Portable Carplay Review 2025: Apple Car Play & Android Auto (Perfect for Older Cars)

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If your car’s stereo system feels like it’s stuck in the past—especially if you don’t have built-in navigation or a way to easily connect your phone—you might want to consider a portable CarPlay system.

I had the chance to try one of these systems, and I was curious to see if it could upgrade my car’s setup.

🖥️ This 9-inch LCD portable touchscreen display promises to bring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into your car, giving you everything from GPS navigation to hands-free calling. Check the price on Amazon here >>

Let’s dive into how well it works and if it’s worth the investment.

Key Features & Specifications

This portable CarPlay system (see the price on Amazon >>)comes with a number of key features that make it stand out from other solutions on the market.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most important aspects:

• 9-inch LCD Touchscreen Display: The screen size is perfect for easy visibility without taking up too much space on your dashboard. The clarity is impressive, even in direct sunlight, which is something I truly appreciate when using it for GPS navigation.
• Wireless Connectivity: Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi, this system connects to your phone wirelessly. Once it’s paired, you don’t have to fiddle with cables every time you get in your car—it just connects automatically, which is a game-changer for convenience.
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android fan, this system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so no one is left out. It allows you to mirror your phone’s screen and access apps, navigation, and more with ease.
• Voice Control: This is one of the features I use most. With just a simple voice command, you can have the system play music, start navigation, or even make phone calls—all hands-free. This makes it safer while driving because you don’t need to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.
• High-Definition Video Streaming: I love that this system supports HD video, which is perfect for long road trips or when you need to keep the kids entertained. Whether you’re watching a video on YouTube or a movie on Netflix, the quality is great.
• Flexible Mounting Brackets: No matter what kind of vehicle you have, the system comes with two flexible mounting brackets, which ensures a secure fit on nearly any dashboard. Installation is quick and easy.

What stands out to me is how all these features come together to offer an incredibly versatile and user-friendly experience. The system doesn’t just work for music and calls—it brings modern smartphone functionality right into your car, enhancing your driving experience.

Design & Build Quality

The design of this CarPlay system is simple yet effective.

The 9-inch touchscreen is the focal point of the device, and it’s clear that the size is well thought out. It’s large enough to display maps and apps clearly, but it doesn’t overwhelm your dashboard.

What I really appreciate is how easy it is to mount. The process was incredibly simple—I just attached the mounting clip to the back, peeled off the adhesive pad, and pressed it onto my dashboard.

Since my car has a smooth, flat surface, it held on firmly, and I didn’t have to worry about it slipping or falling off.

Another thing I like is the overall sturdiness of the device. It doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap, and the touchscreen is responsive. It’s easy to swipe through apps, select music, or zoom in on maps.

The display quality is excellent, even under bright sunlight. This is a big deal for me because I’ve struggled with devices in the past that are hard to read in certain lighting. The resolution on this system remains sharp and clear no matter the conditions.

In terms of build quality, it feels durable enough to handle regular use.

If you’re someone who takes care of your gear, you’ll find this system to be robust and reliable.

However, as a portable unit, it’s not quite as sleek as an in-dash system, but it more than makes up for that with its performance and ease of use.

Performance & User Experience

When it comes to performance, this system truly shines.

Setting it up in my car was surprisingly easy, and it was ready to go within minutes.

After attaching the mounting clip and plugging in the power and audio cables, I turned on the car, and the system powered up automatically.

The pairing process was straightforward—I simply turned on Bluetooth on my phone, selected the device from the list, and voila, the system was connected.

From that moment on, every time I got in my car, the system would automatically connect to my phone, and it’s been smooth sailing ever since.

One of my favorite features is the wireless connection.

I didn’t have to worry about plugging in my phone every time I drove—just hop in, start the car, and the system syncs with my phone effortlessly.

This makes life so much easier, especially when you’re rushing to get somewhere and don’t want to deal with cables.

Using the system on a daily basis, I’ve found that everything works just as expected.

Navigation through Apple Maps or Google Maps is smooth and accurate, which is a huge improvement over my old setup where I had to rely on a tiny phone screen mounted on the windshield.

Now, I can see everything clearly, and the voice-guided directions are easy to follow.

Voice control is another standout feature. Whether I need to play music, send a quick message, or make a call, I can do it all hands-free with just a simple voice command.

It’s a big safety feature that helps me keep my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel.

The system also allows for media streaming, which is great for both short commutes and long road trips.

You can stream music, podcasts, or even videos, so there’s always something to keep you entertained. I’ve used it for both navigation and entertainment, and it never skips a beat.

Pros & Cons

✔️ Pros:

• Automatic wireless connection: This system pairs with your phone as soon as you start the car, meaning you never have to worry about connecting your phone manually.
• Seamless integration with CarPlay and Android Auto: Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android phone, this system connects effortlessly, giving you access to your favorite apps, navigation, and more.
• Hands-free controls: Voice control for music, calls, and navigation is a lifesaver. It’s easy to use and ensures a safer, more convenient driving experience.
• Easy to install: Setting up this system takes just a few minutes, and the mounting brackets work with almost any car, making it a universal solution for car upgrades.
• High-quality video and music streaming: Whether you’re navigating or enjoying a video, the clarity and performance are top-notch, which makes long drives much more enjoyable.

❌ Cons:

• Visible cables: If you don’t take the time to hide the cables, they can look a bit messy. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it does take away from the neatness of the setup.
• Not a built-in solution: While the system works great, it’s still a portable device, so it might not feel as integrated or polished as a built-in system. However, for a portable solution, it performs exceptionally well.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

After using this portable CarPlay system, I can confidently say it’s a great solution for anyone looking to upgrade their car’s tech without going through the hassle of replacing the entire stereo system.

Whether you have an old car with no built-in navigation or simply want a more modern way to access your phone’s apps while driving, this system delivers on all fronts.

It’s easy to install, connects seamlessly, and provides a wealth of features that make driving more enjoyable and safer.

✅ If you’re looking for a way to make your car feel like it’s from this decade—without spending a fortune or dealing with complicated installation—this system is definitely worth considering. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a modern, connected driving experience without a major investment! Check the latest price on Amazon here >>