In this video, I bring you my Top 5 Best Apple CarPlay AI Box adapters that you can buy in 2025. Links to buy each dongle mentioned, and view each of their review videos and articles are also all linked below:
I have reviewed quite a few Carplay AI Box adapters on this site and on my YouTube channel, and a common question I always get asked is, what is the best AI Box? I last answered this question at the beginning of 2023 and you can also watch it here, but since then, I have not only reviewed many new AI Boxes, but I’ve seen some AI Boxes evolve and there have also been some new brands disturbing the market with their own AI Box solutions, so this topic now requires a long overdue revisit.
What is a CarPlay AI Box?
CarPlay AI Boxes are small standalone computers that run an Android operating system on your CarPlay display. You connect the AI Box to the CarPlay USB port in your car, and the AI Box will take over your CarPlay interface and replace it with an Android tablet operating system.
From here you can install any app available from the Google Play Store, including streaming video apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Hulu, to playing games like Candy Crush to Call of Duty Mobile on your CarPlay display. These adapters also allow the ability to turn your wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto system into a wireless one, stream local media files and output its content through to a connected HDMI display. So in short, they are smart little devices that open new opportunities for your Apple CarPlay system, and they are perfect if you find yourself in the car for long periods, or while you’re waiting for your EV to charge.
How Have AI Boxes Evolved?
Since my last Top 5 CarPlay AI box roundup, we have seen newer faster processors become introduced, an increase in base RAM and storage, the adoption of Android 13 OS, and we’ve seen a variety of new brands arrive that have encouraged more established brands to improve their solutions. One AI Box even came with a full-colour display!
In this new round-up of my Top 5 CarPlay AI Boxes, I have gathered the previous top 5 along with all the AI boxes I’ve reviewed since my last round-up.
To be considered for my top 5, each AI box needed to follow some key must-have features: First, they needed to be available and supported by their brand. They had to run Android 13, have at least 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, feature a SIM card slot for built-in internet or offer WiFi hotspots, and feature expandable storage from a USB port or a TF card slot. Out of 24 AI boxes, 11 passed my first criteria and sadly neither of the previous winners made it through.
After making sure they were each running their latest update, I started to rank each adapter by its key components, such as their processing chipset, WiFi spec, and the quality of their default launcher, and I ran benchmark results in the latest 3D Mark and Geekbench 6.
I then began to test their bootup times, their time to launch into four of my key apps (Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube and Netflix), their performance in YouTube playback, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and their quality and calling audio delay within them. I also looked at their additional functionality and features, such as HDMI input and output support, mirror casting, additional storage options and LED functions. Each additional function gave extra points. Then finally, I factored in their current price, which included current discounts at the time of recording.
How they tested
Across the 11 finalists, I found their launchers were quite similar, with a select few going the extra mile to create something truly unique. They had a Wi-Fi spec that spanned three generations, and four types of processing hardware were used, from 6125, 660, 6225 and the fastest 6490. Each adapter provided varying performance levels in app launch timings, multitasking between apps, general interface smoothness, video playback on YouTube and performance in wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The fastest adapter didn’t necessarily mean it was the best in all my test categories.
Boot-up times to each adapter’s launch screen varied between 22 seconds to 41 seconds, whilst pairing into wireless CarPlay and Android Auto was slightly more consistent, with a couple performing much worse. App launch times between these adapters were all within 1-2 seconds of each other with higher processor adapters holding their ground. Still, there were some better-optimised adapters with much slower processing power that weren’t that too far behind.
Half of the adapters in my Top 5 offered the ability for HDMI out, whilst only one allowed HDMI input. I also tested video sync in detail, noting an average time between the audio delay and compared this alongside its consistency in keeping this delay per frame, so that the video would seem smoother. The call return delay was also measured whilst running wireless Android Auto on each adapter, to give a general ‘best case’ impression of their bandwidth and wireless performance on the adapter.
The price of these adapters is also a key factor to consider. Why pay more when you just need it to run YouTube? So I gathered their latest prices at the time of running this comparison, along with coupons that were available to me. Most of these adapters cost between $180 to $240, with the most expensive at $360, but this price was for the fastest hardware.
The 11 AI Box adapter finalists that didn’t make it into my Top 5 were the CarlinKit Ambient (6125), Exploter ApplePie Plus 2.0 (6125), Exploter ApplePie Touch (6125), CarlinKit UHD (6225), Linkifun GT7H (6225), and a close runner-up was the CarlinKit UHD (660).
The Final 5 AI Boxes
After carrying out all of these tests I had my top 5 finalists. Each of these AI Boxes is worth considering, but to this day, no AI Box is perfect. A compromise will need to be made, so I will highlight what each AI Box does best and the features or issues I encountered that you should be aware of, so you can select the best AI Box for your own personal use.
So let’s dive into my Top 5 CarPlay AI Boxes…CarPlay AI Boxes have evolved significantly since my last roundup, with faster processors, more RAM, and better features. After testing 24 AI Boxes on speed, performance, and functionality, only 11 met my criteria, and five stood out as the best. This in-depth review highlights their strengths, weaknesses, and how they compare, helping you choose the right AI Box for your needs.
5th Place: MMB Max 5.0 CarPlay AI Box Adapter
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So in 5th place is the MMB Max 5.0 CarPlay AI Box Adapter. This 6225 AI Box adapter performed well in my GPU benchmark test and averaged in single-core and multi-core benchmarks. It scored the slowest of the Top 5 in most of my app launch times and has an average performance in wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
It has an average audio sync delay on YouTube that was smooth and stable, and its call delay in wireless Android Auto was in the middle of the top 5 finalists. The MMB Max 5.0 was a close last place, barely knocking out the runner-up CarlinKit UHD 660. Its launcher menu is decent, and it is one of the five finalists with no HDMI output, but you could opt for the MMB Max 4.0 if you wanted this functionality, but be aware, the MMB Max 4.0 is a 6125 CPU adapter, so the performance is slightly less than the 5.0, so, in that case, you may be better off with the 3rd place adapter from Linifun, below.
One area to also be aware of is that I found connecting to wireless CarPlay and Android Auto can be a little hit-and-miss, and due to a basic layout in its launcher, I was changing between screens often to adjust certain functionalities. Its price is higher than its closest and better-performing rivals in this Top 5, limiting its position in my Top 5.
4th Place: Exploter ApplePie AI-996 E CarPlay AI Box Adapter
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In 4th place is the Exploter Applepie AI-996 E. This 6225 AI box is the lowest-priced AI Box in my Top 5, yet it can pull its weight thanks to its performance. It was the second fastest to boot into its launcher and has a quicker-than-average app launch time.
However, even with a 6225 chipset, there were a few issues with this adapter that limited its overall appeal. Its video performance in the YouTube app was better than the fifth place MMB 5.0, with a lower average time that was more consistent in its delivery. Unfortunately, I encountered wireless CarPlay and Android Auto visuals and general performance issues.
Along with its rather basic launcher, the AI-996 E also gave some odd visual results on my Cupra Born display, displaying CarPlay and Android Auto in a reduced windowed view, whilst its launcher and buttons were stretched out and out of shape. It was one of two adapters in my Top 5 to carry a higher DPI setting, meaning you do get better-formatted Android apps displayed on screen, but at the sacrifice of much smaller buttons, that leave you open to many miss hits along with smaller text that isn’t ideal to navigate whilst driving.
3rd Place: Linkifun GT6 Pro CarPlay AI Box Adapter
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In the middle at 3rd place is the Linkifun GT6 Pro AI Box. This 6125 chipset AI Box was a surprise hit, knocking out its more capable brother, the GT7H, which currently features the poor video lag bug that plagues some 6225 adapters.
Thanks to some clever optimisation in its performance and its launcher, the GT6 Pro offers one of the best stock launchers in my Top 5. Its foundations have also been carefully optimised by its engineers which made its app launch times a close second to the fastest AI box in my test. It has an average boot-up time of 35 seconds, a quick pairing time into wireless CarPlay and an average time into wireless Android Auto.
Thanks to its optimisations, its performance in call return delay was the best out of this Top 5 in Android Auto, however, its video playback came out the worst, a similar trait found on some 6225 AI Boxes, which included the GT7H. So although it may not make up for its video playback, it does pack many additional extras. It features both HDMI IN and OUT ports, making it a very versatile adapter for use outside the car (however, I found the adapter must be plugged into a CarPlay system for the HDMI to work. It didn’t work when directly connecting to the TV or monitor), and a best-in-class launcher that should worry most other brands.
2nd Place: BRUXE R6 CarPlay AI Box Adapter
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In second place is the BRUXE R6 AI Box. This recently reviewed 6225 AI box has come out of nowhere and sits proudly as one of the best AI Boxes for video playback in my Top 5. It had one of the lowest and most consistent audio delays in my YouTube tests and the second lowest in its call delay over Android Auto.
Its premium tempered glass and airplane-grade metal materials allow for better cooling, and it looks the part doing it too. Its launcher came in second place to the Linkifun GT6 Pro, and it is the only adapter in my Top 5 to offer mirroring support from a connected mobile device. Thanks to similar optimisations, the BRUXE R6 averages higher in its overall benchmarks and this shows especially in its video playback performance.
It averaged in my app launch time tests, but it was the quickest pairing into CarPlay and Android Auto in my Top 5. Call delay was average also and I found it struggled a little in finding my distant home Wi-Fi connection at times. Mirroring was a unique feature for the R6 amongst my other four finalists, but its performance wasn’t too great on the iPhone, and it wasn’t working at all on Android. Generally found the R6 is a few updates away from being truly a great AI Box for your money. I just hope BRUXE are rapid with its update releases before someone else can take its crown.
1st Place: Exploter ApplePie Rocket CarPlay AI Box Adapter
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In first place and winning my Top 5 AI Box Adapter list is the Exploter ApplePie Rocket. This AI Box features the fastest 6490 chipset, which means it had picked up many points for its general speed at booting up, launching all of my four test apps, and leaving all the other AI Boxes for dust in both my GPU and CPU benchmark tests. But as I said earlier, no AI Box is perfect, and the Rocket has some issues you must be aware of.
Just like the brand’s AI-996 E adapter, it has the same issues with its launcher, with the same tablet-focused higher DPI, a stretched-out interface and windowed CarPlay and Android Auto experience. Even with a sixth-generation WiFi spec, the Rocket was the slowest in both Apple and Google platforms and had the longest call delay in Android Auto.
Its video performance wasn’t the best either. Although it gave the quickest latency score in my tests, it also had one of the most widely inconstant frames, so the video would appear less smooth with random frame drops here and there.
So with so many issues, why is the Rocket in first place?
This test was done on a point system and the Rocket truly won this test on pure brawn alone. Its powerful CPU soaked up many of its flaws and if you’re looking for an AI box that can tackle any app or game you throw at it, then the Rocket will certainly deliver. If you are considering this adapter, I recommend changing its launcher to improve its general usability. However, suppose you’re looking for video playback, a better launcher and experience in Apple Carplay and Android auto, then the previous AI boxes I’ve mentioned in this list will deliver better results and at a more attractive price that’s much cheaper than the Rocket’s hefty price tag.
My Recommended AI Boxes
So there you have it. These are my top 5 AI boxes in 2025. We are only at the beginning of the year with plenty of exciting AI Boxes to be released over the coming months. So if you like my content, please consider subscribing or following my content to learn about each new AI Box I can get my hands on and how they stack up against my current Top 5.
Although this Top 5 list was points-based, I have two main recommendations for AI Boxes in 2025. The first is the Linkifun GT6 Pro 8+128GB model, which offers tremendous value with many features including HDMI IN and OUT ports, USB and TF card storage, whilst the USB can also be used for peripherals. It has the best launcher out of all the AI Boxes I have tested so far, with lots of nice shortcuts and generally some time has been invested in its user experience over most other bigger branded AI Boxes out there.
But overall, among all the AI Boxes I’ve tested. My most recommended AI Box has to go to the BRUXE R6 AI Box Adapter.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Brief overview
0:22 – Testing Process
3:46 – Top 5 Finalists
4:09 – MMB Max 5.0
5:22 – Exploter ApplePie AI-966 E
6:35 – Linkifun GT6 Pro
7:44 – BRUXE R6
8:52 – Exploter ApplePie Rocket
9:57 – How did it win?
10:23 – Better options for you?
10:39 – Upcoming AI Boxes
10:58 – CarPlay Life Recommended AI Boxes
Tips When Buying An AI Box Adapter
Before you head off to buy any of the AI Boxes I have recommended, I wanted to share with you a few tips when searching for what AI Box is right for you.
Vehicle system compatibility
No car is built the same. So the adapter that may work for me, may not work in your car. First, your car system needs to have wired Apple CarPlay support. If it only has wired Android Auto then there are only a few AI Boxes that work on the Android Auto platform – check out the CarlinKit 660 for this functionality. If your car only has wireless CarPlay, then there are a few solutions for BMW vehicles, but other brands, like Audi and other brands, these adapters may not be as supportive.
SIM region support
If you plan on using the AI Box with a data SIM card, be careful when buying a region-specific AI Box. Some brands sell adapters that will only allow SIM cards to work in certain territories. Picking the right adapter for your region is crucial for SIM data cards to work correctly. If you don’t plan on using the SIM card for supplying internet, then you can buy from any available region.
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto support
If you plan on using the AI Box for Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, you might want to consider buying a dedicated wireless adapter instead. These adapters will offer much greater performance and speed over any AI Box. So ask yourself “Do I need video playback or gaming on my CarPlay display?”, before choosing an AI box over a wireless adapter.
Buy an AI Box that suits your needs
Finally, consider what you plan on doing with your AI Box and ask yourself if you need so much power to provide that experience. With so few CPU types built into these AI boxes, the field of selection is quite actually small. Brands try to make their solution look different, offering LEDs or extra input ports, but the computing power inside is fundamentally the same. So if you aren’t going to use HDMI connections, USB inputs or changing the colour of its LEDs then you could save a lot of money and buy a similar spec AI Box without these unnecessary features.
Safety when using an AI Box
Whichever AI Box you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of the five AI Boxes I have mentioned above. An AI Box can breathe new life into your car’s entertainment system, far beyond what is offered by the CarPlay or Android Auto platform and their supported apps alone. With video playback and gaming possibilities, you can entertain yourself and your fellow passengers whilst waiting for long periods in the car, or even whilst charging your electric vehicle.
Whatever you do though, do it safely and consider the safety of other drivers around you.
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