In-car TVs tested

Whether you want to watch that crucial football match or soap cliffhanger, an in-car television has become an essential piece of kit for entertainment. 

It’s easier than ever to tune in to your shows on the go, using portable units, hand-
helds with external antennas, sat-navs or software for Apple devices. All claim to give crystal-clear visuals and great sound, but which is the best? We tried 10 of the latest, with a variety of screen sizes, to find out.

The test

Sound and picture quality are key, so we paid special attention to built-in antennas. Where possible, we also plugged each unit into a separate magnetic aerial mounted on the roof of our test car. We drove a 
route that included a town centre and open roads, at speeds of up to 30mph, 
to rate picture quality. Digital channels were preferable, but not essential, and 
we awarded points for easy-to-use menus and controls. Our final criteria was price.

Verdict

Signal quality across the UK varies, and atmospheric conditions such as storms will affect your reception. Generally, it’s not great on the move – these units are best used when parked up. It’s tough at the top, but our winner is the Energy Sistem 6500, which easily stows in your glovebox or pocket. Plus, it’s the cheapest on test. If you want a larger screen, go for the Meos 123. It’s pricey, but packed with features, and offers good signal quality. Third is the Tivizen, which is an innovative way to get TV on a device you already own.