CarPlay vs Bluetooth: What Is the Difference?

Bluetooth streams music and calls from your phone to the car speakers, and that is all. Apple CarPlay puts your phone's driving apps on the car screen: maps, music, messages read aloud, and Siri, with big buttons made for use while driving. Bluetooth works with almost any modern stereo, while CarPlay needs a head unit that supports it.

What each one does

• Bluetooth: audio and hands-free calls. You still use the phone itself for maps and choosing music, which is awkward and unsafe while driving.
• CarPlay: maps with turn-by-turn directions on the dash, music and podcast apps, calls, messages read out and replied to by voice, and Siri, all on the car screen.

Sound and calls

Wired CarPlay sends audio over the cable, which usually sounds better than Bluetooth. Wireless CarPlay uses Wi-Fi, which also carries more audio detail than Bluetooth. Calls work well on both, as long as the microphone is well placed.

Do you need a new stereo?

For Bluetooth, many older cars can use a simple adapter: see five ways to add Bluetooth to an older car. For CarPlay, you need a head unit that supports it, or an adapter if your car already has wired CarPlay. Our guide to adding CarPlay to an older car covers the options.

Which should you choose?

If you only want music and calls, Bluetooth is enough. If you use maps in the car, or want to handle messages by voice, CarPlay is the bigger step up, and it includes everything Bluetooth does. Android phones get the same with Android Auto. We fit both: see car Bluetooth installation and Apple CarPlay installation.

Frequently asked questions

Does CarPlay use Bluetooth?

Wireless CarPlay uses Bluetooth to connect at the start, then runs over Wi-Fi. Wired CarPlay uses the cable.

Is CarPlay better than Bluetooth for music?

Usually yes. CarPlay sends audio over the cable or Wi-Fi, which carries more detail, and you can choose music on the car screen.

Can I have both CarPlay and Bluetooth?

Yes. CarPlay head units also have ordinary Bluetooth for passengers or phones without CarPlay.

Do I need CarPlay if I have Bluetooth?

Not for music and calls. CarPlay is worth it if you want maps and messages on the screen instead of on the phone.