As a fellow CarPlay user, I know the struggle of having to plug in your phone every time you enter the car and the limited number of vehicles that support wireless CarPlay. It can be frustrating, right?
Well, I have some good news for you. I recently tried out the Intellidash Pro Wireless CarPlay, and it’s the ultimate solution for hassle-free in-car infotainment.
With in-car technology constantly evolving, it’s important to find the best aftermarket units that can meet our needs. The Intellidash Pro is one of the best options out there, designed to integrate both Android Auto and CarPlay in a format that’s safe and easy to use while driving.
Car and Driver has released the Intellidash Pro as a solution for older vehicles that lack the latest features, so I have had it installed in my 2016 VW Passat for the last couple of weeks, and I can vouch for its effectiveness.
Tip: One recommendation when using the Intellidash Pro is to use high-quality audio cables to get the best sound possible. Also, consider using an AUX cable for audio output instead of the FM transmitter, which can be unreliable when driving long distances.
In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Intellidash Pro, including its design, functionality, features, ease of use, pros and cons, and my personal experience with it. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea if this is the best product for your needs.
Design
To start, I have to say that this product is beautifully designed! It features a large 7-inch display with a matte finish that reduces glare, making it easier to use even in bright sunlight.
But that’s not all! The Intellidash Pro (link to Amazon) comes with a suction-cupped articulating arm mount, an adhesive glass disc, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a hook and loop cable tie, power adapters, and five adhesive cable clips.
The mount is adjustable so you can mount the display in several different positions. For example, you can either connect it to your windshield on the inside or affix the glass disc to your dashboard and mount the display there.
The 7-inch touchscreen is made using an IPS panel, which means you get fantastic color accuracy at different viewing angles.
However, I have to mention that the setup of the Intellidash Pro is not very different from the GPS units we mounted on our windshields ten or so years ago.
Also, some people may not like having too many cables on their dashboards, even with the cable maintenance clips that are included.
But, overall, the design of the Intellidash Pro is impressive, and it’s clear that Car and Driver put a lot of thought into making this product look great while being functional.
Functionality
This device is packed with a variety of features that can make your driving experience more enjoyable.
One of the standout features is the range of port offerings found down the left side of the unit. This includes a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input, an auxiliary audio output, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port for thumb drives.
However, it’s worth noting that the power unit that occupies the car’s power socket can be a downside, as it means you can’t use it for any other charging purposes.
The Intellidash Pro also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which means that even if you’re not using CarPlay, you can still route audio and calls through the unit. Additionally, the device supports Android Auto, so if that’s your preferred platform, you’re in luck.
When it comes to setup, the Intellidash Pro comes with all the cables you’ll need, including a 12V power adapter, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and an AUX cable.
The device also has internal speakers and microphones, although for optimal audio quality, I recommend using Bluetooth or the AUX cable to connect to your car’s audio.
The Intellidash Pro also features an FM transmitter, which can provide audio to your car, but unfortunately, it doesn’t offer the same high quality as other options.
If you’re an Android user, you’ll be pleased to know that the Intellidash Pro offers two ways to connect your device: via Bluetooth or using the USB-C to USB-C connection.
The latter option is especially useful as it allows for a more direct Android Auto experience and charging your phone at the same time.
One particularly nice touch is that the device brings up your YouTube Music playlist where it left off, so you can quickly get back to your tunes.
It also fires up WAZE by default when it starts up, making it easy to access navigation when you need it.
Ease of Use
I purchased this product to upgrade my car’s audio system and add wireless CarPlay capabilities to it, and the process was so easy that I couldn’t believe it.
The setup process was effortless, and all I needed was a single wire to connect it to the 12V socket.
Once I connected my iPhone to the Intellidash Pro via a USB-C to Lightning cable, it automatically discovered and requested to pair with the new display. After that, I could disconnect the cable and use it wirelessly.
When running wirelessly, it ran smoothly over Wi-Fi and displayed my battery status on the CarPlay interface.
It was great not to have wires hanging around while I used it. And the best part is that the experience was the same as running it wired, so there was no compromise in quality or performance.
The Intellidash Pro also worked flawlessly with my Android phone. It was so easy to connect via Bluetooth, and it automatically connected to my phone without any user interaction needed.
With Google Maps still my favorite navigation app, the Intellidash Pro removed all the distractions, making it an enjoyable and stress-free driving experience.
Features
As I already mentioned, the Intellidash Pro is super easy to use, and you don’t need to be a tech whiz to figure it out.
It doesn’t require any installation, and all you need to do is plug in a few wires. This means you won’t have to spend money on professional installation and can get up and running in no time.
Another cool feature is that it supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, which means it’s suitable for both Apple and Android users.
With wireless CarPlay, you can enjoy all the latest features that come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without the hassle of wires. Plus, the user interface is straightforward, making it easy to navigate, even if you’re not a tech-savvy person.
The Intellidash Pro also has a built-in FM transmitter, which means you can broadcast your favorite tunes to your car’s radio without needing an aux cable.
This means you’ll only have to deal with one wire – the power cable – making your dashboard look tidy.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a list of my personal pros and cons of the Intellidash Pro by Car and Driver
Pros
- It supports both CarPlay and Android Auto and doesn’t require any installation.
- It works well with Bluetooth and supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Cheaper than other in-dash units on the market.
- Has a large adjustable 7-inch display, multiple mounting options, cable ties, and clips included.
- Offers an auxiliary cable, FM transmitter, or built-in speaker options for audio output.
- It has a USB-C port to connect your phone.
- Easy to use with a user-friendly interface.
- It has a bounty of parts to get your kits in order.
Cons
- It does not have any internal memory to store settings, so you have to redo your settings every time you start your car.
- Built-in speakers sound awful, and the mics may not be as good as your vehicle’s.
- FM transmitter may not work very well when driving long distances.
- It has many cables, which may be a concern for people who don’t like having too many wires on their dash.
- It is a bit costly when compared to the basic aftermarket head units. For that price point, you could get a double din car stereo.
Personal Experience with Tips
As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, accessing my favorite apps and features is crucial for a smooth driving experience.
So, when I heard about the Car and Driver Intellidash Pro, I knew right away I wanted to give it a try.
The installation process was a bit overwhelming at first. There were many cables and wires to sort through, so for a moment, I wasn’t entirely sure which one had to go where.
But once I got the hang of it, the process became more manageable.
That said, to make things easier, I recommend purchasing a set of 90-degree audio and USB-C cables. These cables will help to reduce the clutter of wires and make your dashboard look neater overall.
Once the Intellidash Pro was up and running, I was impressed by how seamless and intuitive it was.
The wireless CarPlay feature is a game-changer – I can now connect to my iPhone without taking it out of my pocket.
The Android Auto interface is equally user-friendly, and I was able to navigate to my favorite apps and features with ease.
One minor issue I have with the device is the lack of onboard memory.
Every time I start my car, I have to redo my settings, which can be frustrating at times. However, this is a relatively minor flaw that I can overlook, given the device’s many benefits.
In terms of performance, the Intellidash Pro has exceeded my expectations. It connects to my phone quickly, and I haven’t experienced any lag or delay while using it.
The FM transmitter works well, but I recommend using the AUX cable if your car has one to achieve the best sound quality.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase of the Intellidash Pro.
It has transformed my driving experience and made it much more enjoyable. I can now make calls, send texts, and use my favorite apps without taking my eyes off the road.
If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s media capabilities, I recommend giving the Intellidash Pro a try – just be sure to invest in some 90-degree cables to make the installation process smoother.
Conclusion
The Intellidash Pro is a wireless CarPlay solution that is easy to install and provides a hassle-free, cost-effective way to add CarPlay or Android Auto to almost any vehicle.
It features a sleek and modern design with an adjustable mount, which allows you to position the display in a way that suits your needs.
In addition, the device comes with all the necessary cables and clips to keep your setup neat.
While the Intellidash Pro has some downsides, such as the poor quality of the built-in speakers and the fickle FM transmitter, these are minor issues compared to the benefits of wireless CarPlay.
The device offers all the features of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it connects wirelessly to your phone, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time in their car.
Compared to other products that support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the Intellidash Pro offers the best value for money.
It’s cheaper than other in-dash units in the market today, and it’s great for those who want to add CarPlay or Android Auto to their older cars without having to invest in an expensive in-dash unit.
FAQ
What Is Intellidash Pro, and What Does It Do?
Intellidash Pro is an aftermarket device that enables wireless integration of CarPlay and Android Auto in your car’s infotainment system.
It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, a mount, and all the necessary cables to set up the device in your car.
In addition, it is designed to provide easy access to your favorite apps and features while driving, such as navigation, music, and messaging.
Is Intellidash Pro Easy to Install?
The Intellidash Pro is easy to install and does not require any specialized skills or tools.
It comes with a mount, adhesive-backed glass disc, and all the necessary cables to set up the device in your car. The wires have cable ties and clips to keep them organized and tidy.
What Are the Ports and Connectivity Options on the Intellidash Pro?
The Intellidash Pro has a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input, an auxiliary audio output, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port to be used exclusively with thumb drives.
It also has Bluetooth connectivity to connect your phone wirelessly to the device.
The product also has an FM transmitter that provides audio to your car, although it does not provide the highest sound quality.
Does the Intellidash Pro Support Both Carplay and Android Auto?
The Intellidash Pro supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, making it an excellent option for both Apple and Android users.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using the Intellidash Pro?
The pros of using the Intellidash Pro include the following:
- It has easy installation.
- Support for both CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Lower price than other in-dash units.
The cons include:
- The lack of onboard memory to store settings.
- The poor quality of the built-in speakers.
- The fickle FM transmitter.
Is the Intellidash Pro Worth the Investment?
The Intellidash Pro is a cost-effective solution for those looking to integrate CarPlay and Android Auto into their car’s infotainment system.
Its functionality, features, and ease of use make it a great option for both Apple and Android users.
Compared to other products that support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the Intellidash Pro offers the best value for money.
It’s also great for those who want to add CarPlay or Android Auto to their older cars without having to invest in an expensive in-dash unit.