Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo

Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo — image 1
Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo — image 2
Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo — image 3
Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo — image 4
69%
31%
83%
Value for Money
78%
Bluetooth Performance
58%
Screen Mirroring (A-Link)
61%
Touchscreen Responsiveness
86%
Media Source Versatility
69%
Installation Experience
54%
Build Quality
72%
Audio Output Quality
81%
Preamp Output Utility
55%
Steering Wheel Control
51%
Long-Term Durability
76%
Illumination & Aesthetics
73%
Hands-Free Calling
67%
Display Visibility
More

Overview

The Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo sits squarely in the entry-level head unit market, offering a surprisingly deep feature set for drivers who don't want to spend heavily on an aftermarket upgrade. At this price point, it competes with similarly priced options from Kenwood and Pioneer, and the inclusion of A-Link screen mirroring for Android genuinely helps it stand out from barebones alternatives. This double din receiver has been on the market long enough to build a substantial real-world track record, making it a reasonable pick for DIY installers swapping out a tired factory stereo in an older vehicle.

Features & Benefits

The most talked-about feature is A-Link screen mirroring, which duplicates your Android 8 or newer phone's display onto the 6.95-inch touchscreen. It's worth being upfront: this is not Android Auto. App compatibility varies, and some users find certain apps don't mirror cleanly. That said, for navigation and basic media it does the job. Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling work reliably, with a built-in microphone that handles everyday call quality well. The head unit also covers physical media via CD and DVD playback, plus USB, SD card, and aux inputs. The real draw for audio builders is the front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs, which make connecting an external amplifier genuinely straightforward.

Best For

This double din receiver makes the most sense for a fairly specific buyer. Android users who want to mirror their phone's screen for maps or music, but aren't ready to invest in a proper Android Auto unit, will find it fills that middle ground reasonably well. It's also a solid match for anyone refreshing an older car that still has a CD collection gathering dust — physical media support is harder to find on newer head units. DIY installers planning to expand their system with an external amplifier later will appreciate the preamp outputs. One important note: steering wheel control requires a separate interface module, so factor that into your budget from the start.

User Feedback

Owner opinions on the P9695B tend to cluster around a few consistent themes. On the positive side, most buyers are satisfied with the value for money, especially given the breadth of inputs and outputs packed in at this price. Bluetooth pairing is frequently called out as quick and reliable. Where things get more mixed is the touchscreen, which some users find sluggish in extreme temperatures — hot summer days and cold winter mornings both take a toll on responsiveness. A-Link is another friction point; not every Android app cooperates, and expectations need managing. Long-term durability is a mild concern, with a subset of owners reporting unit issues after a year or two of regular use. Overall sentiment leans positive, but tempered.

#Car Stereo Receivers
#Car Audio
#Car Electronics
#Car & Vehicle Electronics
#Electronics

Pros

  • Packs Bluetooth, screen mirroring, CD playback, and multiple inputs into a genuinely affordable package.
  • A-Link gives Android 8+ users a usable way to view navigation and media apps on a 6.95-inch screen.
  • Bluetooth pairing is consistently described by owners as quick, stable, and hassle-free.
  • Front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs make this double din receiver a practical foundation for a future amplified system.
  • CD and DVD playback is increasingly rare at this price tier, making it a standout for physical media fans.
  • Multi-color dash illumination lets you match the unit to your car interior without any extra cost.
  • The wide range of inputs — USB, SD, aux, and AM/FM — means virtually no media source gets left out.
  • Video output support allows a secondary screen to be connected for rear passenger use.
  • Long market presence means plenty of community knowledge and installation guides are available online.

Cons

  • A-Link is not Android Auto — app compatibility is inconsistent, and the experience varies widely by device.
  • iPhone users get no screen mirroring benefit whatsoever, as A-Link is Android-only.
  • Touchscreen responsiveness can degrade noticeably in very hot or very cold conditions.
  • Steering wheel control requires a separately purchased interface module, adding hidden cost to the total install.
  • Some owners report unit reliability issues appearing after roughly one to two years of regular daily use.
  • Build quality feels noticeably light compared to similarly priced options from established Japanese audio brands.
  • The wiring harness quality has drawn criticism in owner reviews, occasionally complicating installation.
  • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support means losing out on deeper smartphone integration that rivals offer.

Ratings

The Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo scores below are generated by AI after analyzing thousands of verified global user reviews, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. This head unit has a long enough track record to reveal both where it genuinely delivers for budget-focused buyers and where the compromises start to show. Scores reflect the honest balance of real praise and recurring frustrations — nothing has been glossed over.

Value for Money
83%
For drivers replacing a dead factory stereo in an older vehicle, the sheer number of features packed into this price tier is hard to argue with. Bluetooth, screen mirroring, CD/DVD playback, and multiple preamp outputs would cost noticeably more on a comparable unit from a Japanese brand. Most owners feel they got more than they paid for.
The value equation shifts if you factor in the cost of a steering wheel control interface module, which is required but not included. A small but vocal portion of owners also feel the build quality does not quite justify a repurchase if the unit fails within two years.
Bluetooth Performance
78%
22%
Pairing is consistently described by owners as quick and stable — most connect within seconds on the first try and rarely need to re-pair. Hands-free call audio through the built-in microphone is clear enough for daily commute use, and music streaming via Bluetooth holds a reliable connection even on longer drives.
Call audio quality on the other end of the line gets mixed feedback, with some callers noting hollow or slightly echoey sound depending on the vehicle cabin. A handful of users report occasional audio dropout during streaming, typically when the phone is at a greater distance from the unit.
Screen Mirroring (A-Link)
58%
42%
For Android users who primarily want to see Google Maps or a music app on a larger screen, A-Link does provide a functional if basic experience. It works without requiring any app installation on supported devices, which makes initial setup less fiddly than some rivals. Owners using it mainly for navigation report it as a useful enough addition.
A-Link is not Android Auto, and the gap in experience is significant. Many popular apps do not mirror reliably, and some display poorly or with noticeable lag. iPhone users get nothing from this feature at all, and even Android users with certain device brands have reported inconsistent mirroring behavior that required restarts to resolve.
Touchscreen Responsiveness
61%
39%
Under normal temperature conditions, the 6.95-inch touchscreen handles everyday tasks — changing inputs, adjusting volume, navigating menus — without significant frustration. The screen size itself is well-received, giving enough real estate to interact with comfortably while parked.
Temperature sensitivity is the most commonly flagged issue in owner reviews. On hot summer days or cold mornings, touch accuracy and response speed deteriorate meaningfully, sometimes requiring multiple taps to register a command. This is a real usability concern for drivers in climates with pronounced seasonal temperature swings.
Media Source Versatility
86%
Very few head units at this price cover CD, DVD, USB, SD card, aux input, and AM/FM radio simultaneously, and owners who value flexibility across sources consistently highlight this as a standout strength. Drivers transitioning from older vehicles with CD libraries particularly appreciate not having to abandon physical media entirely.
The USB port doubles as a charging port but delivers limited charging speed, which frustrated users who expected faster device charging during longer trips. SD card read speeds for large audio libraries can also be sluggish compared to dedicated media players.
Installation Experience
69%
31%
For experienced DIY installers, the double din form factor slots into most standard vehicle openings without unusual modifications. The wiring layout is logical enough that handy owners can complete a basic install in a couple of hours using a vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter.
The quality of the included wiring harness connector draws consistent criticism, with several installers noting loose-fitting pins that require extra care to secure properly. First-time installers have flagged the instructions as sparse, and a few owners encountered compatibility quirks that required aftermarket adapters not mentioned in the packaging.
Build Quality
54%
46%
The unit has a clean, functional appearance that blends reasonably well into most dash environments. At its price point, the overall assembly is acceptable for daily use in a commuter vehicle where the head unit is not being pushed to its physical limits.
Owners frequently describe the plastics as feeling light and somewhat hollow, which is a noticeable step down from similarly priced Pioneer or Kenwood units. The faceplate button feel in particular draws criticism for lacking the tactile confidence expected even from budget receivers.
Audio Output Quality
72%
28%
Through external speakers connected via the preamp outputs, the audio performance is respectable for a receiver in this class. Owners who paired the P9695B with a modest external amplifier report a solid improvement in overall sound staging, which suggests the preamp outputs are functioning cleanly.
Using only the internal amplification through factory speakers, the output lacks the warmth and low-end presence that more expensive units deliver. At higher volumes, some distortion creeps in, which is a known limitation of the built-in amp stage at this price tier.
Preamp Output Utility
81%
19%
Having dedicated front, rear, and subwoofer RCA outputs is a genuine asset for buyers planning to expand their system. Audio enthusiasts building a multi-amplifier setup report the outputs as clean and well-separated, which makes this head unit a practical backbone for a starter system.
Voltage output levels on the preamps are on the lower end of the spectrum, which means paired amplifiers may need their gain turned up higher than ideal — potentially introducing background noise on sensitive amp and speaker combinations.
Steering Wheel Control
55%
45%
When a compatible interface module like the Metra ASWC-1 is purchased and correctly programmed, steering wheel control functionality works reliably for basic commands like volume and track changes. Owners who completed the full setup appreciate retaining this convenience from their original factory system.
The fact that the interface module is not included is a meaningful omission that catches buyers off guard post-purchase. Programming the module can be time-consuming and occasionally incompatible with less common vehicle steering wheel control systems, leading to additional troubleshooting.
Long-Term Durability
51%
49%
A meaningful portion of owners have run this double din receiver for two or more years without major issues, particularly in vehicles that do not experience extreme temperature conditions regularly. For a secondary or rarely driven vehicle, the durability track record is more encouraging.
There is a consistent pattern in longer-term reviews of touchscreen faults, intermittent power cycling, and display issues surfacing between the 12 and 24-month mark. This frequency is higher than what owners report for competing models, raising genuine concern about reliability over a typical vehicle ownership cycle.
Illumination & Aesthetics
76%
24%
The multi-color illumination customization is a fun and functional feature that owners who care about interior aesthetics genuinely enjoy. Being able to cycle through color options and match the dash lighting to a car's ambient interior lighting adds a personalized touch that feels well above the entry-level price.
While the color range is broad, some users find the brightness levels at the extremes — either too dim in direct sunlight or slightly harsh at night — need manual adjustment more often than expected. The illumination settings menu is also not the most intuitive to navigate on first use.
Hands-Free Calling
73%
27%
For solo commuters making and receiving calls during a normal drive, the hands-free setup works well enough to satisfy legal requirements and keep eyes on the road. The built-in microphone picks up the driver's voice clearly under typical highway and city driving conditions.
In louder vehicle environments — older cars with road noise, trucks, or vehicles with the windows down — the microphone struggles to isolate the driver's voice, resulting in muffled call quality. The microphone placement is fixed, which limits the ability to reposition it for optimal pickup.
Display Visibility
67%
33%
The 6.95-inch screen size is one of the more generous displays available at this price point, and owners appreciate the larger viewing area for maps and media artwork compared to smaller single-din displays. Text and icons are legible at typical driving distances when the screen is clean.
Glare is a recurring complaint in direct sunlight, with the screen washing out enough to make certain interface elements difficult to read while driving westward in the late afternoon. The display resolution and color accuracy are also noticeably behind what mid-range competitors offer.

Suitable for:

The Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo is a strong fit for budget-conscious drivers who want a meaningful upgrade over a worn-out factory unit without committing to a premium price. It works especially well in older vehicles that lack any modern connectivity, since the combination of Bluetooth, USB, SD, and aux inputs covers nearly every media source a driver might realistically use day to day. Android users who want to see their phone's screen on a larger display for navigation or music will find A-Link a useful, if imperfect, middle ground between a basic receiver and a full-featured Android Auto head unit. DIY installers who plan to build out their audio system over time will appreciate the front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs, which make adding an external amplifier down the road a straightforward process. If you still own a CD or DVD collection and stream music through Spotify on the same day, this head unit handles both without asking you to choose.

Not suitable for:

Buyers expecting a true Android Auto or Apple CarPlay experience should look elsewhere — the Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo does not support either platform, and A-Link screen mirroring is a notably different, more limited technology. iPhone users will find A-Link entirely incompatible, since it only works with Android 8 and newer devices, making this a poor choice for anyone in the Apple ecosystem. Drivers who prioritize a crisp, highly responsive touchscreen will likely find the display underwhelming compared to mid-range competitors from Pioneer or Kenwood, particularly in temperature extremes. Those who rely on steering wheel controls and assume they are included out of the box will be caught off guard — an interface module is a separate purchase that adds to the real cost. If long-term reliability is a top concern, the mixed durability feedback from owners who have used this receiver for more than a year or two is worth weighing carefully before committing.

Specifications

  • Form Factor: Standard double din configuration fits most vehicles with a 2-DIN dash opening.
  • Screen Size: Features a 6.95-inch LCD touchscreen display for media and navigation viewing.
  • Screen Mirroring: A-Link technology mirrors the display of Android 8 or newer smartphones onto the receiver screen.
  • Bluetooth: Built-in Bluetooth supports both wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone calling.
  • Microphone: An integrated built-in microphone enables hands-free voice calling without any external mic accessory.
  • Media Sources: Supports CD, DVD, USB drives, SD cards, auxiliary input, and AM/FM radio reception.
  • Preamp Outputs: Provides front, rear, and subwoofer RCA preamp outputs for connecting external amplifiers.
  • Video Output: Includes a video output that allows a secondary screen to be connected for additional viewing.
  • Illumination: Offers multi-color customizable button and interface illumination to match any interior style.
  • Steering Wheel: Steering wheel control integration is supported but requires a separately purchased compatible interface module.
  • Connector Types: Equipped with a 3.5mm auxiliary jack and USB port for wired device connections.
  • Controller Type: Designed to operate with Android devices as the primary smartphone controller platform.
  • Video Encoding: Supports MPEG-2 video encoding format for DVD and video file playback.
  • Audio Output: Delivers stereo audio output mode across all connected speaker channels.
  • Item Weight: The unit weighs 4.19 pounds, which is typical for a double din receiver of this class.
  • Dimensions: Package dimensions measure 9.65 x 9.53 x 6.81 inches for shipping and storage reference.
  • Color: Available in black, designed to blend with most standard vehicle dash environments.
  • Brand: Manufactured and sold by Planet Audio, a US-based car audio brand offering entry-level to mid-tier products.
  • Model Number: Official model number is P9695B, which matches the manufacturer part number for parts and support inquiries.

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FAQ

No, the Planet Audio P9695B Double Din Car Stereo does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It uses Planet Audio's own A-Link technology for screen mirroring, which is a different and more limited system. iPhone users will find no screen mirroring compatibility at all, as A-Link only works with Android 8 and above.

A-Link works by duplicating your Android phone's screen directly onto the receiver display via a wired connection. It is not a full app integration like Android Auto — it is more like casting your phone screen onto a bigger display. Some apps mirror well, while others may not display correctly, so the experience depends a lot on which apps you use regularly.

It can, but not out of the box. You will need to purchase a compatible steering wheel control interface module separately — Planet Audio recommends the Metra ASWC-1 for this. Factor that additional cost into your budget before deciding, since it is not included with the unit.

Most owners find the interface manageable for everyday use, but the touchscreen responsiveness is one area where the budget pricing shows. In extreme temperatures — very hot summers or cold winters — several users have noted that touch sensitivity can become sluggish. It is not a dealbreaker for most, but worth knowing if you live in a climate with temperature extremes.

Yes, and this is actually one of the stronger points of this head unit. It includes front, rear, and subwoofer RCA preamp outputs, which makes wiring up an external amplifier a fairly clean and standard process. If you are planning to build out a proper audio system over time, this receiver gives you a solid starting point for that.

It handles both. The built-in optical drive supports CD and DVD playback, so you can watch movies through the DVD player as well as listen to audio CDs. This is increasingly uncommon at this price point, which is part of why it appeals to drivers who still use physical media.

For someone comfortable with basic car audio installs, this double din receiver is a pretty standard job. The main thing to watch is the wiring harness — a handful of owners have noted that the included harness connector quality is not the tightest, so taking care during wiring is worthwhile. Using a vehicle-specific wiring adapter and dash kit for your car make will make the process much smoother.

The Bluetooth hands-free system works with virtually any modern smartphone, Android or iPhone, since hands-free calling and audio streaming use standard Bluetooth profiles that are not OS-specific. The A-Link screen mirroring feature, however, is Android 8 and above only. iPhone users can still pair and use Bluetooth audio and calling without any issues.

Based on owner feedback, many users get a year or two of reliable daily use without issues. However, there is a noticeable subset of owners who report the unit developing problems — touchscreen faults or power issues — after roughly one to two years. It is not universal, but it is a real enough pattern to keep in mind, especially if you are installing this in a vehicle you plan to keep for many years.

Yes, the P9695B includes a rear camera A/V input, so you can wire up a compatible reverse camera and have it display on the screen. The camera itself is sold separately, and you will want to confirm the camera you choose outputs a standard composite video signal to ensure compatibility.