Does Walmart Install Car Stereos? The Complete Guide You Need

As an experienced ecommerce business owner, one of the first things I did after buying a new car was upgrade the factory stereo system. I wanted better sound quality with Bluetooth and navigation capabilities.

But I didn‘t know where to go for a new stereo and professional installation. Did Walmart, with its convenient locations and affordable auto services, offer this?

If you‘ve wondered the same thing, you‘re in the right place. Below I‘ve put together a detailed guide on Walmart‘s car stereo installation services, DIY options, costs, and more.

After extensive research and calling over a dozen Walmart stores, here is what I learned:

Quick Summary: Can You Get a Car Stereo Installed at Walmart?

Walmart does not perform car stereo installations at their in-store Auto Care Centers. However, they do offer installation services through their website, Walmart.com, via an authorized 3rd party company called InstallerNet.

To get a car stereo installed through Walmart:

• Purchase the stereo and add installation to your cart on Walmart.com
• InstallerNet will contact you to schedule an appointment
• Choose from one of their 1,500+ partner locations
• Standard installs start at $64.99, with more complex systems around $100+

So the answer is yes, you can get a car stereo installed through Walmart, but only through their website and InstallerNet‘s network of installers. No in-store installations are available.

Below I‘ll provide an in-depth look at this process, costs, DIY installation, stereo purchasing, and more. Let‘s dive in!

Booking a Walmart Car Stereo Installation Online

Walmart has partnered with professional installation company InstallerNet to provide car stereo installations. This allows Walmart to offer installations without having to train staff and equip stores.

Here is how it works:

1. Purchase Car Stereo on Walmart.com

• Browse Walmart.com for an compatible stereo model. There are over 1,000 to choose from.
• Add to cart and purchase the stereo just as you would any item.

2. Add Installation Service

• For select stereos, you‘ll have the option to add InstallerNet installation to your cart.
• Complete checkout as normal with stereo and installation.

3. Get Contacted to Schedule Appointment

• Within 3 business days, you‘ll receive an email from InstallerNet to set up your installation.
• Choose a date, time, and one of their 1,500+ partner locations.

4. Get Your Installation Completed!

• Simply show up to your scheduled appointment for a hassle-free installation.

It‘s a straightforward process and makes getting a new stereo installed much more convenient through a major retailer like Walmart.

Pros of Booking Through Walmart

There are a few advantages to using Walmart and InstallerNet for your car stereo installation:

• National network of installers – With 1,500 locations across the country, you‘re likely to find a shop near you.

• Trusted service – InstallerNet has years of experience, with all installers background checked. No dealing with random Craigslist installers.

• Manufacturer warranties intact – InstallerNet are authorized installers, so any stereo warranties remain valid.

• Convenient one-stop shop – Order stereo and installation in one step, shipped to your door.

• Affordable pricing – Installations start at a reasonable $64.99 for a standard install.

For simplicity, pricing, and peace of mind, going through Walmart and InstallerNet is a great option.

Cons of Walmart Installation

However, there are a few downsides to using Walmart‘s installation service:

• Limited stereo selection – InstallerNet only services certain Walmart-sold stereos. If you want a specific model, installation may not be available.

• No in-store support – Installations are not done at Walmart stores. You‘ll interface directly with your InstallerNet shop instead.

• Potential delays – Add 1-2 weeks to account for InstallerNet contacting you and booking the appointment.

• Hit-or-miss installers – Quality depends on your local InstallerNet shop, some of which are better than others.

While Walmart‘s installation service provides convenience and affordability, you lose some flexibility and direct support.

Car Stereo Installation Pricing from Walmart

Standard car stereo installation from Walmart and InstallerNet starts at $64.99. This covers labor for a single-DIN stereo in most common vehicles.

However, for an upgraded stereo with Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, or other features, expect to pay $75 to $100+ for installation. Prices vary depending on:

• Car stereo model
• Install location
• Vehicle make and model
• Extra parts required

According to my research, here are some average costs:

So for a higher-end stereo with extra features, plan to spend $100 or more for parts and professional installation from Walmart.

How does this compare to independent car stereo shops? According to my research:

• Basic installations from local specialists: $60 – $80
• Premium installations from car audio pros: $100 – $130

Walmart‘s pricing is very competitive, though you may be able to find basic installations for slightly less at smaller independent shops. However, the convenience and service may be lower.

For affordable, reliable installation on both basic and premium car stereos, Walmart and InstallerNet provide a great value overall.

Can You Install a Car Stereo Yourself from Walmart?

Rather than paying for installation, you may choose to do it yourself – especially for simpler stereo upgrades.

The good news is Walmart provides all the stereo installation products and information needed:

Installation Kits

Walmart sells car stereo installation kits for around $5 and up with harness adapters, dash kits, tools, and other parts to connect a new stereo.

Individual Install Tools

You can also purchase just the key tools like wiring strippers, crimpers, panel removal tools for around $5 to $15 each.

Buying only the specific tools you need can be more cost effective than a whole kit.

How-To Instructions

On Walmart‘s website, they offer free step-by-step directions and videos walking through the full car stereo installation process.

With some time and elbow grease, you can install a stereo yourself using Walmart‘s DIY offerings.

Is DIY Installation a Good Idea?

Depending on your technical skills, DIY stereo installation may be totally feasible. However, there are some key considerations:

Installation Difficulty

• Basic stereo swap – Easy for beginners
• Adding amps, subwoofers – Intermediate skills needed
• Full system install – Advanced project better left to pros

Time Required

• Swapping head unit – 1-3 hours
• Full system install – 5+ hours

Risks

• Damaging interior trim and panels
• Incorrect wiring causing shorts
• Nonfunctional stereo if done improperly

While DIY installation can save money, be prepared for a challenging project, especially if it‘s your first install. For many, paying a professional may be worth the cost. But for simpler stereo upgrades or if you want the learning experience, give it a try!

Car Stereo Options at Walmart

Once you decide on installation, it‘s time to pick the perfect car stereo. At Walmart, you‘ll find a huge selection of stereo models to upgrade your car‘s stock sound system.

Here are some top picks available at Walmart:

Prices range from around $100 for a no-frills stereo up to $600+ for a premium stereo with all the bells and whistles. When selecting your stereo, consider:

• Features needed – Bluetooth, touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, etc.
• Audio quality – Speaker power, EQ settings, amplification
• Phone integration – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Budget – Entry models start around $100

And don‘t forget – choose a stereo compatible with InstallerNet installation if going that route!

Other Common Car Services at Walmart

While Walmart doesn‘t offer in-store car stereo installations, their Auto Care Centers can take care of a variety of other common maintenance needs for DIYers.

Services offered at Walmart Auto Care Centers include:

• Oil changes
• Tire installation, rotation, and balancing
• Battery testing and replacement
• Headlight bulb replacement
• Wiper blade installation
• Air filter replacement
• Fluids (coolant, transmission, etc.)

Pricing is affordable as well, with most basic services under $50 – not including parts.

So for other routine car repairs, the Walmart Auto Care Center is a solid choice to get in and out quickly and cheaply vs. a full-service shop or dealer.

Installing a car stereo may seem complicated, but Walmart provides a few great options:

• Professionally installed by booking through Walmart.com and InstallerNet

• DIY installation using Walmart‘s kits, tools, and guides

Plus, Walmart gives you access to a huge selection of car stereo models in-store and online.

Hopefully this guide provided everything you need to know to upgrade your car‘s audio through Walmart. As a seasoned ecommerce business owner, I aim to provide actionable advice to simplify decisions like this.

While Walmart itself doesn‘t perform installations, using their services or DIY offerings is an affordable way to enhance your driving experience with a new stereo.

Now turn up the volume and enjoy those tunes! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. I‘m always happy to talk shop.