It's time to untether your jams
It’s just you, your car, and your iPhone belting out the latest hits. But wait, you’re still stuck in the Dark Ages with a wired CarPlay setup? Tethering your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system with a cable? Come on, it’s 2023!
Luckily, wireless CarPlay adapters are here to unshackle you from those USB cables you need for your OEM factory-wired CarPlay and bring you into the modern era.
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What to Look for in the Best Wireless CarPlay Adapter
Surprisingly, there aren’t many wireless CarPlay adapters to choose from on sites like Amazon, but nonetheless you’ll still need to take care that you don’t buy one that’s not up to snuff. These are some essential factors to consider with this type of car accessory.
Compatibility
First, ensure your car and phone can play nice with the adapter you’re eyeing. Some older car models may have outdated infotainment systems that won’t support CarPlay, wireless or otherwise.
Similarly, if you’re rocking an iPhone that came out before CarPlay was introduced, it’s time for an upgrade. Sometimes, a simple firmware update of your head unit can make it compatible with an Apple CarPlay wireless adapter. Just make sure you know what you’re doing since bricking your car radio can be an expensive issue to fix.
Connection Stability
You’re driving. The map is navigating you around traffic snarls. Your playlist is on point. Then suddenly—your music or podcast stops, the map freezes, and you’re left navigating old school. Not ideal, right? A stable connection is crucial on the road, so don’t skimp on this aspect. Look for adapters with strong reviews in this department. Sometimes it’s not just the lack of a high-quality connection, but significant latency issues, where your GPS or music controls might lag by a few seconds making it significantly harder to use CarPlay.
Audio and Video Quality
Wireless convenience is excellent, but not if it comes at the cost of audio or video quality. You want to be belting out those lyrics like you’re on stage, not listening to something that sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Likewise, your map and interface should be crystal clear. Aim for an adapter that offers lossless audio and high-definition video if possible.
Easy Installation and User Interface
Don’t you just love it when you buy a new gadget, and it turns into a weekend project? Yeah, us neither. Check to see how straightforward the installation process is. Does it plug and play, or will you need to scour YouTube tutorials just to get started? A user-friendly interface is also a huge plus. The last thing you need is to navigate a labyrinthine menu while you’re trying to, you know, navigate.
Battery Drain
Wireless tech is notorious for eating up battery life. While your iPhone won’t be physically connected to your car, it will still be working overtime. Make sure the adapter you choose has efficient power use. User reviews complaining about battery drain will often reveal this type of issue.
Either way, wireless CarPlay is a convenience for shorter trips, if you’re spending hours on the road you’re better off finding a way to plug in a charger, but you can still charge your phone in a more convenient place (i.e. inside the glove box) while using the wireless connection for CarPlay.
Price and Warranty
As with most things, you get what you pay for. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option unless you’re okay with sacrificing some features or quality. On the flip side, the most expensive option is only sometimes the best. Do your homework, and also check for a solid warranty. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
So there you have it! Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to make an informed choice and join the ranks of wireless CarPlay users. Say goodbye to tangled cables and awkward phone placements; the future of in-car entertainment is wireless, and it’s glorious.
1. Ottocast U2-Air
The OTTOCAST Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone, a sleek little gadget that does what it says—makes your Apple CarPlay wireless. This player is easy to use and highly compatible unless you’re a BMW, 2019 Toyota RAV4, or Tesla owner; then, you’re out of luck. For the rest of us, it’s a plug-and-play paradise.
Simply hook this up to your car’s USB port, pair it with your iPhone’s WiFi and Bluetooth, and you’re off to the races. No hiccups and no lag if user reviews are anything to go by. From Siri voice control to real-time navigation, it offers the whole native CarPlay experience without the hassle of cords. So, give your car the IQ boost it never knew it needed. Just double-check the compatibility guide to avoid any post-purchase blues.
2. Carlinkit 3.0
The Carlinkit 3.0 is compatible with a broad range of iPhones—from the iPhone 5 to the 14 Pro Max—and plays nicely with most aftermarket units like Kenwood, Alpine, and Pioneer.
The Carlinkit goes the extra mile in its functionality; it uses Bluetooth to initiate the connection and then switches to WiFi for a stable, wire-free experience. Don’t worry about the technical stuff—installation is as simple as plug-and-play. And let’s not forget the brand offers lifetime technical support and a one-year worldwide warranty.
While it’s not a match for Tesla owners or those looking to stream Netflix or YouTube, for everyone else, it’s a robust offering that makes the in-car iPhone experience far more convenient.
Note: We’ve included the 3.0 model here for compatibility reasons; the 4.0 model below should be your first choice unless only the 3.0 model works with your car. So double-check both compatibility lists, and if your car appears on both, get the newer Carlinkit.
3. Carlinkit 4.0
The Carlinkit 4.0 says it’s the universal solution for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto; it’s not messing around. Tailor-made for diverse car models—including Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, and even Ford SYNC 3.4—this Apple CarPlay dongle makes going wireless an absolute breeze.
iPhone 6 users or later, as well as Android users with Android 10.0 and above, are invited to the party. And this is no ordinary party; thanks to faster Wi-Fi 5GHz transmission, you’ll experience improved signal stability, eliminating those frustrating in-drive glitches.
The dongle lets you take phone calls without syncing to your car’s native Bluetooth. While the dongle is a no-go for a specific set of car models due to resolution issues with Android Auto, its one-year worldwide warranty and ongoing technical support make it a good choice for most drivers.
4. Carlinkit AI Box CarPlay Max
Move over, traditional CarPlay adapters—the Carlinkit AI Box CarPlay Max is here to redefine the game. This isn’t just another CarPlay adapter; it’s a technological powerhouse, boasting an impressive 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and a whopping 128GB UFS ROM.
This means a lag-free, super-responsive experience when jamming to your favorite tunes or navigating rush-hour traffic. Compatible with iOS and Android, it’s the family-friendly choice for homes divided between Team Apple and Team Android.
Best of all, the AI Box comes pre-loaded with YouTube and Netflix apps, meaning you’re not restricted to calls, messages, and music. All it takes is a connection to your car’s Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot, and you’re set to binge-watch on the go (not while driving). Since the Max is a full-on Android device, these apps for CarPlay don’t depend on a phone, so it’s a nice bonus.
Thanks to its plug-and-play nature and auto-connect feature, the adapter works and sets up easily. It even offers TF card support for added storage needs. However, Ford F150 2022 owners will have to sit this out as the adapter isn’t compatible with that popular model. With its one-year global warranty and lifetime technical service, the Carlinkit AI Box is a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their in-car tech experience.
5. HieHa Wireless CarPlay Dongle
The Hieha Wireless CarPlay Dongle effortlessly converts your existing wired CarPlay system into a wireless one. With an uncomplicated setup process, it promises an auto-connect feature that seamlessly pairs your iPhone each time you step into your vehicle. The device is impressively versatile, too, offering compatibility with a range of aftermarket radios like Hieha, JVC, Sony, Alpine, and Pioneer.
However, the Hieha dongle is a more than one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to note that this product only works with vehicles that already support wired CarPlay. Android phone users are also not included in the wireless party, as the device doesn’t support Android Auto. So, while it does streamline your in-car experience, its utility is limited to a specific user base. Nonetheless, this device is a small but significant upgrade to your driving experience if you’re in that niche.
