I think Apple CarPlay is one of the greatest inventions of all time. Okay, so maybe that might be a tiny bit of an exaggeration, but that statement really is a measure of how much I love Apple CarPlay. I like being able to connect my phone and have all my apps right there. Whether I’m listening to music, catching up with what’s going on at my favorite podcast, or listening to one of my romantasy books on Audible—don’t judge me—I like having my familiar setup when I’m behind the wheel.
I have two cars. One is a newer car that is Apple CarPlay compatible. It has a built-in navigation system that I have used exactly… never. I’m sure it’s fine, but I like what I like. And I don’t want to dive into all the things my factory media center can do. I use some of them, but when it comes to my tunes and my podcasts and my audiobooks? I. Like. CarPlay. Especially on road trips.
All of these Apple CarPlay adapters can be found on Amazon for well under $100. They all have at least a four-and-a-half-star review from verified purchases; most have five stars. As always, do your own research, make sure you’re buying the correct adapter for your car, and dig into the reviews from people who have bought the merchandise you are scoping out. The models listed below have overwhelmingly positive reviews from purchasers, in addition to solid ratings.
Veosma 5.1 Apple CarPlay Adapter
This compact adapter sells for $79.98 and comes with two optional protection plans that cover the buyer in case something stops working. The protection plans are $7.99 and $9.99 for two and three years, respectively. Check this link to see if your car is compatible with this adapter.
Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adaptor for Apple
This adapter, which costs $69.95, comes in black and gray and is compatible with iOS 10 and newer. For $16.99, you can add a monthly protection plan, which will automatically renew unless canceled.
SMQMAW Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter
This adapter works on cars made in 2015 and newer and on iOS 10 and up. It comes in black and silver and is priced at $54.99. It has an optional Asurion Complete Protect for $16.99 per month. The plan renews monthly until canceled.
GUSSLM Wireless CarPlay Adapter
This slim adaptor works on cars made in 2015 and newer and iOS 10 and up. It retails for $79.99 and is available in black and white.
DRERYRIT Wireless Mini Apple CarPlay Adapter
This slim adapter has a fun, etched car design on the exterior and works with iOS and up. It sells for $49.99 and has an optional Asurion Complete Protect for $16.99 per month. The plan renews monthly until canceled.
Mavlou Wireless Adapter
This one retails for $62.89 and has an etched car design and Mavlou branding on the exterior. It works with cars from 2017 and on and iOS 10 and newer.
Bearway Wireless CarPlay Adapter for Apple
This compact, palm-of-the-hand-sized device sells for $69.99 and comes with a lifetime warranty. This dongle is compatible with over 800 car models but only with Apple products, not Android.
DEJIMAX Wireless CarPlay Adapter
This dongle sells for $45.99 and has three protection plan options: a three-year protection plan for $5.99, a four-year protection plan for $7.99, or monthly Asurion Complete Protect for $16.99. After installation, this device will automatically connect to a phone when the engine is started.
This is compatible with many manufacturers, but it clearly lists as not being compatible with BMW, so always read the fine print before you click “purchase.”
HYXING Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone
This tiny adapter retails for $39.99 and automatically activates Apple CarPlay when the car starts after the first successful pairing. You can buy a two-year protection plan for $3.99 or a three-year protection plan for $5.99 or pay monthly Asurion Complete Protect for $16.99.
TEERAN Apple CarPlay Wireless Adapter
This dongle sells for $59.99 and has three options for protection plans. Buy a three-year protection plan for $7.99, and a four-year protection plan for $10.99 or pay monthly Asurion Complete Protect for $16.99 per month. Supports iOS 10 and up.
Most newer cars are Apple CarPlay compatible and Android Auto Compatible. Most of the time, a car made in 2017 or after will have CarPlay as a standard feature. But what if you drive an older car? My 2013 minivan doesn’t have AppleCar Play. I’ve driven bare-bones rental cars that are newer models that don’t have Apple CarPlay.
Although I don’t think I’d purchase a new car that didn’t offer CarPlay as a standard feature, older cars still have life in them, and you might have reason to drive them. The technology is out there to convert wired to wireless and after-market updates that can get you where you want to be, even if you’re driving an older car.
