The best satellite radio for cars: Our top 8 options
Contributing Editor
Senior Editor & Radio Host
The best satellite radio for cars gives you more options when you’re on the road. With a car stereo with satellite radio built in there’s no limit to what kind of channels you can find.
Satellite radio might not be the only option for in-car entertainment anymore, but it’s still a popular solution.
With satellite radio, you can access hundreds of channels with an excellent quality of sound to boot.
A satellite radio car installation also means you can listen to your favorite music and shows without the annoying ad breaks.
Finding the right portable satellite radio for cars means thinking carefully about the kind of features you want from your new device.
Some of the tools available to help you add satellite radio car systems come with monthly fees to think about.
Others need a direct installation into your dashboard, which can be tough if you’re not tech savvy.
1. SiriusXM SXPL1H1 Onyx (best for home and vehicle)
SiriusXM is the must-know brand when it comes to getting a car stereo with satellite radio built-in.
This particular model of SiriusXM SXPL1H1 Onyx is a combination kit which allows you to install your radio either in your car, or at home, through your stereo-powered speakers.
There’s a full color display to show off the album art or channel you’re listening to.
A remote control makes accessing different channels a breeze.
The Onyx Plus radio also comes with 3 months of free access to your SiriusXM channels, which come with over 300 options.
You will need to spend a little cash to activate the ratio initially, however.
Features include:
- Complete car and home kit
- 3 months of radio for free
- More than 300 channels to choose from
- Remote control included.
- TuneStart, TuneMix, and TuneScan
- Storage for up to 20 smart channels
- Convenient color screen for channel information
- Play, rewind and pause live radio
Convenient and easy to use, the SiriusXM is one of the few radio systems you can get to cover both in-house and in-car listening.
This device lets you pause and rewind live audio on your radio, and you can even save your favorite channels to find them later.
The extra monthly fee might be a little worrying to some customers though.
Pros:
- Suitable for home or car use
- 3 months of free access to music
- Remote control support
- Screen with rewind, pause, and replay.
- Storage for your favorite channels
Cons:
- Slightly complicated for initial setup
- Expensive monthly fees
2. SiriusXM Stratus 7 (best in-dash)
A simple alternative to complicated satellite radio for cars with touch screens and Bluetooth, the SiriusXM Stratus updates your existing music system.
This in-dash satellite radio for car use comes with an easy-to-read display and access to complete commercial-free music across hundreds of channels.
You do need to choose a subscription before you can start listening, though.
Simple enough for almost any customer, the Stratus 7 comes with its own installation kit to help you get started and there’s a range of bonus features too, including the option to plan your trip with traffic and weather updates on demand.
Features include:
- Full in-dash vehicle installation kit
- Screen with channel and artist information
- SiriusXM subscription ready
- Push button navigation for ease of use
- Lock and unlock function
- One-touch weather and traffic updates
- Power connect kit for your home
- Aux-in cable
Compared to some of the other market leaders in satellite radio, the SiriusXM Stratus 7 might seem a little basic, but it has everything you need to upgrade your listening experience fast.
You can even lock your radio to stop your child from jumping between channels on-the-move.
The biggest downside is how difficult it is to find a great reception with this device. Finding and linking to new FM stations can be tough too.
Pros:
- Easy to use car installation kit
- SiriusXM subscription ready
- Unlock and locking function
- Weather and traffic updates with one touch
- Aux-in cable
Cons:
- Tough to find FM stations to link to
- Reception may struggle at times
3. SiriusXM SX2ER1H1 Onyx (best for quick installation)
Intended to get satellite radio lovers up and running fast, this SiriusXM Onyx kit gives you everything you need for home and in-car listening.
In a vehicle, you’ll get instant access to up to 150 channels which you can listen to for free for the first 3 months.
After, you’ll need to activate your system with a monthly subscription fee.
The SiriusXM satellite radio for car use comes with convenient and easy-to-follow instructions to help you connect to your vehicle fast.
There’s also advanced features like TuneMix built in to help you create your perfect listening experience.
Features include:
- 150 channels when in-vehicle
- 3 months of free service
- TuneMix for extra music control
- Split-screen control.
- DIY installation
- Convenient music experience with no ads
- 10 saved channels
- Easy-to-use tactile buttons
Installing this satellite radio in your car is a simple process, and using it afterwards is great too.
The device comes with tactile buttons, easy to use when you’re in a rush, and there’s a split screen mode so you can search for other channels while seeing other information at the same time.
The activation fee will be a problem for some customers, and you may find it hard to find signal at times.
Pros:
- Excellent ad-free radio experience
- Up to 10 channel favorites available
- Split-screen and TuneMix features
- Easy-to-use tactile buttons
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Some issues with signals at times
- Activation fee is an extra expense
4. SiriusXM Commander (best touch screen)
Touch screen functionality is an excellent feature to have when you’re searching for the best satellite radio for cars.
Without having to find buttons, you can easily swipe through channels and find the music you want to listen to.
The SiriusXM Commander Touch system is one of the more modern options on the market (provided it fits in your car).
There’s an installation kit included and you get 3 months of free streaming with your purchase.
The full touch screen color display makes it easy to track down albums and channels with access to plenty of information at once.
This system also comes with the option to pause, rewind, and replay live radio with a tap of your finger.
Features include:
- AC/DC connectivity
- Touch screen controls
- In-car dash installation kit
- Full color display
- All-access package for over 300 channels
- Compact controller included
- TuneMix so you can create your own channels
- Rewind, pause, or play live radio
- Aux port connection
The TuneMix feature included with this SiriusXM radio makes it a great choice for people who like to design their own playlists from scratch.
There are tons of added extras and channels to choose from, and an on-demand library where you can store your favorite content.
The monthly subscription and set-up cost can be quite expensive, however.
Pros:
- Simple touch screen functionality
- Create your own channels with TuneMix
- Easy installation for your car
- Play, pause, and rewind live content
- Aux port connectivity included
Cons:
- Fees for subscription and set-up
- May not fit with all car dash systems
5. SiriusXM SXV300AZV1 Connect Vehicle Tuner (best tuner)
If you already have a compatible satellite radio car system, then you don’t necessarily need a full radio to get started.
The SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner allows you to add satellite radio to car systems you already have in-place.
With this simple kit you can connect and control SiriusXM through your existing stereo system.
The compact size of the device also means it’s easy to hide the tuner behind your dash too.
With 3 months of channel streaming for free, the Connect Vehicle Tuner will give you an easy way to start exploring the benefits of satellite radio immediately.
This kit comes with some of SiriusXM’s most popular features including TuneMix, TuneStart, and TuneScan.
Features include:
- Complete satellite installation kit with antenna
- Support for up to 150 channels or 300 channels with app
- SiriusXM ad-free music
- Advanced music features like TuneStart and TuneMix
- Compact design fits in many cars
- 3 months of free streaming
- Great for making use of your existing stereo
- No need for advanced installation
The SiriusXM is the plug-and-go solution for satellite radio for people who already have a compatible car stereo in place.
You don’t need to go through any complex installation processes, just follow the instructions to connect a single cable to your stereo.
The system doesn’t seem to have a buffer feature for dealing with overpasses and underpasses.
Some customers may also be unable to receive their 3 months of free service.
Pros:
- Simple installation for your existing stereo
- Excellent range of up to 300 channels
- TuneStart, TuneMix, and TuneScan
- Free streaming option available
- Compact design
Cons:
- Free service comes with a “use by” date
- No obvious buffer features
6. Delphi XM Roady XT (best Sirius alternative)
You’ve probably begun to notice a trend in this article so far. Most of the best satellite radio options for cars come from the SiriusXM brand.
This might be great if you’re comfortable with the features and functionality SiriusXM can offer.
If you’re looking for an alternative, Delphi could be the perfect choice for you.
The Roady is an ultra-compact satellite radio receiver for your vehicle which offers access to over 150 ad-free channels of sports, music, talk entertainment, and more.
There’s a plug-and-play design so you can start accessing the service with your FM radio straight away.
Features include:
- Convenient compact design
- Access to more than 150 channels
- Plug-and-play design
- Screen for channel and artist name
- Stock and sports tickers available
- 1 year warranty included
- Simple docking and connection
The Delphi Roady system is easy to use, with a convenient plug-and-play mechanism so you can begin streaming your music instantly.
There’s also access to extra features like stock and sports trackers for following the information important to you.
The interface can be a little tricky to use at times, and you may find this device is a little “old fashioned” compared to some.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use
- 1 year warranty included
- Screen for channel and artist name
- Stock and sports tickers
- Lots of channels to explore
Cons:
- Not the most advanced product
- A little tricky to use the interface at times
7. SiriusXM SXWB1V1 Tour (best with wi-fi and Bluetooth)
The SiriusXM SXWB1V1 Tour satellite radio for cars promises a more comprehensive music experience on the road.
This tour radio comes with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a vehicle dock, magnetic mount, power adapter, vent mount, and dash mounting solution.
Exclusive 360L technology from Sirius combines streaming services with satellite radio to ensure you get the widest selection of channels.
Create personal stations powered by Pandora, and access real-time sports updates with broadcast scores to cover home and away.
There’s on-demand content and bonus channels as well as Bluetooth audio streaming, voice search, and automatic tuning.
Features include:
- Tour radio with 360L Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Magnetic mount antenna and vehicle docs included
- Streaming and satellite radio
- Real-time sports updates (home and away)
- On-demand content and “Xtra” channels
- Bluetooth streaming
- 3 months of satellite radio for free
- Automatic tuning and discovery
- Voice search
To ensure you’re always getting your favorite music and channels, the SiriusXM Tour radio also comes with the option to access your own For You channel which gets smarter as you listen to your preferred channels.
There are also related recommendations for other audio you might like.
The screen does take quite a while to boot up, however and there’s no remote control functionality available.
Pros:
- Satellite radio and streaming
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- On-demand content and “Xtra” channels
- 3 months radio for free
- Voice search and automatic tuning
Cons:
- Takes a long time for the screen to load
- No remote control function
8. SiriusXM SXSD2 (best speaker dock)
Finally, if you’ve always wanted a satellite radio for car entertainment, but you’re not sure about installing something directly into your dashboard, the SiriusXM SXSD2 could be the perfect choice for you.
This product comes with a full speaker dock audio system, so you can situate it in the back of your car and take it with you on the move.
Ideal for those who want to access satellite radio wherever they go, the SiriusXM speaker dock and audio system comes with the standard 3 months of free satellite radio, as well as a powerful speaker so you can take your music anywhere.
Features include:
- SiriusXM radio touch screen
- Speaker dock
- Vehicle installation kit
- Access to various recorded shows, and interviews
- Personalized stations with Pandora
- Recommended for you content
- Voice search, tuning and discovery
- Real-time updates of team scores
- Bluetooth audio streaming
If you want something you can plug into your car and also take with you on adventures, this Sirius dock could be the ideal thing.
All of the standard features of a SiriusXM satellite radio for car entertainment are there, along with the bonus speaker dock for home and external use.
Just be aware the speaker doesn’t have any splash protection, so be careful with rain.
The added speaker also makes your investment a little bulkier.
Pros:
- Portable satellite radio experience
- Personalized stations with Pandora
- Recommended content chosen for you
- Voice search, discovery, and tuning
- Real-time sports updates
Cons:
- Quite bulky and space-consuming
- No water protection
How to choose a satellite radio for car entertainment
The best satellite radio for car use is an excellent investment. With a satellite radio car system, you can listen to a range of channels on the move.
Satellite radio might not be the newest form of in-car entertainment on the market, but it’s still extremely popular.
To ensure you’re getting the right experience, it’s important to think carefully about the satellite system that’s right for you. To go with our radio reviews above, here are some quick tips on what you should be looking at:
Structure
Do you want an in-dash satellite radio for car use, or something you can attach to your dash? There are lots of different styles out there, but the in-car solutions are generally a little harder to install.
Performance
Your satellite radio should deliver satellite channels – but it can also do a lot more. Some solutions come with Bluetooth streaming and Wi-Fi. Others allow you to create your own station from the music you love.
Functionality
Your satellite radio should allow you to fast-forward, rewind, pause, and play live music. You might also look for radios with the option to save favorite stations or automatically search for stations.
Ease of use
The best satellite radio for your car should be one you can comfortably use without any issues. In an ideal world, switching between stations will only take one button press, or a voice command.
Choosing the best satellite radio for your needs is a complicated process if you’ve never bought a similar radio before.
The good news is there are tons of great products out there, each with their own benefits to discover. With a little luck, our radio reviews will help you pick the solution ideal for you.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
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