Nowadays, we do everything with our smartphones and, with the latest iPhone reaching a new sales record, it is logical to think that most motorists want to make the most of all the features of their Apple device too. when you are behind the wheel.

As you well know, of course, using your mobile phone in your car in Italy is a dangerous and illegal behaviour, unless you interact with your phone via Apple CarPlay which essentially broadcasts “car-friendly” apps (i.e. compatible with ‘auto) directly to a touch screen in the car.

Unfortunately, though, this novelty has only recently been introduced in most new cars, which means that anyone with a slightly older car has to make do with a CD player and a crackling FM radio.

Well … now it’s not like that anymore! In fact, to ensure that your car journey is technologically in step with the times, simply remove the old stereo system and replace it with an Apple CarPlay system produced by one of the most popular car stereo manufacturers such as Pioneer, Sony, JVC and Kenwood.

Thanks to recent advances in slim design and the continuous miniaturization of electronic components, even those with smaller spaces (referred to precisely as 1 DIN car stereo) can now enjoy large touchscreens, which are normally found only in more modern cars.

So, if you want to abandon the croaking FM radio and install the latest generation kit that can communicate perfectly with your iPhone, take a look at the best car radios and stereos currently available on the market.

How to buy a new stereo system or a new car stereo

As mentioned earlier, there are now new car radios and stereos that will suit most budgets and are made to fit most vehicles. If the wiring for the stereo inside the car is already present, for any type of stereo device, the prices for a system with Apple CarPlay compatibility start at around 100 euros and can easily go up to 1000 euros for the more expensive systems. , if you opt for a solution that has built-in maps and other similar features.

In our opinion, this is a little pointless because the purpose of all this is to make your iPhone “communicate” with your car, which means plugging it in, charging it and using Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze to get to your destination: much better than the old satellite navigators found on many infotainment systems. A budget of around 500 euros is enough to get an absolutely brilliant system.

If you just want a Bluetooth connection to listen to Spotify or Podcasts, then the price goes down quite a bit. But, to take full advantage of Apple CarPlay, you need a touch screen, and that means spending more money.

As for the installation, such a car stereo can be mounted quite easily if you are a little familiar with cars, the right tools and a lot of patience. You can check out the many video tutorials on YouTube if you’re in the mood for a little DIY or you can just visit an experienced auto electrician.

It usually takes at most a couple of hours to set up, and the cost is around 50 euros, but it can vary depending on how complicated the assembly process is.

The best car stereos with Apple CarPlay

1. PIONEER SPH-EVO62DAB-UNI

The car stereo with the best functions for the smallest spaces

Integrated satellite navigator:  No | Screen size: 6.8 inches | Bluetooth:  Yes | Radio DAB:  Yes | Single / Double DIN: Single

Pros: Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; compatible with single-DIN cars; bright and responsive screen.
Cons: the “floating” design is a bit bizarre; startup time is slow.

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The intelligent modular structure of this ultra-modern stereo system allows you to obtain all the advantages of a large touchscreen display, but can also be adapted to the smallest spaces from a single DIN. Particularly suited to older cars, this Pioneer boasts of having pretty much everything you could want from an infotainment system.

The 6.8-inch screen is fast and responsive to the touch, and the feature list is truly impressive: DAB + digital radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and entertainment features such as Spotify, Bluetooth streaming, WebLink, FLAC file playback and much more.

In addition, it works well with reversing cameras and easily connects to the voice command function, allowing you to make and receive calls without using your hands and make the most of the voice assistant to control most of the features by voice.

Those who have the space for a larger car stereo might find it a bit ugly to see the way the device “sticks out” on the dashboard, especially if you’re a bit obsessed with aesthetics, but otherwise it’s a kit. truly exceptional for its price and offers many modern features even for older vehicles.

2. JVC KW-M565DBT

The one with the most elegant style

Integrated satellite navigator:  No | Screen size:  17.2 cm | Bluetooth:  Yes | Radio DAB:  Yes | Single / Double DIN: Double

Pros: the touchscreen responds quickly to commands; excellent functionality; “clean” design.
Cons: the lack of physical buttons could be annoying; no mirroring for android.

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This JVC model’s clean and simple 6.8-inch touchscreen looks great in any car it’s installed and packs all the features you’d expect from an updated infotainment system. Apple CarPlay opens access to a series of applications on your favorite smartphone, while DAB + and Bluetooth compatibility allow you to continue enjoying the functions even when the phone is not physically connected.

The fact of being able to pair two phones and the recognition of voice commands are two extra goodies; moreover, the lack of physical keys makes this system really elegant. However, keep in mind that you will need quite a generous dashboard space to be able to mount this system.

3. SONY XAV-AX3005DB

Best on the list for screen quality.

Integrated satellite navigator:  No | Screen size: 7 inches | Bluetooth:  Yes | Radio DAB:  Yes | Single / Double DIN: Double

Pros: sharp screen; a lot of features; economic.
Cons: it does not have wireless CarPlay; to the eye, it is a bit poor.

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At just seven inches, this Sony drive offers great value for money. Sure, it’s not the prettiest unit around, but it has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB + radio, and super-powered amplification with 4 x 55W Dynamic Reality Amp 2 for clear, detailed sound.

It is also very fast and boasts one of the fastest wake-up times from standby on this list, although you will need to opt for the additional DAB antenna in case you want to make the most of this feature, which is a little ” economic “in our opinion.

Also, it is not possible to use Apple CarPlay without physically connecting the phone with the cable. It’s not a big deal, but it’s a trifle that some of the other car stereos on this list quietly do using Bluetooth.

4. Alpine iLX-F309

The stereo with the largest screen on this list

Integrated satellite navigator:  No | Screen size: 9 inches | Bluetooth:  Yes | Radio DAB:  Yes | Single / Double DIN: Single

Pros: it has a 9 ″ VGA touchscreen and a graphic interface; works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; has an HDMI input; the reversing camera is also equipped with it for displaying parking distance indications.
Cons: Does not include CD player.

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Alpine produced the VGA multimedia receiver using a touchscreen, as well as integrating the AM, FM and HD Radio tuner. The Radio HD tuner is integrated and gives you information about album titles, radio stations and songs.

It can also integrate with maps, applications, music, Siri and calls. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and also offers additional wireless capabilities.

It is easy to mount in the dashboard thanks to its standard single DIN design. With this Carplay stereo, you can connect your smartphones or tablets and have them immediately ready for playback of video, audio and SiriusXM Satellite radio. It also provides iDataLink connectivity, which gives you vehicle and parking information, if your car is compatible with this feature.

The rearview camera is used to display information about parking distances. The Bass SQ Engine function offers the ability to adjust the bass independently of the soundtrack or settings. You can also customize shortcuts for ease of use by adding them to your favourite functions.

To access some additional functions, you need to purchase a control module from Alpine that is compatible with the device. You can also enjoy audio streaming and hands-free calls, without the need to use your hands thanks to the built-in Bluetooth. The Multi-Camera Switcher offers a universal camera input, for displaying information about parking guidelines.

5. Pioneer SPH-10BT

The best for “smartphone addicts”

Integrated satellite navigator:  No | Screen size:  Its holder can hold a smartphone/tablet up to 7 inches | Bluetooth: Yes | Radio DAB:  Yes | Single / Double DIN: Single

Pros: built-in smartphone holder; charging the device; economic.
Cons: not a real Apple CarPlay; tends to distract.

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Who needs a big touchscreen when, in the end, all you need to do is connect your smartphone to the car? Said it is easy, but we all know that playing with your mobile phone in the car is dangerous (as well as illegal), which is why Pioneer offers four dedicated keys for accessing your favourite apps.

This one-touch access to your favourite apps (such as Waze, Google Maps, etc.) makes it safer to use, while voice commands are probably the best way to interact with it. It’s a particularly convenient and smart way to have Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calling, and the ability to top up your phone on a shoestring budget.

Sure, it can’t exactly compare to Apple CarPlay, but it’s still a very affordable and viable alternative at a lower price.