Wireless CarPlay Adapter vs a New CarPlay Head Unit: Which Is Better in NZ?

A wireless CarPlay adapter and a new CarPlay head unit solve different problems. An adapter makes a car that already has wired Apple CarPlay work wirelessly. A head unit adds CarPlay to a car that does not have it. If your car has no CarPlay at all, which is true of most older cars and many Japanese imports, an adapter will not help and a head unit is the right fix.

What a wireless CarPlay adapter does

A wireless CarPlay adapter, sometimes called a dongle, plugs into the USB port your car already uses for wired CarPlay. It pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and passes CarPlay to the screen as if a cable were plugged in. That is all it does. It does not add a screen, an app or any new feature to the car, so it only works in cars that support wired CarPlay from the factory.

The appeal is easy to see. Adapters are inexpensive, there is nothing to install, and you can move one from car to car. The trade-offs are that the connection can take a few seconds longer to start than a cable, and quality varies between brands and between phone and car combinations. Check that a specific adapter lists your car and phone before you buy, and buy from someone with a fair return policy.

What a new CarPlay head unit does

A head unit replaces the stereo in your dash. A CarPlay head unit brings Apple CarPlay, and on many models Android Auto as well, together with a larger touchscreen, Bluetooth calling, a reverse camera input and modern audio features. Because it replaces the whole unit, it works in cars that never had CarPlay and in cars with older, slower factory systems.

The cost is installation. A new unit usually needs a fascia kit so it sits neatly in your dash, a wiring harness so your factory wiring is not cut, and often a steering wheel control adapter so your wheel buttons keep working. Done properly this is a one to two hour job for most cars, and a mobile installer can do it at your home or work. Our Apple CarPlay installation and head unit installation pages explain what is involved.

Which one should you choose?

• Your car already has wired CarPlay: an adapter is a reasonable, low-cost way to go wireless.
• Your car has no CarPlay: you need a head unit. No adapter can add CarPlay to a car that does not have it.
• Your car is a Japanese import: many imports do not include CarPlay, so a head unit is usually the answer. If you would rather keep the original unit, we can also convert a Japanese stereo to English.
• You want a reverse camera or a bigger screen: a head unit gives you both. An adapter changes neither.
• You lease the car or swap cars often: an adapter moves with you and leaves the car untouched.

Is wireless CarPlay worth it either way?

For most drivers, yes. Not having to plug in your phone for short trips is the biggest everyday gain. To weigh wireless against wired first, read Wireless vs Wired Apple CarPlay, or see what wireless CarPlay is and how it works.

Not sure which suits your car?

Tell us your make, model and year and we will say whether your car supports CarPlay already and what a head unit would involve. We install wireless CarPlay and Android Auto head units across Auckland at your home or work, with a 2-year warranty, and the quote is free.

Frequently asked questions

Can a CarPlay adapter add CarPlay to a car that does not have it?

No. An adapter only makes wired CarPlay wireless. If the car has no CarPlay, you need a head unit that supports it.

Does a wireless CarPlay adapter also work with Android Auto?

Only if the adapter says so. Many adapters are made for one system, and some models support both. Check the listing for your phone and your car before you buy.

Does a CarPlay head unit need professional installation?

It is strongly recommended. A new unit needs the right fascia kit, a plug-in wiring harness and, in many cars, a steering control adapter. Doing it properly protects your car's wiring and keeps your factory features working.

How long does a head unit installation take?

Most car stereo installs take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and whether a camera is being added.