Long road trips with kids used to fill me with a sense of dread. The constant “Are we there yet?”, the squabbles over toys, and the sheer boredom that would inevitably set in after the first hour felt like an unavoidable part of family travel. I desperately needed a solution to keep the back seat occupied and entertained, something beyond just handing them a tablet that would inevitably run out of battery or data. Finding a reliable and engaging rear-seat entertainment system wasn’t just about peace and quiet; it was about making those journeys less stressful for everyone, ensuring focus remained on the road, not on managing restless passengers.
When you’re facing the prospect of long car journeys with passengers who need occupying, especially children, a car entertainment system becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. These systems primarily tackle the issue of boredom and restlessness on the road, transforming potentially arduous drives into more pleasant experiences. They are ideal for families who frequently take road trips, carpool, or even just face lengthy daily commutes with passengers in the back. The ideal customer is someone willing to invest in their vehicle’s comfort and entertainment capabilities to improve the travel experience for others, particularly kids who benefit greatly from visual and interactive media.
However, someone who rarely has back-seat passengers or primarily uses their car for short, solo trips might find such a system unnecessary. Similarly, individuals with older vehicles that lack certain modern electrical capabilities might find installation more challenging, though many modern headrest players are designed for relatively simple integration. Before making a purchase, consider factors like screen size, resolution (especially if you plan to watch HD content), operating system (Android offers flexibility with apps), connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB), storage capacity, ease of installation, compatibility with your vehicle’s headrests, and importantly, sound output options (built-in speakers, FM transmission, headphone jacks). Thinking through these aspects helps ensure the system meets your specific needs and fits seamlessly into your travel routine.
Introducing the CHEGIF 13.3 Inch Headrest Player
The CHEGIF 13.3 Inch 2G+32G Android 11 Car Headrest Video Player is essentially a powerful, large-screen tablet designed specifically for in-car use, mounting onto the back of headrests. It promises to transform the back seat into an entertainment hub, providing passengers with access to a wide range of media options. When you purchase the CHEGIF headrest video player, the package includes the monitor itself, a headrest bracket, mounting kits for different post sizes, both a cigarette lighter charger and a wall charger, an all-in-one cable, an HDMI cable, and a user manual.
Compared to older, DVD-based headrest systems or smaller screens, this unit stands out with its significantly larger 13.3-inch IPS touch screen and the versatility of the Android 11 operating system. While perhaps not a direct competitor to integrated, factory-installed systems found in high-end vehicles, it offers a far more flexible and modern alternative to aftermarket DVD players that require discs. This specific car headrest screen is designed for anyone wanting to provide high-quality, customizable entertainment to their rear-seat passengers, from kids watching cartoons to adults streaming movies or even browsing the web. It might be less suitable for someone looking for the absolute simplest, plug-and-play solution without needing app access or internet connectivity.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Large, crisp 13.3-inch 4K IPS touch screen display.
* Runs on the latest Android 11 OS, allowing app downloads.
* Offers versatile connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G), Bluetooth, HDMI in/out, USB, TF card.
* Supports wireless phone mirroring (AirPlay/Miracast).
* Includes built-in speakers, FM transmitter, and headphone jack.
* Decent built-in storage (32GB) plus expandable storage.
Cons:
* Requires careful installation and cable management for a clean look.
* Some apps might require specific versions or troubleshooting to run correctly.
* Screen mirroring can be hit-or-miss with certain apps due to copyright restrictions.
* The default mounting bracket might not be universally compatible with all headrest post sizes/types without using the included kits.
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Having used the CHEGIF 13.3 Inch Car Headrest Video Player extensively on numerous family trips, I can confidently delve into the features that make this device a game-changer for back-seat entertainment.
Large, High-Resolution IPS Touch Screen
The most immediate benefit you notice is the screen. The 13.3-inch size is substantial, offering a much more immersive viewing experience compared to smaller 7 or 9-inch players often found in cars. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, meaning passengers in different rear seats can see the display clearly without significant color distortion. With a 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, it also supports 4K HD video playback, which is fantastic. Videos are crisp, colors are vibrant, and the detail is impressive for a car headrest monitor. The touch screen is responsive, making navigation intuitive, much like using a regular tablet. This high-quality display is crucial because blurry or small screens quickly lead to passenger frustration, defeating the purpose of having the system in the first place.
Android 11 Operating System and App Support
This is where the CHEGIF headrest car player truly elevates itself beyond traditional car DVD players. Running Android 11 opens up a world of possibilities. You’re not limited to DVDs or pre-loaded content. With built-in Wi-Fi (supporting both 2.4G and 5G bands), you can connect to a mobile hotspot or home Wi-Fi to stream content directly. I’ve downloaded apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and even some simple games and educational apps from Google Play or APKpure. This means my kids can watch their favorite shows or movies from our existing streaming subscriptions, just like they would at home. This flexibility is a huge benefit, catering to diverse interests and keeping content fresh without needing to carry around a stack of DVDs or USB drives. The ability to install apps is a significant advantage for a rear seat car TV.
Ample Memory and Storage
The built-in 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM provide enough processing power and storage for smooth operation and holding a good amount of content. While 2GB RAM might sound modest by smartphone standards, it’s generally sufficient for streaming video and running typical Android entertainment apps on a device like this. The 32GB internal storage is useful for downloading episodes or movies before a trip when internet might be spotty. Crucially, the system supports expandable storage via USB drives or TF (Micro SD) cards up to 128GB (formatted in Fat32). This is essential for offline playback, allowing you to load up entire seasons of shows or multiple movies for long journeys without relying on a network connection. The combination of internal and expandable storage is a key benefit for travel.
Versatile Audio Options
Getting sound right in a car entertainment system is important. The CHEGIF Car Headrest Screen includes built-in stereo speakers, which are adequate for general listening, though not audiophile quality. For a more personal experience, it has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack – perfect for allowing kids to watch with headphones while others in the car listen to something else. A particularly useful feature is the built-in FM transmitter. This allows you to broadcast the audio from the car headrest video player through your car’s FM radio speakers by tuning both to the same frequency. This is great for sharing a movie or show audio with the whole car, or when multiple passengers want to watch the same thing without multiple headphones. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is also present, enabling wireless connection to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, offering yet another layer of audio flexibility. The multiple audio output options are a significant plus.
Wireless Phone Mirroring and Remote Control App
The support for iOS AirPlay and Android Miracast allows you to wirelessly mirror the screen of your smartphone or tablet onto the rear seat car TV. This feature is handy for sharing content from your phone that might not be available directly through an app on the headrest player, like personal videos or presentations (though be aware some streaming apps block mirroring due to copyright). What’s especially convenient is the “MyCar Link” app. Once your phone and the car TV are on the same Wi-Fi network (like your phone’s hotspot), you can use your phone as a remote control. This is invaluable if you’re in the front seat and need to start a movie, change something, or adjust settings without having to reach back or have someone else fiddle with the screen. This remote control functionality via the app makes managing the system much easier for the driver or front-seat passenger.
Extensive Multi-Port Compatibility
The variety of ports on the CHEGIF headrest monitor is a major strength. It includes HDMI input, HDMI output, USB, TF card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
* HDMI Input: This lets you connect external devices like gaming consoles (PS4, PS5, Switch), laptops, or DVD players to display their output on the screen. This is fantastic for gamers or for using other media sources.
* HDMI Output: This port is key if you have multiple headrest players. You can connect the HDMI output of one unit to the HDMI input of another (or even a car’s main display if it has an HDMI input) to sync playback, allowing multiple passengers to watch the same movie simultaneously.
* USB and TF Card: As mentioned, these allow easy access to local media files stored on flash drives or memory cards, providing a reliable offline entertainment option.
* 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Standard port for wired headphones.
This range of ports makes the system incredibly versatile, compatible with a wide array of devices and catering to various entertainment needs beyond just streaming or local file playback.
Installation and Power
The included mounting bracket and kits offer flexibility for installation on different headrest post sizes. While the process is generally straightforward, achieving a clean, wire-free look requires some routing of the power cable (either from the cigarette lighter or hardwired) and potentially the all-in-one cable. It’s important to ensure the bracket is securely attached to prevent wobbling on bumpy roads. The option of both a cigarette lighter and wall charger is convenient, allowing you to set up and test the unit indoors or use it outside the car if needed.
While the system performs well overall, a minor disadvantage I’ve encountered is that some specific app versions downloaded from Google Play might occasionally have compatibility quirks or require updating via APKpure as the manufacturer suggests for certain streaming services. Also, achieving a completely flush, integrated look might require more advanced installation compared to the basic bracket mounting.
Overall, the combination of a large, high-quality screen, the flexibility of Android 11, ample storage options, multiple audio outputs, wireless mirroring, and extensive port compatibility makes this car video player a robust and modern solution for in-car entertainment.
What Users Are Saying
After checking online for feedback from other buyers, it’s clear that many users are highly satisfied with this car headrest video player. Several happy customers mentioned how easy the installation was and how seamlessly the screens integrated into their car’s interior. The exceptional picture quality and clear sound were frequently highlighted as standout features, making long drives feel more enjoyable. People also appreciated the user-friendly interface and the ability to install various streaming apps. The mirroring function was praised, as was the convenience of the remote control app. The overall build quality felt sturdy and durable to many, adding confidence in the product’s longevity. Positive interactions with the seller’s customer service were also noted, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Concluding Thoughts
Battling boredom and restless passengers on long drives is a problem every family faces. Without an engaging solution, these trips can become sources of stress for everyone involved, distracting the driver and making the journey feel endless. The CHEGIF 13.3 Inch 2G+32G Android 11 Car Headrest Video Player offers a compelling solution.
Its large, high-resolution screen provides excellent visuals, the Android 11 system allows for unparalleled content flexibility through apps and streaming, and the various connectivity options ensure it can handle almost any media source you throw at it. These features combine to create a truly modern and versatile in-car entertainment system. If you’re looking to bring peace, quiet, and personalized entertainment to your back seat passengers, this rear seat car TV is an excellent fit. To learn more and see the product for yourself, Click here to check it out .