Need CarPlay?

If it seems like I’m obsessed with portable CarPlay screens, it's because, well, I am!

Last year, I spent ages cobbling together a DIY CarPlay screen for my old truck. I bought a cheap Amazon Fire tablet and plugged in a USB CarPlay adapter. To charge it, I had to duct tape a wireless Qi charger to the back.

It works fine, but it’s a bit fiddly, with a mass of wires and the wireless charger (which is always coming unglued).

It’d be OK if I could just leave it on my dash, but I live in San Francisco and park it on the street. If I left it in view, it’d be gone in a jiffy — and I’d have broken windows to deal with.

So now I’m looking at a new generation of portable CarPlay screens that are easy to plug and unplug and stash in a glovebox.

A couple of weeks ago we featured this 10-inch widescreen display for $126 (regularly $200), which surprisingly comes in another version that includes front and rear cameras for even less (it’s currently on sale for $113).

We also offered a 7-inch CarPlay display that’s got a square-ish screen that one reviewer said is good for its “clarity and size.”

Added to the collection is a new folding 6.8-inch wireless CarPlay screen for $96 (regularly $160) that looks good for San Francisco and other locales plagued by car break-ins.

I’ve been meaning to measure my truck all week to see which of these screens will fit it best, and when I do, I’ll be getting one. Look for a future review!

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Got a car that needs an Apple CarPlay screen? The easiest (and cheapest) way to add CarPlay (or Android Auto) to an older car is to add an aftermarket touchscreen display.

CarPlay puts Apple Maps, Apple Music, podcasts and much more right on your dashboard. This 6.8-inch folding touchscreen is your cheap ticket to the CarPlay party — it’s on sale for just $95.99 (regularly $159).

If you’ve never used CarPlay (or seen it in action), you might not know how useful it is. It puts vital information and entertainment at your fingertips. (You also can use Siri to get directions, play songs, make phone calls, etc.) It’s awesome, especially when you’re driving in areas you don’t know, and it’s definitely the future of in-car infotainment.

While many new cars come with CarPlay built-in, you don’t need to go without it if yours doesn’t. In fact, you don’t even need to deal with yanking out your old car stereo or cobbling together a DIY CarPlay setup.

An easy-to-install aftermarket touchscreen for almost any car

For less than $100, this folding CarPlay screen offers all the functionality you expect from a built-in display. However, it’s more versatile, since you get to decide where to place it. And it’s much easier to install. The sturdy ABS screen comes with adhesive backing if you prefer it on the dash, or a suction cup mount that secures it to the windshield. Either way, it folds up for protection when not in use.

You also get to decide how you want to use it once installed. As mentioned, it’s compatible with both CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can pair it with your existing smartphone and get safe access to your apps on the go. That includes GPS mapping, of course, but also messaging and entertainment through your favorite music or podcast providers. There’s even a TF card slot that you can use to play downloaded movies for the kids on the 1024×600 HD screen.

You can access all this functionality with a tap or two, or use your voice assistant to issue hands-free commands. It also offers rear-view camera support, and it works with almost any kind of vehicle or input. You can plug in through your aux port, connect to Bluetooth, or even use FM transmission. And the 7-32V DC power setup makes it compatible with most trucks and RVs.

Save on a folding touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Slam the brakes on driving without a CarPlay screen. Get this 6.8-inch foldable touchscreen car display on sale for just $95.99 (regularly $159).

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackCommerce, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.