In this article, we are going to unveil which is the best wireless Apple CarPlay adapter (USB dongle). These devices are awesome add-ons to your car’s infotainment system, letting you pair your smartphone with your car without the fuss of using old-fashioned cables. Some even offer mirroring capabilities if you have an aftermarket head unit without CarPlay enabled.
If your vehicle has more than a couple of years old, even if it’s equipped with a factory CarPlay multimedia system, it’s unlikely that it offers wireless connectivity.
But that is not an issue anymore! Nowadays, the market offers a handful of adapters that claim to turn CarPlay into wireless CarPlay for an affordable price.
Although, keep in mind that not every adapter is compatible with every car brand and model, which can be tricky. Manufacturers often make available a comprehensive list with all the compatible car models – read it carefully.
In a hurry? Here’s our best tip:
If your car already has CarPlay from the factory but requires a USB-cabled connection to pair with your iPhone, Carlinkit 2.0 is the way to make it wireless.
If you have an aftermarket multimedia head unit and you’re willing to make it CarPlay compatible, mirroring your iPhone’s most-used apps on the screen, Carlinkit is your best choice. And more, it supports a wireless connection with your phone, so you can get rid of undesirable cables.
Table of Contents
Best Wireless Apple Carplay Adapter Dongle (USB adapter and receiver)
In the following table, you can compare these products’ main features. For more information, please click the images to see the products on Amazon, and be sure to read this article until the very end.
| Product Name | Application | Wireless | iOS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Factory Head Unit | Yes | 7.1 and newer |
  Carlinkit | Aftermarket Head Unit | Yes | 7.1 and newer |
  XTRONS | Aftermarket Head Unit | Yes | 8 and newer |
  | Aftermarket Head Unit | No | 9 and newer |
Carlinkit 2.0
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Key features:
- Suitable only for factory central units;
- The product supports most models, but it is not 100% applicable (check the compatibility);
- Offers wireless connectivity.
If you have a car with a factory infotainment system with Apple CarPlay enabled but does not offer a wireless connection capability and you want to make it wireless, then this is the CarPlay dongle for you.
This Apple CarPlay receiver is not more than a USB dongle that essentially tricks your car’s infotainment into thinking your iPhone is plugged in.
Setting up this Apple CarPlay adapter is quite easy and straightforward. You need to connect the Apple CarPlay dongle to your vehicle’s USB port (where you would connect your USB cable to pair your phone) then pair your iPhone to the CarPlay adapter over Bluetooth from the Settings app.
And that’s it, you just got rid of undesirable USB cables on your car’s interior.
Pros:
- Wide range of compatibility with factory head units
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- On the expensive side
Carlinkit
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Key features:
- Suitable only for aftermarket multimedia head units;
- Supports iOS 7.1 and above;
- Supports 99% of the aftermarket head units (check for compatibility);
- CarPlay mirroring;
- Offers wireless connectivity.
If your car has an aftermarket infotainment system, this is your best choice. The manufacturer claims that 99% of the aftermarket multimedia head units are compatible with this Apple CarPlay kit. However, have in mind that this product is not compatible with factory head units.
Your iPhone can be connected wirelessly by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or, if you prefer, via USB cable. This Apple CarPlay USB dongle mirrors a lot of functions of your phone into your car’s dashboard screen for improved driving safety.
It supports most AppleStore apps: music, map navigation, voice control, video, messaging, etc. If you’re running iOS 13 or newer, you’ll even be able to open multiple windows from the app in Split View. So you can navigate while enjoying music.
Pros:
- Compatible with 99% of the aftermarket head units
- Nice advanced features
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- None to state
XTRONS
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Key features:
- Suitable only for aftermarket multimedia head units;
- Supports iPhone 5 and later models;
- Supports iOS 8 and above;
- CarPlay mirroring;
- Offers wireless connectivity.
This is another option to consider if your car has an aftermarket infotainment system. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to your favorite music. Best of all, it is in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road, without touching your phone.
With this XTRONS CarPlay USB dongle, you can get your car’s main unit to get directions, make calls from there, send and receive messages and listen to music all in your center console screen while staying focused on the road.
And more, it offers wireless connectivity between the vehicle’s head unit and your iPhone, which is another excellent feature.
Pros:
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- None to state
ViFun
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Key features:
- Suitable only for aftermarket multimedia head units;
- Supports iOS 9 and above;
- CarPlay mirroring;
- No wireless connectivity.
This inexpensive Apple CarPlay dongle can be connected to a suitable aftermarket head unit and offers a smarter and safer way to access your iPhone in your car by mirroring its features on the center console screen. It makes your driving smarter and safer without the need for taking your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road.
Unlike the previously reviewed ones, this CarPlay emulator doesn’t offer wireless connectivity. You’ll have to connect your iPhone to your car using a USB cable.
Pros:
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer wireless connectivity
Wrap Up
The market offers CarPlay USB adapters and receivers to cover every driver’s needs. From dongles that give your aftermarket head unit the capability of mirroring your iPhone’s most important apps, to adapters that will work with the car’s factory infotainment system to make it wireless. The choice is yours!
Before buying these Apple CarPlay devices, always double-check the compatibility within your car model, or with the aftermarket head unit you have installed, if that’s the case.
Check out some of our other awesome articles:
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- How to get and set up CarPlay
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- Does CarPlay need mobile data?
- CarPlay weather apps
- Best CarpPlay apps
- Is CarPlay worth it?
- Is Apple CarPlay free to use?
- What is CarPlay and how to get it
- Is Tesla S compatible with CarPlay?
- Android Auto and Carplay in Tesla Model S and X
- iPhone history
- Affordable iPhones for sale