JVC KW-M845BW Review in 2024 – Calling all minimalist

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Is this the minimalist’s dream stereo?

It seems so. I love the look and feel of this car stereo. There are only three buttons. The menu system is not crowded.

The tendency nowadays is to crowd as many apps on the front page as possible. I don’t agree with that approach. It takes a lot of courage for JVC to break from the norm.

This is the reason why I’ve written the JVC KW-M845BW review. Here’s my promise to you. I will stay away from the hype and cover the drawbacks in detail. Knowing everything about this double din head unit is important so that you won’t have surprises later down the road.

Here’s a quick preview on what’s coming up next. It’s one of the few wireless Android Autos on the market. If it works properly, read the shortcomings chapter.

You can connect up to five phones. There are many entertainment options from the standard radio through SiriusXM plus all the streaming apps. The sound quality improves dramatically. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth Siri and Google Assistant will be there to take your orders.

Now let’s get this JVC KW-M845BW review started.

Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.

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Who is the JVC KW-M845BW for?

This car stereo was meant for people who want to enjoy Android Auto wirelessly.

This is for people seeking entertainment during commutes.

Because it can play high-resolution audio files (192bits), it’s a good choice to have.

Besides standard music options like FM/AM radio, it’s SiriusXM ready. Satellite Radio comes as standard. Of course all favorite apps like Pandora, Spotify run smoothly and ready for audio streaming.

What can the JVC KW-M845BW do for you?

I can’t get over the clean look of JVC’s head unit. It’s so elegant and blends so nicely. There are three buttons to use, and the rest is the big touch screen.

The screen size is 6.8” wide. And as you can see, it’s aired out and easy to use. They went with a resistive display.

The biggest selling point for the JVC KW-M845BW car stereo is the Wireless Android Auto. Before you buy to make sure that your phone is supported. At the moment, only a handful of units are supported.

If you have a Pixel or Nexus phone, the chances of Wireless Android Auto to work is high. I want to make something clear it’s not JVC’s fault Google is extremely slow.

Of course by default, this head unit is compatible with Apple Carplay. All the apps and Siri will be available.

Almost forgot to mention a cool feature. This would be the auto dimmer. As the light starts to decrease the stereo automatically dims the display.

If you enjoy top of the line music, you will love the EQ. You can customize the equalizer for each music source. Not only that you can tinker with the 13-band graphic EQ.  How cool is that?

You can connect up to 5 phones at the same time. On road trips anybody can become the DJ.

Last but not least, I want to mention that there are two rear USBs. You can plug a phone in for charging, and the second one will be free for iPods or pen drives. Doing this will keep your phone memory free.

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JVC KW-M845BW shortcomings

As you have probably guessed, there are a few things wrong with this JVC KW-M845BW. I’m here to give you a clear picture of it.

JVC has ventured into dangerous territory. They have created this car stereo, and it supports wireless Android Auto. Here’s the backstory. Google is extremely slow to get this rolling. Only a handful of phones are supported at the moment.

You do not only need the right phone but the right software as well. To my knowledge, the wireless Android Auto only works with Android versions 8 and above.

Even so, it is buggy. Many customers complained that it doesn’t work. I recommend upgrading everything and then trying. They wouldn’t have released an unfinished product because they would be drowning in refunds.

Here’s a public warning stay away from Weblink. It’s horrible and it doesn’t work. No wonder it has a two star rating on the store. Something is terribly off with that app.

Another annoying feature is the 10s warning message. This pops up at every start. How can I get all that wasted time back?

What I’ve noticed that if I start multiple apps, the head unit resets. Have you noticed that? For example, if run Android Auto and Pandora after some time, there’s a reset.

They have gone overboard with the button animations. Some are extremely slow. I would rather enjoy speed then wait for something fancy to load.

The head unit comes with three physical buttons. They are tiny, and it’s hard to find when you’re driving. It takes lots of time to get used to it.

These are the bugs and glitches of this JVC unit. Are you still with me? Or are you checking out a different car stereo?

How To Get The Most Out Of JVC KW-M845BW?

The first step as always getting it mounted. I prefer to leave it to the pros. I’m not techy, so I would probably waste a week or more to get it done.

The thing with this aftermarket stereo is that you will lose some factory features. Now, if you invest in the iDatalink Maestro, you will be able to keep all your steering wheel controls. Not only that, you will get vehicle diagnostic info as well.

The JVC KW-M845BW comes with one video input, camera input. This means you can mount a rear view camera for easy and fast parking.

Also, if you want to drive distraction free, you can shut off the screen. With a few taps, the display goes black, and you can focus on the road.

Related: How to reset JVC radio 

JVC KW-M845BW Review Conclusion

As you have seen, the JVC has delivered on its selling point. Well sort of. Until Google doesn’t make a move, the manufacturers can’t upgrade.

We have reached the end of the JVC KW-M845BW review. By now it should be clear for you if this car stereo is a good fit.

I’m doing custom reviews, so if you would like a stereo to be reviewed, get in touch.

Catch you next time.

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FAQ about the JVC KW-M845BW digital media receiver:

What can iDatalink Maestro do for JVC KW-M845BW digital radio tuner?

The iDatalink Maestro is an extra device for the JVC KW-M845BW digital radio tuner. With it connected you will be able to retain steering wheel controls. Not only that with this device you can get vehicle information such as tire pressure, voltages, temperatures, etc.

What can the JVC KW-M845BW digital satellite radio do from me?

With this satellite radio you can listen in on SiriusXM. You can enjoy all your favorite shows no matter where you are. Anybody who’s interested it has an av input for connection to an external source.

Does this JVC come with a built-in Bluetooth?

Yes it has a built-in Bluetooth. Any phone with a this tech can be paired. Once paired you can start the audio streaming. Also you can get directions from Google maps.

With this head unit can I use Apple Carplay Wireless Android Auto?

Yes this JVC unit supports Apple Carplay Wireless Android Auto. Thanks to technology you can do audio streaming and listen to high-resolution audio.

Does this head unit comes with a remote control?

Yes there’s a remote control included in the package.

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley