Recently got Apple CarPlay set up in my car and looking for app recommendations that work well with it. Trying to find the most useful or enjoyable apps for commuting and road trips. Any favorites or must-haves?
So you got Apple CarPlay, huh? Let me save you some trial and error. For starters, Google Maps or Waze are non-negotiables. Sure, Apple Maps has ‘improved,’ but do you really want to be that person who gets lost because you blindly trusted it? Didn’t think so.
For music, Spotify is the MVP if you have playlists for every mood, though Apple Music works fine if you’re already stuck in that ecosystem. If you’re more an audiobooks or podcast person, Audible or Overcast are solid – much better than fumbling with your phone mid-drive. Bonus: Overcast has smart speed tech that shaves seconds off lulls in dialogue… lifesaver on long drives.
Need to feed that snack obsession while on a road trip? Starbucks or Dunkin’ apps integrate nicely, so you can locate drinks and sugar fixes without pulling over to figure out where “that one Dunkin’ is supposed to be.” Or the Yelp app if you trust strangers to recommend something halfway decent.
If you, like me, are terrified of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere, download GasBuddy. Seriously, it’s clutch. Prices and station locations pop right up, and you avoid getting gouged at some middle-of-nowhere gas station that looks like it belongs in a horror movie.
Oh, and let’s not forget WhatsApp for those who love checking in with friends (hands-free, of course). Although being ‘that person’ who texts folks mid-drive might be a bit much, it is great for voice message updates.
But if you’re trying to Zen out instead and ignore the chaos of the world, Calm works with CarPlay. Play some chill-as-heck soundscapes while pretending your commute isn’t slowly driving you insane.
And heads up: aggressive multitaskers beware. CarPlay doesn’t support apps that distract too much – no Netflix for that roadside binge. You’re stuck being, you know, a responsible adult.
So you’ve got Apple CarPlay set up, huh? Congrats on upgrading your driving life. Let’s talk apps that make commuting and road trips a breeze. Sure, @vrijheidsvogel listed some solid options (Google Maps/Waze, Spotify, etc.)—pretty basic, but let me throw a few more into the mix that might not be on your radar.
First off, TuneIn Radio. If you’re bored with playlists and crave the randomness of live radio (or need local stations while traveling), it’s a gem. You can even get news, sports, and international stations—keeps things interesting.
Now hear me out: iHeartRadio for those guilty pleasure moments when you just need to jam to that local Top 40’s station. Excellent for keeping things light and upbeat on the road. Don’t roll your eyes—you know you’ve done it.
For the more mindful drivers, try Headspace. Yeah, Calm’s nice, but Headspace’s guided meditation has an “in-traffic” session that’s a lifesaver when stuck behind some dude who doesn’t understand merging. Inner peace is underrated.
Roadtrippers app is another underrated gem. It helps you plan stops, discover quirky sites, or find cool spots along your route. Perfect if you’re into that “unexpected adventure” vibe instead of just racing from A to B. Bonus: it makes you realize how much random stuff exists in your area you’ve never visited.
For safety-conscious drivers (like… maybe skip texting on WhatsApp?), try Messages instead. You can use Siri to dictate your texts hands-free. It’s simple, doesn’t need extra downloads, and avoids any “I swear I’m not texting while driving” drama.
Here’s a sleeper pick: Weather Channel. It’s great if you’re headed somewhere with sketchy conditions. You can check forecasts and avoid accidentally driving into, you know, a blizzard or monsoon.
Finally, don’t sleep on Scout GPS. Yeah, people swear by Google Maps and Waze, but Scout’s travel-focused features, offline maps, and group trip-planning vibes are chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s not hogging your data quite as much.
I’d skip apps like Calm (as mentioned by others), too. The meditative sound is fine unless you like dozing off behind the wheel. Save it for bedtime, IMO.
If you’re looking to enhance your Apple CarPlay experience without just rehashing the usual Spotify, Google Maps, or Calm suggestions, let’s shake it up a bit.
For audio entertainment, try Pocket Casts if you lean toward podcasts. It’s user-friendly and syncs across devices, making it an alternative to Overcast with fewer ads. For live, interactive fun, the Clubhouse app works with CarPlay now, enabling you to listen to chats on diverse topics (not participate while driving though, let’s not push our luck).
If you want visual but safe copilots, Komoot deserves some love for outdoor enthusiasts. This app is fantastic for scenic routes—ideal if cycling or hiking detours are part of your road trips. A downside is its niche nature—it won’t replace Google Maps or Waze for everyday driving.
On the music and radio landscape, Deezer is worth exploring for its Flow feature that blends your likes into a constant mix, making it a quieter but capable alternative to Spotify or iHeartRadio. The downside is it’s not as omnipresent in the streaming eco-sphere.
For meal planning while on the road, take a stab at Roadside America alongside Yelp. It’s hyper-focused on niche dining and quirky travel stops, though admittedly it’s not as sleek or fast as Yelp. Still, the novelty factor is top-tier.
Lastly, for those seeking offline functionality and minimal data consumption, HERE WeGo can outpace Google Maps in selective situations, especially remote no-signal zones. The UI isn’t winning awards for style, but this app earns its keep in function.
Some options lean more niche, like Roadtrippers and Scout GPS, which show personality for exploratory road warriors but aren’t necessarily daily drivers. It’s about balance. Sure, Google Maps and Waze dominate by ease, but why play it safe?