Sony RM-X7BT In-Car Smartphone Controller with Bluetooth

Our review

This Sony unit is a dash-mounted remote that lets you run your phone's calls, messages, music and navigation through a physical keypad instead of the screen. It is aimed at drivers who want fewer glances at a handset, particularly those with an older car stereo that has no built-in Bluetooth or voice controls. Before buying, confirm your head unit has an AUX input and that you can supply power through a USB terminal or the cigar lighter, since both are required to get it working. It is worth comparing against a Bluetooth hands-free kit or a replacement stereo: those may cover similar ground, but this keeps your existing radio and adds a dedicated controller with voice control. Check how your phone handles voice commands and whether your stereo's AUX port is easy to reach, as cable routing affects day-to-day use. It is available on Sokonia.