Pioneer AVH-211EX Review in 2024 – Is it for you?

UPDATE: The last time I’ve checked this head unit was out of stock. The best alternative would be the Pioneer MVH-300EX. If you want a stereo that has a fresher look, better sound quality and an awesome display this is the winner you’ve been looking for.

Pioneer MVH-300EX

 

[lwptoc]

Sorry, I’m not going to buy new speakers, thanks to this head unit…

Do you want more out of your speakers? Maybe you’re considering changing them for better ones? I have a suggestion for you. Try to upgrade your head unit first.

This is why I’ve written this Pioneer AVH-211EX review. You can save a lot of money by upgrading your car stereo. Plus, it’s a faster job. Speakers take a long time to remove.

The Pioneer AVH-211EX car stereo has a built in amp. This means that your stock speakers are getting more power. I know what you’re thinking with more power comes more responsibility. Well, not quite. With the extra power, your speakers perform better no matter how old they are.

Here’s the preview. This car stereo comes with all the basics that you need. It has a standard radio tuner and CD/DVD player. Plus, it has built-in Bluetooth and a USB port. With the wireless connection you can do hands-free calling and audio streaming. Last but not least, you can connect a backup camera. Now we get into the details.

Let’s get this Pioneer AVH-211EX review started.

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

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
Click Here to Check

Who is the Pioneer AVH-211EX for?

The Pioneer AVH-211EX stereo is for the people who want to have a better music experience without breaking the bank.

Some would call this car stereo as a basic unit. I can agree with that. It doesn’t have an overwhelming number of features. The ones are present work; it’s that simple.

It’s a senior-friendly unit because of the intuitive design. If you are looking for apps and navigation, then you have to look for an advanced unit.

Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you are paired in a matter of seconds.

This car stereo is for those who love radio. Let me tell you a secret. The radio sensitivity is high. I’ve managed to pick up more stations than my stock radio.

What can the Pioneer AVH-211EX do for you?

The Pioneer AVH-211EX car stereo works with most phones. I mean, it doesn’t have specific apps like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It has a good and fasts stereo. This will allow you to stream any app from your phone.

You can mount a rear view camera to this head unit. It will make parking faster and easier.

Depending on your contact list, it will take a while to sync. Once that’s done, the caller ID will be displayed. If it does not show, it means that the contact list is bigger, and it takes more time to sync.

If you love standard radio, you will love this unit. I’ve mentioned this before, but here it is again. It can pick up more radio stations.

One of the best features that it has is the instant shut off button. This is great for night driving. Guess what? The music doesn’t stop. The screen turns black, and you can still enjoy the songs.

The buttons are at the right place and easy to reach. The screen is easy to learn and easy to use.

Click Image to see Reviews and Latest Price

Pioneer AVH-211EX shortcomings

The Pioneer AVH-211EX is a good unit, and it has its shortcomings.

Let’s talk about the touch screen a bit. The screen size is 6.2” wide. I have a few issues with it. It’s not bright enough during the day. I need to squint so I can see the display.

Then it’s a magnet for dust and hair, not to mention fingerprints. I highly recommend getting a screen protector.

The video quality is not that good. My best way to describe the video playback is as a medium.

I have no clue who’s designing these big double-DIN displays. The font size is getting smaller and smaller as newer models come up. The sad thing is that you can’t change the font size. It would be a great feature.

I miss that it doesn’t have a SiriusXM radio. If this is a deal-breaker for you, check out the higher-end versions.

By watching a few movies, I’ve noticed something weird. When it comes to WMA files, the playback becomes choppy. It’s almost unwatchable. So you need to convert the format.

Similar product review: Pioneer AVH-210EX Review – Unbeatable at this Price?

How To Get The Most Out Of Pioneer AVH-211EX?

To get the most out of this car stereo first, you need to mount it. If you are one of my fans, you know what’s comes next. I always recommend being done by a pro. I know it costs money. For me, it’s important not to stress out and waste time. I can always make more money, but I can’t have more time.

If you want all the bells and whistles installed, there will be “miles” of wires to run through. This is why I recommend the pro install. If you want to keep your factory steering wheel controls you need to buy an additional item. There are many adapters that allow you to keep steering wheel controls.

It has some nice customization features. By blending the Pioneer AVH-211EX with your interior, it will look like it has always been there.

Don’t forget that this unit comes with remote control. You can have several preset channels to click through. I have more than 15 selected. While driving, I can just click a few times, and I get to the station I want.

As you know, it’s required by law to block video playback while driving. The law doesn’t discriminate. If you have children in the back on a long road, you can’t turn it on. Hope is not lost; you can hack the system. You need to bypass the e-brake. This bypass is not just for video playback but for settings.

For example, you can change the EQ while you’re driving. This is retarded.

Since we’re talking about the EQ, let me tell you that it is a 13-band graphical Equalizer. You can spend hours on end optimizing everything. Also, if you want to save time, pick one of the presets.

Another decent choice: Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Review – Is it for you?

Pioneer AVH-211EX Review Conclusion

I have to admit that I love the Pioneer AVH-211EX car stereo. It’s simple, and it works. The Bluetooth connection is fast and strong and it allows you to do hands-free calling and audio streaming. People can easily hear me on the other end.

It has some basic features, and it has some flaws like other units. Now it’s your time to decide.

We have reached the end of the Pioneer AVH-211EX review. I hope this post made it clear for you if this stereo is the right fit.

Do you have this model? Share your experience with us below

Catch you next time.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
Click Here to Check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What kind of USB input does this stereo offer?

There’s only one USB connection to this head unit. This USB input is located in the back. To access the rear USB you need to use an extension cable.

Can I use a remote control with this Pioneer head unit?

Yes matter of fact one remote control is included in the package. For some it was offering way too much so they have bought their own remote control separately.

Does the AVH-211EX have a camera input?

Yes it has a camera input and you can connect a backup camera. Since there’s just one camera input you can’t add a dash cam.

Can I do wireless Audio streaming with this digital receiver?

Yes you can do wireless audio streaming. Besides that you can play pause songs as well.

Does it have an audio video input/output?

Yes you can connect to the audio video input/output.

Are Apple devices like iPod iPhone supported?

Yes this unit fully supports Apple devices such as iPod iPhone.

Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Brian Beasley