Satellite Radio

A clean, digital signal that delivers CD-quality sound and offers a host of channels with everything from ’80s hair bands to emotionally driven alt rock, commercial free music, news, traffic and sports. Coast-to-coast coverage that allows you to listen anywhere in the continental US (with a subscription).

In order for satellite radio to work, there needs to be line of sight between the satellite and the receiver. That’s why satellite radio units feature a mount that allows you to set the radio high up on your dash or in the windshield to get the best reception possible. It also helps that the display is large enough to read, and that operation is easy and intuitive with a touchscreen or thoughtful layout. Many of our top picks also include parental controls to restrict listening to certain content.

Satellite radio was conceived as the answer to all the things that were frustrating about terrestrial broadcast radio, from limited content and commercials to static and interruptions caused by buildings, hills or trees. To solve these problems, Sirius and XM satellites were launched into geostationary orbit, a pattern that synchronizes with the planet’s customary rotation, to beam a constant signal directly down to satellite receivers like the one in your car.

Since then, the popularity of satellite radio has skyrocketed. So much so that it has become a standard accessory in some cars and is included in most of the ones that you can buy today, from Tesla to Rivian. But, for those who want to listen to SiriusXM without spending extra money on a new vehicle, you can still buy an aftermarket tuner and installation kit. They come with a receiver or satellite radio, an antenna and the necessary mounting hardware to connect it to your car’s stereo.