Pioneer AVH-3500NEX 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Receiver

Curated from 46 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 13, 2025

Pioneer AVH-3500NEX 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Receiver

Brand: Pioneer
Price: $689
Snoop Score:
7.8
Sentiment
5.4
Popularity
5.4
Technical
9.2

Snoop's Take

The Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is a 7" touchscreen multimedia CD/DVD receiver designed for in-car entertainment and connectivity. This 1-DIN head unit supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access their smartphone features seamlessly while driving. Consumer feedback highlights the impressive sound quality provided by the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX, with users noting that it delivers great audio performance. Many appreciate the seamless smartphone integration, stating, "I do know I want it to be able to: Bluetooth, hands free calling." However, some users have expressed concerns over the lack of physical buttons and slower performance compared to previous models, with one reviewer stating, "the dealbreaker is that it doesn’t auto-align." Overall, despite some drawbacks related to its design and performance, the Pioneer AVH-3500NEX is recommended for users seeking a reliable multimedia receiver that offers excellent sound quality and smartphone connectivity. Its strengths in audio performance and integration capabilities make it a worthwhile option for its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated In Dash DVD & Video Receivers

pioneer always sound great

Positive Feedback

The only downside with Pioneer for me is that it has no physical buttons & the capacitive buttons are on the left (Im in right hand drive region)

Negative Feedback
Product
7.8
Pioneer AVH-3500NEX 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Receiver
Family Road Trips
10 / 10
Daily Commuting
8 / 10
Smartphone Control
10 / 10
Nighttime or Low-Light Driving
10 / 10
See how this compares to all In Dash DVD & Video Receivers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Pioneer provides great sound quality
pioneer always sound great
AV Receivers, are they as good as 2 channel stereo receivers.
Plug in your pioneer receiver and test it out.
AV receivers can sound even better than classic stereo amplifiers.
Great sound quality
I received a cease & desist after leaving a review/video after a company owner called me and said the N word.
Enhanced multimedia capabilities with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
I'm pretty sure the current unit is a double din, but is there any reason to not just get a simple single din unit with a spacer?
The benefit is that when mounting a single DIN unit together with a good dash kit, you don't have to cut into your dash at all, and you do get that pocket, albeit maybe hiding behind your screen a bit.
Seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
I do know I want it to be able to: Bluetooth, hands free calling
The best bang for your buck would be a single din / stereo without a screen.
Connection process can be solved with user manual
Once the app is connected to the stereo, it will check for the latest update and download it to the phone.
thank you so much for solving this. i was stuck for a while on going back and forth with radio and app.
Updated with the solution. See above.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Lack of physical buttons for operation
The only downside with Pioneer for me is that it has no physical buttons & the capacitive buttons are on the left (Im in right hand drive region)
Slower performance compared to previous model
the dealbreaker is that it doesn’t auto-align.
it’s harder to start M moves and its doesn’t auto align like you think it would.
Feels less reliable and sturdy than previous models
Compared to GAN it feels like I’m holding a 4 ton brick with unbelievably strong magnetic locking.
Quality sacrifices due to semiconductor shortages
Pioneer and every other brand has definitely been forced to make some sacrifices in quality in order to put products to market with semiconductor shortages.
It’s super light and is basically just an empty metal box inside with a tiny little circuit board at the bottom.
Haven't bought a Pioneer unit since 2013, and even then it only lasted in my car for a few months until I was frustrated by its clunky firmware and poor emerging Apple support.
A lot of reviews mirror your complaints.
Difficulties with app connectivity
It’s a pile of shit to connect. Has never worked to upgrade firmware in three years.
I've enabled my Hotspot and connected to it.
New lineup has more connection issues
it's my understanding (no actual experience or evidence) that the newest lineup of Pioneers are much more picky than previous generations about having the various interlocks like the speed sense wire, GPS antenna, and parking brake wire connected in order to work properly.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Pioneer AVH-3500NEX 7" Touchscreen Multimedia ReceiverPioneer AVH-3500NEX 7" Touchscreen Multimedia Receiver$689
7.8
DetailsBuy
Pyle Single DIN Head Unit ReceiverPyle Single DIN Head Unit Receiver$99
7.5
DetailsBuy
Kenwood DDX26BT Double DIN Car Stereo ReceiverKenwood DDX26BT Double DIN Car Stereo Receiver$229
6.8
DetailsBuy
Kenwood DDX25BT 6.2" 2-Din DVD MonitorKenwood DDX25BT 6.2" 2-Din DVD Monitor$249
6.4
DetailsBuy
Pyle PLTS78DUB Single DIN Car Stereo ReceiverPyle PLTS78DUB Single DIN Car Stereo Receiver$161
5.9
DetailsBuy
BLAUPUNKT 6.2" in-Dash Touch Screen DVD Receiver MEMPHIS440BTBLAUPUNKT 6.2" in-Dash Touch Screen DVD Receiver MEMPHIS440BT$72
5.9
DetailsBuy
Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX Multimedia ReceiverPioneer AVH-W4400NEX Multimedia Receiver$449
5.7
DetailsBuy
Kenwood DDX376BT In-Dash Car DVD MonitorKenwood DDX376BT In-Dash Car DVD Monitor$175
5.0
DetailsBuy
Soundstream VR-1032XB Car Stereo ReceiverSoundstream VR-1032XB Car Stereo Receiver$189
5.0
DetailsBuy
Pioneer AVH-2500NEX In-Dash Stereo ReceiverPioneer AVH-2500NEX In-Dash Stereo Receiver$449
4.0
DetailsBuy
Power Acoustik PD‐651B 6.5" In-Dash DVD ReceiverPower Acoustik PD‐651B 6.5" In-Dash DVD Receiver$68
3.9
DetailsBuy
Soundstream VR-624B Car Stereo ReceiverSoundstream VR-624B Car Stereo Receiver$74
3.3
DetailsBuy
Soundstream VR-65B Double-DIN Bluetooth Car StereoSoundstream VR-65B Double-DIN Bluetooth Car Stereo$97
1.5
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Audio impact from EQ presets and controls
The preset EQs and the amount of control you have over the audio is whats going to have the biggest impact on sound out of the radio.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about using third-party receivers
Car Receiver that fit the Ford Escape 2013-2018 and has Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
This might be a silly question - but why replace with a 3rd party receiver when you're gonna use Apple CarPlay / Android Auto?

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Expectations for performance in new versions vary
Good to know. I'll still get it but my expectations won't be high.
Discussion on the benefits of single DIN vs double DIN units
So, you know, you don't have to go double DIN for carplay/android auto/backup camera inputs, if you decide that that's something you want.
Discussion on finding cost-effective solutions for stereo upgrades.
I have read on here they are a little over priced so I was thinking I could just buy the parts /pieces needed and it would be cheaper.
Community discussion on compatibility with Ford Escape models
I’m extremely happy I had it installed.
Glad to hear that these devices works with the Escape.
Request for installation photos
any photos of this installed?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Preference for physical buttons over touch screens
the touch screen on the Sony is more intuitive than my Pioneer.
Community discussions about connection problems
Good to know. Everything works but that. It's kind of hard to get motivated to hook up the speed sensor wire when the unit doesn't have speed sensitive volume.
My factory radio had speed sensitive volume so I know there was a VSS lead into it somewhere. It jus
Concerns about losing features with aftermarket installations.
Many of the Youtube videos I see of Gen 4 Rams getting stereo upgrades are with the low end radios.
From what I've seen, you lose the touch screen climate control and a few of the other features if you start messing with after market stuff.
You will loose all your Uconnect settings for lights and things and controlling the heat and AC on which vents and stuff.

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