5 Best Car Stereo Shops in Ottawa
Nothing beats a long drive with great music in the background. Playing music while driving does not only make travel more fun but also helps motorists focus more.
To help you find the best car stereo shops in Ottawa, we amassed some of the prime options in one list.
But before we move on to that, let’s first take a look at how much installing a car stereo would cost.
How much do car stereos cost in Ottawa?
Depending on the brand and specifications, getting a new car stereo would cost you around $50 to $500. While prices of single-DIN receivers can go from $50 to more than $1500, double-DIN receivers can range from $125 to $1300.
Basic installation costs, on the other hand, can go between $40 and $100. Some people pay $125 to $250 because of system upgrades, but the average cost often remains below $100.
Luckily, some service centers offer free installation and huge discounts, which help cut costs. Don’t forget that car stereo and installation rates can also vary depending on where you get things done.
Below is a table that sums up the costs, which might include the installation of other items like amplifiers and subwoofers. Please take note that the price ranges do not include the head unit.
1. AudioMotive
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Products and Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
AudioMotive has been in the business for more than 10 years. We like it because it offers various automotive products and services, from the installation of car stereos and HID Xenon headlines to remote car window tinting and custom wheel simulator.
Apart from installing car stereos and other entertainment units, it installs speakers, amplifiers, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay units. The best part is that it can provide all your car audio component needs, which makes things more convenient for you.
The shop also houses different car stereo and accessory brands you can choose from. Among these brands include Infinity, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Alpine.
One issue we found here is that there are no specific product listings, so you’ll have to consult the shop for this. Another downside is that there are no price guides available for some of the services it offers.
But it’s good that you can avail of other related services, which you might need for your car. It saves time and effort and probably costs as well.
There are also available promotions on products and services, but details about them are limited. We appreciate that the shop provides help for people with how-to’s and components needed, which is great if you’re the DIY type or are cutting costs.
It is also nice to see that it has an informative website, which provides tips that are worth reading.
Pros
- Various products and services
- Different stereo brands to choose from
- Offers promotions
- Provides advice for DIY enthusiasts
Cons
- No specific product listings
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Couldn’t be happier with the result
“James and his team at AudioMotive did an amazing job adding a sub and amp to my Subaru Outback. I couldn’t be happier with the result, it sounds amazing. I would definitely recommend you pay him a visit if you’re looking to upgrade your factory stereo.” — Christian Hodak, Google Reviews
This is the place to go
“Great staff & great experience. I had a new nav system/radio installed, and some additional wiring done in my 1990’s JDM import van. There was no hassle whatsoever, and it was extremely reasonably priced. If you have an older model vehicle which needs a modern dashboard stereo, or sound system update this is the place to go! They also have a large variety of speakers, subs, and amps which they can install.” — Donovan Byrd, Google Reviews
2. Ottawa Car Audio, Electronics’ & Visual
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability of Options | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Related Products and Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
For car audio needs, Ottawa Car Audio, Electronics’ & Visual is one of the places to go. We like that it provides products and services like radio installation, car light replacements, and electrical diagnostics and repair.
So if you need a subwoofer, a camera replacement, or some electrical diagnostics, this place is for you. Since there are price guides provided, you’ll already have an idea of how much you’ll pay even before giving it a ring.
It is good that it has various car stereos and parts you can choose from. The only problem is that these options are relatively fewer and are limited to several brands like Pioneer and Alpine.
We, however, appreciate that the shop provides a discount promotion for its car audio and installation of parts and equipment. The only issue is that it is limited to car audio-related products and services.
We commend that Ottawa Car Audio, Electronics’ & Visual stocks original parts for replacements. This helps the shop and its customers get things done faster with less hassle.
It is also nice to know that it offers 6 to 24-month warranties on its products and services.
We like how convenient it is to reach the company. It is accessible via text messaging, which makes communications and transactions a lot faster.
Pros
- Offers different products and services
- 6 to 24-month warranty
- Discount promotions
- Provides price guides
- Can be reached through text messaging
Cons
- Relatively fewer options
- Limited promotions
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended 10/10
“This was by far my best experience with customer service I’ve seen anywhere. Mr.mohammed is very friendly, prices are very fair, fast and efficient and the work they do is unreal. Everything is so clean and well done it’s insane! They definitely don’t skip out on anything and want you to have the best you can get in the market.Thank you guys very much for the new audio system,backup camera,wiring, sub, and amp install. It sounds so clean and crisp! I’ll be sure to tell my buddies who want subs and stuff to go to you guys.highly recommended 10/10” — Nobin Joy, Google Reviews
If you want the job done right
“Fast, Friendly, and Professional. Called and got my sub/amp installed the same day! They got my car done in just over 2hrs and the Install turned out great. Clean work and tidy wiring feeding to the sub. Sub sounds awesome! Go with these guys if you want the job done right at an affordable price.” — Ethan Hofstatter, Google Reviews
3. Derand
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Products and Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Derand is a privately owned company and was founded in 1984. We like it because it offers a wide array of products like ATVs and E-Motorcycles and services like window tinting and car audio installations.
It has a variety of head units with CD, MP3, DVD, and Bluetooth devices that you can choose from. There are mobile theaters and navigation systems, which are great if you’re into a full entertainment experience.
Its car audio accessories include amplifiers, equalizers, subwoofers, and batteries. It provides additional convenience for buyers by carrying countless brands like Sony, Pioneer, Alpine, and Bazooka.
With vast selections of products and services, you might just find what you’re looking for here. We also like that it provides security and tracking, which is perfect for preventing someone from stealing your prized possessions.
One of the things we appreciate about Derand is that it does price matching. It is nice that it tries to meet or beat advertised prices to help its customers get quality services at the most affordable rates.
We, however, did not see any special promotions. There were also no specific listings for some products like DVDs and car audio.
While the designated links on its website facilitate easier navigation, it would have been better if selections were readily provided for customers to pick from.
Pros
- A wide array of products and services
- Provides price guides
- Price matching
- Offers delivery services
Cons
- No special promotions
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
“I thank the entire team at Derand for assisting me for my car audio needs. I came in to replace my front speakers, but they made a great suggestion to add a subwoofer to compliment my audio experience. Shawn, my technician, completed my install. He did an amazing job at masking the wires and provided a clean, professional installation. I would highly recommend their shop. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will bring back my business.” — Marc Sesbreno, Google Reviews
Best place for car audio installations
“Went to Derand to get a sound system installed in my Mazda 3. The customer service was top notch, they know everything there is to know about car audio and they know their products well. Their prices are great and they work with you to figure out the best system for you and your car. Best place in Ottawa for car audio installations. Also got my windows tinted. Would highly recommend Derand Motorsport to anybody. A+.” — Eric Vanier, Google Reviews
4. Langlois Sound Performance
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Products and Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
We like Langlois Sound Performance because it has been providing automotive needs for over 40 years. It is an authorized distributor of numerous manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories.
Today, it offers a variety of products and services that range from audio and auto body parts to paint protection films and remote starters. It is also commendable because it services all makes and models of vehicles.
So if you own luxurious cars like Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, and Chrysler, you might want to visit the shop for the automotive services you need.
Its audio products and services range from amplifiers and car audio harnesses to dash kits and sound deadening. Getting the parts you need for replacement is made extra convenient as it has a lot of suppliers and partners like WeatherTech and Directed Electronics.
Unfortunately, we didn’t find any special promotions for its products and services. There were also no price guides and specific listings provided for customers to view.
The only way to get details about them is by contacting the shop via phone or email, which might not sit well with some.
We, however, appreciate that Langlois Sound Performance offers professional consultations. On top of this is a morning shuttle, which can be set by appointment.
Pros
- Variety of products and services
- Multiple suppliers and partners
- Services all makes and models
- Provides professional consultation
- Morning shuttle
Cons
- No product and service promotions
- No price guides and specific listings
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Fantastic experience
“Fantastic experience! I have zero knowledge about car audio but wanted to improve the sound coming out of my new car’s stereo. I submitted a question via Langlois’ web form, and they got back to me right away with a simple suggestion: start with replacing the front speakers. I appreciated them starting small rather than trying to sell me stuff I didn’t need. They were upfront about the price, which seemed reasonable. At the shop everyone was prompt and friendly, even offering me a lift to an errand I ran while I waited. After the install, they sat with me in the car to discuss the sound and ensure I was happy with it. It does indeed sound better!” — Marnie Andrews, Google Reviews
The team is phenomenal
“The team and Langlois are phenomenal. They take their time, educate their clients, provide valuable insights and then get the job done under the quotes of their competitors. The entire experience was awe inspiring. I have a car starter in my A7 and I can’t be happier. Fantastic job folks.” — Jayson Siddiqui, Google Reviews
5. In Car Electronics Technical Services
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Products and Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
With 27 years of experience in the automotive electronic industry, In Car Electronics Technical Services is one of the places to go for car audio needs. We like this shop because it specializes in automotive electronics, electrical accessories, and repairs.
So, should you have electrical problems or upgrades for your vehicle, the shop is a good place to start. It offers services that range from GPS installation for navigation and reverse cameras for additional safety.
We like that it has mobile audio, marine audio, and DVD systems, too. Since it works with various brands like Pioneer and Kicker, you’ll pretty much have many options to choose from.
One thing that caught our attention is its headrest, which is custom-made and crash-tested for optimal durability and performance.
It is also good to know that the shop offers discounts of up to 10%. The only downside here is that it is only limited to members of the Canadian Forces and Emergency First Responders.
We appreciate that the shop offers warranties. There are, however, no details provided on the website.
It also lacks product listings and price guides, which customers would find useful.
Despite this, we still think that In Car Electronics Technical Services is a good place for audio and other electrical needs for your vehicle.
Pros
- A full range of automotive services
- Work with various brands
- Commendable headrest systems
- Discounts of up to 10%
- Offers warranties
- Provides consultation
Cons
- No price guides
- Prices can be more expensive
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Hats off to him
“This is my 3rd review in the last 15 years. I only give reviews if someone really deserves it. And Jared here really deserves one. Hats off to him. He has a lot of experience and that’s visible through the quality of his work.” — Ali Waqar Anwar, Google Reviews
Highly recommended
“Excellent – I was looking for a very specific solution for my classic car and the team at ICE came up with something perfect. The work was professional, courteous, and technically sound. In addition they helped me solve an unrelated wiring issue. Pricing was great and very competitive. Will certainly bring any future work I need done to them. Highly recommended.” — Dave Georgeadis, Google Reviews
FAQs about Car Stereos in Ottawa
If having great music while driving is important to you, we hope that our list will serve its purpose and help you find the best stereo for your vehicle.
Do you want to read more about cars? If that’s a yes, you might want to check out the following articles: