Apple CarPlay offers a safe and convenient way to use your iPhone while driving. Its seamless integration with your car’s infotainment system allows you to access maps, music, calls, and messages through voice commands or a touchscreen, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
CarPlay usually requires a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your vehicle. However, you can use a wireless CarPlay adapter to avoid the hassle of manual connection. A CarPlay adapter allows you to wirelessly connect your iPhone to CarPlay for a convenient and streamlined experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the best wireless CarPlay adapters available and compare their features, compatibility, and performance to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
What is a wireless CarPlay adapter, and why do you need one?
A wireless CarPlay adapter is a handy little device that transforms your car’s wired Apple CarPlay system into a wireless one. By connecting to your car via USB and pairing it with your iPhone over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, a CarPlay adapter eliminates the need for cables while maintaining the full CarPlay experience. It adds convenience and ease to your driving routine because you no longer need to manually connect your iPhone to your vehicle.
Key features to look for in a wireless CarPlay adapter
It’s important to know what to look for when purchasing a wireless CarPlay Adapter. To help you out, we follow stringent editorial guidelines and thoroughly test products before recommending them to you.
Based on our years of expertise and knowledge of wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, below are the key features you should look for in a wireless CarPlay adapter.
- Compatibility: Ensure the adapter is compatible with both your iPhone model and your car’s infotainment system. Some adapters work universally, while others are tailored for specific car brands or models.
- Ease of Setup: Look for an adapter that offers a quick and straightforward installation process. Plug-and-play devices are especially convenient, requiring minimal technical knowledge to set up.
- Connection Stability: Choose an adapter that offers a reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, which is crucial for uninterrupted performance.
- Quick & Automatic Connection: Opt for an adapter with a fast boot-up time so that CarPlay activates soon after you start your car. This ensures you don’t have to wait to access navigation, music, or calls.
- Price and Warranty: Compare prices to find an adapter that offers the best value for its features. A warranty or customer support can provide peace of mind in case of issues.
Top 5 wireless CarPlay adapters
Now that you know all about wireless CarPlay adapters, take your pick from our top recommendations that are worth investing in.
1. CarlinKit 5.0 wireless CarPlay adapter
We’ve picked the CarlinKit 5.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter as the best wireless CarPlay adapter on the market for its superior performance, ease of use, and versatility. It offers a seamless wireless connection with zero lag, providing a smooth CarPlay experience without the need for wires.
The adapter is compatible with a wide range of vehicles and infotainment systems, making it a versatile choice for most drivers. Moreover, it even works with Android Auto, so it will work for anyone in your family with an Android device. We also appreciate the compact design and quick plug-and-play setup, which make it a breeze to use.
Pros
Cons
Best For: Families or individuals who use both Apple and Android devices, offering reliable performance for daily commutes and long trips.
Price: $69.99
2. OTTOCAST wireless CarPlay adapter for iPhone
Here’s another great CarPlay adapter that provides a smooth and stable connection for easy navigation, music, and calls without interruptions. It’s specially designed for Apple CarPlay and works with over 600 car models, including BMW.
We love how you just need to set it up once and then enjoy an easy automatic connection every time you get into your car. The adapter’s built-in 5Ghz Bluetooth chip has a fast processing speed, and compatibility with 5Ghz WIFI ensures a stable connection and rapid response time without lag.
Pros
Cons
Best for: iPhone users who want a reliable and fast wireless CarPlay experience.
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Price: $79.00
3. Jemluse Store wireless CarPlay adapter
Equipped with advanced technology, including 5.8 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and an 8-core processor, this wireless car adapter by Jemluse ensures a fast and stable connection, enhancing the overall user experience.
It’s super easy to install with a simple, plug-and-play set up that anyone can do. Moreover, the adapter’s compact and sleek appearance integrates seamlessly into various vehicle interiors, minimizing clutter.
Lastly, you get a year of free customer support in case of any issues, so you can buy without worrying about performance or quality.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Anyone who wants the peace of mind of post-purchase customer support.
Price: $69.99
4. The Magic Link original wireless CarPlay adapter
Here’s one of the most reputable wireless CarPlay adapters that’s designed in the United States. It’s compatible with almost all cars manufactured from 2015 onwards.
The plug-and-play design ensures a straightforward installation process, allowing you to enjoy wireless CarPlay without the need for additional software or complex setup procedures. Once paired, the adapter automatically connects your iPhone to the vehicle’s infotainment system upon starting the car, providing great user experience and convenience.
Pros
Cons
Best For: Users who prefer a made-in-USA product that’ll last a long time.
Price: $99.00
5. mardayket – Budget-friendly option
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, affordable CarPlay adapter, check out this mini device from Mardayket. It’s super small and portable but still does a great job of converting your wired CarPlay system into a wireless one.
It’s compatible with more than 800 car models and is pretty easy to use without any additional software. Once connected, the adapter provides a stable and responsive CarPlay experience, ensuring everyday convenience.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Anyone looking for an affordable wireless CarPlay adapter that gets the job done.
Price: $38.90
How to set up your wireless CarPlay adapter
It’s quite simple to set up a wireless CarPlay adapter. Most adapters come with instructions to help you out, but as a general guide, you can follow the steps below.
- Ensure your car supports wired Apple CarPlay. Then, check that your phone and car model are compatible with the adapter you’ve selected.
- Locate the USB or USB-C port in your car where you would plug in your iPhone for wired CarPlay. Plug your wireless car adapter into this port.
- Turn on your car’s infotainment system and wait for the adapter to power on.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and look for the adapter’s name in the available devices list.
- Tap on the adapter’s name to begin pairing.
- After Bluetooth pairing, the adapter may prompt you to connect to its WiFi network.
- Go to Settings → WiFi on your iPhone and select the network associated with the adapter. Enter the password if required (usually provided in the user manual).
- Once connected via Bluetooth and WiFi, your car’s infotainment screen should automatically switch to the CarPlay interface. If it doesn’t, manually select CarPlay from the infotainment system menu
- Now, try out the different CarPlay features, such as navigation, music, and hands-free calling, to check if they work.
- Turn off and restart your car to confirm that the adapter automatically reconnects to your iPhone.
- If you face issues, try these tips to fix CarPlay not working. Or contact the manufacturer of the wireless adapter for assistance.
Signing off…
We hope this article has helped you make an informed choice about the best wireless CarPlay adapters on the market. These adapters allow you to enjoy your favorite CarPlay apps without the need for a wired connection. If you have further questions, let us know in the comments below.
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