Every time I get behind the wheel, these are the apps that genuinely earn a place on my Apple CarPlay screen.
When you search for the best Apple CarPlay apps, you’ll usually find the same recommendations repeated over and over again: Spotify, WhatsApp, Google Maps and not much else.
The reality is quite different.
As someone who drives every day, owns an electric vehicle and runs Tech Torque Media, my CarPlay setup has evolved into something that’s designed around solving real problems. Whether it’s planning an EV charging stop, paying for parking, navigating motorway roadworks or even brainstorming article ideas on the move, these are the apps I actually use every week.
Rather than simply listing the most popular downloads, here’s a look at the ten apps that have genuinely earned a permanent place on my dashboard.
My CarPlay Philosophy
One thing I’ve learned after months of using Apple CarPlay—and while comparing the best CarPlay navigation apps—is that there isn’t one perfect app for every journey.
Instead, each app has its own strengths.
I don’t use Google Maps for everything.
I don’t rely on Apple Maps for every journey.
And I certainly don’t expect Waze to be the answer every time.
Instead, I choose the right tool for the job.
1. Apple Maps
My everyday companion
If I’m heading to school, work, the supermarket or anywhere familiar, Apple Maps is normally my first choice.
Its biggest strength isn’t necessarily the routing—it’s the experience.
The interface feels like it belongs in the car.
Directions such as “Turn left at the next traffic lights” are far easier to follow than traditional distance-based instructions, while the clean dashboard layout avoids cluttering the screen with unnecessary information.
For everyday driving, I simply enjoy using it.
Best for
- Daily driving
- Clean dashboard layout
- Siri voice guidance
- Apple ecosystem users
2. Google Maps
The explorer
Whenever I’m travelling somewhere unfamiliar, Google Maps takes over.
Whether I’m searching for an independent café, a hotel, a rapid EV charger or an obscure business tucked away on an industrial estate, Google’s search capabilities remain unmatched.
Offline maps are another huge advantage.
If I’m travelling into areas with patchy mobile coverage, knowing my route is already downloaded provides valuable peace of mind.
Best for
- Road trips
- Finding businesses
- EV charging searches
- Offline navigation
3. Waze
The motorway specialist
As soon as I join a motorway, Waze usually replaces everything else.
Its community-driven reporting system remains one of the biggest reasons people continue to use it.
Hazards.
Broken-down vehicles.
Objects in the road.
Temporary lane closures.
Police reports.
Speed camera alerts.
Because millions of drivers contribute information, Waze often knows about problems before other navigation apps.
It’s become my tactical co-driver whenever I’m covering long motorway distances.
Best for
- Motorway driving
- Traffic avoidance
- Hazard alerts
- Speed camera warnings
4. TomTom GO
The average speed camera expert
TomTom has been building navigation software for decades, and that experience still shows.
What impresses me most is how it handles average speed camera zones.
Instead of simply warning you they’ve started, TomTom continuously displays your average speed throughout the enforcement section, making it incredibly easy to stay within the limit.
Its lane guidance is also among the clearest available on CarPlay.
For long-distance driving, it’s still an excellent choice.
Best for
- Average speed camera zones
- Long motorway journeys
- Offline navigation
- Professional drivers
5. Octopus Electroverse
The EV charging companion
Owning an electric vehicle means thinking differently, particularly when planning journeys around our wider EV charging and ownership guidance.
Charging becomes part of the journey.
Electroverse has become one of my most-used CarPlay apps because it allows me to quickly locate compatible charging stations without reaching for my phone.
Before arriving, I can see:
- Charging speeds
- Live availability
- Network operator
- Pricing
That makes longer journeys far less stressful.
6. e-Routes
The intelligent EV co-pilot
This app feels like having another navigation system working alongside the car.
Instead of simply plotting a route, e-Routes uses vehicle information, battery charge and energy consumption to help calculate realistic charging stops.
For longer trips, it’s incredibly reassuring.
Rather than guessing whether you’ll reach the next charger, it continually updates your journey as conditions change.
For EV drivers, that’s genuinely useful.
7. what3words
When a postcode isn’t enough
Traditional sat-navs aren’t perfect.
Sometimes you’re trying to reach:
- A field entrance
- A festival parking area
- A specific charging bay
- A countryside gate
- A meeting point
That’s where what3words comes into its own.
Every three-metre square on Earth has its own unique three-word address.
Instead of driving around looking for an entrance, you simply enter three words and navigate directly there.
It’s one of those apps you don’t use every day—but when you need it, nothing else does the job as well.
8. RingGo
Parking made simple
Finding parking is only half the battle.
Paying for it can be just as frustrating.
RingGo removes much of that hassle by helping locate participating car parks and allowing parking sessions to be managed digitally.
Need another hour because lunch overran?
No problem.
Instead of running back to the car, you can often extend your session without leaving your table.
For city driving, it’s become an essential app.
9. ChatGPT
The mobile brainstorming partner
This might surprise some readers.
One of the newest additions to my CarPlay setup is ChatGPT.
As someone who runs Tech Torque Media, inspiration doesn’t always arrive when I’m sitting behind a desk.
Sometimes the best ideas appear while driving.
Using voice conversations, I can safely explore article ideas, organise thoughts or plan future content without needing to stop and start typing on my phone.
It turns travel time into productive thinking time while allowing me to keep my attention on the road.
10. Apple Podcasts, BBC Sounds and Audible
Long-distance company
Motorway journeys become much more enjoyable when you’re learning something new.
Depending on the day, I’ll switch between:
- Apple Podcasts
- BBC Sounds
- Audible
Whether it’s motorsport analysis, technology news or an audiobook, Apple CarPlay makes it easy to continue listening without distraction.
The integration with steering wheel controls and voice commands means I rarely need to touch the screen.
My CarPlay Home Screen Strategy
One mistake many drivers make is leaving Apple CarPlay exactly as it arrives.
Spend five minutes organising it.
I keep my navigation, EV charging and parking apps on the first few pages because they’re the ones I use most often.
The fewer taps required while parked before setting off, the better.
Small changes like that make CarPlay feel far more intuitive.
My Two-App Routine
One trick many experienced drivers use is running two navigation apps together.
For me, that often means:
- Apple Maps provides the main route with its clean interface and excellent lane guidance.
- Waze runs in the background, providing spoken hazard and speed camera alerts.
It’s a combination that gives me the best of both worlds without cluttering the screen.
Tech Torque Media Verdict
After countless journeys, I’ve realised there isn’t one “perfect” Apple CarPlay app.
Instead, each one solves a different problem.
Apple Maps is my everyday favourite thanks to its clean interface and seamless integration. Google Maps is still unbeatable for discovering unfamiliar places and planning longer journeys. Waze remains my go-to choice for motorway driving, while TomTom GO shines in average speed camera zones. As an EV owner, Octopus Electroverse and e-Routes have become indispensable, while RingGo, what3words and ChatGPT round out a setup that genuinely makes every drive easier.
The best CarPlay experience isn’t about downloading every compatible app—it’s about building a dashboard that suits the way you drive.
For me, these ten apps have earned their place every single week.
