CarPlay vs. Android Auto: Which One Should You Choose for Your Car?

CarPlay vs. Android Auto is the most common fight between every driver when buying a new car. Both systems allow you to plug in or wirelessly connect your smartphone to access maps, music, calls, and messages on your car’s screen rather than holding your phone. It makes every day driving safer, easier, and more pleasurable.

The primary difference is who they’re designed for. Apple CarPlay is built for iPhone users, offering a familiar interface, Siri, and seamless integration with Apple Maps, car audio receiver, iMessage, and Apple Music. Android Auto is designed for Android phone users. It has a more open layout and unlimited integration of third-party apps, including Google Assistant for voice control and an interface that won’t cause too much distraction while driving.

This full blog will explain CarPlay vs. Android Auto in great detail, focusing on the features, compatible apps, voice commands, and cost. Then, it's up to you to decide how easy you want your car to keep things going behind the wheel.

What Is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is Apple’s in-car system that allows iPhone users to bring their phone’s most useful apps and features into a car’s built-in display. By connecting your iPhone with a cable or wirelessly to a CarPlay-compatible head unit or factory dashboard, you get a simplified iOS interface designed for driving. Through the car’s touchscreen, steering-wheel buttons, or Siri voice control, you can safely use Apple Maps for navigation, Apple Music or other music apps for streaming, make and receive calls, and send and hear text messages.

What Is Android Auto?

Android Auto is Google’s official software that brings apps and services to your car’s in-dash head unit. Plug in your Android phone, or connect it wirelessly. Using the touchscreen, dashboard buttons, or Google Assistant voice control, you can safely employ Google Maps or Waze for navigation, place and receive calls, and send or listen to text messages without holding your phone. Your compatible apps auto-appear on your homescreen with large icons, easy-to-use interfaces, and powerful functions designed for us while driving.

CarPlay vs. Android Auto: Key Comparisons

Between CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s obvious that both platforms try to make driving safer and more connected. But they all have some unique features that might appeal to you more than the others.

Supported Vehicles & Head Units

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come built into most new car audio system, and can be added to any vehicle out there through aftermarket stereos from the likes of Alpine, Pioneer and Rockford Fosgate, among others.

Connection Type

Each platform pairs with either a USB or wireless connection, though that depends on your car and phone

Navigation Apps

Apple Maps is the default, but it also supports Google Maps and Waze. Google integrates Google Maps and Waze for Android Auto. Each delivers turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates, and voice-guided navigation.

Voice Assistant

CarPlay relies on Siri, while Android Auto uses Google Assistant. Both allow hands-free control of apps and messages, give directions, and even take a call for you so you can drive without distraction.

Music & Audio Apps

CarPlay features Apple Music, Podcasts and other compatible apps. Android Auto provides access to YouTube Music, Spotify, and more. You can also stream music, listen to podcasts, or listen to audio playe without your phone.

Messaging & Calls

CarPlay allows Siri to read your incoming text messages and then dictate messages through iMessage or traditional SMS. Android Auto’s Google Assistant also reads and responds to SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and more, and can handle calls without lifting a finger.

Best For

CarPlay is ideal for drivers who have an iPhone and want to interface with Apple’s ecosystem as easily as possible. Android Auto is suitable for Android smartphone users who want to take deep control and tone down or find ways around Google’s restrictions on apps.

Choosing What Works Best for You

Choosing between CarPlay and Android Auto depends on the phone you use and the driving experience you want. Both make apps safer and easier to use in your best car audio system, but each suits a different ecosystem, so pick the one that matches your habits.

For iPhone Users

Apple CarPlay is generally the better choice if you own an iPhone. CarPlay is purpose-built for iOS, resulting in a clean, familiar interface and fluid performance with iPhone apps. You’ll receive Siri voice control, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Messages, Podcasts, and many third-party apps tailor-made for your car.

For Android Users

Android Auto, if you have an Android phone, naturally. It pairs seamlessly with thousands of Android devices, enabling you to access the apps and services you already use from the Android Auto screen. It’s also a versatile interface that can be tailored to display the widgets and shortcuts you need most. Android Auto is the easiest way for Android users to bring the Google experience to the dashboard.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

CarPlay and Android Auto share core features like calls, navigation, and music, but the right choice depends on your car's compatibility, budget, and long-term use. Considering these factors helps you pick the system that best suits you.

Car Compatibility

The first thing to do is determine whether your car's best car stereo head unit, the part of your car stereo that displays a control interface such as volume and station selectors, supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or both. Most new cars include one or both built-in systems. You may need to get a new head unit. Should the integration that matters most be what is still missing, you may need to get a new head unit.

Budget and Upgrade Costs

If your existing car doesn’t already work with your preferred platform, you’ll need to account for the cost of an aftermarket stereo. Many brands, including Alpine, Pioneer, and Rockford Fosgate, offer units that are compatible with both CarPlay and Android Auto. Costs can range widely, so comparing features and installation costs can help you avoid overpaying and still get the system that will best meet your needs.

Long-Term Usability

Consider how much longer you will keep your car and your phone. Apple CarPlay receives automatic updates through iOS, and Android Auto is updated automatically through the Android Auto app, so both remain up to date. But if, at some point, you may switch from iPhone to Android (or the other way around), picking a stereo or car that supports each will help protect your investment and make the infotainment system more versatile as time passes.

Best Place to Get CarPlay or Android Auto for Your Car

If you have been thinking of adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your ride, the best Online shop in town is Absolute Pro Music. Our website offers everything you need to enjoy smart and safe driving. You will surely find exactly what you need.

Absolute Pro Music offers quality brands such as Alpine, Cerwin Vega, Rockford Fosgate, and Absolute USA for durability, innovation, and premium sound performance. It covers all your basic needs for modern sounds: it fits the bill whether you’re listening to AM/FM, exercising the familiar and stress-free operation of an audio player, or even selecting something from your smartphone. Take some time with it!

It's easy and fast to purchase online with Absolute Pro Music. With our large selection of products for your CarPlay or Android Auto needs, all in one place

Conclusion

Your choice between CarPlay and Android Auto will largely depend on your preferences, the phone you use, and your vehicle’s compatibility. Both systems are designed to simplify and enhance driving, with navigation, music, voice control, and hands-free communication all in the dash.

CarPlay will offer the broadest feature integration, including Siri and Apple Maps, if you’re an iPhone user. Android Auto is better for Android users who want Google Maps, versatile apps, and plenty of customization. Families who have a bit of both may want to check out head units or car systems that can cope with either for the best balance.