5 Best Apple CarPlay Charger Cables for iPhone

Apple CarPlay is a pretty impressive technology that makes life on the road much more manageable.

You can complete many tasks while using CarPlay, such as playing music, using navigation maps, and calling and texting friends or family. You can do all this without needing to touch your phone.

But to make it happen, you need a reliable and high-quality charger. So which is the best apple carplay charger?

The best Apple CarPlay charger is the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided Lightning Cable. The best wireless CarPlay charger is the iOttie Velox Magnetic Wireless Charger. 

Best Apple CarPlay Chargers for your iPhone

Here is a summary table of the top pick I would use: 

The rest of this article will provide more information on various charging options to use in coordination with Apple CarPlay.

Whether you use wireless CarPlay or you prefer a USB connection, you’ll find a suitable charger for you here.

Best Overall USB-Connected Cable: Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided Lightning Cable

By far the most durable option, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided Lightning Cable (available on Amazon.com) is an MFi-certified charger that’ll allow you to charge your phone while using Apple CarPlay. This cable is one meter (3.3 feet) long, and the cord is made out of high-grade silicone, making it one of the more durable options on the market. 

In other words, you don’t have to worry about the cable getting damaged since the silicone material prevents it from getting tangled up in itself. 

The only possible disadvantage of the Belkin cable is its length.

For some, the size is convenient and practical, but for others, you may want a slightly shorter cord.

However, it does come with a clip you can use to fold and fasten the cord on your car’s dashboard, eliminating the stress of having an overly-long cable that gets in the way all the time.

Best USB-Connected Cable for Length (Short): Esbee Cables Apple MFi Certified USB to Lightning Charger Cord

If you’re looking for a USB-connected cable shorter than most charging cords, look no further than the Esbee Cables Apple MFi Certified USB to Lightning Charger Cord, also available on Amazon.com. This is an excellent option if you want your phone to charge in front of you with minimal fuss, and it can be easily plugged in without fiddling about with a long wire.

The Esbee cords are super flexible and strong enough to hold your phone. In addition, the cable is made of nylon, which makes charging much quicker.

Thankfully, this cable is compatible with iPhones 6-13, so even if you have a slightly older version of the iPhone, you can still use this with CarPlay. 

The length of these cables (that come in a compact pack of 3) is around 8 inches (20.3 cm) and comes in different colors to brighten your day as well as make your life more convenient.

The cable length is supper handy for Carplay carports which have a small cubby hole, such as the Corsa in the image below. 

Best for Andriod & Apple Phones: Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable, Lightning/Type C/Micro USB Cable

If you’re someone who has either two phones (iPhone & Andriod), maybe for work or family members with different devices, this is the perfect cable for you.

The Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable allows you to charge essentially any phone using lightning, Type C, and Micro USB ports, meaning you no longer need to switch cables in and out. 

This fast charger has an Apple MFi certification, as well as a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty which backs up its robust quality.

Lastly, while this guide is exclusively for Apple carplay, this cable will let you use Android Auto if it’s compatible with your car and phone.

Best Overall Wireless Car Charger Compatible With Wireless CarPlay: iOttie Velox Magnetic Wireless Charging Car Mount and Phone Holder

Suppose you’re looking for a wireless car charger that will allow you to use CarPlay Wirelessly. In that case, your best bet is the iOttie Velox Magnetic Wireless Charging Car Mount and Phone Holder (available from Amazon.com). 

Probably the most popular of wireless car chargers, iOttie is super elegant and doesn’t take up much room in the car. All you need to do is attach it to your dashboard and place your phone on the magnetic display board.

You can also easily use this charger while using CarPlay, as long as you have a Bluetooth connection and your data is switched on. 

You can get two types of iOttie charger:

• Wireless charging vent mount
• Wireless charging dash mount

The main difference between the two is that the former clips onto your dashboard, and the latter sits directly on top of your dashboard. Depending on your preferences, you can choose either since both types will work with Apple CarPlay.

Bear in mind that if your phone doesn’t support Magsafe, you won’t be able to use this wireless charger in your car. (Note: Magsafe does not connect to carplay in the same way a USB cable does)

Instead, you would have to use a non-mag safe charging mount or a MagSafe case sticker.

Do I Need a Charger for Apple CarPlay?

You do not need a charger for Apple CarPlay if using wireless CarPlay, but since it uses the data from your phone, it will eventually deplete your battery — something that may not be ideal if you are driving for a few hours at a time. It is always more efficient to use a charger for Apple CarPlay.

If you don’t like the idea of using a traditional USB connection while driving, you can always use a wireless charger. 

Can I Use Any Charger for Apple CarPlay?

You can use any charger for Apple CarPlay, as long as the charger has been MFi Certified by Apple. This means you should not use a decoy or imitation Apple charger since you could end up damaging your iPhone and preventing it from charging.

Remember that there are some very basic models of charger that aren’t meant for transferring data between your iPhone and Apple CarPlay. This means it won’t be compatible with the technology. Always double-check the compatibility of your charging cable before attempting to use it in your car.

Tips for Charging Your iPhone While Using Apple CarPlay

Here are a few tips to ensure you charge your phone correctly while using Apple CarPlay:

• Always use an Apple-Certified charger.
• Don’t use frayed or broken cables.
• Make sure you clean out your phone’s charging port.
• Keep liquids away from the cable.
• Pin the cable to your dashboard if it’s too long and gets in the way while driving.

Does Apple CarPlay Work With a Wireless Charger?

Apple CarPlay does work with wireless charging. Sometimes, it may even be more convenient to use wireless connectivity rather than a regular USB connection, since long cables can sometimes get in the way. 

From the moment they introduced CarPlay, Apple made it compatible with wireless connections. This is often the most popular way to use Apple CarPlay.

How To Set Up Wireless CarPlay

Setting up wireless carplay will depend drastically on your car / stereo model.

Some may come with this pre-installed, while others may require an Apple CarPlay wireless dongle.

See my definitive guide to wireless CarPlay for more information.

FAQs

Does CarPlay Drain iPhone Battery?

CarPlay does drain the iPhone battery, but if you have it plugged in (or wirelessly connected), this should not be too much of a problem. However, if you are using a non-certified cable, it may prevent your phone from charging.

Why Won’t Apple CarPlay Charge My Phone?

Apple CarPlay will likely not charge your phone due to the cable you are using. If the cord is certified and brand new, you can try cleaning out your iPhone’s charging port to fix the problem. Dirt can sometimes get stuck in the charging port, or there may not be enough voltage in your car.

So, make sure you clean your cable regularly. Otherwise, ensure your car provides your phone with enough voltage to charge the battery.

Is It Bad To Charge Your Phone in the Car?

It is not usually bad to charge your phone in the car, but the battery in an older car might be affected by consistent charging. Additionally, the voltage in your vehicle may not be enough to provide your phone with sufficient charge, which could ultimately damage your iPhone.

Some have said that you shouldn’t charge your phone in the car, but if you’re driving for long periods, this is sometimes the only option. As long as you use the correct cable, you should be fine. 

Does CarPlay Use a Lot of Data?

CarPlay uses the data you have on your iPhone. It does not use up any more data than you usually would if you were using your iPhone. The connection itself does not need 3G, but some apps may need it, which will use some data.

Many apps (such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music) will need an internet connection to work on Apple CarPlay. Additionally, Siri will need an internet connection. 

See the article I wrote about CarPlay Data usage for more information

Is Wireless or USB Better for CarPlay?

Wireless is usually better for CarPlay, especially if you often exit your vehicle. You also do not need to remove your phone from your bag to use CarPlay wirelessly. However, both a wireless connection and a traditional USB cable will allow you to use the essential functions of CarPlay. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you should use a wireless or wired connection for CarPlay.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a decent charger with USB connectivity that will last, go with the Belkin BoostCharge Pro.

However, if you’re looking for wireless connectivity, iOttie is the most convenient and elegant option. Whichever you choose, make sure you replace your charger if you notice any fraying or damage.