Is 2 DIN and double DIN the same?

What is 2 DIN?

2 DIN is a standardized size for in-dash car audio head units designed to fit specific dashboard openings. The 2 DIN standard refers to the dimensions and mounting system, not the features or technology built into the head unit.

The 2 DIN size was originally established in the DIN 75490 standard by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) in Berlin, Germany in the early 1980s. The DIN is a national organization responsible for engineering standards in Germany and has been setting standards since 1917 ¹. The 2 DIN standard dimensions were later adopted as an international standard in ISO 7736.

2 DIN specifies a head unit size of 180 mm wide by 50 mm high. This provides enough space for a screen display and room for integrated controls while conforming to the conventional opening size in many vehicle dashboards. The depth can vary, but is typically in the range of 155-180 mm to accommodate components and wiring behind the unit.

What is double DIN?

Double DIN refers to a standard radio or stereo size that measures 180 x 100 mm (roughly 4 x 7 inches). The “DIN” stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung, which is the German national standards body that originally defined the size specifications.

Double DIN units are larger and almost twice the size of traditional single DIN stereos, which measure 2 x 7 inches. The main difference between single 2 DIN and double DIN is the larger rectangular shape and size of double DIN units.

Most modern car stereos are either 2 DIN or double DIN. The larger double DIN size allows for a bigger display screen and more buttons/features like touchscreens, navigation, multimedia playback, and more. While 2 DIN is still common, high-end stereos are usually double DIN to accommodate larger LCD panels, video screens, and additional functionality.[1]

Dimensions

The 2 DIN and double DIN standards refer to specific sizing for in-dash car audio receivers and media units. The key difference between 2 DIN and double DIN is in their height dimensions:

2 DIN units are designed to a height of 100 mm or 3.94 inches. This allows a 2 DIN unit to fit into one slot in a typical car dashboard.
Double DIN units have a height of 200 mm or 7.87 inches, which is double the size of a standard 2 DIN unit. Double DIN units take up two slots vertically in a dashboard.

Both 2 DIN and double DIN units share the same width of 178 mm or 7 inches. This width allows them to fit perfectly into the horizontal radio slots in a car dashboard. However, the double height of a double DIN unit allows for a larger display and more buttons/features.

Compatibility

2 DIN stereos are designed to fit into single DIN installation slots, which are 180 mm wide by 50 mm tall. Double DIN stereos fit into double DIN slots, which are twice the height at 180 mm wide by 100 mm tall. Most modern vehicles come equipped with double DIN slots to accommodate touchscreens and other larger displays. However, classic and older cars usually only have single DIN slots.

If your vehicle has a single DIN slot, you can only install a single DIN stereo unless you purchase a specialty mounting bracket to convert it to double DIN. With an adapter bracket, you can install a double DIN stereo into a single DIN slot. If your vehicle comes with a double DIN slot, you can install either a single or double DIN stereo. However, a single DIN unit will leave an open space beneath it.

Overall, double DIN stereos offer more features and functionality, with their larger size accommodating bigger screens and more physical buttons. However, you are limited by what your vehicle’s dashboard supports. Consult your owner’s manual or an installation professional to determine the DIN size your car requires before purchasing a new car stereo. Many people upgrade older single DIN vehicles to double DIN to gain touchscreen capabilities.

Installation

Installing a 2 DIN or double DIN head unit involves fitting the device into a dedicated slot in your vehicle’s dashboard. Most modern cars and trucks come equipped with either a 2 DIN or double DIN slot, allowing you to replace the factory stereo.

To install a 2 DIN or double DIN head unit, first remove your vehicle’s factory stereo by unscrewing any holding brackets and disconnecting the wiring harness. Then slide the new stereo into the empty slot and secure it with the factory mounting brackets. Reconnect the wiring harness and antenna cable to integrate the new head unit with your vehicle’s electrical system.

Both 2 DIN and double DIN units are designed specifically to fit their respective factory slots in your dashboard. As long as you purchase a stereo designed for your vehicle, installing a 2 DIN or double DIN head unit is a direct plug-and-play process. Just be sure to consult your owner’s manual or installation guide for details on properly removing your factory stereo and integrating the new unit.

Features

There are some key differences when it comes to the features supported by single DIN and double DIN units:

Single DIN stereos have limited space for buttons and controls, so they tend to have a minimal user interface focused on just the core functions like radio tuning, volume, and media playback. According to Crutchfield, single DIN units often lack advanced features like touchscreens, navigation, DVD playback, and multimedia apps.

Double DIN units offer much more room for an expansive interface and controls. Dual AV notes that double DIN stereos can accommodate large touchscreens, DVD players, navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The extra space allows for more physical buttons for direct access to commonly used functions.

In summary, double DIN units are capable of supporting a much wider range of premium features and advanced functionality compared to the relatively basic offerings of most single DIN stereos.

Cost

There is usually a significant price difference between single DIN and double DIN stereos. According to Crutchfield, single DIN stereos tend to range from about $50 to $130, while double DIN stereos start around $200 and go up to $1500 or more for high-end models. The increased cost of double DIN units is largely due to the extra display size and associated features.

For example, you can get a basic single DIN CD receiver for under $100, but most double DIN units in that price range will have a touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and other premium features. Higher-end double DIN stereos add navigation, HD Radio, built-in amplifiers, and more. So you’re generally paying more for the larger screen and technology.

Installing a double DIN stereo may also be more expensive than a single DIN. While single DIN is designed to directly replace factory radios, double DIN often requires custom installation work to fit the larger chassis, such as cutting the dash or adding a mounting bracket. Overall, double DIN offers more advanced features and technology, with pricing to match.

Sources:
https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/single-din-vs-double-din.html
https://www.dualav.com/din-size/

Popularity

Of the three main stereo sizes – single DIN, 2 DIN, and double DIN – the double DIN size is the most popular and commonly used in vehicles today. According to various car audio forums and experts, double DIN stereos make up around 70-80% of the current car stereo market.

There are a few key reasons that double DIN has become the most popular size:

Larger screen size – Double DIN units can accommodate LCD touchscreens up to 8 inches wide, which is desirable for media playback and navigation.

More real estate for features – The extra space allows for additional buttons, knobs, connectivity ports, and other features that are constrained on single DIN units.
Easier to install – Many modern vehicles are pre-built to accommodate double DIN stereos, making installation simpler.
Backwards compatibility – Double DIN head units will fit most vehicles that had single DIN stereos, but the reverse is not true.

While single DIN stereos are still common in older vehicles, most major manufacturers have shifted focus to double DIN for newer car models. So for anyone wanting the latest technology and maximum features, double DIN remains the dominant choice.

Example Devices

Both 2 DIN and double DIN stereos come in a wide variety of models from different manufacturers. Here are some examples of popular devices in each category:

Some 2 DIN stereos include:

Pioneer AVH-2550NEX – Features a 7″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation.
Alpine CDE-172BT – Has Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Kenwood DDX26BT – With a DVD player, 6.2″ display, and Pandora radio integration.

Examples of double DIN units:

Sony XAV-AX5500 – Boasts a 6.95″ display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice control.
JVC KW-M855BW – Has a large touchscreen, built-in WiFi and wireless mirroring for iOS and Android devices.

Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX – Features a 7″ display, navigation, dual zone climate and audio control.

As you can see, both 2 DIN and double DIN units offer high-tech entertainment, connectivity, and convenience features. The main difference lies in their dimensions rather than capabilities.

Summary

In summary, while 2 DIN and double DIN refer to car stereo sizes, there are some key differences between the two:

2 DIN simply means the stereo is twice the height of a standard DIN size. Double DIN refers to a specific standardized size of stereo.
Double DIN is 180 x 100 mm while 2 DIN can have varying heights as long as width is the standard DIN of 180 mm.
2 DIN units allow more flexibility in design and can fit into more customized dashboard arrangements.

Double DIN is an industry standard that ensures broad compatibility and availability of accessories.

When choosing, consider your dashboard space and need for customization versus access to mainstream accessories. Double DIN offers more universal compatibility while 2 DIN allows more flexibility. Evaluate your priorities and space constraints to decide which type of stereo size makes the most sense for your needs.