Better radios with CarPlay for the car

When entering a car the most common action is to turn on the radio. The fact of listening to music while driving or consulting the browser is vital for any driver. If you are within the Apple ecosystem you have surely been tempted by CarPlay to use applications such as Apple Maps or Music in your car. In the event that your car radio is not compatible, now you can get a radio that is to replace it. We show you the best options below.

What to look for in a CarPlay radio

Better radios with CarPlay for the car

Radios with CarPlay offer numerous extra features to drivers within the Apple ecosystem. But you always have to take into account some minimum characteristics that should be looked for in these radios. In this way you will always make the best possible purchase, especially considering that it involves a significant financial outlay. The points that you should always keep in mind are the following:

  • Compatibility: It is important to note that not all radios will be compatible with all vehicles. That is why it is vitally important to always take into account the information offered by the radio manufacturer in order to install it. However, it is not limited only to space but to the type of installation that must be carried out.
  • Design: there are many designs that can be found in the market for radios that integrate CarPlay. Each of these will or may not be tailored to your personal taste and may or may not be suitable for your car in general. It is certainly a really crucial aspect, since in the long run it will be a part of your car that you will be seeing constantly for a long time.
  • Quality of the materials: a really relevant aspect, since in the case of choosing a radio with low quality materials it is quite likely that it will end up breaking quickly. The radio can be exposed to different shocks and therefore poor quality materials or very fragile screens should be avoided.
  • General options: although in this case we focus on radios that have CarPlay, we must not forget the rest of the “classic” functions. The fact of using the normal radio or connecting a device that is not from the Apple ecosystem is also relevant, since it is a situation that can end up giving.

The cheapest options

In the event that you do not want to spend so much money on a radio with CarPlay for your car, you should know that you will also find cheaper options. Obviously in this case the quality of the materials is sacrificed, but it may be worth saving good money. Next, we show you the best options that this criterion follows.

Hodozzy

carplay

An economical radio that has very good ratings. In this case, there is compatibility for CarPlay and Android Auto. To be able to make the connection, you simply have to use a physical charging cable. This will make you use the different applications that are supported on the 7-inch touch screen. Importantly, it is 178 x 100 mm in size to be compatible with most cars.

It comes equipped with a wide angle camera that supports night vision. When you engage reverse gear, it will be activated automatically and you can park comfortably, even at night. Obviously, it also integrates FM Radio to be able to consult all the stations. On the front you can find a USB, AUX and TF port to play content from different media.

Hikity

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7 inch touch screen car radio. It has an HD 1024 x 600 resolution and high sensitivity. Supports CarPlay via USB cable. In this way you can access your iPhone contacts, receive notifications or have access to music on Apple Music or even on Spotify. All this without having to pick up the mobile by having everything on the car’s own screen, gaining in security.

In the event that you have a steering wheel with different shortcuts, you should know that it is fully compatible. That is, if you have access to raise or lower the volume, you can do it with this radio and also invoke the voice assistant, which in this case will be Siri. The FM Radio has the capacity to store a total of 18 stations, being quite customizable.

CAMECHO

carplay

To be able to use this radio, you simply have to make a connection that is physical through the charging cable. In this way you will have access to all the applications that are compatible such as Apple Maps or Music. Likewise, it also provides compatibility with the Android Auto system, being a radio that is dual.

It has a 9-inch Full Touch HD capacitive screen. Beyond the compatibility with CarPlay, the rest of the classic options should be taken into account. In this sense, the universality of Bluetooth should be mentioned, which will allow you to listen to any type of song. It also has an FM Radio and an integrated rear camera that you can install for easy parking.

ATOTO

carplay

A radio that has a 7-inch screen and a video system integrated into the dashboard. You can choose to make phone calls, access your music, or send messages at any time. The connection is quite easy, since you simply have to connect the iPhone through USB and follow the instructions that will appear on the device.

The screen is IPS technology with a 178º viewing angle. In this way you will be able to see all the CarPlay content in complete safety. It has all the basic features of a common radio. Obviously, it integrates FM radio, hands-free via Bluetooth and also video output to place a screen on the headrest.

Premium radios for your car

In the market you can find radio options that integrate CarPlay and that are of a high quality. In this sense, it should be noted that they have a higher price than other options, but you will certainly not miss any of the features of this system developed by Apple.

Sony XAV-AX1005

Sony radio

This radio stands out for having an imposing 6.4-inch screen and that has touch technology. In this way you will have full control of your radio at all times being able to open the different applications that are compatible. Likewise, physical buttons are kept on the left side to be able to adjust the volume, but also connections such as USB or 3.5 mm jack input.

It should be noted that it has integrated Bluetooth and also an external microphone. In this way you can invoke, for example, Siri or make phone calls with the highest quality. Also includes a Dab / Dab + antenna. It is undoubtedly one of the most recommended options for your car in the event that it can become compatible with this screen size.

ATOTO S8 Pro

carplay

This is undoubtedly one of the most premium options that we can find in the market. It has an ARM Context eight-core processor that offers greater efficiency and lower consumption. This is also in addition to the possibility of connecting to the internet in different ways. The most important is via Bluetooth, cable connection and also with a 4G SIM card.

This smart radio model is compatible with the ATOTO camera which is not included. In the event that you want to park in a much more efficient way, this is undoubtedly the best accessory you should purchase. It has an intelligent volume control, that is, as the car accelerates the radio will increase its volume automatically. Likewise, the manufacturer reminds that compatibility must be checked by having a 10.1-inch screen.

Sony XAV-AX1000

carplay

This radio has dimensions of 12.5 x 17.8 x 11 cm. This is vital to know if it is finally compatible with your car or not. As in previous cases, it is compatible with the shortcuts that you may have on the steering wheel. Likewise, it integrates a physical regulator to be able to adjust the volume to which you have the radio.

It integrates a rear view camera. To park this is something fundamental in many people who find it much more difficult. The EXTRABASS function adds power to the bass, which is important in many stereos. It gives the option of creating virtual speakers on the dashboard so that at any time you can adjust from where you listen to your favorite music.

SCUMAXCON

carplay

In case this radio model is compatible with very specific cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Touran, Caddy and CC. It stands out for having a 6.5-inch touch screen that is completely tactile. Likewise, on the sides and at the bottom you can find controls that are physical to quickly access the browser or the radio. In addition, it also has a connection for SD cards and USB port.

It should be noted that the rear camera function is activated by default. That is why you must already have the necessary accessories. The compatibility with CarPlay is total, so you simply have to connect the iPhone via USB cable and use all the applications that are compatible with Spotify or Podcast among others.

Carlinkit 2021

carplay

A very interesting option if you have an A3 (2013 to 2018) or Q7 (2016 to 2018). It allows you to have CarPlay in these vehicles without disassembling the original audio system. In this way you can make hands-free calls or use the Apple assistant without any problem, although it was not originally intended that way. This can be done using a wireless or wired connection.

In the event that you want to share content directly with the radio screen, you can use the AirPlay function. Once the connection is made, applications such as Waze or Google Maps can be used. All this with an exceptional guarantee system so that at no time you are left unattended when a problem appears.

AWESAFE

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Radio compatible with the Audi S3, A3 and RS3 from 2006 to 2012. It has CarPlay, but also with Android 10. In this way you will be able to enjoy the trips thanks to all the content that you will be able to reproduce. For example, it supports a Wifi connection to be able to download many applications, songs and videos. Likewise, it also stands out for having a CD, DVD or SD reader.

You can connect the multimedia functions through different systems. At first, through the 7-inch touch screen. But you can also find physical buttons on the sides to be able to navigate between the different functions. Likewise, it is prepared to connect to sound equipment that is not integrated to offer the best possible experience.

The ones we recommend

In this article we have seen that there are many radios that can be found on Amazon of different prices. In this case, we must recommend the SONY model, due to its premium features. Despite having a high price, it can be a radio that offers you great durability over time. And also with quality materials and with a wide variety of functions that will allow you to be connected at all times.

But if you want a much more competitive price, we recommend the Hodozzy brand. The radio model they offer has a size that is practically universal. That is, it can surely be installed in your car. With a fairly low price, you will have CarPlay technology to quickly connect your iPhone and enjoy all the applications that are compatible.