You may note that some of these matter to you less than others, so feel free to filter out whatever you think doesn’t apply to you.

• Aesthetic – Apart from just performing the way you expect, you can’t go wrong with a sleek looking radio. Remember the customization factor that was discussed before? Getting a radio that feeds into the look you desire is key. Note that this does not only refer to the attractiveness of the display. It also speaks to the appearance of the whole unit. Of course, the area behind the screen where the cables are connected remains unseen; however, the areas surrounding the display at the front are always visible. The frame, the buttons, and the color are all things for you to consider since it needs to mesh well with everything else in your car. You want the eyes of your passengers to be drawn to the radio, but you don’t want it to be too overpowering in comparison to the rest of your dashboard. This is a very subjective aspect, but a good rule to follow is to look for a radio with a great display that complements your car’s internal aesthetic.

• Pre-Amp Outlets – This is another subjective one that applies on a case-by-case basis. Note that this has no use to you if you haven’t had any changes made to the car’s factory speaker setup. If you are an audio buff, however, that spent the time and money to have a customized amp and speaker setup, then this one is for you. When you get such a configuration done, the radio cannot take advantage of the full capability of that system. However, once there are good pre-amp outlets present, you can reap the rewards of your hard work. Note that the number of pre-amp outlets is also an important consideration based on your specific needs.

• Power – Have you ever heard a loud radio with a disturbingly distorted sound? Well, most radios do this because of a power deficit. A radio can’t offer a sound quality that it can’t handle. If you want a sound system that handles both high and low volumes like a champ, then you need to verify that the power requirements for that are met. The power metric is always expressed in watts. Naturally, higher wattage means a better sound quality. You should note that what really matters is the amount of power being delivered to the speakers. After all, the speakers vibrate to produce sound, so they must be getting enough power to handle more intense audio loads. While you want to ensure that you have a decent peak power metric, the Root Mean Square (RMS) is also an important consideration. This is because that metric is the indicator of how much power is transferred to the speakers. In practice, about 50 watts in peak power and about 20 RMS are good baselines for a Double Din radio.

• User Friendliness – Your radio needs to look good, but it also shouldn’t be a chore to use. If anything, that’s a recipe for annoyance, which is not what you want out of your entertainment experience. Many Japanese imports, for example, are shipped with radios that only have Japanese text. While they provide fundamental functionality, using them can be a nightmare for those who aren’t fluent in reading Japanese characters. Of course, you wouldn’t be looking to buy Japanese radios for your custom setup, but it’s just an example to illustrate discomfort. Remember that these radios are more expensive than their Single Din counterparts, so why invest in something frustrating? Double Din radios are made with big screens and intuitive navigation options for a reason. You also need to remember that most of the time the radio is in use is while you’re driving. Any distractions or loss of focus while driving can have dire consequences, so the more ways your radio can be controlled, the better. There are device sync options, voice activation, and steering wheel controls available in many models that you can leverage to make your journey safer.

• Device Integration – There are so many devices that are parading the word “smart” around that it was only a matter of time before even radios joined the fray. That’s not to say that having these features doesn’t make for a more convenient experience. Double Din radios are famous for being able to connect to other devices, and this is where it truly shines. While you can do a lot from the screen and controls, the true experience resides in cooperation with other technological implements. Cell phones and tablets are commonly connected to these radios, and they open a host of possibilities for you. Some radios can even be integrated with a camera at the rear of your vehicle to allow for a safer reversing process.

• Installation – Many people go the DIY route these days when they install their car radios. If you’re planning to do this, there’s no need to make the process hard. The easier the installation is, the less you need to call in professional help. You should ensure that the system you purchase is conducive to a wiring harness. This helps in wire separation, which makes the installation less clunky. Single Din radios sometimes have numerous wires even though they have fewer features. Can you imagine how many a fully powered Double Din radio has?