Best Marine Stereos

Fusion MS-RA70 is as adaptable and versatile as these stereos come. The price's far from modest but the device is so sleek and value-packed that you cannot really complain about the somewhat elevated price tag.

You'll be able to easily replace any standard DIN-sized non-marinized stereo without having to reconfigure the dash space. You can mount the stereo onto standard dashboards or integrate into a glass helm with a flush surface mount. The device's single din rear and face will be able to slide into classic car stereo hole cut-outs. At the same time, again, the unit more than enables new as well as retrofit installations methods.

From the aesthetics perspective, Fusion MS-RA70 looks relatively sleek but not especially smooth. We've seen more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing units before. We've seen much worse though too.

First and foremost, its design is accessible. The buttons are large. The dial's comfortable. The LCD screen is pretty large too. The values are easily readable. You shouldn't face any challenges figuring out the device's settings.

Also, you won't even have to use these buttons. Housing this A2DP Bluetooth module, the device is compatible with the company's Fusion-Link app. Using this app, you'll be able to stream different tracks from any compatible device. The app provides localized zone control, excellent source navigation, convenient track selection, and, needless to say, the ability to control the stereo from a distance.

Jensen MS3ARTL looks smooth and even somewhat stylish.

More often than not, these 3.5-inch round stereos look somewhat clunky compared to standard DIN-sized devices but that's not the case here. The unit's aesthetics are clean and concealed.

The buttons are generous. There's enough space between them, so you won't have to worry about accidentally pressing the wrong buttons and screwing up the settings.

The monochrome LCD screen is not necessarily large but not too compact either. The values are accessible and so are the device's settings. The buttons incorporate blue backlighting, so you'll be able to comfortably access and use these buttons even in low-light conditions.

The LCD screen is backlit too. At the same time, the screen's viewing angles are pretty good and you'll have no issues reading the screen under direct sunlight.

Jensen MS3ARTL is as self-contained as marine stereos get. You'll be able to listen to AM/FM radio stations. The USB port will let you connect various gadgets/devices/flash drives to the stereo. The standard AUX input hasn't gone anywhere too.

Last but not least (on this subject), the device comes fitted with a Bluetooth module. The module makes the stereo compatible with the jControl application (available on iOS and Android). Using this app, you'll be able to stream music from most smartphones. The app will let you run the stereo from a distance, so you won't have to move from the deck to the cabin to change/pause songs and settings.

Boss MGR350B won't be bossing you around. Though the device looks the part, it is assuming where it counts and unassuming where the stereo is supposed to be simple and accessible.

From the setup perspective, what we have here is a standard 3.5-inch round marine stereo that fits 3-inch gauge holes.

Now, from the aesthetics/layout standpoint, we've seen better stereos. The device looks pretty good, we've no complaints on that front. The buttons are pretty small though and put too close to each other. Most people will probably have to operate them using nails rather than fingers.

The screen has its moments. On one hand, the device comes housing an RDS tuner that uses the screen to display 64-character messages with stations, songs, artists, genres, traffic info, news, and more when the FM station broadcasts using the RDS tech.

At the same time, the screen could use anti-reflective coating because it is hard to read these messages under direct sunlight.

The device's fully marinized. Outfitted with the tech that grants the stereo the IPX6 protection class (when you mount it correctly), you can rest assured knowing that rains and splashes won't be able to do anything to this stereo.

Meanwhile, incorporating anti-UV coating on the front panel and conformal coating on the PC board, the device's about as weatherproof as these stereos get.

Also, the polished stainless steel bezel is resistant to rust and corrosion, making the unit look sleek and smooth.

Kenwood KMR-D375BT is more old-school than the marine stereos on this list. First, the device accepts CD discs, which's great since there's no downside to that and people with CD disc collections will be able to put those to good use.

At the same time, its old-school build has its flaws too. Before anything else, the device adopts no water resistance whatsoever. The housing's not even splash-resistant, so we would recommend making sure that the dashboard is protected from splashes and rain before you install this stereo onto the boat.

Despite its more traditional disposition, the device looks modern and sleek (though not necessarily as concealed and streamlined as modern electronics usually look). The finish is smooth. The black front panel contrasts really well with the silver bezels. The buttons are wide and separated as much as they should be separated to prevent misclicks.

The screen is wide too, so the values are sizable and more than readable.

From the installation standpoint, what we're dealing with here is that standard DIN-sized marine stereo that you can add to most dashboards without reconfiguring the dash space.

Of course, you don't have to use CD discs. The device's much more modern than that. You can listen to AM and FM stations, that goes without saying. You can also connect various USB-enabled devices to the stereo and use them as the content source. The auxiliary port is present too, so you can connect most smartphones to the stereo. Last but not necessarily least, the Bluetooth module will let you stream songs wirelessly too.

Sony DSX-M55BT is somewhat basic yet packed with features at the same time. Before that though, let's address the device's build because marine-grade construction is what separates marine stereos from standard stereos. Using humidity-resistant vinyl resin, the stereo is able to protect the inside components. Meanwhile, the faceplate features anti-UV coating to minimize fading and discoloring coming from sunlight.

Aesthetics-wise, the device looks slick and nuanced, with glossy accents and sharp edges. Generally speaking, Sony stereos always look good but this device is even more impressive from that perspective than most.

Having said that, what defines this product first and foremost is neither looks nor its build. Before anything else, the product's all about its performance. Housing the company's MegaBass™ sound mode, the device is able to optimally change the boost frequency and gain depending on the volume position.

To elaborate, even when the volume's low, the stereo will let you hear that punchy bass sound that makes music come alive without the driving noise that usually adds up when you crank up the volume. The mode is smart enough to give only the appropriate amount of gain in limited frequencies to avoid those unwanted distortions.

In addition to this mode, the device adopts an advanced sound engine that works wonders separating the lows, mids, and highs. The engine also produces excellent instrumental separation. Other than that, the stereo's engine includes an adjustable EQ5 equalizer and a selectable LPF crossover.