CarPlay is a great way to access your iPhone’s features on your car’s infotainment system. It allows you to make calls, listen to music, get directions, and almost everything. With the increasing popularity of wireless technology, perhaps due to its convenience, Apple CarPlay wireless adapters have been emerging in the market for a long time.
However, deciding which one to buy might be challenging with so many options available. You are in the right place if you are looking for a wireless CarPlay adapter for your car. This article will look at the seven best wireless CarPlay adapters to buy in 2023.
Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapters in 2023
Recently, Apple CarPlay has become a crucial feature for numerous drivers, allowing them to link their iPhones to their car’s infotainment system and access phone features more conveniently while on the move. However, not all vehicles have built-in support for CarPlay, which is where Apple CarPlay wireless adapters come into play.
These adapters enable users to add CarPlay capabilities to their vehicles without purchasing a new car. Here are our top 7 picks for the best CarPlay wireless adapters in 2023.
1. OTTOCAST U2-AIR
OTTOCAST U2-AIR is one of the best wireless Apple CarPlay adapters that quickly convert your wired CarPlay to wireless. With a startup speed of only 7 seconds, it is compatible with cars with factory-wired CarPlay from 2016-2022 and most iPhone models.
Its built-in 5-GHz Wi-Fi module ensures that it quickly connects to your phone and offers voice control, steering wheel control, touch screen control, and knob operation. It is plug-and-play with no audio delay and has the added convenience of starting in night and day mode when headlights are turned on.
However, it is essential to note that the adapter is incompatible with BMW, 2016 Buick LaCrosse, 2019 Honda CRV, 2019 ACURA RDX, Mitsubishi, and aftermarket head units. The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone with iOS 6 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Vehicle model launched after 2016.
OTTOCAST also offers a professional technical support team available for assistance if needed. You can get the OTTOCAST U2-AIR on Amazon. It usually retails for around $109.
2. CarlinKit 3.0
CarlinKit 3.0 is our second pick for the best wireless CarPlay adapters in 2023. CarlinKit can quickly convert wired to wireless CarPlay for cars with factory-wired CarPlay (model year: 2015 to 2023).
The 2022 upgraded version has a built-in 5G chip and 5.8 Ghz Wi-Fi rate for a stable connection and faster response. It also includes advanced software for a minimalist in-car user experience.
With compatibility for over 98% of vehicles with factory-wired CarPlay function, CarlinKit 3.0 allows for easy access to Google Maps, Apple music, phone calls, messages, GPS navigation, Waze, and Pandora without the need for messy USB cables. A free USB Type-C is included, and customer support is available through Amazon.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone with iOS 6 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Only compatible with cars launched in or after 2015.
CarlinKit is a great adapter for converting your wired CarPlay into wireless. It is also compatible with many cars, including models, even from 2015. It is available through Amazon and usually retails for around $115.
3. CARLIMEKI
CARLIMEKI is another wireless CarPlay adapter that will convert your factory-wired CarPlay car to wireless. Equipped with a 5GHz module, it provides a stable and faster connection to CarPlay on the car display.
It is compatible with iPhone 6 and later models with iOS 7.1 software or above and works with over 600 vehicle models that come with OEM factory-wired Carplay. The installation process is easy, offering complete functions such as steering wheel control, Siri voice control, OEM knob touch, and original car touch.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone 6 or newer with iOS 7.1 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Compatible with over 600 car models.
CARLIMEKI provides reliable after-sales support with a professional technical team to solve all technical problems. It is available for $69 on Amazon, making it a great budget wireless CarPlay adapter.
4. Autoformer
The Autoformer CarPlay wireless adapter is a great budget device that allows users to convert their factory-wired CarPlay car to wireless CarPlay. The device supports voice control, steering wheel control, touch screen control, and knob operation, and it can be connected to iPhones running iOS 6 and above.
The device has a 5.8 GHz wireless transmission, which provides stable and fast connectivity. The Autoformer CarPlay Wireless Adapter is compatible with 98% of wired CarPlay cars manufactured from 2016-2022, except for some models such as BMW, Sony, Skoda, and Tesla, as well as models without CarPlay function or only with iPod function.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone with iOS 6 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Compatible with 98% of car models.
The adapter is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it portable and convenient to carry around without taking up too much space in your car. Additionally, the device is easy to install and comes with a 1-year global warranty and lifelong technical support. You can purchase it via Amazon. It usually retails for around $59.
5. YUVETH
The YUVETH SMT-V06 is another excellent option when buying a wireless CarPlay adapter. This adapter supports a fast and stable wireless connection through the 5.8GHz Plus transmission frequency band based on the IEEE 802.11a protocol, with no latency and anti-interference ability. It also supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connections.
The YUVETH SMT-V06 adapter can be easily connected to your iPhone by pairing the “smartBox-xxxx” Bluetooth device. Once the initial setup is complete, the adapter will automatically connect with Bluetooth within 10 seconds whenever the vehicle is started.
This adapter is compatible with iPhone iOS 12 and above and almost all 2017 and later car models with factory-wired CarPlay. It supports original car voice control, OEM knob, steering wheel, and touchscreen control, which allows you to use various features such as playing music, GPS navigation, and reading text messages.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone iOS 12 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Compatible with car models from 2017 and later.
The YUVETH SMT-V06 wireless CarPlay adapter is available on Amazon for $59.98. The product has a 12-month global warranty, free OTA updates, and professional technical support. You can buy the YUVETH SMT-V06 adapter on Amazon.
6. Hieha
The Hieha wireless CarPlay adapter is an easy and fast upgrade for your car’s infotainment system. It’s a plug-and-play adapter that works flawlessly without breaking the bank.
The adapter automatically connects to your iPhone and provides a stable and fast CarPlay experience with its built-in 5G chip. It works with many car brands and models from 2016-2022 and is compatible with the iPhone 5 and iOS 8 or above. With Siri, touchscreen control, and steering wheel control, you can enjoy all the features of a wired CarPlay system.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone 5 or newer with iOS 8 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Compatible with car models from 2016 and later.
At $59.99, it’s an affordable and convenient solution for enjoying Apple CarPlay without buying a new car. You can purchase it via Amazon.
7. Binize
The Binize Wireless Carplay Adapter is the newest carplay dongle that allows you to convert your factory-wired CarPlay system to wireless. It is compatible with over 600 car models after 2016 and iPhone 6 and above, running iOS 10 and above.
The adapter works wirelessly and automatically with CarPlay, allowing you to play music, access navigation and make calls in your car wire-free. It has 5.8GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 firmware module and uses Next Generation Signal Filter Technology for fast and stable streaming. The adapter is easy to set up and comes with online support from Binize’s customer service team.
The compatibility criteria for this adapter are as follows:
- iPhone 6 or newer with iOS 10 or above.
- A vehicle with wired CarPlay support.
- Compatible with over 600 car models.
Overall, Binzie is an excellent wireless CarPlay adapter to buy. It comes with all the features you need without hurting your budget. It is currently available on Amazon for $62.99.
Is it Worth Buying a Wireless CarPlay Adapter?
When it comes to using Apple CarPlay in your vehicle, you have a choice between wired and wireless options. While wired connections provide reliability and stability, wireless adapters offer convenience and ease of use.
If your car does not have built-in wireless CarPlay, one workaround is to use a wireless CarPlay adapter. These adapters will convert your wired CarPlay into wireless.
So, what benefits does a wireless CarPlay adapter offer? Firstly, it eliminates the need for cables to link your iPhone to the car, resulting in a cleaner-looking interior without the clutter of wires. Secondly, wireless CarPlay adapters seamlessly integrate your car’s infotainment system, simplifying the setup process and guaranteeing compatibility with many car models and brands.
Wireless CarPlay adapters also have practical benefits beyond just making your interior look good. They can integrate seamlessly with your car’s infotainment system without extra hardware. This makes setup easier and ensures the adapter works with many car models and brands.
However, wireless adapters can have some downsides to consider. They might cost more than their wired counterparts, and their wireless connection can be less dependable in certain situations, such as when driving through areas with poor cellular service.
Ultimately, deciding whether to get a wireless CarPlay adapter depends on your personal preference and budget. A wireless adapter may be a good investment if you want convenience and a cleaner-looking interior. But a wired connection should be better if you prioritise stability and reliability.
Final Words
So, these were our picks for the best wireless Apple CarPlay adapters in 2023. Whether you are looking for the best wireless CarPlay adapter or a good one under budget, this article covers you.
These wireless CarPlay adapters vary in price, features, and design. Customers should consider their specific needs and preferences when buying an adapter.
Those who prioritize audio quality can consider Autoformer, while those who need GPS navigation can consider Binize. Those who want a budget-friendly option can consider YUVETH or CARLIMEKI. The OTTOCAST U2-AIR and CarlinKit 3.0 adapters could be great options if you are looking for a well-rounded set of features.
So, which one are you buying? Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below.
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