Rating (Top 10) of the best Pioneer car radios in 2022

Pioneer is one of the top manufacturers of audio equipment. A Japanese brand that produces the best equipment for sound playback and recording, including car radios. It is difficult for even the most eminent manufacturers to compete with Pioneer equipment, so the company does not hesitate to often set exorbitant price tags. However, this more than pays off due to the high quality of assembly and customer focus of the company.

Pioneer vs main competitors: Prology, Mystery and ACV

Pioneer's main competitor is the Belgian company ACV

. In terms of variety and price, it comes closest to the famous Japanese brand, although it does not have such a rich history. In the ACV catalog you can find a wide variety of car radios in 1, 2 and even 1.5 din form factors. The build quality is at the highest level, as is the content. The manufacturer keeps its finger on the pulse of the market and is one of the first to respond to emerging new products. If there's a new feature in the world of car audio, ACV will most likely be the first to implement it.

Chinese brand Prology

) is a striking example of the fact that the Celestial Empire produces not only low-quality fakes, but also worthy goods that can compete with such a mastodon as Pioneer. Prices here are much lower. Yes, there are premium products in the catalog, but there are not many of them, and they are rather the exception to the rule. But Prology can also be proud of the variety of models and form factors. The company produces not only standard radios, but also special models for specific cars.

Mystery _

) is a brand with a complex history. It originated in the USA, but today in its homeland it has almost completely disappeared from the market. The main part of the products is produced in Russia and China. The company’s main headquarters also moved to Russia, so the brand can already be considered local. It produces a variety of electronics, including car radios. The catalog is quite extensive, and the main advantage over Pioneer is pricing. These are the cheapest radios on the market, but they are also inferior in quality. But for a very reasonable price tag you can find a “sophisticated” model here.

How to distinguish a fake?

The popularity of devices leads to the appearance on the market of a large number of “counterfeits” of a well-known brand. Various “leftist” companies, especially many of them in China, produce products with a similar name. They are far from standard quality and quickly break down.

In order not to run into such a product, you need to purchase goods from sellers with a reliable reputation. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the packaging, the absence of errors in the inscriptions, and ask the seller to show a certificate of conformity.

The box must also contain the serial number of the product and information about the manufacturer.

Top 4. Pioneer DEX-P99RS

Rating (2021): 4.38

28 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS

Best sound quality Radio with 6 channels and high power, producing the best sound at any frequency.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 77,800 rub.

• Number of channels: 6
• Output power per channel (W): 100
• Equalizer bands: 24
• Supported formats: CD-Audio, MP3, WMA, AAC
• Case depth (mm): 160

Pioneer is a renowned company and the best manufacturer of automotive electronics, but even they have such price tags extremely rarely. The car radio is very expensive, and most likely this is the secret of its low popularity among buyers. Since there are simply no other reasons not to choose this model. The sound quality here is perfect. The device has 6 output channels with one hundred watts each. 24 equalizer bands allow you to adjust settings for any type of music: from calm classics to aggressive electronics. The design of the device is also excellent. Nothing extra. Only classic style and it all looks very attractive. In general, if not for the high price, this model would probably have received much more reviews from customers.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Classic design
• Multiband equalizer
• Best Sound Quality

• Very high price
• Difficult to navigate menu

What can be improved

Speaking of settings, it is worth clarifying that Pioneer regards the concept of a radio tape recorder not just as a device for listening to radio or recordings. In this device you can see the date, time and much more if they are configured. Information can be presented in several languages ​​- either Japanese (since the brand is Japanese in origin), or, more often, English.

Whether there will be Russian on the menu depends on many factors, but even the English menu is easier to understand than the Japanese one. Some additional features, such as USB ports, will also need to be enabled through the menu. Not to mention the above problem of connecting specific speakers.

Top 3. Pioneer MVH-S520BT

Rating (2021): 4.66

79 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink

Support for the Android operating system Radio tape recorder format 1 din, but with support for Android Auto technology. Can be connected to a smartphone and controlled through a special application.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 11,900 rub.

• Number of channels: 4
• Output power per channel (W): 50
• Equalizer bands: 13
• Supported formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
• Case depth (mm): 120

Among all the variety of radios in the Pioneer catalog, there are rarely models on Android in the 1 din form factor. There is no retractable or fixed screen, but Android Auto is supported by the interface. You just need to download the application and now you can control the device directly from your mobile phone. No wires or other inconvenient things. Also worth noting is the compact body. The depth of the radio is only 120 millimeters, which is slightly smaller than other models in this form factor. If your car has trouble installing a standard radio, be sure to consider this option.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Compact body
• Android Auto support
• Many lighting options
• Affordable price

• Dim display that makes it difficult to read information
• Very small buttons

Installation Guide

Universal connection diagram

Let's briefly talk about installing devices:

1. First of all, the wiring is laid from the speakers to the center console, where the car radio will be installed. At this stage, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the diagram that comes with the kit.
2. The so-called shaft is installed in a special connector for the radio.
3. After installing the shaft, you need to bend the steel petals, which are located at its ends or at the top and bottom. When bending them, do not damage the frame itself; use a screwdriver for this.
4. After this, all connectors are connected to the car radio - power, antenna adapter, speakers, etc.
5. The audio system is being installed in the shaft; when installing it, you must press down until it clicks.
6. The operation of the radio is checked, and it is also configured according to the instructions.

Top 2. Pioneer DEH-80PRS

Rating (2021): 4.76

101 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, DNS, Otzovik

The most popular model is the Pioneer Car Radio, which has collected the largest number of reviews in well-known online stores and on specialized sites.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 33,500 rub.

• Number of channels: 4
• Output power per channel (W): 50
• Equalizer bands: 12
• Supported formats: CD-Audio, MP3, WMA, AAC
• Case depth (mm): 160

DEH-80PRS is a rather expensive car radio, even by the standards of the Pioneer company, but this did not stop it from gaining the largest number of reviews on various trading platforms. Most of the comments left are positive. The device is praised for its excellent sound quality and ergonomic interface. It is easy to operate the radio even while the car is moving. The design is also often praised. Despite the monochrome screen, it looks very stylish. In addition, there is a lot of information on the display, since the radio supports the RDS/EON system. There is also a connection to a smartphone, which allows you to output sound from the phone to the car speakers.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Convenient navigation
• Stylish design
• Availability of RDS

• High price
• Low power output

See also:

• 10 best radios with navigator on AliExpress

"Pioneer" is the leading manufacturer of car radios in the world

The company has been working in the car gadgets market for a long time, since 1938. Pioneer products are famous for their high quality, stylish design, and reliable assembly.

It is she who is credited with inventing a removable panel for radios and a CD receiver for cars.

The latter is not affected even by the fact of production in China, Vietnam and Thailand. Taking advantage of cheap local labor, the Japanese have recently produced most of their products in these countries. To maintain a high reputation, they strictly control product output and use reliable components. Thus, the Japanese managed to combine high quality and affordable cost of products.

The Pioneer car radio is sold in markets on all continents and has received many different awards in the automotive electronics industry. Pioneer has been on the Russian market since 1996. Domestic car enthusiasts appreciated the high sound quality of the products and long service life. Their popularity is evidenced by numerous positive consumer reviews.

The model range of radio tape recorders has a wide range. There are budget models with little functionality, as well as “sophisticated” products that owners of premium segment cars are happy to buy.

In our review, we will get acquainted with the types of these gadgets for the cars of the Japanese corporation.

Top 1. Pioneer DEH-4800FD

Rating (2021): 4.79

71 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, DNS, Otzovik

Best value for money Relatively inexpensive radio that produces one hundred watts per channel and supports the FLAC format.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 12,100 rub.

• Number of channels: 4
• Output power per channel (W): 100
• Equalizer bands: 5
• Supported formats: CD-Audio, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
• Case depth (mm): 160

A relatively inexpensive radio tape recorder by Pioneer standards, operating on 4 channels with an output power of 100 watts each. The sound quality is at the highest level, however, as always with this manufacturer. The car radio supports most existing formats, including FLAC, that is, it is possible to listen to music with the maximum bitrate. But the manufacturer skimped on the number of equalizer bands. There are only 5 of them, which means you won’t be able to set the frequencies to your liking. However, this is rarely needed in a car, and the available number is quite enough to produce normal sound. In addition, this is Pioneer, the best manufacturer of such electronics, so you don’t have to worry about quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Affordable price
• Availability of FLAC format
• High power
• Convenient menu navigation

• Few equalizer bands
• Constant screen backlight
• Inconveniently located phone power button

See also:

• 20 best car radios

to the beginning of the rating

Settings for basic functions on Pioneer

Disable "Demo"

Before making changes to the radio settings, turn off the “Demo” mode. The Pioneer radio and a number of other modern car audio systems have a functionality demonstration mode. Until it is turned off, any setting will be saved exactly until it is turned off. If you don’t want to set your preferences again every time you turn it on, you need to turn off the mode.

The main control knob on Pioneer radios with the signatures of the main control buttons

This is done as follows:

1. Turn off the radio (press and hold the SRC key until the display goes out).
2. Press the same key again and hold it until the start menu appears.
3. Use the volume control to select the “System” option in the menu, and then “Demo”. The On position will be indicated to the right of it.
4. Any of the arrows on the sides of the volume knob switches the position to Off.
5. To save the settings, press the Band key. The mode is off, saved in memory, the radio turns off. You can move on to other settings.

The volume knob in the technology of this brand also functions as a joystick - in addition to rotation, it can be depressed and moved up and down or left and right to make certain settings.

Setting the time

1. Repeat points 1–2 from the instructions described above.
2. Then, by rotating the knob in the menu, select the “System” section.
3. Press the knob and select the clock setting in the new menu.
4. Use the right arrow to enter settings.
5. Rotate “Volume” counterclockwise/clockwise to set the value.
6. Click on it once to confirm.
7. Use the left arrow to exit the settings.

You can set hours, minutes and seconds separately. The selected option begins to flicker.

Language and calendar

Like the clock, these options are located in the System menu. The setting principle completely repeats the clock setting. Like a clock, the calendar can be set individually - day, month, year.

Top 4. Pioneer MVH-AV190

Rating (2021): 4.22

56 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink, Otzovik

Connecting a camera The radio has a built-in function for connecting a rear view camera. Pairing is possible both wired and wireless.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 9,500 rub.

• Output power per channel (W): 50
• Equalizer bands: 5
• Supported formats: MP3, MPEG4, DivX, WMA, AAC, JPEG
• Screen diagonal (inches): 6.2
• Case depth (mm): 160

Surprisingly, not all car radios have the ability to connect rear view cameras to them, although more touch screens allow this. In this model, the flaw has been corrected. If your car has non-original parking sensors, they can be displayed on the radio monitor, which is very convenient and saves space in the car. The screen resolution produces a clear picture, but there are certain problems with the sound. More precisely, the radio is literally weak. It only has 50 watts and 5 bands on the equalizer. You won't be able to listen to music in maximum quality. And high bitrate formats are not supported here.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pairing with cameras and parking sensors
• High-quality picture on the screen

• Few formats for playback
• Average power ratings
• Not the most convenient screen to view

Audio

Front speakers

Having configured the radio receiver, as well as connecting sound sources, you can focus on sound quality.

The recommended volume for proper settings is no more than 30 units.

1. After adjusting the volume, press the knob to get to the settings menu.
2. Here they look for the “Audio” item.
3. By pressing the handle, you enter this menu.
4. After looking through it, they find the Fader instruction.
   

   Very often it is combined with the balance menu, then the desired menu will sound like Fader/Balance

5. Click on the knob to get to this submenu.
   

   In the factory setting, these indicators are zero.

6. As usual, select the Fader menu (it should blink).
7. Turn the knob and set the value to 15 units.
8. Swing the knob to the left once to return to the “Audio” menu.
9. Now you need to find a high-pass filter - HIGH PASS FILTER (HPF).
10. Included in the menu.
11. On the screen, most likely, the HPF is also zero.
12. Twist the handle and set it to 50.
    

    It has been empirically proven that here you can bet 100 - 125.

13. Swing the handle to the left to exit the menu.

Rear speakers

The front speakers work cleanly, now it’s time to switch the rear speakers on the shelf into subwoofer mode - fortunately Pioneer can do this too.

1. Turn off the radio.
2. Press and hold the power button (as if you were going to set up the “demo” mode).
3. Once in the menu, look for the inscription in the form of SW Kontrol.
4. By pushing down the handle, you enter this menu.
5. By rotating it, the parameter is set to SW.
6. Confirm by pressing the handle again.
7. Press the power button to save parameters and exit the menu.
8. Then they return to the “Audio” menu (press the volume knob and rotate to select).
9. By pressing the handle, you enter the menu.
10. Here they look for the inscription SW SETTING1. Click on the handle to enter.
11. Of the three options presented in the menu, you need to choose one of two - Normal or Rev.
    

    In most cars, it is the second mode that will give the best sound.

12. Having chosen, swing the knob to the left - return to “Audio”.
13. Turning the knob clockwise will highlight the SW SETTING2 menu.
14. They enter it by pressing the handle. The factory setting will show 80 HZ 0. Rotate the knob to decrease the first value.
    

    The optimal solution would be to set 50 HZ.

15. Having chosen what you want, swing the knob to the right to change the second parameter. This is the power level. The range here is from minus six to plus six. It will not be possible to give optimal parameters - it all depends on the quality of the speakers used.
16. Press Band to exit the menu.

Before moving on to the next settings, check at different volumes how the selected settings work. If you don’t like something, repeat the steps described, trying other values.

Loudness compensation

This option is hidden in the same “Audio” menu.

1. Enter the menu, find the Loudness parameter.
2. Select by pressing the knob.
3. There are three values ​​​​available here - High, Middle, Low (respectively high, medium, low).
4. This parameter is responsible for adjusting frequencies at low volume levels. It is also impossible to give optimal settings here - they are set experimentally.
5. Swing the knob to the left to go to “Audio” or from settings by pressing Band.

Equalizer settings

For advanced music lovers, here are a few more equalizer settings. They are hidden in the same “Audio” menu.

1. Once in the menu, rotate the knob to select the EQ SETTING parameter.
2. Enter this menu (depending on the model, you may need to enter another menu here). The three parameters offered in this menu are responsible separately for the settings of the low, mid, and high frequencies.
3. Set according to your preferences. On some models, you can select several preset settings here. Depending on the speakers and your own preferences, adjust these parameters.

The settings here are no different from others - select by pressing, change by rotating, going to a higher level by swinging the knob to the left.

Top 3. Pioneer FH-X380UB

Rating (2021): 4.46

99 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink

Best price The cheapest radio from Pioneer in 2 din format. The price of the device is two times lower than that of its closest competitor.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 8,800 rub.

• Output power per channel (W): 50
• Equalizer bands: 5
• Supported formats: CD-Audio, MP3, WMA
• Screen diagonal (inches): standard (1 din)
• Case depth (mm): 157

Many of us are accustomed to the fact that 2-din radios must have a touch screen and cost 10 thousand rubles and more. But there are also such models in the Pioneer catalog. This is a regular radio with a player and a radio tuner. It only has a standard display, the same as 1 din devices. But thanks to the enlarged body, control has become more convenient, and the appearance has become especially attractive. The radio's power is 50 watts per channel, which, combined with a 5-band equalizer, is not much. But you can’t expect more from a device for 8 thousand. For its price, this is an excellent option without all the extras.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Maximum convenient control
• Several lighting options
• Affordable price

• Average power ratings
• Few supported formats

Top 2. Pioneer MVH-A210BT

Rating (2021): 4.75

75 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS

The most reliable model The radio tape recorder is much praised in reviews for its reliability and durability. Even the screen has the maximum level of protection and is very difficult to damage.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 18,400 rub.

• Output power per channel (W): 50
• Equalizer bands: 13
• Supported formats: MP3, MPEG4, DivX, WMA, AVI, AAC
• Screen diagonal (inches): 6.2
• Case depth (mm): 152

Touch screens, despite all their convenience, are quite fragile and can be easily damaged. But not the one installed on this radio. It has a special protective pad that is not afraid of impacts and scratches. Judging by customer reviews, this is the best car radio from Pioneer in terms of reliability. She is also fine with other aspects. Not the highest power of 50 watts per channel, but there are 13 equalizer bands that allow you to select the settings for your favorite music as accurately as possible. There are also mechanical duplicate buttons on the left side of the screen. They are much easier to use while the car is moving than a regular sensor.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Protected screen
• Duplicate buttons
• Laconic design

• Not the highest power
• Relatively small screen size

See also:

• 20 best car radios from AliExpress

Method for tuning the radio receiver of car radios of this series

So:

• Using the rewind lever, you can find the desired frequency in manual mode.
• The frequency is stored in memory if you hold down the “Enter” button.

Setting up the car radio

• The required channel with the saved frequency can be selected by adjusting it with two buttons located on the right side of the car radio (using the pioneer deh 9450ub as an example).

Deh series car radio ports

Pioneer car radios operating instructions

As a rule, there are 6 ports:

• Place for RCA.
• Space for AUX.
• Antenna output.
• ISO connector.
• Remote control – remote control input.
• USB connectors.