If you drive a vehicle equipped with Apple CarPlay and carry an iPhone, you might think you’re already getting the most out of it with the staple apps like Spotify, Waze, or Apple Podcasts.
Beyond those familiar tools lies a treasure trove of free CarPlay-enabled apps that enhance your driving experience, from finding parking to managing EV charging and exploring podcasts, among other features.
Based on recent round-ups from the tech press, here are five free CarPlay apps you should try; you might just discover new ways to use your car’s screen.
From the beginning, Apple CarPlay has been redefining in-car convenience, and 2025 hasn’t put a stop to this trend. Instead, this year, CarPlay has combined smartphone functionality with intuitive dashboard access, allowing iPhone users to access key apps, such as navigation, music, and even food ordering apps, through voice commands and touchscreen controls.
While most drivers are familiar with Apple Maps and Spotify, there’s a world of free CarPlay apps that offer a range of features, from EV charging assistance to podcast management. These apps are designed to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, without incurring any additional costs.
If you’re an EV owner who’s looking for the best CarPlay apps for podcast, navigation or other reasons, below are the top suggestions to consider:
For podcast enthusiasts, Pocket Casts is one of the finest apps available on CarPlay, which offers an engaging and polished interface. The best part is that the app allows users to browse their favorite shows, episodes, and everything on the list from the car display.
This app is particularly great for podcast lovers seeking a refined alternative to Apple Podcasts. With features like skip intervals, variable playback speed, and offline downloads, Pocket Casts offers a balanced experience in design and functionality. The best part is that the app is free.
SpotHero makes payments for parking easier. The CarPlay-compatible app lets users search, reserve, and pay for parking across major cities. Once the parking spot is reserved, the direction will appear directly on the dashboard screen.
The CarPlay interface of SpotHero not only ensures safe and hands-free navigation while driving, but also eliminates the need for random guesses to find the exact location.
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If you have an Electric Vehicle, PlugShare is an essential CarPlay app. It helps users locate nearby EV charging stations and filter them by plug type or speed. Sometimes it can even read user reviews of that station. The best part? All these happen without touching the phone.
CarPlay offers a simplified interface that allows drivers to choose routes efficiently and track charging stations for emergencies. Therefore, if you drive an EV, PlugShare removes anxiety and enhances long-distance travel planning without any extra cost.
VLC brings offline media collection accessibility while driving. Generally, the app is renowned for its versatility, supporting formats such as MP3, FLAC, and WAV. Therefore, VLC is one of the finest apps for drivers who prefer offline playback. VLC Media Player is perfect for drivers who prefer offline playback.
Though the video playback option is unavailable through CarPlay, its ability to play high-quality audio from your library makes it one of the most liked streaming options. VLC is lightweight, free, and more interestingly, there are no subscriptions or ads.
Need to boost your energy during a long drive? Dunkin got you covered. This CarPlay app offers quick orders during drives from nearby stores. All these are possible from the car’s dashboard. Sometimes, it offers rewards that can be redeemed even without reaching the phone.
The flawless mix of CarPlay and Dunkin’ showcases how convenience apps are evolving beyond entertainment and navigation. Therefore, for anyone who values time and efficiency during driving, Dunkin’ is an excellent choice.
Also Read: Apple is About to Simplify Photo Uploads from iPhone to Third-Party Apps
The best CarPlay app can’t be a single one that suits everyone. Instead, it would depend on one’s preference and what kind of vehicle they drive. If you enjoy podcasts, Pocket Casts will bring the finest experience possible.
For EV drivers, PlugShare is essential. SpotHero is for those who want to go shopping or to any crowded place where parking takes time and effort. Similarly, VLC is for offline media lovers.
Finally, all these apps are free, but the best one depends on how you want to shape your driving experience. These apps make driving more efficient, entertaining, and enjoyable.
1. Which is the best free Apple CarPlay app in 2025?
Ans: CarPlay offers multiple free apps for users to enhance their driving experience. However, Pocket Casts is one of the best among them with a seamless design, rich features, and smooth CarPlay performance.
2. Are Apple CarPlay apps completely free?
Ans: Not all apps are free, but some of them are. Although some apps are free to install, they often offer users optional subscription services later.
3. Can I use these CarPlay apps without an internet connection?
Ans: Yes, you can. Some apps, such as VLC and Pocket Casts, can be accessed without an internet connection. The offline feature makes them stand out from others.
4. Is Apple CarPlay available in all cars?
Ans: CarPlay is mostly supported by all modern car manufacturers. After 2017, almost all car models worldwide support CarPlay.
5. Do I need to install these apps before connecting CarPlay?
Ans: Yes, that's a must. One must ensure that the app is installed and has CarPlay permission enabled in their iPhone's settings to use the app while driving.