Kenwood DMX9709S - Best Overall
The DMX9709S has a 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen with a clean, fast interface. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto both worked flawlessly during my month of daily driving. The built-in 13-band EQ gave me real control over the audio output, and the four-volt RCA preamp outputs drove my external amplifier cleanly. The screen brightness ramps with cabin lighting, which I appreciate during night drives. Voice command response felt nearly instant.
Check price on Amazon →I installed five Kenwood car stereos in different vehicles to find the head units that genuinely deliver this year.
My old Sony head unit finally died, so I used the chance to dive deep into the Kenwood lineup. Over the past year I installed five different Kenwood stereos across my own truck, my brothers SUV, and a few friends cars. Kenwood is one of the few aftermarket brands that still ships clean software and solid hardware, and the units below all earned their place in the lineup.
I compared each head unit for screen responsiveness, CarPlay and Android Auto performance, sound quality through the same set of speakers, and how easy installation was for someone with intermediate skills. Here are the five that stand out.
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenwood DMX9709S - Best Overall | Check price | ||
| Kenwood DDX9907XR - Best for Wireless CarPlay | Check price | ||
| Kenwood DMX7706S - Best Value | Check price | ||
| Kenwood KMM-BT328U - Best Single-DIN | Check price | ||
| Kenwood Excelon DMX1037S - Best for Audiophiles | Check price |
The full reviews
Kenwood DMX9709S - Best Overall
The DMX9709S has a 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen with a clean, fast interface. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto both worked flawlessly during my month of daily driving. The built-in 13-band EQ gave me real control over the audio output, and the four-volt RCA preamp outputs drove my external amplifier cleanly. The screen brightness ramps with cabin lighting, which I appreciate during night drives. Voice command response felt nearly instant.
Kenwood DDX9907XR - Best for Wireless CarPlay
The DDX9907XR is built around the wireless experience. Pairing with both my iPhone and an Android phone was effortless, and the connection stayed stable on long drives. The 6.8-inch screen is bright enough for direct sunlight. It includes both HDMI input and a rear-camera input, plus Bluetooth that handles two phones simultaneously. If wireless smartphone integration is your priority, this is the model to get.
Kenwood DMX7706S - Best Value
The DMX7706S delivers wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, a 6.95-inch screen, and dual Bluetooth at a much lower price than the flagship. You give up the high-end DSP and amplifier voltage, but for most drivers using stock or upgraded factory speakers, the difference is hard to hear. I installed this one in a friends Civic and the upgrade over the factory unit was dramatic. Best price-to-performance in the lineup.
Kenwood KMM-BT328U - Best Single-DIN
Older trucks and cars with single-DIN dash openings often get ignored by current model lineups. The KMM-BT328U fills that gap. It has Bluetooth audio streaming, USB input, and a clean front-panel button layout. There is no screen, just a small LCD display, but for an older vehicle where you mostly stream from a phone, it does what it needs to. Installation took 25 minutes in my older Ranger.
Kenwood Excelon DMX1037S - Best for Audiophiles
The Excelon series is Kenwoods premium tier and the DMX1037S shows it. Internal Burr-Brown DACs, five-volt RCA preamp outputs, and a 16-band parametric EQ give serious audio control. Time alignment lets you tune each speaker for staging. The 10.1-inch floating display dominates the dash. I would only buy this unit if you have aftermarket amplifiers and speakers worth driving. For factory systems, the lower-tier models make more sense.
Frequently asked
Most current Kenwood DDX and DMX models support both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Older models may be wired-only. Check the spec sheet before buying if wireless is essential.
Kenwood units come in single-DIN and double-DIN sizes. Most cars built after 2005 accept double-DIN, but you may need a dash kit to make a clean install. Crutchfield and Kenwood both offer vehicle fit guides.
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