3 Best Portable CarPlay Screens: Based On Our Customer Feedback

Ever watched someone spend hours disassembling their dashboard, only to discover they bought the wrong wiring harness? 😩 While the automotive world pushes expensive, complicated installations from brands like Kenwood and Pioneer, we took a simpler approach.

I've seen the frustration on people's faces when quoted $1,500 for a "simple" head unit upgrade, not including adapters, camera installation, or vehicle-specific dash kits. 

This sparked our solution: What if you could just mount a portable CarPlay screen on your dashboard, plug it into your cigarette lighter, and instantly enjoy wireless CarPlay?

Our CarTablet family brings all the wireless CarPlay goodness with none of the installation headaches. 

Whether you choose our budget-friendly Pro, feature-packed Pro Max with 4K dashcam, or weatherproof MotorTablet for motorcycles, you'll be up and running in 5 minutes flat—saving hours of frustration and enough cash to fill your tank several times over!

List of the Best Wireless Carplay Head Unit

All these devices are Apple CarPlay car stereos that will connect both wirelessly and otherwise: 

• CarTablet Pro Max™ — Overall Top Pick 

• CarTablet Pro™—Best Best For Older Cars

• MotorTablet Pro™—Best For Bikes

Full Review of the Best Portable CarPlay Screen

Among these five Apple CarPlay car stereos, you can find exactly which one will fit in your vehicle using Crutchfield's Find What Fits tool. 

 

1. CarTablet Pro Max™ 

The CarTablet Pro Max represents our flagship model, designed for drivers who want the ultimate in-car entertainment and safety upgrade without the complexity of traditional installations. 

This 2025 model features our largest and most vibrant 10-inch 4K screen, providing exceptional clarity for navigation, entertainment, and the built-in dashcam functionality. The premium dashcam continuously records your journeys in stunning 4K resolution, offering peace of mind and valuable documentation in case of incidents on the road.

What truly sets the Pro Max apart is its seamless integration with both your vehicle and smartphone. The system connects wirelessly with both Apple and Android devices, eliminating cable clutter while providing instant access to your favorite navigation, music, and communication apps through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

The versatile audio connection options accommodate any vehicle setup, whether you prefer direct connection through the included AUX cable or wireless streaming via Bluetooth or the built-in FM transmitter.

With everything designed for a tool-free, 5-minute setup process, the Pro Max delivers the convenience of a new car's technology in any vehicle.

Buy if

You want the largest screen size, the highest resolution display, and premium features like the 4K dashcam. The Pro Max is perfect for drivers who spend significant time in their vehicles and want the most immersive, feature-rich experience without permanent modifications to their car.

2. CarTablet Pro™ 

The CarTablet Pro offers the perfect balance of functionality and value, making it our most popular option for drivers looking to modernize their vehicles without breaking the bank. 

This 7-inch display provides a compact yet clearly visible interface for accessing all your essential apps through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The streamlined design fits elegantly in any vehicle interior without obstructing your view while still delivering the full capabilities you'd expect from much more expensive factory-installed systems.

Setting up the CarTablet Pro couldn't be simpler—just plug it into your car's cigarette lighter, connect your phone, and link to your car's audio system using the included AUX cable or the built-in FM transmitter. 

The thoughtful design includes both a dashboard mount and a suction cup bracket, giving you flexibility in finding the perfect position for your driving style. 

For added convenience, the package includes a USB port adapter that allows you to charge additional devices while using the CarTablet, ensuring you never have to choose between powering your screen and charging your phone.

Buy if

You're looking for an affordable way to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your vehicle without sacrificing quality or essential features. The CarTablet Pro is ideal for practical drivers who want modern connectivity at a reasonable price point, with a compact form factor that works well in any vehicle.

3. MotorTablet Pro™

The MotorTablet Pro is our specialized solution designed specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on connectivity while riding. This ruggedized unit features an IPX7 waterproof rating, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions from heavy downpours to scorching heat. 

The responsive touchscreen is engineered to work perfectly even when wearing riding gloves—a crucial feature that eliminates the need to remove safety gear while on the road, maintaining both convenience and protection.

Security and stability were key considerations in the MotorTablet Pro's design. The adjustable handlebar mount creates a solid, vibration-resistant connection that keeps the screen firmly in place even on rough terrain or at high speeds. 

Meanwhile, the quick-release feature allows you to easily remove the screen when parking your motorcycle, preventing theft and extending the life of your device. 

The direct battery connection provides consistent power without draining your motorcycle's systems, while Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free control of navigation, music, and calls—keeping your focus where it belongs: on the road ahead.

Buy if

You're a motorcycle rider looking for safe, weatherproof access to navigation and entertainment on your bike. 

The MotorTablet Pro is essential for riders who want the convenience of smartphone integration without compromising safety or durability in challenging outdoor conditions. Choose the 7-inch screen if you prefer maximum visibility during your rides.

Aftermarket CarPlay Screens are Still the Best (Easy, Fast, and Affordable)

Before you pick one, think about things like:

• Installation Complexity: Decide if you prefer a quick plug-and-play solution like our CarTablets (5-minute setup with no tools) or are willing to handle the more complex wiring and dashboard modifications required for traditional head units.

• Vehicle Compatibility: Consider your specific vehicle's dashboard configuration, power availability, and audio system—our CarTablet and MotorTablet products are universally compatible with any car or motorcycle with a power port, while traditional units require vehicle-specific installation kits.

• Usage Environment: Evaluate where and how you drive—standard CarTablets work perfectly for everyday car use, while the MotorTablet Pro offers necessary weatherproofing and glove-friendly controls for motorcycle riders facing challenging outdoor conditions.

• Feature Priorities: Determine which features matter most to you—screen size (ranging from 5" to 10"), resolution quality, dashcam functionality, rear camera compatibility, and wireless vs. wired connectivity—all affect both usefulness and price.

• Budget Considerations: Balance your desired features against your budget—our options range from the highly affordable CarTablet Pro ($123) to the feature-rich Pro Max ($205) and specialized MotorTablet Pro ($246), all significantly less expensive than traditional installation costs that can exceed $1,000.

We will now go into the full review of each unit. But now is a good time to say this: 

• You can buy high-quality car tablets from GetCarTablet, no matter your car’s model. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Simply attach it to your dashboard using the included stand or place it on your windshield using the included suction cup. 

Many car owners on Reddit swear by this device that is easily set up and works great.

The package includes a 10-inch car tablet, a dashboard bracket, a suction cup bracket, an AUX cable, and a built-in FM transmitter. 

It also comes with manual instructions, a USB port adapter, and an optional reversing camera kit. 

I hope this guide helps you narrow your search in picking a device to improve your driving experience. Good luck!