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I’ve tested dozens of Apple CarPlay apps, but I keep coming back to these 3 — and you should too

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No, you don't need to use them all

TomTom for CarPlay.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)
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Since I get to test the best electric cars, I interact with CarPlay on just about every drive. I’ve explained why wired CarPlay may be the preferred method of accessing Apple’s car infotainment software, but I’ve come to yet another realization: there are a lot of redundant CarPlay apps.

The beauty of CarPlay is that it projects many of my iPhone’s functions to my car’s displays so that I can intuitively interact with and access them without being distracted. What’s more, you don’t need to download CarPlay-specific versions of the apps you already use; they’re already on your phone.

But while there are dozens of apps that are CarPlay compatible on my iPhone 17 Pro, like Chick-fil-A, Waze, and Microsoft Teams, I keep returning to three specific ones. Here’s what they are — and why you should, too.

Google Maps

Google Maps for CarPlay screenshot.

(Image credit: Future)

No other navigation app is more reliable or comprehensive than Google Maps. Most people would assume that Apple Maps would receive superior treatment on its own platform, but I am constantly falling back to Google Maps for three reasons.

In my 1,000-mile test drive pitting Google Maps against Apple Maps, I realized the sheer amount users there are with Google Maps. The data aggregated by the service makes it significantly more accurate at predicting traffic patterns. As a result, the recommendations it spits out have been more reliable than those of any other navigation app.

Although it technically incorporates Waze’s best features, the fact that I’m given speed traps and police alerts within Google Maps makes me a more cautious driver. While Apple Maps has a similar feature, it’s pretty obvious that in my location, Google Maps users are more proactive about reporting them.

And finally, Google Maps works as a widget within CarPlay’s home screen. There are advantages to using the app in full-screen mode, but I like the widget view because I can still see the directions while having simultaneous access to my music player.

YouTube Music

YouTube Music for CarPlay screenshot.

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of music, you should use the music streaming app you're likely already subscribed to — and in my case, that’s YouTube Music. You could very well use another CarPlay-supported app, like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music, but it doesn’t really matter because they all behave similarly in CarPlay.

Not only is there a widget for YouTube Music on the home screen of my car’s main display, but it shows up in other places as well — like the driver’s display and head-up display. I can think of no other two CarPlay apps that go hand-in-hand better than Google Maps and YouTube Music because they cover the two most important pillars of the driving experience: navigation and entertainment.

Messages

iOS 26 CarPlay Messages.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

And finally, I cannot tell you how well Messages works within CarPlay. I think the best part about the app is how it minimizes distractions while I'm driving. That’s because Siri handles everything I need, ensuring my focus remains fixed on the road ahead instead of fumbling through menus on my car’s touchscreen.

Whenever I receive a message, Siri automatically announces it — but its true utility lies in how it responds to my requests while I keep both hands on the steering wheel. Once it finishes announcing a message, it asks if I’d like to reply. Even with longer transcriptions, Siri’s ability to accurately decipher what I’m saying is remarkable.

The most underrated part of using Messages in CarPlay is the minimal physical interaction required. I can manage the entire experience through voice actions, which is the most intuitive way to communicate while driving.

Why you don’t need other apps

iOS 26 beta CarPlay screenshots.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I count over two dozen apps I can access through CarPlay right now. Most people are under the impression that all of them are suitable for driving, but I beg to differ. Many are essentially broken — meaning they worked at one point, but no longer.

Take the Dunkin’ app, which allowed me to send quick orders a year ago. Now? It’s no longer accessible in CarPlay for some strange reason. Likewise, the same thing is happening with the Chick-fil-A app.

There are also conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex Meet, which I suppose are handy if you insist on taking calls while driving, but I don’t see the point. Frequently, I’d fight to maintain connectivity as my cell service handed off from one tower to another. Instead, I’ve fallen into the routine of calling into meetings directly because the connection is more stable.

Apart from navigation, messaging, and music, I feel everything else is simply a distraction while driving. I would appreciate it if these other apps were intuitive or purposeful, but they simply aren't.

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John Velasco
John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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