Top 5 CarPlay Streaming Apps in 2025: Is Cartube Still the Best?

Top 5 CarPlay Streaming Apps in 2025: Is Cartube Still the Best?

Apple CarPlay is an excellent software integration system that enhances the in-car experience with your iPhone within a few seconds. You can use a variety of apps, but video streaming is not allowed by CarPlay by default. So, we are going to provide the top solutions for adding YouTube to CarPlay.

Cartube is one of the best software solutions for watching YouTube videos, and let's see whether it works with new iOS versions such as iOS 18.5.  Here are the top solutions for adding top CarPlay video streaming apps.

CarPlay Streaming Apps

  • YouTube
  • Netflix
  • Hulu
  • Disney+
  • Amazon Prime Video

Alternative Software Solutions

Alternative Hardware Solutions

  1. Carlinkit TBox
  2. Ottocast AI Box

Troubleshooting Tips

Now let's have a close look at these solutions to understand how CarPlay streaming apps and CarPlay adapters work with Apple CarPlay.

How do We choose these Video Streaming Apps?

Apple CarPlay apps come as default apps and non-default apps. CarPlay streaming apps don't support video playback by default. Because Apple has restricted video playing while driving, it may cause accidents. If you like jailbreaking, you can find a vast collection of apps to watch videos. If not, you should choose a CarPlay adapter. Choose the trusted apps from trusted sources for the safety of your iOS devices.

YouTube

YouTube is the most popular app around the world for watching videos. However, you cannot play YouTube directly because Apple has restricted access to streaming websites. However, you can play YouTube with different third-party apps on CarPlay.

Netflix

Netflix is for everyone who likes to watch trending movies. It has a wide collection of movies in different categories. So, you can choose whatever you like. That's why Netflix on CarPlay is popular among iPhone users. However, the problem is that Netflix also does not come as a default app, but Netflix CarPlay is not a big deal with some hardware solutions.

Hulu

Hulu is another app movie lovers use to find the best-trending films. It has a huge library with a big collection of films. In addition, you can enjoy TV series, classic series, and many more movies. Hulu on CarPlay is not supported by default, so adding Hulu can be done through Carlinkit AI Box-like software solutions.

Disney+

Disney+ is one of the famous streaming platforms that provide Disney movies and a huge movie collection. This app provides you with the best movie experience, not just Netflix. However, Apple has restricted Disney+ on CarPlay because streaming while driving is not safe. So, adding Disney+ to CarPlay needs to be with a hardware or software solution.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a top-rated streaming platform that consists of a huge movie collection. Not only movies, but also you can have extra services from this platform, such as TV Shows, and Amazon Music, and you can sell items on this platform too. But, you need to add Amazon Prime to Carply through any hardware solution.

Alternative Software Solutions

Here are the best solutions to add YouTube on CarPlay without jailbreaking your iPhone.

Can You Play videos with CarPlay using the Cartube app still?

Cartube is the best streaming app for Apple CarPlay, allowing you to browse videos anytime, anywhere in your car. However, it does not support new iOS versions, such as iOS 18.5. If you have any old iOS versions, you can download Cartube to add YouTube to your CarPlay.

Now let's identify the top-rated video CarPlay apps. Before that, let's see if Cartube still supports video streaming.

Advantages

  • You can access YouTube on CarPlay
  • HD quality videos
  • Jailbreaking is not required
  • Easy to install

Disadvantages

  • Software only supports YouTube
  • No support for new iOS versions, such as 18.5

WheelPal

WheelPal is another solution to add apps to CarPlay and Android Auto. You can add streaming apps, music apps, and many more applications through WheelPal to use your favorite mobile app collection on your iPhone. However, this app is mainly compatible with old iOS versions.

Advantages

  • You can add CarPlay apps
  • You can access video streaming apps that aren't supported by default.
  • Supports Android Auto and CarPlay
  • Affordable
  • Easy to install

Disadvantages

  • You need a jailbroken phone
  • It doesn't support new iOS 18 sub-versions up to iOS 18.5
  • You cannot add this app to new iPhone models

Cartube Vs WheelPal

Cartube WheelPal
You can watch YouTube only You can add CarPlay apps
Supports CarPlay only Supports both CarPlay and Android Auto
Supports old iOS versions only Supports Android and iOS older versions only
It doesn’t support new iPhones It doesn’t support new Android and iPhones
No combo for Cartube CarPlay Combo is available to install WheelPal for Android and iOS users

Alternative Hardware Solutions

Find the best hardware solutions for your CarPlay to enhance the in-car video streaming experience.

Carlinkit TBox

Carlinkit Tbox is a CarPlay adapter that enables access to a wide range of apps on CarPlay and Android Auto. It is designed with 4GB or 8GB of RAM.

Carlinkit TBox

Features

  • Compatible with new iOS 18.5 and below versions.
  • Compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 16e
  • Enable access to watch free movies on CarPlay
  • You can play YouTube on CarPlay
  • Budget-friendly
  • Wired and wireless adapters
  • Supports 4G Network
  • USB cable provided

Ottocast AI Box

Watch Netflix on CarPlay with the Ottocast AI Box. Ottocast AI Box customises some features on your CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, you can watch free YouTube movies and videos, and you can play your favourite playlist.

ottocast ai box
  • It supports both CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • It supports IOS 10 to IOS 18.5 versions
  • Multiple screens available
  • Affordable
  • Supports Android devices above Android 13
  • Can you add any CarPlay apps that are compatible with your car
  • It is compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 16e
  • You can stream Netflix on CarPlay, YouTube, and many more platforms

Ottocast Vs Carlinkit AI Box

Details Ottocast AI Box Carlinkit AI Box
Supported Versions iOS 10 - iOS 18.5/Android 11 to Android 15 iOS 10 - iOS 18.5/Android 11 to Android 15
Supporting Devices iPhone 6 to iPhone 16e/Android 11 to Android 15 iPhone 6 to iPhone 16e/Android 11 to Android 15
Supporting Apps Can add CarPlay apps and Android Auto Apps Can add CarPlay apps and Android Auto Apps
RAM 8GB 4GB / 8GB
ROM 128GB 64GB / 128GB
Display Touch screen Touch screen
Connection Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & USB Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & USB
Install Plug and Play Plug and Play
Weight 100g 64g

Software vs Hardware

Software Hardware
Easy to connect Can add a wide range of apps
Complex installation method Few apps can be downloaded
Supports New Android and iOS devices Supports new iOS and Android versions
Apps don't support new devices Apps don’t support new iOS and Android versions
You need to replace new product for upgrades Updates come within the app

Disclaimer: Adding third-party apps for any purpose may damage your devices and data. Before jailbreaking or rooting your devices to add unofficial apps, be aware of sensitive data. We are not responsible for any damage.

Safety Concerns and Legal Limitations

Risk: Unofficial app installation is highly risky

Safety Concerns: Apple has restricted the installation of third-party apps because they are unsafe.

Jailbreaking concerns: Jailbreaking iOS devices may damage your devices and data. That's the reason for restricting these new modifications for Apple devices.

Follow Apple's Official website for more information.

Troubleshooting Tips to watch Videos on CarPlay

Here are some troubleshooting tips for adding CarPlay video streaming apps

CarPlay is not working on iOS 18.5

Check your wired or wireless connection

  • Settings > Bluetooth >Turn on
  • For WiFi- Settings> WiFi> Turn on
  • Disconnect the USB and connect it again

Make sure your CarPlay is turned on

You might have disabled CarPlay. Recheck and turn on

Go to Settings > General> CarPlay> Turn on Allow CarPlay when locked

Make sure you are not in AirPlane mode

You might have turned on Airplane mode. Go to Settings and turn off Airplane mode.

You can restart

Restart your phone and connect again to CarPlay

FAQs

What are the apps available on CarPlay for YouTube CarPlay?

There are lots of apps available on CarPlay. You can also add your favorite apps to Apple CarPlay. With both software and hardware solutions

Can you play YouTube videos on the car Screen?

Yes, you can add YouTube to Apple CarPlay to find the trending YouTube videos in 2025.

How to play Netflix on Apple CarPlay?

Watch Youtube videos using Carlinkit Tbox, Carlinkit AI Box, or Ottocast AI Box. In addition, try out WheelPal iOS or Cartube for old iOS versions and devices.

How to play video on a Car screen from a USB cable?

You can use the Carlinkit Tbox. It has wireless and wired connections. With a USB provided by Carlinkit, TBox can be connected to CarPlay to play YouTube videos, watch free Netflix movies, and listen to songs on Spotify.

Noah Jayden

Noah Jayden

SEO Specialist and Tech Blogger

Writer and a researcher specializing in Android Auto, CarPlay, iOS solutions, and SEO strategies, with a strong passion for exploring the latest technology trends, fashion, and travel adventures.

📍 Location: US