What Is a Headrest Monitor? Should You Install Them in Your Car?

Want to keep the kids quiet on a long journey? A headrest monitor might be what you need.

If you'd like to make traveling by car more enjoyable, there are now more options than ever before. Along with basics like an in-car stereo, you can now add a range of accessories to keep passengers occupied.

Headrest monitors are one such option and allow passengers to watch movies and, on some models, browse the internet. These products are well worth considering if you have children or often take long journeys.

So what is a headrest monitor, and should you buy one?

A headrest monitor is a monitor that attaches directly to the back of a car seat's headrest. They are used for entertainment and typically include a DVD player, and an SD slot, and run using the Android operating system. They are primarily used for watching movies and listening to music, but some products also offer games and internet browsing.

Headrest monitors can be purchased as extras when buying a car, or they can be purchased separately and connected to a headrest using straps. They typically have built-in batteries and can be charged by connecting them to your car battery or a wall socket. Most headrest monitors can be used even while the car is off.

Headrest monitors vary widely in terms of functionality. For example, some models are basically portable DVD players, while others offer significantly more.

If you're considering a headrest monitor, you should also look at overhead monitors. An overhead monitor has the same functionality but is connected to the roof of a car instead. Overhead monitors are installed parallel to the roof and then flipped down when in use.

The primary advantage of overhead monitors is that multiple passengers can view a single monitor. The disadvantage is that they take up more space and therefore aren't suitable for small cars.

Headrest monitors are available as optional add-ons on many vehicles, or you can purchase one separately. The advantage of buying them as add-ons is that they are often built into the headrest. If you buy one yourself, it will be strapped on instead, but you will benefit from a wider selection, and prices are usually lower.

If you opt to purchase a headrest monitor yourself, it's important to measure your headrests and shop accordingly. Headrest monitors are often one size fits all, but if the headrest monitor is too wide, it can easily be knocked off.

Safety is important when adding anything to a vehicle, and headrest monitors are safe accessories to install. Their position means they don't interfere with the driver's field of view, and passengers can typically use them without requiring them to lean forward.

Headrest monitors are not only within easy reach, many models also have remote controls. If you're concerned about distracting noise, passengers can also use headphones.

High-end headrest monitors allow you to stream online content and browse the internet. The easiest way to access the internet is to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. It's worth noting, however, that there are now many ways that you can add Wi-Fi to a car independently.

Installing Wi-Fi in your car not only provides an internet connection for a headrest monitor, it can also be used by your smartphone, allowing you to browse the web without using your sim card.

In-car Wi-Fi is another upgrade worth considering if you're interested in a Wi-Fi-enabled headrest monitor.

If you're wondering about the difference between a headrest monitor and an Android tablet, the answer is that they are very similar. While functionality varies by model, a headrest monitor with Android installed will behave identically to a tablet.

If you already own an Android tablet, buying a headrest monitor doesn't always make sense. Instead, you might want to consider purchasing a tablet headrest mount. These accessories mount the tablet onto the headrest and, once installed, do the same thing.

Using a tablet instead of a headrest monitor also offers additional advantages. Tablets are a much more mainstream item and are typically available at better prices, and with better specs. If you're thinking of buying a headrest monitor, you may want to look at the price difference for a tablet with an in-car rear seat mount or holder.

A headrest monitor is a useful product if you don't want to use or buy a tablet. They provide in-car entertainment for passengers, and high-end models provide a range of useful features that should keep anybody occupied.

To make the most out of a headrest monitor, you should purchase a model with Android installed. Android headrest monitors are not only useful for watching movies; any app can be installed, allowing passengers to play games and browse the internet.

Elliot is a freelance tech writer. He primarily writes about fintech and cybersecurity.