Keeping your eyes on the road ahead is rule number one of Drivers’ Safety 101. So isn’t it a bit ironic that in order to read the essential information from the gauges on your car’s dashboard, you have no choice but to take your eyes off the road? And even if it’s just for just a moment, it still presents a risk that isn’t worth taking, especially when you’re traveling at high speeds.

Obviously, you still need to know how fast you’re driving, what your fuel level is, and if there’s anything out of sorts with the mechanics of your car. In other words: You need a way to access all this information both easily and safely. That’s why many modern cars are being designed with built-in head-up display devices so you’ll get all the information you’re accustomed to looking down at your dashboard for, but instead as an easy-to-read projection just outside your line of vision ahead.

What is the best HUD?

If you have an older car or aren’t in the market for a newer model with a built-in function just yet, rest assured there are many options for third-party head-up displays available to provide you with all the information you need when driving. In fact, aftermarket head-up displays, which you’ll see abbreviated to the acronym HUD, often come with more features than built-in displays do.

And while head-up displays look an awful lot like something out of a science fiction movie or a high-tech version of James Bond, they’re easier to install and operate than they appear at first glance. In fact, most of the top-rated options can be installed in just minutes, so you’ll have access to the vital information you need for your next road trip or tomorrow’s morning commute.

What to consider before buying a HUD?

When searching for a head-up display for suited for your car, there are a few key features you’ll want to keep in mind:

Display: Since the purpose of a HUD is to make essential information and data easily accessible to read, you’ll want one that boasts an impressive display function. As of now, there are two types of aftermarket HUD options to choose from: devices that project directly onto the windshield and devices that project their display onto a screen. In general, HUD devices that project onto their own screens are preferred since they avoid the dreaded “double image” effect from a blurred projection. In general, you’ll want to opt for the brightest LED display possible, so the projected data stays visible in direct light without the need to squint.
Installation: In general HUD devices are installed by either connecting to your car’s cigarette lighter, or by being plugged into your car’s on board computer. HUD devices installed by simply plugging into your car’s cigarette lighter are easy to use, but only rely on GPS to gather data since they’re not directly connected to your car’s internal system. On the other hand, HUD devices installed to pull data from the on board computer may take a bit longer to set up but will give you access to much more information. HUD devices designed to be connected to the car’s computer are most often connected to a port accessed under the steering wheel. Of course, both of these options need to be safely secured to your car’s dashboard to work.
Connectivity: Some head-up display devices can be paired with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to pull navigation information and access third-party apps while in use. Not all HUD devices have this function, so if you’re looking to pair one with added navigation tools, you’ll want to include the option for Bluetooth connectivity in your pick.
Data: Sure, this seems like an obvious factor when deciding on a head-up display device, but you’ll want to be mindful of what all the projection includes. Are you wanting information about your car’s engine displayed ahead of you, or just your current speed and mileage? If you find the idea of having too much data ahead of you cluttering up your view, stick with a streamlined device that just shows the basics, instead.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there, we’ve done the research and reviewing for you to curate this list of the best head-up displays to make your car a bit smarter and travel safer.

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Best heads-up displays for your car: Our 2022 picks