Every drive is an experience, be it a daily commute to the office or a road trip. A good car stereo does more than playing your favourite tunes. It makes driving hassle-free with seamless connectivity, hands-free calling and safety features. No more sneaky call-picking to hide from traffic cameras! Bluetooth-enabled stereos let you stay connected, focusing entirely on driving. In this article, you will find the best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling kits in the UK. Discover the key features to look for and the regulations to follow for a smooth drive while using these car stereos.
What is Hands-Free Calling?
Hands-free calling is making phone calls without holding the phone in your hand. To make a hands-free phone call, one may think of a headset or voice-activated software on the smartphone. But, why not make a wiser choice?
A hands-free car stereo has Bluetooth technology that lets you make or attend calls without taking your hands off the wheel. Beyond entertainment, it lets you stay connected with your eyes on the road and focus on driving. When buying a new car or improvising an existing one, it is worth knowing what is hands free Bluetooth and why it matters for safety.
Why Choose a Bluetooth Car Stereo
Avoiding distractions is imperative to driving safely. Yet, our instinct is to pick up the phone the moment it rings. This not only gets you fined and penalised; it also compromises safety. Driving with a handled device like a mobile phone, tab or sat nav is illegal in the UK. Does that mean you have to skip important calls while driving? Fortunately, no—thanks to car stereo bluetooth hands free calling systems that go the extra mile for your comfort.
A car stereo with Bluetooth hands-free calling lets you make calls while driving without compromising safety and keeps you within the law. Besides, it includes multiple functionalities like entertainment and navigation, all in one gadget. Here are some perks of having a Bluetooth car stereo:
- Make and receive calls safely without holding your phone.
- Play music from your phone without using cables.
- Focus on the road while using voice commands.
- Avoid fines and penalty points for using a handheld phone.
- Works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice assistants.
- Ensures automatic pairing and seamless connectivity.
- Enjoy better audio clarity for calls and music.
Key Features to Look for in a Bluetooth Car Stereo
When choosing a stereo system for your car, it is vital to look beyond the basics. Prioritise features that enhance comfort, assure safety and promise audio quality. Wireless connectivity, navigation and hands-free calling can make driving worry-free. From touch screen and sound quality to smartphone integration, the right stereo can elevate your experience. The best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling system has the following key features:
- Bluetooth connectivity: Car stereos with Bluetooth connectivity have come of age. They let you make phone calls, play music, and use navigation without wires. Present-day versions offer greater fidelity and sound quality. They also connect quickly and work with multiple devices at the same time.
- Hands-free calling: When it comes to driving, safety is paramount. A car stereo with hands-free calling allows you to make or receive calls without letting go of the steering. It lets you call, access your contact list, and even use voice commands.
- Smartphone Integration: Integrating an iPhone or Android into the car stereo is sort of a must-have. Modern stereos include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, technologies that integrate your device seamlessly to pull navigation (Maps) and playlists from Spotify or Apple Music. You can handle incoming texts and calls with ease and safety.
- USB Inputs: USB inputs are a common request as they allow playing music with a factory-installed radio. Moreover, they let you charge your smartphone, preventing it from dying out mid-travel. Some stereos offer dual USB inputs over the typical single input.
- AUX Inputs: Though a vintage option, auxiliary input (AUX) is still in demand. It comes in handy to play tunes from an MP3 player over your car stereo. It also lets you use a device that is unsupported by your Bluetooth connection or current radio's USB input.
- Touch Screen: Playing around with stereo controls is a serious distraction that makes driving unsafe. Touch screens are more user-friendly and easy to operate while driving. Today, car stereos feature touch screens that vary in colour range and image quality.
Top Picks: Best Car Stereo Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
Features that improve safety, convenience and comfort make a car stereo truly appealing. A high-end car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling system ensures clear audio, seamless connectivity and safe driving. With several brands and variants, picking one for your vehicle can be overwhelming. If you are looking for the best car stereo for hands free calling here are some top picks:
Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB Double Din Stereo with Apple Car Play/Android Auto
The Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB Double Din Stereo perfectly blends advanced features and premium sound quality to upgrade your experience. This car Bluetooth hands-free calling set comes with an intuitive 6.8-inch double din touchscreen display. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for connecting smartphones easily. You can navigate, call, and play your favourite songs without hassle! It offers everything you need to stay in sync with your phone and enjoy a safe and cosy drive. Noteworthy features include:
- Hands-free calling & Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility
- 6.8-inch touchscreen and Double DIN design
- DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcast) Digital Radio, AM/FM Radio
- USB Input
- Multilingual Display
Pioneer AVH-Z7200DAB Single Din 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Player with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB/DAB+
The Pioneer AVH-Z7200DAB Single Din 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Player offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you are looking for a smaller, Single DIN car stereo with hands free calling, then this one is an all-in-one solution. It fits easily into your car’s single DIN slot, offering a rich set of features for connectivity and comfort. The 7-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to connect smartphones and attend calls, navigate and play tunes with premium audio quality from apps on the go. Here is a list of the notable features:
- Hands-free calling & Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility
- 7-inch touchscreen and Single DIN design
- DAB/DAB+ Radio, FM Radio
- USB Input
- Dual Camera Input
- Multi Colour Illumination
- CD/DVD Player
Kenwood DPX-7300DAB Car Stereo with Bluetooth Handsfree DAB and Spotify Control
The Kenwood DPX-7300DAB Car Stereo with Bluetooth Handsfree DAB lets you experience advanced connectivity and superior audio quality. One of the best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling sets, it offers hassle-free integration with your smartphones. With Spotify control, DAB digital radio reception and Bluetooth connectivity, it offers high performance and a convenient on-road experience. Its Dual Phone Connection allows you to connect and switch between two phones simultaneously, letting your co-traveller and you make or receive calls without trouble. Below are some key features to note:
- Hands-free calling & Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB Digital Radio
- USB Input
- Spotify Control
- Dual Phone Connection
- Multi-Colour Illumination
- High-Quality Audio
- Multi Colour Illumination
UK Laws & Regulations on Hands-Free Calling While Driving
It is illegal in the UK to use a hand-held phone or tab or sat nav while driving. Whether for calls, texts or browsing, any violation of the rule can have you fined and earn you penalty points. But, can you make a hands free call while driving? Yes, hands free calling is allowed, given the driver is not distracted and has full control over the vehicle.
Using a car stereo Bluetooth hands free calling system while driving is legal as per the traffic rules in the UK. It keeps you within the law, as long as you do not hold the device at any point in time while driving. Besides, the device must not block your view of the road or traffic ahead. Legal hands-free access includes the use of:
- voice command
- a Bluetooth headset
- a windscreen mount
- a built-in sat nav
- a dashboard holder or mat
Choosing The Right Car Stereo For Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
The best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling set is one that offers safety, comfort and entertainment while driving. Feature-rich models offer clear audio quality, uninterrupted connectivity, and several smart features. Consider the following tips when making your choice:
- Call clarity: Look for echo reduction and noise cancellation for crystal-clear conversations.
- Smartphone Compatibility: Ensure support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or voice assistants.
- Bluetooth: Prefer newer, stable versions for quick and uninterrupted connectivity.
- User-friendly controls: Look for a car stereo with touchscreen and steering wheel controls.
- Audio quality: High-quality speakers and equaliser settings can enhance the audio experience for calls as well as music.
- Additional features: Look for USB and AUX inputs, and DAB radio options for an enriched audio experience.
To Wrap Up
A car stereo with hands-free calling makes driving safer and cosy. It aligns with the traffic regulations and helps avoid distractions while keeping you connected. The best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling set connects smoothly with smartphones, facilitating calls while your hands are on the wheel. It also lets you navigate and listen to your favourite tunes in great sound quality for a superior experience. So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know some top picks and features to look for, upgrade your drive today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to choose the best hands free calling car stereo?
The best car stereo Bluetooth hands-free calling system will have features for safety and a superior experience. Look for a stable Bluetooth version. Ensure smartphone compatibility (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). This provides uninterrupted connectivity for hands-free calls. Look for a touchscreen, easy controls and high-quality audio. Features like DAB radio, USB and AUX inputs make it even better. -
How to set up hands-free calling in a car?
Setting up hands free calling in your car is just simple! Turn on Bluetooth on both your phone and car stereo. Go to your stereo’s Bluetooth settings and select pairing mode. On your phone, find your car stereo in the Bluetooth devices list and tap to pair. Once paired, enable hands-free calling in the settings if needed. Now, you can make and receive calls using voice commands or stereo controls. -
What is single-DIN and double-DIN car stereo?
DIN refers to the size of the car stereo chassis and it comes in two standard sizes. Single-DIN is about two inches tall and seven inches wide. It is compact and fits easily in a standard radio slot. With a minimal interface and an easy control panel some users prefer, it is lower in price. Double-DIN is usually four inches tall and seven inches wide. It offers a larger touchscreen display and supports more features and functionality.