Apple CarPlay is a revolutionary feature that brings communication and entertainment functions to your car’s built-in screen using iPhone apps. With CarPlay support available from most manufacturers, the number of CarPlay apps has been growing rapidly. In this article, we bring you the best CarPlay apps for 2023, categorizing them to help you find the most suitable apps for your needs.
Best Navigation Apps for CarPlay
Navigation apps are essential for seamless driving experiences. Let’s take a look at the best navigation apps that are compatible with CarPlay.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps, the default iOS navigation app, has undergone significant improvements over the years. It offers a wide range of features such as recommendations based on your location and previous messages, search for gas stations and restaurants, and integration with Siri for voice-guided navigation. You can also add multiple stops to your driving itinerary and check transport card balances in your Apple Wallet.
Price: Free
Download Apple Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps is a popular third-party navigation app that offers real-time GPS navigation, traffic updates, and transit information. It provides a comprehensive database of businesses and places. You can find grocery stores and pharmacies, use features like ETAs, real-time traffic data, and live view for easy navigation. The app also offers automatic rerouting based on traffic conditions and accidents.
Price: Free
Download Google Maps
Waze Navigation & Live Traffic
Waze is a community-based navigation app. It provides real-time information about traffic, crashes, construction, police, and speed cameras. It helps you avoid traffic and find the cheapest gas stations and parking areas on your route. With Waze, you can also listen to music and podcasts within the app, making it a convenient choice for CarPlay users.
Price: Free
Download Waze Navigation & Live Traffic
TomTom Go
TomTom Go is a privacy-focused navigation app that offers an online and offline navigation experience. It provides live traffic updates, downloadable offline maps, and real-time speed camera alerts. With TomTom Go, you can search for destinations, tourist attractions, and scenic areas. The app also features Moving Lane Guidance, which helps you navigate junctions and exits with ease.
Price: Free (Subscription starts from $4.99)
Download TomTom Go
Best Music Apps for CarPlay
Music is an integral part of any road trip. Let’s explore the best music apps that are compatible with CarPlay.
Apple Music
Apple Music is the default music streaming app for CarPlay. With a subscription, you gain access to the vast Apple Music library and can tune in to your favorite radio stations. The app offers a user-friendly interface with quick access tabs and integration with Siri for hands-free control. Additionally, Apple Music now supports 3D music, Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, and Dolby Atmos.
Price: Free (Voice plan starts from $4.99)
Download Apple Music
Spotify
Spotify is a popular music streaming app that curates custom playlists based on your preferences. It offers a vast collection of music, podcasts, and live talk shows. You can create your playlists and share them with others. With Spotify, you can enjoy personalized playlists for every mood and discover thousands of exclusive podcasts.
Price: Free (Premium starts from $3.99)
Download Spotify
Pandora
Pandora is a music streaming app that offers personalized listening experiences. It provides free in-car streaming of tailored music and podcasts, along with exclusive SiriusXM talk shows. The app features a speech mode for easy voice commands, six different Pandora Modes for a personalized radio experience, and suggested stations based on your activities.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $3.99)
Download Pandora
Amazon Music
Amazon Music offers high-quality offline music streaming with access to millions of songs and podcasts. It allows you to play music on CarPlay if you have offline tunes stored on your iPhone. The app provides a straightforward user interface with basic and advanced playing settings. Amazon Prime subscribers can enjoy ad-free music and browse the largest catalog of top podcasts.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $10.99)
Download Amazon Music
Best News and Entertainment Apps for CarPlay
Stay updated with the latest news, podcasts, and entertainment while on the road with these top news and entertainment apps for CarPlay.
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is the default app for listening to podcasts on CarPlay. With a subscription to Apple Podcasts, you can save your favorite episodes in your library and access them easily. Siri can play podcasts for you upon request. The app offers a user-friendly interface with curated programs and tailored recommendations.
Price: Free
Download Apple Podcasts
NPR One
NPR One provides access to hundreds of local public radio stations in the US. It offers a wide range of podcasts and the latest news in sports, weather, politics, science, business, culture, and more. With NPR One, you can enjoy your favorite talk shows, browse and read stories, and stay updated with breaking news push notifications.
Price: Free
Download NPR One
Audible
Audible is a leading platform for audiobooks, offering a vast selection of best-selling novels and non-fiction from around the world. It also features original books and a wide range of podcasts. With Audible, you can create a personalized library and enjoy your favorite books and podcasts during your drive.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $7.99)
Download Audible
Overcast
Overcast is a popular podcast app known for its simplicity and intuitive user interface. It offers features like Smart Speed, which saves time without distorting audio, and Voice Boost, which enhances audio quality. With Overcast, you can listen to your favorite podcasts anytime, anywhere, and enjoy a seamless listening experience.
Price: Free (Premium at $9.99)
Download Overcast
Best Radio Apps for CarPlay
Enjoy the good old radio experience with these CarPlay-compatible radio apps.
TuneIn Radio
TuneIn Radio offers an extensive library of live, original, and on-demand audio content. It provides access to thousands of radio stations, podcasts, and unlimited music playlists. The app features curated stations by renowned influencers and personalities, making it easy to discover new sounds. A premium subscription unlocks exclusive content, including sports radio stations and ad-free entertainment.
Price: Free (Subscription starts from $4.99)
Download TuneIn Radio
iHeart Radio
iHeart Radio is an all-in-one app for radio, music, and podcasts. It offers thousands of live radio stations, podcasts, and unlimited music playlists tailored to your tastes and activities. With iHeart Radio, you can tune in to sports radio stations and catch up with top sports personalities. The app also provides personalized stations based on your favorite artists and genres.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $5.99)
Download iHeart Radio
Best Communication Apps for CarPlay
Stay connected with your family, friends, and colleagues while on the road with these top communication apps for CarPlay.
WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, is compatible with CarPlay, allowing you to send and receive texts, voice messages, photos, and videos while driving. With Siri integration, you can use voice commands to interact with WhatsApp. Whether it’s staying in touch with friends or participating in group chats, WhatsApp is a must-have communication app for CarPlay.
Price: Free
Download WhatsApp
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that focuses on privacy and security. With CarPlay support, you can send and receive messages, create private chats, and use voice commands for hands-free communication. Telegram offers various features, including the ability to add multiple replies to messages and thousands of unique emojis, making it a great alternative for in-car communication.
Price: Free (Subscription starts from $4.99)
Download Telegram
Zoom Cloud Meetings
Zoom Cloud Meetings is a video conferencing app that allows you to stay connected with your team while on the road. With CarPlay integration, you can join and participate in meetings, use voice commands to control the app, and even save ideas on the whiteboard. Zoom offers a safe driving mode to ensure a distraction-free experience while on the road.
Price: Free (Subscription starts from $14.99)
Download Zoom Cloud Meetings
Other Useful Apps for CarPlay
Apart from the mainstream categories, there are several unique apps that can make your drive more convenient. Let’s explore some of them.
PlugShare
For electric car owners, PlugShare is a must-have app. It helps you find electric vehicle charging stations near your location. With PlugShare, you can view station details, check availability, and even pay for charging services. The app provides real-time updates, reviews, and ratings of charging stations, making it easier for electric car owners to plan their journeys.
Price: Free
Download PlugShare
Fuelly
Fuelly is a fuel tracking app that allows you to track your fuel consumption, expenses, and maintenance costs. You can also set reminders for maintenance tasks and view detailed statistics and charts. Fuelly seamlessly integrates with Fuelly.com, the web’s most used gas mileage tracking website
Price: Free with IAPs
Download Fuelly
SpotHero
SpotHero is a parking app that allows you to find and reserve parking spots in over 300 major North American cities. The app offers hourly, monthly, airport, and event parking options at thousands of lots and garages. When you book with SpotHero, you get an instant prepaid parking reservation, backed by the SpotHero Guarantee.
The app provides real-time information on parking availability, pricing, and restrictions. You can compare parking options and prices, reserve a spot in advance, and pay for parking directly from the app. SpotHero also offers features such as indoor maps, parking garage maps, and parking spot photos.
Price: Free with IAPs
Download SpotHero
Conclusion
With the wide range of CarPlay apps available, you can truly enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re looking for navigation, music streaming, communication, or entertainment, these best CarPlay apps for 2023 should have you covered. Download your favorite apps and enjoy a seamless CarPlay experience on your next road trip.
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