Gone are the days when a car radio meant AM, FM and not much else. Today's infotainment systems let drivers pull up music, podcasts, news, audiobooks and live sports at the push of a button. Between HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in streaming apps, there's something for nearly every kind of driver out there.
If you're in the market for a new car, or just want to know what your dashboard is capable of these days, here's a breakdown of the most popular listening options.
HD Radio
HD Radio takes the AM and FM stations you already know and gives them a digital upgrade, with no subscription required. Plenty of new vehicles come with it standard, and it's one of the easiest ways to get better sound without spending extra.
Since the broadcast is digital, you get a cleaner signal with far less static. Many compatible systems will also show you the song title, artist, album art, weather and traffic updates right on the screen.
A lot of local stations broadcast HD subchannels too, sometimes labeled HD2 or HD3, which open the door to programming you won't find on the main station. That might mean niche music genres, local sports coverage or specialty shows, all without costing you a dime.
Pros:
No monthly subscription
Better sound quality than standard AM/FM
Access to extra local HD channels
Shows artist and song details on screen
Best for: Drivers who like local news, weather, sports and music and don't want to pay a monthly fee for it.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
For people who log a lot of highway miles, SiriusXM is hard to beat. Where local stations fade out once you drive far enough, SiriusXM sticks with you whether you're crossing town or crossing the country.
Subscribers get hundreds of channels to choose from, including commercial-free music, live sports, breaking news, comedy and talk shows you can't find anywhere else. A number of vehicles also come with SiriusXM 360L, which blends satellite broadcasts with internet streaming for personalized recommendations and content that's easier to browse and discover.
Pros:
Coverage from coast to coast
Hundreds of channels spanning music, sports, news and entertainment
Commercial-free music on many stations
Shows and events you won't find elsewhere
Best for: Frequent travelers, daily commuters and anyone who wants a deep well of premium audio content.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smartphone integration might be the biggest leap forward in car technology in recent years. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto link your phone to your car's touchscreen, so you can safely use the apps you already rely on without taking your eyes off the road for long.
Once connected, you can stream from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora or YouTube Music. Podcasts and audiobooks are just as easy to pull up, and voice commands handle navigation, messaging and calls so your hands stay on the wheel.
Keep in mind these services run on your phone's data connection, so unless you've downloaded content ahead of time, you'll need cellular service to stream.
Pros:
Access to the music and podcast apps you already use
Playlists and recommendations tailored to you
Hands-free voice controls
Works smoothly with navigation and messaging
Best for: Drivers who lean on streaming services and want an entertainment setup built around their own habits.
Built-In Streaming Apps
A growing number of new vehicles now come with streaming apps built directly into the infotainment system. Depending on the automaker, that could mean Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music or other platforms, all without pairing your phone every time you get in the car.
Some of these systems need a connected services subscription or an internet connection, whether through the car's Wi-Fi hotspot or your phone.
Best for: Drivers who want streaming entertainment ready to go with as little setup as possible.
There's no single right answer here. It comes down to how you drive and what you like to listen to.
Choosing the Best In-Car Audio Option
If local stations are your go-to, HD Radio delivers better sound and extra programming at no added cost. If you're regularly driving long distances, SiriusXM offers dependable coverage and a wide range of premium content. And if playlists, podcasts and on-demand audio are more your speed, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in streaming apps give you nearly unlimited choices.
The best part is that most new vehicles offer more than one of these options, so you can move between local radio, satellite programming and streaming without missing a beat. With this much variety on tap, building the perfect soundtrack for your commute or your next road trip has never been easier.
