Digital multimedia video receivers under $1500

Digital multimedia video receivers are touchscreen stereos designed for people who no longer listen to CDs. They do all the stuff that other stereos do, but they don't have a disc player built in. The lack of disc player means that the stereo body behind the faceplate can be a lot smaller, letting these stereos fit in places where other stereos won't. That opens up new options for many vehicles.

Expert Advice

Below is some basic info about shopping for a new video receiver. For more detailed buying tips, be sure to read our car stereo buying guide.

Touchscreen controls make it easy to adjust the stereo and customize the settings. Touchscreen stereos also tend to have more features than smaller car stereos, often including Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for the best smartphone integration.

It's important to know which stereos will work in your car before you get too distracted by all of the options and models available. That's just one of the reasons we ask you to tell us what you drive — it'll make your shopping easier.

What to look for

When shopping for a new stereo, make sure you get the options you want. Here are a few features to look for:

• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming. This is almost a standard feature, but there are still a few stereos out there without it.
• Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Many stereos will do both. Read our articles about Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to learn more about phone integration.
• Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Most stereos require a USB connection to your phone in order to use CarPlay or Android Auto, but some offer the greater convenience of a completely wireless connection.
• Voice control. One of the newest features in car stereo, some video receivers incorporate Alexa or Siri voice commands when connected to your phone.