9+ Best Carplay Head Unit 2023 | Unrivaled Guide & Products Overview

There are many high-quality Apple CarPlay head units available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, here are some of the top-rated Apple CarPlay head units that are highly recommended:

1. Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX: This head unit features a large 7-inch display and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes built-in GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
2. Kenwood Excelon DMX957XR: This head unit features a large 6.8-inch display and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes built-in HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and advanced audio controls.
3. Sony XAV-AX8000: This head unit features a massive 8.95-inch display and supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification, and customizable touchscreen controls.
4. Alpine iLX-W650: This head unit features a compact 7-inch display and supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, a customizable interface, and rearview camera input.
5. JVC KW-M750BT: This head unit features a large 6.8-inch display and supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, a customizable interface, and built-in HD radio.

In summary, there are many great options when it comes to Apple CarPlay head units, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to consider factors such as display size, connectivity options, and audio controls when selecting a head unit.

Aftermarket CarPlay can be worth it if you want to add the functionality of Apple CarPlay to a car that did not come with it from the factory. Aftermarket CarPlay head units can be less expensive than upgrading to a new car that has CarPlay built-in, and they can be installed in almost any vehicle.

One of the main benefits of Apple CarPlay is that it provides a safer and more convenient way to use your iPhone while driving. It allows you to use your phone hands-free, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. You can use Siri to make phone calls, send messages, and get directions, all without taking your hands off the wheel.

Another advantage of aftermarket CarPlay is that it can provide better sound quality and more advanced audio controls than your car's built-in system. You can use your phone's music apps to play your favorite songs, and some aftermarket head units even offer advanced sound processing features that can improve the overall sound quality of your car's audio system.

However, there are some potential downsides to aftermarket CarPlay. Installation can be complicated, and you may need to pay for professional installation if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Some aftermarket head units may also be less reliable than factory-installed systems, and they may not integrate as seamlessly with your car's other features.

In summary, aftermarket CarPlay can be worth it if you want to add the functionality of Apple CarPlay to your car, but you should carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Wireless CarPlay can be worth it if you prioritize the convenience of not having to plug in your phone every time you get in the car. With Wireless CarPlay, your phone connects to the car's infotainment system automatically as soon as you get in the car, without the need for a physical connection.

One of the main benefits of Wireless CarPlay is that it provides a safer and more convenient way to use your iPhone while driving. With no wires to plug and unplug, you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. This can also help to reduce wear and tear on your phone's charging port.

Wireless CarPlay also eliminates the need for a physical connection between your phone and the car's infotainment system. This can help to reduce clutter in your car's interior and provide a cleaner look.

However, there are some potential downsides to Wireless CarPlay. It may not be available on all car models or aftermarket head units, and it may require a more expensive or specialized system to work properly. Wireless CarPlay may also consume more battery power on your phone than wired CarPlay, although this may not be a significant issue for most users.

In summary, Wireless CarPlay can be worth it if you prioritize the convenience of a wire-free connection and are willing to pay for a compatible system. However, it's important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Apple CarPlay and navigation serve different purposes, and which one is better depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Apple CarPlay provides a safer and more convenient way to use your iPhone while driving, allowing you to make hands-free phone calls, send text messages, and use your favorite apps through your car's infotainment system. It also provides access to Apple Maps, which can provide turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates.

On the other hand, navigation systems built into cars or installed as separate devices offer more advanced features such as 3D maps, lane guidance, and speed limit information. They may also include live traffic updates, real-time weather information, and local search capabilities.

In general, if you rely heavily on your iPhone for navigation and communication while driving, Apple CarPlay can be a valuable tool. However, if you frequently drive in unfamiliar areas or require more advanced navigation features, a dedicated navigation system may be a better choice.

It's also worth noting that Apple CarPlay can be used in conjunction with a dedicated navigation system, allowing you to use the best features of both systems.

Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth serve different purposes, and which one is better depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to connect your phone to your car's infotainment system and stream music, make phone calls, and use basic voice commands. It does not provide access to apps or advanced features like Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, allows you to use your iPhone's apps and features through your car's infotainment system, providing a safer and more convenient way to use your phone while driving. It also includes features like Siri voice control, Apple Maps navigation, and the ability to send and receive text messages hands-free.

In general, if you only need to stream music and make phone calls while driving, Bluetooth may be sufficient. However, if you want to use your phone's apps and features while driving, or if you frequently use voice commands while driving, Apple CarPlay can be a valuable tool.

It's worth noting that some cars and infotainment systems support both Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to use the best features of both systems.

While Apple CarPlay provides many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

1. Limited app availability: Apple CarPlay only supports a limited number of apps, which means that you may not be able to use all of the apps that you regularly use on your iPhone. Additionally, the apps that are available may not have all of the features that are available in their standalone iPhone versions.
2. Dependence on iPhone: Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone to work, which means that you need to have your iPhone with you in order to use CarPlay in your car. This can be inconvenient if you forget your phone or need to charge it.
3. Compatibility issues: Apple CarPlay is not supported by all car models and infotainment systems, which means that you may need to purchase a new car or head unit in order to use CarPlay.
4. Limited customization: Apple CarPlay does not offer much in the way of customization options, which means that you may not be able to personalize the interface to your liking.
5. Potential distractions: While Apple CarPlay is designed to be used hands-free, there is still a risk of distraction while using it, which could be dangerous while driving.

Overall, while there are some disadvantages to using Apple CarPlay, many people find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. It provides a safer and more convenient way to use your iPhone while driving, and can help you stay connected and entertained while on the road.

Using Apple CarPlay can have an impact on your iPhone's battery life, as it requires your phone to constantly transmit data to your car's infotainment system. However, the impact on battery life will depend on a variety of factors, such as the quality of your car's infotainment system, how often you use CarPlay, and how long your car rides typically are.

In general, if you use CarPlay frequently, you may notice a slightly faster drain on your phone's battery compared to when you're not using CarPlay. However, the impact on battery life is usually not significant enough to cause major concern for most users.

To maximize your phone's battery life while using CarPlay, you can try the following tips:

1. Turn off unnecessary features on your iPhone, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services.
2. Reduce the brightness of your iPhone's screen.
3. Close apps that are running in the background that you are not using.
4. Keep your iPhone charged while using CarPlay.
5. Upgrade to a car stereo that has a built-in wireless charger for your iPhone.

Overall, while Apple CarPlay may have a slight impact on battery life, it is unlikely to cause significant issues for most users.

No, it is not possible to watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay. Apple CarPlay is designed to provide a safer and more convenient way to use your iPhone while driving and is limited to specific apps that are optimized for use in the car. These apps include navigation, music, messaging, and phone apps, among others.

Netflix is not available as a CarPlay app and cannot be used while driving, as it can be distracting and dangerous. Additionally, most states have laws that prohibit drivers from watching videos or movies on a screen while driving.

It is important to prioritize safety while driving and to only use CarPlay apps that are designed to be used hands-free and do not require taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

Using Apple CarPlay can consume data, as it requires your iPhone to constantly transmit data to your car's infotainment system. The amount of data used by CarPlay will depend on a variety of factors, such as the quality of your car's infotainment system, how often you use CarPlay, and the types of apps you use while using CarPlay.

In general, using navigation apps such as Apple Maps or Google Maps with CarPlay can use a significant amount of data, especially if you are using them for long trips or in areas with poor cellular coverage. Other apps such as music streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music can also use data if you are streaming music while using CarPlay.

If you have a limited data plan, it is important to monitor your data usage while using CarPlay and adjust your usage accordingly to avoid exceeding your data limit. You can also try to reduce your data usage while using CarPlay by downloading maps for offline use or by streaming music only over Wi-Fi instead of cellular data.

Overall, while using CarPlay can consume data, it is unlikely to cause significant data usage issues for most users, especially if you have an unlimited data plan or if you are using CarPlay only occasionally.

The main difference between Apple CarPlay and Wireless CarPlay is the way they connect to your car's infotainment system. Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection between your iPhone and your car's infotainment system, while Wireless CarPlay allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system wirelessly using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

With a wired connection, your iPhone is connected to your car's infotainment system through a USB cable, which provides a reliable and fast connection for data transfer and charging. This also means that your iPhone needs to be physically connected to your car, which can be inconvenient and restricts movement while using CarPlay.

Wireless CarPlay, on the other hand, allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system without the need for a cable. This means you can leave your phone in your pocket or bag and still use CarPlay, providing greater convenience and flexibility. However, a wireless connection can be slower and less reliable than a wired connection, and it requires a car stereo that supports Wireless CarPlay.

Overall, the main difference between Apple CarPlay and Wireless CarPlay is the way they connect to your car's infotainment system. While Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection, Wireless CarPlay provides greater convenience and flexibility by allowing you to connect wirelessly.

Whether or not you need Apple CarPlay depends on your personal preferences and driving habits. Apple CarPlay provides a convenient and safer way to use your iPhone while driving by integrating your phone with your car's infotainment system, allowing you to access your phone's features without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

Some of the main benefits of Apple CarPlay include:

• Easy access to navigation and directions through Apple Maps or other navigation apps
• Access to music, podcasts, and audiobooks through Apple Music, Spotify, or other music apps
• Hands-free messaging and phone calls through Siri or other messaging apps
• Integration with other CarPlay-compatible apps, such as weather apps, news apps, and more

If you frequently use your phone while driving and want a safer and more convenient way to access your phone's features, then Apple CarPlay may be a useful addition to your car. However, if you prefer to keep your phone separate from your car's infotainment system or don't use your phone much while driving, then you may not need Apple CarPlay.

Ultimately, the decision to use Apple CarPlay is a personal one based on your individual needs and preferences.

Yes, the Sony XAV-AX7000 does support wireless CarPlay. This feature allows you to connect your iPhone to the car's infotainment system wirelessly, without needing to use a Lightning cable. To use wireless CarPlay on the Sony XAV-AX7000, your iPhone must support this feature, and both your iPhone and the car stereo must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.