Best Apple CarPlay Options for Older Cars

I recently decided to upgrade my old car’s infotainment system. Let’s face it, driving around with a cassette player in 2024 just wasn’t cutting it. After weeks of research and testing different Apple CarPlay options, I’m here to share my findings to help you find the best fit for your older car. This guide covers five popular aftermarket CarPlay systems, highlighting their features, pros, and cons based on real-world experience. You’ll learn about screen size, ease of installation, audio quality, and other key factors to consider when choosing the perfect CarPlay upgrade.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Apple Carplay Screen for Car, 7″ HD Portable Car Stereo…	View on Amazon
	Portable Wireless Carplay Car Stereo, 7″ HD Touchscreen for…	View on Amazon
	11″ Extra Large Wireless Apple CarPlay Screen for Car –…	View on Amazon
	7″ Portable Wireless CarPlay Screen for Car – Apple…	View on Amazon
	HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen for Car 4K Dash Cam,…	View on Amazon

1. Apple Carplay Screen for Car, 7″ HD Portable Car Stereo…

This 7-inch portable CarPlay unit offers a basic but functional solution. It’s easy to install – just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and mount it on your dashboard. It’s great for adding CarPlay to a car that previously lacked any form of modern infotainment.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Backup camera with LED
• 4 audio output modes (Bluetooth, AUX, FM transmitter, built-in speakers)
• 7” HD touch screen
• Adjustable adhesive mount

Pros:
– Affordable
– Easy installation
– Multiple audio output options

Cons:
– Smaller screen size compared to others
– Build quality might feel a bit cheap to some users

User Feedback Summary: Many users praise its ease of use and affordability. Some complain about the screen resolution and occasional connectivity issues.

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2. Portable Wireless Carplay Car Stereo, 7″ HD Touchscreen for…

Similar to the first option, this 7-inch model offers a straightforward approach to adding wireless CarPlay. The features are quite comparable, but some users report slightly improved audio quality and a smoother user interface.

• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
• Real-time GPS navigation
• Backup camera
• Multiple audio output modes
• Wireless mirror link

Pros:
– Wireless connectivity
– Decent GPS navigation
– Relatively easy installation

Cons:
– Screen size is still on the smaller side
– Some reports of occasional lag

User Feedback Summary: Mostly positive reviews praising the value for money and ease of installation. A few users experienced glitches with the backup camera.

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3. 11″ Extra Large Wireless Apple CarPlay Screen for Car –…

This is a step up in terms of screen size and features. The 11-inch display provides a much more immersive experience, and the inclusion of a built-in dashcam is a significant plus for safety and potential insurance claims.

• 11″ wireless Apple CarPlay screen
• Wireless Android Auto
• Voice control with Siri & Google Assistant
• 4K dashcam & 1080P rear camera
• 64GB built-in storage

Pros:
– Large, high-resolution screen
– Built-in dashcam
– Comprehensive features

Cons:
– Higher price point
– More complex installation than the smaller units

User Feedback Summary: Users appreciate the larger screen and dashcam features but note the higher price tag.

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4. 7″ Portable Wireless CarPlay Screen for Car – Apple…

This 7-inch unit stands out for its user-friendly interface and automatic connection after initial setup. The rotatable screen is a nice touch, allowing for optimal viewing angles.

• Easy wireless connection
• Hands-free voice control
• Screen sharing with Mirror Link
• Flexible audio output options
• Rotatable screen

Pros:
– Easy setup and use
– Rotatable screen
– Good audio quality

Cons:
– Smaller screen size compared to others
– Some users reported occasional connectivity issues

User Feedback Summary: Users love the easy connection and voice control, but some find the screen slightly small.

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5. HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen for Car 4K Dash Cam,…

This 9-inch offering provides a balance between screen size, features, and price. The inclusion of both a front and rear camera makes this a strong contender for safety-conscious drivers.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 4K front camera & 1080p backup camera
• Phone mirror link
• Multiple audio output options
• Collision sensor and parking monitor functions

Pros:
– Good screen size
– Dual cameras
– Safety features

Cons:
– Slightly more complex installation than some other options.

User Feedback Summary: Generally positive, praising the features and value, but some users mention that the interface could be more intuitive.

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Comparison Insights:

The key differences between these units lie in screen size, included features (like dashcams), and price. Smaller units are cheaper and easier to install but offer a less immersive experience. Larger units, while pricier, provide a more modern and feature-rich experience. Consider your budget and desired features when making your choice. If safety is a primary concern, the models with integrated dashcams are worth the extra investment.

Final Verdict:

The best Apple CarPlay option for your older car depends on your individual needs and budget. For a budget-friendly and simple solution, the 7-inch options are excellent. If you want a more premium experience with added safety features, the 9 or 11-inch models are worth considering.

FAQ:

Q: Will these units work with my car’s existing sound system? A: Most offer multiple audio output options (Bluetooth, AUX, FM transmitter), so they should work with most car stereos. However, audio quality may vary depending on your car’s system.

Q: How difficult are these to install? A: The installation process varies depending on the unit, but most are designed for easy plug-and-play installation and don’t require extensive technical knowledge.

Q: Do I need any special tools for installation? A: Usually not, but having a microfiber cloth and potentially a dash mount helps for a cleaner, easier installation process.

Q: What if I have problems with my unit after purchase? A: Check the warranty information for each product as they may vary. Most offer some kind of customer support for troubleshooting.

Q: Can I use these units with Android phones? A: Most of these units support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Q: How is the GPS navigation on these units? A: The navigation relies on your smartphone’s GPS and mapping apps (Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze). Accuracy depends on your phone’s signal and the selected mapping app. Voice guidance is typically routed through the car’s speakers.

Q: Do all these units include a backup camera? A: No. Some units include a backup camera, while others require you to purchase one separately. Check the product specifications carefully.