Top 5 Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Head Units for 2023

There’s no question that Apple CarPlay is one of the best ways to control your iPhone while driving.

But what if you want to use CarPlay wirelessly?

Unfortunately, there are only a handful of stereos on the market that offer wireless Apple CarPlay. And of those, even fewer are worth your hard-earned money.

But never fear!

We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best wireless Apple CarPlay stereos on the market. Whether you’re looking for the best bang for your buck or the absolute best of the best, we’ve got you covered.

So without further ado, here are the best wireless Apple CarPlay stereos money can buy!

Top 5 Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Stereo – Reviews

#1. ATOTO A6 PF – The Best Wireless Apple CarPlay Head Unit

Key Features

• Display Quality – The ATOTO A6 PF head unit features a 7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The display is bright and clear, with good contrast and excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. The 178-degree viewing angle ensures that everyone in the car has a good view of the screen. The 7-inch IPS display provides good visibility in all lighting conditions, and the split-screen display is a handy feature for multitasking. The split-screen display feature lets you run two apps side-by-side, so you can easily switch between them. This is a handy feature for navigation and music playback.

• Fast Boot time – One of the standout features of the ATOTO A6 PF is its fast boot time. The unit powers up in just seconds, so you can get on the road quickly.

• Compatibility – This touchscreen head unit is compatible with all major smartphones, including Android and iOS devices. It also supports wireless CarPlay, so you can use your iPhone to control music, navigation, and other functions without having to plug it into the unit.

• Expandability – This head unit offers expandability options via the built-in SD card slot and USB ports. You can use these to add additional storage or connect external devices such as a backup camera or OBD2 scanner.

• Ease of Use – The ATOTO A6 PF is very easy to use, thanks to the intuitive interface and the large, responsive touchscreen. The six touch gestures make it easy to enter the multi-task menu, switch between EQ modes, or adjust the screen brightness, without taking your eyes off the road.

• Sound Quality – The A6 PF delivers excellent sound quality, thanks to the built-in amplifier and the support for lossless audio formats. The nine EQ modes allow you to tailor the sound to your personal preferences, and the volume automatically adjusts as you drive, so you can always hear your music clearly.

• Performance – The A6 PF head unit is powered by a 12nm Cortex-A53 octa-core processor. This provides plenty of power for running all your favorite apps and media players smoothly. The unit also comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. There is a microSD card slot for expansion, and the unit supports dual-band Wi-Fi for easy internet access.

• Connectivity – This head unit offers excellent connectivity, with dual Bluetooth support for hands-free calling and streaming audio. The unit also supports Android Auto and CarPlay, so you can use your favorite apps on the go. The unit also has a built-in GPS receiver for turn-by-turn navigation.

Specifications

• 7-inch 1024 x 600 IPS display
• 178-degree viewing angle
• Split-screen display and 6 touch gestures control
• 12nm Cortex-A53 octa-core processor
• 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage
• MicroSD card slot for expansion
• Dual Bluetooth support
• Wired and Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility
• Built-in GPS receiver
• 9 EQ modes
• Volume automatically adjusts as you drive
• Compatible with all major smartphones
• Expandability options via built-in SD card slot and USB ports
• Click Here to check full Specifications

Pros

• It’s packed with features, yet it’s very reasonably priced.
• Large, responsive touchscreen with Intuitive interface
• Split-screen display feature
• Compatible with all major smartphones
• Wireless CarPlay support
• Volume automatically adjusts as you drive

Cons

• No CD/DVD player
• Limited expandability options (just SD card slot and USB ports)

#2. Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX – Best Touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay Head Unit

Key Features

• Great Display Quality – The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX features a 6.8″ capacitive touchscreen display, which is one of the largest on our list. And, thanks to its high resolution, you can expect sharp and vibrant colors. Plus, the touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, so you won’t have any trouble navigating your way around the unit.

• Premium Sound Quality – The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX includes a built-in amplifier that delivers 14 watts RMS per channel. And, thanks to its expandability, you can add on additional speakers or even a subwoofer to really boost the audio quality. Plus, with the built-in HD Radio tuner, you’ll be able to enjoy crystal-clear radio reception.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay – One of the best features of the Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is its wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. So, if you have an iPhone, you can connect it to the unit without having to worry about any messy cords or cables. Plus, you’ll be able to access all of your favorite apps, including navigation, music, and more.

• Expandability – The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is expandable, so you can add on additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio or a backup camera. Plus, with the built-in HDMI input, you can even connect a smartphone or tablet and use it as a second screen.

• Ease of Use – The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly controls. Even if you’re not familiar with car stereos, you’ll be able to figure out how to use the unit in no time. Plus, the large and bright display makes it easy to see what’s playing, even in direct sunlight.

• Connectivity – This unit includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can easily stream music or make hands-free calls. Plus, with the built-in Amazon Alexa, you can control your stereo using just your voice. And, if you have an iPhone, you can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free control.

• Installation – The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX is a bit of a challenge to install, so we recommend that you have it done by a professional. However, if you’re feeling confident, then you can certainly try to install it yourself. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to connect the unit to your car’s parking brake in order to access all of its features.

Specifications

• 6.8″ capacitive touchscreen display with high resolution for sharp and vibrant colors
• Built-in amplifier delivers 14 watts RMS per channel
• Expandability for adding additional speakers or a subwoofer
• Built-in HD Radio tuner for crystal-clear radio reception
• Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility for connecting your iPhone
•  Expandability for additional speakers or a subwoofer
• Access to all of your favorite apps, including navigation, music, and more
• SiriusXM satellite radio expandability for even more entertainment options
• Backup camera expandability for added safety while driving
• Built-in HDMI input for connecting a smartphone or tablet
• Intuitive and user-friendly controls for easy operation
• Double-DIN unit with Shallow Chassis will fit in most dashboards
• Connects to your car’s parking brake for safety while driving.
• Streaming music or making hands-free calls works with both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
• Built-in Amazon Alexa allows you to control your stereo using just your voice.
• If you have an iPhone, you can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free control.

Pros

• Touchscreen is responsive and easy to use
• Large and bright display is easy to see, even in direct sunlight
• Intuitive and user-friendly controls
• Wireless CarPlay Compatible with all iPhones and takes few seconds to connect
• The sound quality is quite good compared to its previous model which is DMH 1500NEX

Cons

• Installation is a bit challenging, so we recommend having it done by a professional

#3. JVC KW-M865BW: Also Great

Key Features

• 6.8” Touch Screen Display – With its 6.8″ Clear Resistive touchscreen, you can customize the background to your liking with the “live wallpaper” feature. The digital angle adjustment ensures that you have a great view of the display regardless of where you’re sitting in the car. And if that’s not enough, finger movements also control volume level and forward/back movement. Plus, it fits double-DIN dash openings so it’s perfect for any car. The home screen is customizable with various information including time, photos and album art images. You can also use two fingers to split or change what’s being displayed on your monitor without having to change windows modes!

• High Resolution Sound Quality – The sound quality of the KW-M865BW is excellent, thanks to the 13-band equalizer and time alignment features. The pre-outs are also very powerful, making it easy to add an amplifier and aftermarket speakers to your system. With high-resolution audio playback and LDAC Bluetooth streaming, the JVC KW-M865BW stereo is able to reproduce sound that’s closer to the original master recording than ever before. Whether you’re listening to CDs or High-Resolution Audio files, this stereo will give you an immersive listening experience that you won’t forget.

• Time Alignment – With features like Time Alignment and Sound Response, you’ll enjoy enhanced sound quality that will take your listening experience to the next level. And with Space Enhancement, you’ll be able to enjoy virtual surround sound with just two speakers. 

• 4 Backup Camera Support – With four camera inputs, you can easily add a reverse (rear facing) camera, front camera, and two additional blind spot cameras. This makes driving safer and more convenient for everyone. Plus, with compatible vehicles and the addition of a select iDatalink Maestro module, you can even retain your existing blind spot cameras! If you need an extra monitor for the backseat passengers, no problem – this stereo has an A/V input that lets you connect one.

• Wireless CarPlay & Auto Works Flawlessly – The JVC KW-M865BW Stereo is the perfect head unit to integrate your Android or iPhone into your driving experience. With both wireless and wired options, this stereo lets you access your music, navigation, and other apps with ease. With its simple design, it’s easy to stay focused on the road while using this stereo. Plus, its superior sound quality ensures that you’ll enjoy your music or podcast to the fullest. Whether you’re looking for a way to stay connected on your daily commute or want to make road trips more enjoyable, the JVC KW-M865BW Stereo is the perfect solution.

• iDataLink Maestro Support – This receiver comes with iDatalink Maestro support, so you can retain all your factory steering wheel audio controls and even display vehicle information on compatible vehicles. Plus, the built-in amplifier delivers powerful sound that will fill any room or space. 

• Ease of Use: The JVC KW-M865BW is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive controls and menus.The physical buttons and knobs are also large and clearly labeled, making it easy to make adjustments on the go. 

Specifications

• 6.8” Clear Resistive touchscreen
• Digital angle adjustment
• Built-in amplifier delivers powerful sound
• Power Wattage: 200 watts
• RMS: 22 Watts x 4 Channels
• Support FLAC files up to 192k/24bit via USB
• 13-band equalizer
• Built-in HD Radio Support
• Time alignment features
• Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless CarPlay & Auto
• Support Screen mirroring for both iPhone and Android devices
• Compatible with SiriusXM satellite Radio
• High Resolution Audio playback 
• LDAC Bluetooth streaming
• Outputs: 6 Channels Preamp having 5 volt (front, rear and subs)
• Support Video output via RCA, for connecting headrest monitors
• 4 camera inputs Reverse (rear facing) camera Front camera and 2 additional blindspot cameras
• A/V input, Aux input, USB Port
• Supported Audio formats: MP3, WMA, and AAC, high-res WAV and FLAC, MPEG 1-2-4, AVI/MKV
• Retain all your factory steering wheel audio controls
• 24 Months Warranty for US and (12 Months for Canada)

Pros

• The sound quality is clear and loud. Also there are tons of features like built-in eq which will help you to customize the audio track of your choice.
• The touchscreen is responsive, you can also customize the home screen
• Both Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connects quickly with the receiver and works great
• 5 volt Pre-outs are very powerful

Cons

• Wireless Android Mirroring is compatible with only selected phone
• The color accuracy on the screen is also not great.

#4.  Kenwood DMX907S: Best Wireless CarPlay Stereo for Sound Quality

Key Features

• Display – This unit features a 6.95″ touchscreen display with swipe functionality for easy control. This digital media touchscreen receiver can play back FULL HD video files from your USB devices, so you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows on the go. The clear glass display provides superior picture quality.

• Sound Quality – The Kenwood DMX907S features high-resolution audio playback as well as support for various lossless audio formats such as FLAC, WAV, and Apple Lossless. The receiver also offers a 13-band graphic equalizer with 8 selectable tone curves to allow you to tailor the sound quality to your liking. In addition, the DMX907S is equipped with a time alignment tool, allowing you to adjust the soundstage to better suit your listening preference. The head unit also provides selectable crossover points and slopes for a more customized sound. And, if that wasn’t enough, it also has 5volt preamps, making it one of the most powerful head units on the market. 

• Backup Cameras Support – The Kenwood DMX907S receiver is compatible with a rearview camera that allows you to connect an optional backup camera. By connecting a rear view camera, you can see what’s behind you on the receiver’s touchscreen LCD while backing up.

• Built-in High Power Amplifier The Kenwood DMX907S is equipped with a built-in amplifier capable of producing 22 watts RMS per channel. The amplifier is used to power the speakers in your car audio system.

• iDataLink Maestro Support – The Kenwood DMX907S is also compatible with the iDataLink Maestro module which allows you to retain many of the factory features in your vehicle such as steering wheel controls, climate control, and more. The iDatalink Maestro also gives you the ability to display engine performance data on the receiver’s touchscreen.

• Compatibility – The Kenwood DMX907S is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. For iOS devices, the receiver supports Apple CarPlay as well as Siri Eyes Free. Android users can take advantage of the receiver’s built-in Android Auto functionality.

Note: In our testing, we found that the brightness of the display is low and the display also has glaring issues. The display is almost impossible to see under sunlight, in order to fix this issue, we recommend you to buy this ANTI-GLARE Screen protector.

Specifications

• Display:  6.95″ WVGA Capacitive Touchscreen
• Maximum Power Output: 200 watts
• RMS: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels
• Built-in Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay functionality
• Siri Eyes Free support
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB
• Video Inputs: 4 (front, rear, side, backup)
• Audio Inputs: 1 (front USB)
• Audio Outputs: 2 (rear/subwoofer pre-out)
• Equalizer: 13-band graphic with 8 selectable tone curves
• Time alignment
• Crossover Points: 50/80/120/160/200 Hz
• High-Resolution Audio playback
• Support for various lossless audio formats such as FLAC, WAV, and Apple Lossless
• Selectable crossover points and slopes
• Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
• Warranty: 24 Months

Pros

• The receiver offers excellent sound quality, support for high-resolution audio files, and a variety of ways to connect your smartphone.
• The amplifier is powerful enough to drive most aftermarket speakers.
• The built-in time alignment tool, allowing you to adjust the soundstage to better suit your listening preference.
• The head unit also provides selectable crossover points and slopes for a more customized sound.

Cons

• Difficult to watch the display in sunlight, the display Could be a little brighter.
• Quite Expensive

#5. JVC KW-Z1000W

Key Features

The unit also includes a built-in amplifier, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their car’s sound system. The JVC KW-Z1000W is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for the best possible CarPlay experience.

• Large Floating Display – The 10.1″ floating capacitive touchscreen display on the JVC KW-Z1000W is one of its standout features. Not only does it look great, but it’s also adjustable to provide the perfect viewing angle, no matter where you’re sitting in your car. And, if you’re looking to add even more personality to your stereo, the KW-Z1000W also offers customizable display backgrounds and live wallpapers.

• Compatibility – One of the great things about the JVC KW-Z1000W is that it’s compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. So, no matter what type of smartphone you have, you’ll be able to take advantage of all that these two platforms have to offer. Additionally, the KW-Z1000W offers wired as well as wireless mirroring for Android devices, and wired mirroring for iPhone.

• Sound Quality – The JVC KW-Z1000W offers high-res FLAC and WAV playback, as well as DSD file support on USB drives. And, if you’re looking to improve the sound quality even further, the KW-Z1000W is also equipped with K2 technology, which enhances the digital sound for all music sources. Additionally, this stereo offers subwoofer level, phase, and low-pass crossover controls to help you tailor the sound to your preferences.

• Multi-band equalizer – The JVC KW-Z1000W offers a 13-band equalizer to help you tailor the sound to your preferences. Additionally, the unit’s DTA (Digital Time Alignment) feature allows you to adjust the soundstage for a perfect listening experience.

• Expandability – If you’re looking to expand the capabilities of your JVC KW-Z1000W, there are a few different options. First, the KW-Z1000W is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuners. Additionally, the KW-Z1000W has inputs for rear USB, rear A/V, rear HDMI, and four cameras. And, if you’re looking to add even more speakers to your system, the KW-Z1000W also has outputs for rear A/V and 6-channel preamp.

• Ease of Use – This head unit is extremely easy to use, thanks to its compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the unit’s Bluetooth connectivity allows you to make hands-free calls and stream audio wirelessly.

Specifications

• 10.1″ floating capacitive touchscreen display
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Customizable display backgrounds and live wallpapers
• Compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless and wired mirroring for Android devices
• Wired mirroring for iPhone
• High-res FLAC and WAV playback
• DSD file support on USB drives
• K2 technology for enhanced digital sound
• 13-band equalizer
• DTA (Digital Time Alignment) for adjust soundstage
• SiriusXM satellite radio tuner compatibility
• Inputs for rear USB, rear A/V, rear HDMI, and four cameras
• 5Volt Preamp (6 Channels)
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and wireless audio streaming
• Wired connection to the parking brake
• 24 Months warranty
• Easy to use and extremely user-friendly interface.

Pros

• The 10.1″ floating capacitive touchscreen display looks great, works responsively
• Customizable display backgrounds and live wallpapers add personality to your stereo
• Both Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, works flawlessly
• Wireless and wired mirroring for Android devices, and wired mirroring for iPhone, make it easy to use your phone while driving
• High-res FLAC and WAV playback, as well as DSD file support on USB drives, mean that you can enjoy high quality audio
• K2 technology enhances the digital sound for all music sources
• 13-band equalizer allows you to tailor the sound to your preference

Cons

• It support only 720p, might be better if come with 1080p resolution, however the display quality is still better than most of the premium head units in the market
• No HD Backup Camera input available at this higher price range
• Wired connection to the parking brake can be an inconvenience if you don’t have a spot to park close to an outlet

FAQs Related to CarPlay Head Units

Is Wireless CarPlay worth it?

Wireless CarPlay is an excellent investment for those who want to take their car’s tech experience to the next level. Thanks to its wireless connectivity, you can easily stay connected while on the go and access your favorite apps and music without ever having to plug in your device. Additionally, Wireless CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience – now you can leave your phone in your pocket or bag without compromising accessibility.

Which Pioneer head units have wireless Apple CarPlay?

The Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX, DMH-WC6600NEX, DMH-W4600NEX, and AVIC-W8400NEX are all Pioneer head units that offer wireless Apple CarPlay. These head units provide seamless integration of your iPhone with the audio system in your car. The wireless Apple CarPlay connection allows you to access your music, podcasts, and navigation apps without having to plug in a cable.

Which car stereo works best with iPhone?

The ATOTO A6 PF works best with iPhone. It comes with a Bluetooth connection and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, so it’s perfect for users of either system.

What is the key difference between CarPlay and wireless CarPlay?

The most noticeable difference between Apple CarPlay and wireless Apple CarPlay is that the latter does not require cables or cords to connect your iPhone to the car’s infotainment system. With wireless Apple CarPlay, you can enjoy all of the features and functions of Apple CarPlay without having to plug in a cable.

This makes it much easier and more convenient to use the Apple CarPlay system while you’re on the go. In addition, wireless Apple CarPlay also offers a more secure and reliable connection compared to cable connections. You can enjoy uninterrupted access to your Apple CarPlay functions while driving.