A car head-up display (HUD) is a relatively new technology that manufacturers continue to improve upon from year to year, packing it with advanced features. But, what is it exactly?
It’s a device that displays pertinent information for the driver on their windshield or a screen about the size of a smartphone while it sits atop the dashboard.
As helpful as it is for convenience, safety is also a focal point of this tool. The idea is to prevent the driver from taking their eyes away from the road by having to glance down or look around for their phone.
The best car head-up display will show you all the information you’d get from your gauges (speedometer, oil levels, etc.).
Looking down for even a few seconds could have catastrophic results. However, it’s challenging to find cars with this built-in technology, especially for a reasonable price. That’s where the convenience of purchasing a standalone device comes in.
Many devices come with the info such as the time, GPS services, and engine temperature while also functioning as an infotainment center. How sophisticated a device you get is dependent on the price for the most part.
Typically, higher the price, the more features you get. Also, you can typically add a head-up display to most vehicle makes and models. If you can’t install the HUD, you can download an app onto your phone and use a third-party device that can adjust to your vehicle.
After researching the products and reviews/experiences by consumers, we’ve come up with a list that features car HUDs at various price points, with some basic and some more advanced features.
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The Best Car Head-up Displays in 2022
Check out our list of the top car head-up displays on the market. The car head-up displays on this list should be compatible with nearly every vehicle and fit a variety of budgets and needs.
1. Lufi XF Revolution OBD2 Car Head-Up Display — Best Overall
The Lufi XF Revolution is a mixture of a car head-up display and a multi-gauge system. It has a small carbon footprint, but it isn’t lacking in features or the info it displays. It tells you what you need to know about the vehicle in real-time.
- Has a vibrant and bright LED color display
- Has a USB port for future upgrades
- Comes with customization capabilities
- Compact and easy to install
- Doesn’t lag
- Doesn’t come with instructions
- Boost gauge does not work on all cars
You’ll be able to see the water and oil temperature, your speed, the RPM, exhaust air temperature, intake manifold pressure, and more. It connects to the OBDII (on-board diagnostics) port, and it works on most vehicles manufactured after 2004 that take diesel, gas, or hybrids.
It has a 3.5″ thin-film transistor (TFT) screen with a clear and crisp display, which is vibrant even in direct sunlight. It also comes with manual controls for brightness. Additionally, this HUD presents information on the transmission and the engine as you drive.
It’s compact, so it doesn’t take up much space, and you can move it to different places in the dashboard to accommodate your needs. In addition, you can customize the interface to your liking, tweaking the multi-data display to show only what’s most important to you.
It only has three buttons, making it easy to use, and the navigation is straightforward. It also comes with a USB port to make it easy to upgrade over time.
2. T600 Universal Car Head-up Display — Best Additional Features
The Lttrbx. T600 is a universal car head-up display with a 2.2″ screen and works with all vehicles, despite the make or model.
- Compatible with all vehicles
- Has a 30-degree angle design to make it easier to see while driving
- Perform multiple car tests because of the internal satellite
- Easy to navigate and operate
- Affordable price tag
- The power cord it comes with is unreliable
- It takes some time to find a signal when you first turn it on
It comes with various colors that you can change whenever you like. Also, it has a 30-degree angle design that makes it easy to see the information on the screen without shifting your eyes too much while driving.
The display also adjusts depending on whether it’s day or night. This function eliminates the need to put a reflection sticker on the windshield. The content for this HUD includes the driving direction, driving distance, vehicle speed, low voltage sensor, when you’re going above the speed limit, how long you’ve been driving, and much more.
You can also switch between miles and kilometers if you choose. The new T600 comes with plenty of cool features that make it stand out on the HUD market. For example, the core of this device is the satellite and GPS module, making it useful for brake performance tests, acceleration tests, and other information readings for your vehicle.
The manufacturers also have easily accessible customer service that is always available to answer questions or address concerns.
3. SHEROX 3.5″ Car Head-Up Display — Best for Minimalist Aesthetic
For those that want to get the job done without all the bells and whistles, you’ll appreciate the SHEROX Car HUD. You can use this device with an OBDII port or the EOBD (European) port, whichever you have in your vehicle.
- You can use this HUD with a US OBDII port or the European version
- Automatically adjusts brightness for daytime or nighttime driving
- It has a basic design that isn’t too distracting
- It is easy to install on your dashboard
- The speedometer may be off by one to two miles
- The screen can be a bit dim even at max brightness
The SHEROX HUD has a clean aesthetic and easy to read HD display screen. The 3.5″ display comes with automatic adjustment controls for brightness, so you don’t have to worry about seeing the information when it’s sunny outside.
This car head-up display presents four critical pieces of data: how fast you’re going, the voltage, the travel mileage (that you can change from miles to kilometers), and the water temperature.
If you do not mind sacrificing a wide array of information in exchange for something a little more basic and easy to use, then you’ll love the SHEROX HUD.
Just remember, the simplistic design comes with fewer functions than your typical head-up display. It also comes with three alarms, when the temperature is too high, when the voltage is too low, and when you’re over the speed limit.
This device is not compatible with fully electric cars or diesel vehicles, but it does work with most hybrid cars and gasoline cars that have a. OBDII (or EOBD) port.
4. ACECAR Head-Up Display Car Universal Dual System — Best for Accuracy
The ACECAR head-up display is one of the most highly recommended on the list for reliability and ease to use. It can change brightness levels depending on the time of day. It also features ambient lighting, which is a great touch to make this more aesthetically pleasing.
- More options on how you want to change the style of the interface
- Automatic brightness control plus ambient lighting
- Compact design
- Projects information onto the windshield
- You need an adhesive reflector in the daytime to help with visibility
- The instructions in the manual don’t clearly explain the installation process
The information displayed is extremely clear and easy to see with a large font.
You’ll get what you need plus more when it comes to functions. You choose what you want to be displayed between the water temperature, driving speed, distance, miles, instant voltage, engine RPM, etc. You may also switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit and miles and kilometers.
There are also plenty of alarms to set, such as when you’re speeding, when the water temperature rises too, high when the voltage is too low, and other essential data about your car.
This HUD comes with an automatic on/off switch and multiple customizable settings. It is also very accurate and precise with its readings.
The GPS interface and universal compatibility make this a solid option for drivers. Various display styles allow you to choose how you want the information presented.
Whether you want to emphasize the colors, one specific set of data such as speed and temperatures, or whatever may be your preference, you have options with the ACECAR car head-up display.
The only downside to this device is that it’s a little harder to install than some other options.
5. A8 HUD Head-up Display Speedometer for Car — Best for Elegant Design
The A8 car head-up display features a multi-color display which makes it easy to read the screen and focus on essential data. Nanotechnology eliminates glares and unwanted reflections while driving.
- Comes with a massive amount of functions
- Has a large 5.5″ screen
- Comes with manual and automatic brightness controls
- Nanotechnology eliminates glares and reflections while driving
- Universally compatible with all vehicles
- It can be too bright at nighttime
- It might be challenging to stick to the dashboard
It also comes with automatic and manual brightness controls to get the perfect level of background light.
This device has an extensive range of information relayed, such as speed, water temperature, engine rotational speed, average fuel consumption, and battery voltage. It also tells you the instantaneous fuel consumption, gives a shift reminder, a mileage measurement, and it has numerous alarms to keep you safe.
If you’re over the speed limit, the engine gets too hot or is malfunctioning, or if there’s a low voltage concern, the A8 HUD has you covered.
You can also switch between kilometers and miles, and Celsius and Fahrenheit. We don’t have time to list every function of this nifty gadget, but you get the idea that it’s pretty packed with remarkable abilities.
The high-performing processing chip and universal compatibility make this a steal at a reasonable price.
It’s easy to operate, has a large 5.5″ screen, automatic shut off when the car turns off and is easy to navigate. The A8 is one of the top contenders on our list for the best car head-up display.
6. Pyle 3.5″ Car Head-Up Display — Easiest To Use
The Pyle 3.5″ Car HUD has a modest design defined by its simplicity, and you can power it using the cigarette lighter. The display is multi-colored; this feature is helpful for instances where the lighting can be fickle—the display can adjust to the surroundings for a better visual representation.
- Display automatically shuts on and off when the car gets started or shuts off
- Displays your speed and driving direction
- Has a multi-colored 3.5-inch digital display
- Compatible with all vehicles
- Easy to install and navigate once in use
- May not accurately represent how fast your car is going
- It could be too dark are nighttime
Furthermore, the display is automatically powered once the car’s ignition cuts on. Additionally, the display can toggle between miles and kilometers according to your preference.
The head-up display comes with an exceptional speedometer. In addition, the compass itself can offer some much-needed utility in certain instances; however, the GPS is the feature that takes the head-up display to the next level.
The navigation system has a dual-core processing chip which allows the system to gather data more quickly and effectively to direct to your destination more swiftly. The display is only 3.5 inches which speaks to its intentional minimalist design.
This setup isn’t too overwhelming—the straightforward design offers the essentials. Furthermore, it is a multi-color LED display with sensors to adjust the lighting for better visibility during nighttime and daytime driving.
7. LEANINGTECH P10 Car HUD — Best for Real-Time Information
This LEANINGTECH P10 Smart Car HUD has automatic start syncs with your car, so when your vehicle is started, it’s on, and when your car is off, the HUD is off as well. Its power source uses the OBDII port, so be aware that this HUD is not compatible with all cars. However, this HUD does come with some unique features and excellent customization options.
- Automatic start and stop in unison with the vehicle
- Has a brake testing feature
- Choice between multiple UIs and display orientations
- Measures distance traveled and mileage
- Has a very accurate speedometer
- It is not compatible with many vehicles
- It doesn’t have a GPS
You can choose from various UIs (user interface) and choose the display’s color too. Each UI differs from one another in that they will display information to you in a different orientation, and you can toggle through them to choose the best one for you.
This HUD has a speedometer, and it can measure the distance traveled as well. The head-up display also has a brake test feature that will show you your speed and braking distance and how long it took you to stop; this feature has more utility than you’d think. The braking feature is a prime example of the LEANINGTECH P10 Smart Car HUD’s extreme accuracy and precision.
This HUD can run a self-diagnostics in the instance that it begins glitching for whatever reason. It will also show you your mileage. The only downside is that this HUD does not have GPS.
Before You Buy: The Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Car Head-up Display Units
To purchase the best car head-up display requires that you be knowledgeable about the benefits of having a head-up display in the first place. The chief reason is safety and how having a head-up display allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road longer and more consistently.
What Are the Benefits of a Car Head-up Display?
The head-up display operates as an active safety feature as it eliminates the need for drivers to look down at a conventional display panel. Furthermore, HUDs can project other useful information such as warning lights, engine revs, and navigation guidance.
Having all of these tidbits available on display significantly reduces the number of times a driver needs to take their eyes off the road. There’s also the added advantage of having a tech-savvy device on board at all times.
Below you’ll find the notable advantages of a HUD over-relying on conventional head-down instrumentation:
- It significantly increases the time that the driver will have their eyes on the road
- Combines essential tasks such as vehicle performance, speed, and navigation for simplification and convenience
- Eliminates driver fatigue by reducing the need for drivers to look around for pertinent info—it’s all on the display
- Information is shown succinctly on the display as it connects with the outside world
- Offer the driver an intuitive display that gives the driver dynamic data in real-time
What To Look for When Buying a Car Head-up Display
Now it’s time to delve into the elements that make for a good head-up display for your vehicle. God forbid that you purchase a HUD that is poor quality and doesn’t have any of the essential features that you need; adhering to the following information will ensure that this does not come to fruition.
Pricing
At the moment, HUDs are not seen as a necessity and are revered as more of a luxury than a standard feature. The prices can be anywhere between 30 and 1000 dollars. There’s the obvious correlation that the most expensive HUDs are likely to be the best.
And as you can imagine, some of the exorbitant prices will be a reflection of the luxury that you’re paying for. Yet and still, the windshield display will be the best option but also the most expensive.
However, the 30 dollars will get the job done just fine for those who just one a HUD for navigation or simply because it looks appealing visually. As is the trend for more tech, as technology advances, the prices for HUDs will decrease, making them more affordable.
Size
Sizes can vary quite a bit. For example, if you’re using a HUD app, the display will most likely be about the size of the screen on your phone.
However, if you have a third-party HUD display, these HUDs can range from 3-inches to 5.5-inches, and they will display lots of essential info such as direction, speed, and battery voltage.
Features
Invariably, the amount of features that a HUD has corresponds to its cost. Therefore, the more features it has, the more expensive it will be. Consequently, you must decide what features you want to display, and this information will help you make your final decision.
Many built-in HUDs will give you the option to select the features that you want to be displayed at a given time through the use of a menu:
- Navigation information
- Vehicle speed
- The speed limit for every road that you drive on
- Engine speed
- Car system warning lights
- Battery charge
- Safety system alerts such as blind-spot monitoring
- Turn signal engagement
- Infotainment information
Be mindful that HUD apps are likely to be limited in the information displayed. Aftermarket HUD systems can have many functions and just as much utility as built-in systems.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to get a HUD that’s unnecessarily complicated. Most good HUDs will be easy to install. It should be as simple as mounting it to your dashboard where you think it’s suitable and running wires to the OBDII port. There’s also the option to connect your HUD to your cigarette lighter as an alternative power source.
After choosing the perfect spot for your display, just apply a sticky pad to keep it stationary. Most HUDs will come with sticky pads inside the packaging with your purchase.
Be on the lookout for a sun sensor. The sensor will conveniently adjust the lighting of the display for better visibility whether driving during the day or the night. This little feature is sure to make your life easier.
Wrapping Up…
A car head-up display is a crucial tool to have in your car for the purposes of safety and awareness. The installation process is simple and usually takes less than 20 minutes to get started. This gadget keeps you in the know at all times about how your car is performing.
There are different kinds of setups that you can choose between to improve the driving experience for yourself and others sharing the roads with you.
Consider our buying guide to help you select the best HUD for your vehicle.
