# APTV vs Car Auto Play

The clearest difference is review sentiment: APTV at 73% against Car Auto Play's 30%. APTV also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). Car Auto Play's advantage is ratings volume (13K vs 2.7K). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. APTV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Car Auto Play sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

APTV holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.7K and 13K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of APTV's written reviews are positive against 30% of Car Auto Play's.

APTV ships an update fortnightly, Car Auto Play every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | APTV | Car Auto Play |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aptv/id1630403500/reviews)** | [4.3 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/car-auto-play-connect-and-sync/id6740556805/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2.7K | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | **72.5% of reviews** | 30.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#54** | #78 |
| Size | 168 MB | 232 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Suzhou Xiying Guangnian Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1619964518) | [5SKay Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1297846437) |

## What reviewers say

### APTV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aptv/id1630403500)

**Currently charting:** #54 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This IPTV player supports multiple streaming protocols and offers advanced playback features like 4K HDR and picture-in-picture. It includes an electronic program guide, channel management, and cross-platform synchronization via iCloud.

**Highlights:** M3U playlist support, Electronic Program Guide (EPG), 4K/HDR/HLG playback, Picture-in-picture mode, iCloud data synchronization, Cross-platform compatibility

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| APTV Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


### Car Auto Play

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/car-auto-play-connect-and-sync/id6740556805)

**Currently charting:** #78 Top Grossing · Utilities, #112 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Transform your iPhone into a smart car dashboard or HUD, offering a safer and more connected driving experience. Access maps, music, and vehicle information with a distraction-free interface. Personalize your display with custom widgets and utilize features like a VIN scanner and maintenance tracker.

**Highlights:** Smart Wireless Dashboard, Customizable Car Widgets, Precision GPS Speedometer, Music with Live Lyrics, Advanced VIN Scanner, Seamless Car Management, Safe Driving Mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Yearly Sale Plan | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| One time payment | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and fast connection
- 👍 Best CarPlay app
- 👍 Reliable and quick setup
- 👍 Supports multiple devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔧 Not enough editable settings
- 🚫 Doesn't work with certain car models
- 💰 Requires a subscription
- 🚫 Dishonest about pricing

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional disconnections
- App has no real function

**Requested features**

- Allow changing fuel settings to Gallons and temperature to Fahrenheit
- Show app on truck screen, not just phone


## Frequently asked questions

### Is APTV free?

APTV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Car Auto Play free?

Car Auto Play is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, APTV or Car Auto Play?

APTV is rated higher. APTV averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Car Auto Play averages 4.3 from 13K ratings.

### Do APTV or Car Auto Play have ads?

Car Auto Play shows ads; APTV does not.

### Which is updated more often, APTV or Car Auto Play?

APTV ships an update fortnightly, and Car Auto Play every 3 weeks. Most recently, APTV was updated on November 7, 2026 and Car Auto Play on November 9, 2026.

### Which is more popular, APTV or Car Auto Play?

APTV currently peaks at #54 in the App Store charts, and Car Auto Play at #78. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*