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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- CarPlay simplifies the use of iPhone applications while driving.
- Stay focused on the road—not your phone.
- Most CarPlay apps are direct counterparts of their iPhone versions.
I enjoy driving—fortunate, given that I live in a countryside area. Whether it’s commuting or heading to a remote trailhead to disconnect for a few days (my current hobby is section hiking Hadrian’s Wall), I spend significant hours behind the wheel. Over the last year, I’ve driven more than 25,000 miles. That’s plenty of time to identify the most effective apps that help make every journey as smooth and effortless as possible.
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As an iPhone user, I rely on CarPlay (except for those frustrating moments when CarPlay refuses to cooperate, forcing me to dig out an old device and attempt Android Auto). So this guide focuses on that platform.
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Android users may luck out and find the apps discussed here available in the Google Play Store.
And no, I’m not sitting on the wrong side of the car—I’m in the UK, where we drive on the left.
My approach to driving
The truth is: driving can shift from calm to sudden to dangerous in an instant. It demands your full focus. That means interacting with apps must be kept to an absolute minimum.
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I strongly advise stopping in a safe location before doing more than tapping a button or issuing a voice command to Siri.
The apps I rely on
While I have many apps on my iPhone, only a fraction offer CarPlay support—and of those, even fewer are truly useful while driving.
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Keep in mind that the CarPlay version of an app usually differs from its iPhone counterpart. The interface is simplified, often leaning heavily on Siri for input. Video conferencing apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom will work in audio-only mode.
Also, remember you’re using your cellular signal while moving at high speeds inside a metal vehicle—so connectivity hiccups, especially during cell transitions, are common. Don’t assume seamless performance.
In fact, expect occasional glitches.
With that context, here’s my curated list of apps, organized by category, including alternatives where relevant.
Navigation
I won’t dive into the Waze vs. Google Maps vs. Apple Maps debate—or even mention other solid options like TomTom, MapQuest GPS and Navigation, or InRoute.
My most-used app: Waze.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
They’re all solid choices. Choosing one is like arguing over the best cherry pie—everyone has a favorite, and opinions rarely change.
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My suggestion: pick the one that works best for you. For me, it’s Waze. I’ve relied on it for years. Though imperfect, it’s dependable—and I always keep a backup ready (like when Waze once displayed a blank map, and I had to switch to Google Maps).
Need navigation that works off-grid or off-road? Then OsmAnd Maps is worth exploring.
OsmAnd Maps excels for off-road and offline use.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
This isn’t your typical map app. It packs features missing from standard navigation tools: offline maps, elevation shading, 3D buildings, and support for GPX file handling (display, record, import, export, navigate). It’s designed not just for drivers but also cyclists and hikers. However, its power comes with a learning curve—familiarize yourself with it before hitting the road.
Also: 6 Android Auto apps I wish I found sooner, because they make every drive easier
Note: CarPlay access requires a paid subscription, but for off-roaders, it’s well worth the investment.
Weather
Nothing derails a pleasant drive faster than unexpected weather. While driving, I monitor conditions—but concisely. I only care about the weather at my current location and what it will be along my route at the time I pass through each area.
Carrot Weather is a versatile and highly capable weather application.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I regularly alternate between two different weather apps.
One is Carrot Weather, a robust weather tool that lets you customize its tone—you can make it funny, straightforward, or edgy (if you prefer that style). It also supports multiple data sources for forecasts. Carrot is the weather app I rely on most on my iPhone, my Apple Watch, and through CarPlay while driving.
Weather on the Way offers a simple yet effective way to check what weather lies ahead on your current route.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The other app is Weather on the Way, which, as its name indicates, displays conditions along your travel path. I usually check it at the beginning of a trip for a quick preview, and it’s proven quite dependable.
Audio and Music Apps
Regardless of whether you prefer Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, SiriusXM Radio, or Spotify—you’ll likely use your favorite music service while driving.
My tip: make playlists and radio stations your friend—trying to pick specific tracks while driving just isn’t safe or practical.
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Prefer not to juggle driving and playlist management? Apple Music’s SharePlay feature lets fellow passengers in the car take over the music selection. It’s incredibly convenient and often adds to the fun.
Music isn’t everything—there are also podcasts and audiobooks. I don’t listen to podcasts often, so Apple’s built-in app works fine for me, but fans often recommend Pocket Casts, Overcast, or Downcast.
I’ve logged hundreds of hours listening to my Audible audiobook collection.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
For audiobooks, I’ve subscribed to Audible since long before CarPlay or the iPhone existed—so you’ll pry it from my cold dead fingers! That said, solid alternatives include Kobo Books and Google Play Books.
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When it comes to using personal audio files, BookPlayer helps organize and play them smoothly, while Libby, the library app lets you borrow free digital audiobooks from your local library using your library card.
Gas and EV Charging Apps
I usually rely on Waze or Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations—no need to fuss with another app.
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But if you want more detailed price tracking, check out GasBuddy, which uses user-reported pricing, or ChargePoint for electric vehicle charging.
Parking Apps
Again, Waze typically helps me find convenient parking without needing a separate tool.
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If you’d rather use a dedicated parking solution, consider EasyPark (focused on street parking and also supports EV charging) or SpotHero (ideal for reserving spots in commercial garages ahead of time).
Additional Handy Apps
Here are a few other apps I use occasionally during travel:
- Telegram: For secure messaging.
- WhatsApp: For spontaneous audio chats and texts.
- ChatGPT: I use it while driving to get quick summaries on topics I’m curious about.
