in a box and have at the ready whenever. It holds sockets well enough to survive transportation, and it’s strong enough to take a beating in the elements.
Our Review
The Makitoyo is one of those tools that you come across at Harbor Freight. You are sure you’ve seen the exact same tool with a different label, but it looks like it will do the job you need it for, so you buy it. After all, it was a really good price, so even if it breaks after a year, you won’t feel too bad. It ends up being pretty good quality, though. You get a bunch of false confidence and buy a Pittsburgh Tools Torque Wrench that doesn’t set correctly. You end up snapping off a manifold bolt in an aluminum block. Maybe that last part was just us, but the danger is real.
Get the Olsa portable if you need a better fit and finish than cheap can give you, and get the MLTOOLS thing if you want innovation. Get this Makitoyo if you just need something good enough for right now.

Pros

Cheap
Durable enough to throw around
Has a lot of clips for sockets

Cons

Clips are hard to move around
The box says it will hold sockets upside down, but definitely don’t trust it to do that

9. Easiest-to-Read Socket Organizer: Grip 6 pc Socket Tray

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Why we like it: The Grip socket organizer is super easy to read and more compact than other upright organizers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Plastic pegs
¼ drive number: 11 SAE, 13 Metric
⅜ drive number: 13 SAE, 15 Metric
½ drive number: 15 SAE, 17 Metric
Best Suited For
Like the OEM organizer, the Grip is mostly useful for deep drawers, toolbox tops, and workbenches. The sockets stand upright, and they don’t lock in very securely. It’s smaller than the OEM in all dimensions, so it’s a little more toolbox friendly. That comes at the cost. The Grip just can’t hold as many sockets as others, even the portable clip-in units. If you have a big kit, then look elsewhere.
Our Review
We love this organizer because it’s got big, easy-to-read labels. It’s also super easy to set the sockets on. There’s just no reason not to put the tools back in their spot. The durability of the Grip is fine. It’s a chunk of plastic that’s probably a little less likely to break than the OEM competitor since the pegs are shorter. The shorter pegs also make it a little easier to use. Rather, it would, but the pegs on the Grip aren’t just normal pegs. They turn into square bases that hold the sockets tighter than conventional designs. It also makes the Grip look better when it’s full of sockets since they stay centered.
It’s got the same drawbacks as the OEM: if you knock it over, all your sockets will scatter. It also has another drawback, which will largely be dependent on your kit. If you have some weird sizes or a lot of different sockets, the Grip won’t have enough pegs for you. Or you’ll have to put sockets on pegs with the wrong label.

Pros

Easy-to-read labels
Easy to put the sockets away
Good price compared to its competitors

Cons

Not enough spots, especially if you have funky sizes
Easy to knock the sockets out

10. Best Drawer Socket Organizer: Craftsman Socket Organizer

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Why we like it: The Craftsman in drawer organizer has a spot for everything, even the extensions.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Holes drilled in plastic
195 compartments
Best Suited For
It’s a drawer organizer, and that pretty much means you need to stuff it into a drawer. You could probably build a box for it if you wanted. The good news is that it can hold just about anything, with over 195 separate places to put things that are all labeled. If you have a big toolbox and a lot of junk to organize, the Craftsman is a good fit.
Our Review
The Craftsman drawer organizer is a perfect example of something that was almost great. Everything is nicely labeled, but the labels are hard to read. There’s a spot for every type of socket, but it’s organized strangely. It says Craftsman on it, but it’s made of thin plastic. It’s easy to get the tools in and out, but the whole tray system wobbles and moves around.
That doesn’t make it bad. It will hold an entire tool kits worth of sockets in a very neat, organized way. If you have the drawer space, it’s a really nice system for keeping a set together. But there are better options out there: stuff like the Olsa organizer or the MLTOOLS organizer are phenomenal. This Craftsman organizer, although fine for a typical drawer toolbox, just isn’t anything special.

Pros

A spot for everything
It can be arranged to fit different drawers
Every spot is labeled and easy to get to

Cons

Quality isn’t great
Nothing exceptional

Tips, Tricks, and Extra Info
Now that the hard part is done, let’s get into some more fun tidbits and information. We’ll hit on some weird tools you might want to consider organizing and give you some pro tips at keeping your space clean. First, we want to address one of the questions we are sure you have after reading the reviews: where’s the metal?
Plastic vs. Metal
Traditional socket organizers used bent metal springs that locked your sockets in place with tension. If you’ve ever used them, you know that they suck. They are prone to bending, and it’s often frustrating to add or remove sockets from the retainers. Comparatively, plastic organizers are easier to manufacture with better tolerances, less expensive, and hold their shape better long term.
The only sacrifice is durability, but the truth is that cheaper metal organizers won’t last long enough without bending to take advantage of their added strength. That’s why no traditional spring metal organizers appear on our recommendation list, they’re simply out of date. Plastic technology is advanced and durable enough that it beats out other designs
Dealing with Unusual Sockets
We note a few times in our reviews that some holders, like the big Olsa magnetic organizer, aren’t good for unusual sockets. The standard socket is hexagonal on the inside, smooth on the outside, and only a little bigger than the size of the bolt head it’s measured for. There are a lot of sockets that don’t fit that description, though. Sockets like:
Impact Sockets
Impact sockets are heavy duty sockets meant for high torque. The thicker walls mean they won’t fit into organizers like the Craftsman.
10-Point and Specialty Sockets
A standard bolt has 6 points, so traditional sockets are either 6 or 12 points. High torque bolts, often used as head bolts, can be all sorts of weird shapes. You don’t want to mix them up.
Bit Sockets
Bit sockets are just like drill or impact bits, just with a hole for a socket wrench instead of a hex shank. They fit on any rail system, like the MLTOOLS, but won’t slide over pegs.
Universal Joints and Extensions
Universal joints allow you to pivot the socket onto a hard to reach bolt, and extensions move the wrench further away from the bolt. Most people store them in a drawer next to the organized sockets, but they do sell special organizers like [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVSWXDP/”]this one[/amazon] from Ares.
Adapters
They make adapters for everything. The most useful are upsized adapters, from ¼” drive to ⅜” drive, and impact driver adapters. Impact drivers that use a standard ¼” hex lock need to be converted to square drive so you can use sockets with them. Ares makes [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9VGY55/”]this organizer[/amazon] for adapters, but a traditional socket organizer won’t accommodate an adapter.
Other Ways to Organize Sockets
While a specially-designed socket organizer is the best way to keep sockets organized, there are other ways to store sockets. Some of the following are below:
Tool Pouch: An inexpensive tool pouch will keep your sockets together, but it won’t keep them organized. To keep your sockets organized and portable, you’ll need a specific organizer designed for travel like the Craftsman.
Workbenches: As workbenches are stationary, they don’t have to meet the same design constraints as portable or semi-portable socket organizers. We’ve seen DIYers take really unique and beautiful approaches when designing wooden socket holders.
Work Van: While a work van with toolboxes can be customized for ease of use with a socket organizer like the Makitoyo, a work van with a pegboard can be used to organize sockets cleanly.
Other Oddities
The average socket organizer is meant for either Metric or SAE sockets in the three most common drive sizes. Nothing is ever that simple, and there exist a ton of socket categories outside of those ones that you might encounter. For instance, British Standard sockets are just a little bit different than American Standard sockets. You can read more here on Whitworth sizes, but if you are working on an old MG, you probably already deal with that frustration.
Sockets also get gigantic. There exist ¾” and 1” drive sockets that get massive in diameter. Tractors and other heavy-duty equipment require-heavy duty tools. The good news is that weird stuff like this is rare, so chances are you won’t be needing to organize them in your toolbox anytime soon.
Pro Tips for Staying Organized
If you are buying socket organizers, you probably care about keeping your entire workspace orderly. It can be an absolute pain to do that, though. We asked a handful of pro mechanics to give us some tips and tricks in keeping organized.
Force Yourself to Clean Your Tools
Make it a habit to clean your tools after you use them. There are two reasons. First, having clean tools is nice. There’s an old saying about how the difference between a good mechanic and a great mechanic is a white shirt; keeping a shop clean makes everything better. Second, it forces you to put the tool away. You build a routine that is easy to stick too.
Take Trays and Boxes With You
Even if it’s just a cardboard box, keep containers within reach wherever you are working. That way, you can throw parts and tools into the box as you work, rather than scattering them to the winds: the more boxes, the better. Also, use boxes to hold bolts by drawing a rough diagram on the cardboard and stabbing the bolts through where they go.
Limit Your Trips to the Toolbox
Use magnetic trays, or organizers like the Olsa to take more tools with you to a project than you think you need. Every time you make a trip to the box is a chance to leave a tool behind, and the likelihood of you putting it away dwindles.
Make a Spot for Everything
It’s one of the best parts of having an organizer like the OEM peg system. You get a lot of labeled spots, and having a spot for a tool makes you more likely to keep it organized. It’s usually best to start with big categories and work down to individual tools. Like, this toolbox is for engine tools, this drawer is for socket wrenches, and this space is for the holy 10mm. The more categories you have, the less paralyzed by indecision you will be, and the easier it is to organize things.
Clean Toolboxes Finish Projects
Having to look for the right size wrench kills momentum. The time and extra effort it takes to dig through a pile of mismatched tools can make even seasoned mechanics lose their cool. Don’t do that to yourself. Make your life better and organize those boxes! More

Unless you are specifically attuned to the stars more than the average person, finding one’s way towards the true north with just our faulty human eyes is a bit of a hassle, especially when on the road for long periods of time (or during the day). Car compasses, while seemingly an antiquated piece of equipment, can easily help someone find their way on the brightest of days or the cloudiest of nights.
Car compasses are simple. They are compasses that will (generally) latch somehow onto one’s dashboard and provide easy-to-read navigational help, even in areas that might not be in cellular phone signal range. Not all vehicle compasses are made equal, however, and you’re going to want the absolute best quality for your dollar, especially when it comes to getting from point A to point B in an efficient, timely manner. Well, we’re here to help with that.
In this article, we are going to focus on the best dashboard-mounted car compasses out on the market today. Before we dive into that, however, we are going to explain the bare minimum of what you need to know about car compasses before looking at any of these products and making any sort of decision on a purchase.
After making sure you know what to look for before buying your compass, we are going to get straight into the product reviews and soon after we’ll finish the article with an extended buyer’s guide that will further your understanding of just what it is you are looking for when it comes to these kinds of products.
Alright, let’s buckle up and calibrate ourselves properly… it’s time to dig into the niche world of car compasses!

Car Compasses: What To Consider Before Buying
Alright, here are a few simple points to keep in mind when in the market to purchase a quality car compass product. Remember, this is just a cursory glance on the matter. If you’re looking for some more depth on the subject, be sure to check out our extended buyer’s guide for the real nitty-gritty on the matter.
Overall Fit
Car compasses can be fitted to a vehicle in a few different ways. The most common type of fitting out there are suction cups. These are great because they allow your car compass to be positioned anywhere you want inside the vehicle without too much trouble. They are also versatile in that if you need to move the compass for any reason, generally you can find another area that they will fit on easy enough. The only real issue with suction cups is that they can not work so well on overly dirty or oily surfaces.
Adhesive strips are another common fitting choice. These provide a tight and secure fit. However, they come with a fairly extreme downside. Namely, if you desire to move your compass, you’re going to probably have to replace the strips along with it, as they generally are not good for reuse.
The strongest of attachments for car compasses are going to be screwed/bolted on dashboard mounts, however. These are generally seen as secure, leaving little room for the compass to move around your dashboard.
To give you a sense of just how to install a car compass, please check out this helpful video from Tomorrow’s Journey, a YouTube channel dedicated to the RV lifestyle.
Calibration Difficulty
Most, if not all car compasses need some form of calibration in order to work properly, and each one is going to have its own nuances to the calibration process. Be sure before you make a purchase that the car compass you plan on getting actually is designed for use in your area of the world.
It’s worth noting that traditional/magnetic car compasses have internal magnets that always prompt them to point north, which makes them extremely efficient when it comes to calibration. Digital car compasses, however, may take a bit longer to calibrate due to the complexity of their inner mechanics. However, they can end up being more accurate in the long run because of this.
Aesthetics/Usage
It’s important to purchase a compass that is both easy on the eyes and visually pleasing as well. Look for models that illuminate well in the dead of night, large compass letting and brightly-lit numbers and letters. A lot of car compasses are easily movable if there’s any great need to alter the position of the compass in the car, either due to extreme sun glare or any other reason. Mobility is king when it comes to these helpful navigation devices.
How Big Is It?
Definitely have an idea of just how big of a car compass you want or need prior to purchasing. Some compasses are going to be much bulkier than others, and this could be a hindrance if you have a smaller dashboard than normal (which is common in a lot of smaller cars). Additionally, make sure the nighttime illumination isn’t too bothersome or annoying. This is crucial for road safety where even minor distractions at night can lead to major accidents. Know what you can tolerate before purchase!

Top 7 Best Car Compasses 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Ritchie Navigation Explorer Car Compass

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Why we like it: The next-level, bracket-mounted design of this top-of-the-line car compass will ensure that it always points true.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
Ritchie is a name that echoes loudly when it comes to the realm of navigation for both ships as well as automobiles. First off, let’s start with the background of this particular car compass. The incredible thing is, it’s not technically designed for vehicles at all, but more for aquatic vessels such as boats and yachts. Mariners of all kinds require accurate directional information to not only make their trips in an orderly manner but also to come back safe and sound from a long journey. Needless to say, it’s a great product for the road as well!
The Ritchie Explorer is bracket mounted so that means you can put this bad boy anywhere in your vehicle, and it should always stay visible no matter where it’s placed. Not only that, but it will also stay reliably calibrated even in the toughest of terrain conditions.
There’s more to the quality craftsmanship to this compass, however. This product is built strong. The magnets themselves are high-gauss and considered to be some of the best in the industry, reliably pointing towards the magnetic north in any conditions. The pivot section is also made of highly durable steel. The entire system is just absolutely silky and slick in its overall design.
Another great thing about this car compass is, like most Ritchie products it comes complete with a 5-year warranty. So, if you do manage to beat it up to the point of no return, you’ve got a solid five years to send it to Ritchie for a full repair job. You really can’t beat that!
Verdict
The only real issue that we found with this product is that it can be difficult to see in low lighting conditions at times, but other than that, this is a solid product from a solid brand you can trust, and it earns the top spot on our list.

Pros

Visible compass dial with sizable lettering
Illumination for night driving
Versatile steel pivot functionality
Made from high-quality magnets
Simple to mount

Cons

Hard to see in low lighting conditions

2. Best Budget Option: Suunto Clipper Compass

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Why we like it: It’s small, but looks can be deceiving. This low-cost compass option is a great addition to any vehicle, all at a budget price.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is another unique item on this list in that it isn’t specifically a car compass, but can absolutely be utilized as one in a pinch, making it not only one of our best car compass picks but also our best budget option on this list as well.
Unlike many car compasses, this product is quite small at a tiny 4 inches of width. This means it can literally be placed anywhere in your vehicle fairly comfortably. The palm of your hand is even an option in the direst of situations, even!
None of the above matters if the compass itself is of poor quality, however that is most certainly not the case with the Suunto Clipper. This product comes complete with glowing cardinal lettering on the surface of the compass for easy nighttime navigation. It also has a rotating bezel as well.
Verdict
This is a great buy for someone who wants a solid piece of navigational equipment in their vehicle but doesn’t want to spend a lot of extra money on more advanced compass models that are specifically made for automobiles. Not only that, but you will also find other uses for it beyond the scope of one’s vehicle, as the company is known for making outdoors-related products.
Probably the worst thing we could find with the product is that it’s not structurally that stable compared to other compass models on our list. This isn’t a surprising notion, however, considering it’s made from relatively light materials. But all in all, it’s a solid budget-minded purchase.

Pros

Multi-purpose use for vehicles as well as watercraft
Illuminated directional points
Extremely lightweight
Small enough for most surfaces

Cons

Hardiness/structural concerns

3. Best Digital Car Compass: Pyle Universal 3.5″ Car HUD

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Why we like it: Powered by a dual-core processor, this car compass hybrid product offers lightning fast data for all your needs.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a product that can scratch someone’s hi-tech itch for a car compass alternative to your typical traditional models. The Pyle Universal HUD is an extremely varied car utility that not only fulfills the role of a car compass but is also capable of so much more.
The first thing we have to comment on is the gorgeous aesthetics that the HUD device has. Not only does this full-color heads up display showcase the proper direction you are heading in, but it can also show other tidbits such as speed, mileage, and even one’s GPS location. And don’t worry about it being too bright out, the Pyle HUD has an anti-glare design that keeps the individual alert and informed no matter how sun-blasted the landscape might be.
This HUD comes equipped with dual-core processing power, which gives it the hardware muscle needed to make on-the-fly calculations, adjustments, and data updates without breaking a sweat. Such technological complexity must be difficult to set up and use, right? Not at all. The Pyle Universal HUD has complete plug and play functionality; it is ready to go out of the box.
Another fantastic addition to an already stellar product is its ability to automatically shut off in tandem with your car engine. This is an incredible thing for truly forgetful individuals that may keep you from having to use jumper cables in the middle of nowhere to jump-start your vehicle due to a drained car battery!
Verdict
Like a lot of digital car compass products, the Pyle Universal HUD can take several minutes to properly calibrate, and sometimes it can lose its bearing depending on many extenuating factors. That’s really just the name of the game with these kinds of products, but their advantage lies in the fact that you don’t have to manually calibrate them yourself. So, if you’re looking for a digital HUD that is multi-faceted and is also a literal “plug it in and go” device, this is definitely the item you want to get.

Pros

Shows direction + speed
Simple design and installation
Fast dual-core computing
Automatically shuts down when you turn off your vehicle’s engine

Cons

Calibration can take a few minutes

4. Best Premium Option: Ritchie Surface Mount Compass

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Why we like it: The large 2.75 inch dial on this car compass ensures maximum visibility in the darkest of nights and the brightest of days.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is the second Ritchie product on this list… are you starting to see a theme here? Well, there’s a good reason why this particular car compass is here as our best premium option. Like all Ritchie products, the structural quality of this car compass is without question. It’s composed of a durable pivot dial system that is constructed out of the toughest steel.
You’re going to get the same sort of toughness out of this product as you would the Best Overall Pick and even the final product on our list. Ritchie is a company that does not skimp when it comes to the hardiness of their products!
The real reason we consider this product a premium pick is because of the wonderful extras that come built into the compass itself. Within this hardy navigational tool is a 12V green light that is perfect for seeing one’s direction in hard-to-see conditions (including terrible rainstorms).
The compass also comes with a sun shield that is easily manipulated and allows you to see this compass as clear as possible no matter what kind of harsh sun glare you might deal with. When you add all of this on top of the 2.75 inch dial, which is large enough to see easily even in the lowest of lighting conditions without having to squint, this is a great “kitchen sink” option when it comes to a traditional car compass.
Verdict
One negative thing that can be said about this product, however, is that it is certainly not made for smaller vehicles in mind, as it is rather bulky. Additionally, the light function requires an external power source of some sort, such as a cigarette lighter adapter. This isn’t too much of a big deal, but it puts this compass in a realm beyond your typical traditional car compass variant.
The Ritchie Surface Mount Compass is concrete-strong and able to pretty much be placed anywhere you can imagine safely inside your vehicle and still keep working properly, if you’ve got the car space. If you’re willing to pay a little bit extra for the addition of a movable sun shield and the cozy green night illumination, then this is a solid pick.

Pros

Steel pivot system
Composed of high-quality gauss magnets
Retractable sun shield for day/night versatility
Simple and speedy mounting process
5-year warranty

Cons

Bulky design might not make it adequate for some smaller vehicles
Light requires a power source

5. Best Smart Compass: Pyle Universal Vehicle Smart Display With Compass

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Why we like it: The prominent LCD display and efficient design make this a great addition to any dashboard.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is another HUD car compass system from Pyle as well, but how does it differ from the previous product of theirs on this list? Let’s find out!
This biggest difference with this product is that it is 2.6 inches instead of 3.5, so it’s a little bit smaller, but that ultimately means it ends up being more compact on one’s dashboard. This is a great option for smaller vehicles or individuals that value minimalism above looks.
Like the larger Pyle Universal HUD, this is pretty much an easy to set up peripheral for your vehicle. Mount it, power it up, and it’s ready to do everything you need it to do in just a couple of minutes. You can track the miles per hour you are traveling, the direction you are facing, and it even can alert you if you’re going over the speed limit in the area. To top it all off, the adjustable brightness controls make sure that you have a comfortable viewing atmosphere no matter what external light conditions you might be in.
Verdict
Like the previous Pyle HUD on the list, this product requires some time to calibrate properly. This isn’t too big of a deal, and we tend to think it’s a decent trade-off for what generally can turn into an exercise in frustration when it comes to calibrating traditional car compasses. While it is not as large as Pyle’s other model, it’s sure to please individuals that want something smaller yet high-quality at the same time.

Pros

Vivid HUD design
Universal mounting capabilities make it highly versatile
Shows direction, speed, time and more
Based off accurate and up to date GPS maps
Fast dual-core processing power

Cons

Takes a while to calibrate
Requires a power source

6. Best Compass with GPS: ACECAR T800 Universal Car HUD With Compass

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Why we like it: This gorgeous 4.3-inch display car compass hybrid device offers an incredible one-year money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
The ACECAR HUD, like the other digital compass peripherals on this list, is a multi-purpose display device for your vehicle that can display several things, including orientation, miles per hour traveled current top speed, and even things like latitude and longitude. The real highlight of the device, however, is the seamless GPS that integrates with the internal compass to get you to your destination safe and sound.
Probably the most noticeable thing about the ACECAR HUD is its fairly decent size in terms of being a digital heads up display system and compared to the other ones on this list. It’s solidly built and comes with a universal mount that will easily attach itself to every vehicle on the known market.
Verdict
The biggest issue we had with this product is it might be a little too large for some dashboards. Also, like all digital devices, a solid power source is needed, which can potentially drain your car battery if you forget that it’s plugged in. However, if you’ve got the space and want prime visual quality when it comes to your digital compass needs, this product really can’t be beaten. And with a one-year money-back guarantee, what do you really have to lose?

Pros

Universal mounting system
HD-level display setup
Screen is vivid even in direct sunlight
Minimal, lightweight design
One year money-back guarantee

Cons

Requires a steady power source
Too large for smaller vehicle dashboards

7. Best Heavy Duty Option: Ritchie Navigation X-10-A Auto Bracket Compass

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Why we like it: This car compass is a hardy piece of equipment due to it’s high-temperature manufacturing process.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
Here is yet another product from Ritchie that is made with quality in mind, at least in terms of the structural stability of the compass itself.
The Ritchie X-10-A is automatically eye-catching with its overtly blue design when it comes to the rotating compass portion itself, but as well all know looks aren’t everything. Like may car and boat-related compasses, this can remain stable no matter where it’s placed. So, if you feel the pressing need to put your car compass at an angle for whatever reason, this will still fulfill all of your needs thanks to its high-quality bracket mount and internal compensator systems.
Let’s go back to the aesthetic qualities, however. This compass has a lovely turquoise internal night lighting system that is fantastic for properly traversing long and lonesome highways for miles upon miles in the darkest of conditions.
Don’t be fooled, though… this is a tough product as well, and it was designed with top of the line materials that have been heat-tested to ensure the structural stability of the product in the long term. So, even if this compass happens to fall out of your vehicle by accident, it’s certainly not going to be kicking the bucket.
Verdict
If you’re near vehicles or other larger metallic items, this compass will consistently react to other magnetic things of varying degrees, making it not only extremely tough to calibrate, but also tough to rely on 100% as well. We found that it mostly depends on the individual and how long they took to calibrate their compass. It’s certainly not a process that should be rushed, however, it has to be said that this particular product doesn’t make it easy at all compared to some of the other products on this list, including our best car compass pick over all (which also happens to be manufactured by Ritchie as well).
With all of that being said, it’s a solidly-made, hardy piece of equipment and if you have any major issues with it, Ritchie will uphold its warranty, which is a generous five years in length.

Pros

Internal compensator mechanisms keep compass steady
Made in high-temperature conditions making it durable and hardy
Luminescent and usable in low lighting conditions
Bracket is reversible and can fit to many different kinds of surfaces
Five-year warranty

Cons

Difficult to calibrate
Difficult to mount depending on where you place it

Guide to Buying The Best Car Compass

Here are some more in-depth bits of information that expand more on what we previously covered in our brief buyer’s guide earlier in the article. If you’re still a bit one the edge on some aspects of owning a car compass, we think this section might help inform your purchase in a more detailed way.
Reasons to Use a Car Compass
At first glance, the need for a compass in your car may not be apparent. Here are some reasons you may want to consider installing one in your car before your next trip.
They Are Helpful In a Pinch
While cellular coverage in the United States is pretty decent for a majority of the country, there are still fairly sizable areas in the country where signal is nonexistent. Car compasses help to make sure you are heading in the right direction no matter what.
This is a great help if you’re in more remote areas with terrible to nonexistent cellular phone signals and all you have available is nothing more than a trusty map and your keen sense of direction. Sometimes old-school is the only way!
They are Multi-Faceted
Many car compass models don’t just show your vehicle’s physical orientation, but they also can have other key information displayed on them, such as latitude, longitude, miles-per-hour speed, and other interesting measurements and data that it is taking while you are on the road. Some even work in tandem with sophisticated satellite technology to provide top-notch, by the second data on all of the above, and much more.
They Look Slick
This depends on the kind of car compass you buy in the end, ultimately. However, a lot of these products actually can end up making one’s vehicle look a lot snazzier in the long run. Many car compass designs have a touch of the regal to them, with elegant design attributes to them. Some of them even provide lovely nighttime glow aesthetics, which any cyberpunk enthusiast might be able to appreciate!
Hands-Free Directional Assistance
Car compasses, when calibrated properly, always point true. The very best products will give you a hand-free directional awareness that will keep you from having to fumble around with external devices such as smartphones, GPS units and other bothersome things like that. This is an obvious positive when your focus should be on the road.
Now that we’ve got some tantalizing glimpses into why you should consider purchasing a car compass, let’s speed right on into the reviews!
Car Compass Types: An Overview
Before purchasing a car compass, it’s a good idea to see what kinds are out there, and which ones represent you, your goals, or even your personality. Here are the two main types of car compasses.
Traditional
Easy the most common of all compass types on the market. These simply point to the magnetic north at all times, though at times they can be off due to magnetic interference issues, especially when mounted in a vehicle and surrounded by electronics. These types of car compasses are generally screwed into or bolted on the dashboard of a vehicle in some form or fashion, and are usually considered more durable because they have fewer breakable components.
Digital
These types of car compasses do not rely on magnetic fields, nor are they altered in any way by things that can normally affect traditional compasses (such as iron, and other metals). Not only are they lighter in weight, but they are also generally compact by design and don’t have to be bolted onto the dashboard, making them easy for fast storage if you’re concerned about leaving such an expensive piece of equipment in your vehicle. They also generally come with more data indicators such as altitude, time zone clock, latitude and longitude, overall speed, and many more options.
How To Calibrate a Car Compass
This is a very basic, non-brand specific guide to car compass calibration. Be sure to consult your user’s manual that comes with your compass, as the information in that particular document can provide additional nuance to these generalized instructions provided here. For the most part, however, compasses require the same sort of adjustment process for a proper and accurate reading.
First and foremost, place the compass in the place you want it to stay, whether on the dashboard or somewhere else. It is absolutely crucial, however, that you keep it in this position for the calibration process. Do not fix the compass in place at this point and time, as you may need to make adjustments later.
Choose two landmarks as a baseline, the one you start your trip at, and the one that is the ultimate destination.
Make sure both of these landmarks are within five to ten degrees of the north median line on your compass. The 5-10 degrees gives you some wiggle room while calibrating while still giving you a close to an accurate reading.
Drive slowly towards the landmark you designated while adjusting the compass accordingly so it reads correctly.
When you’re satisfied that you’re seeing good results, safely put your vehicle in reverse towards the starting landmark, making adjustments as you go and always staying within that 5-10 degree area on the compass, but as close as you can to absolute north.
Keep on doing these steps until the desired calibration has taken place. It may take a few tries.
Once you are satisfied with the calibration, fix the compass in place with whatever mechanisms your model comes with (suction cups, bolts, adhesive strips).
Final Considerations
We hope this has been an informative article on what many would consider a somewhat niche subject matter in the world of automobiles. It may seem like something as simple as a dashboard-mounted compass might be antiquated and rather useless in today’s society, especially with the advent of embedded GPS technology in cellular phones and even pre-installed in some vehicles! However, there’s still a fairly large section of the United States where cellular signal is spotty at best, and nonexistent at worst. Car compasses help us to find our way in the dark, so to speak.
If you didn’t see a product on our list that stood out for you, or if you’re still trying to come to a decision on which of these products you might want to consider getting down the line, please take another look at our short buyer’s guide as well as our more in-depth extended buyer’s guide before settling in on a particular choice. More