# SideCar vs CarWidget

The clearest difference is rating: CarWidget at 3.5 against SideCar's 2.4. CarWidget also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 10 months) and review sentiment (25% vs 0%). SideCar's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CarWidget sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. SideCar asks for nothing beyond the download.

CarWidget holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of SideCar's written reviews are positive against 25% of CarWidget's.

SideCar ships an update every 10 months, CarWidget every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SideCar | CarWidget |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidecar/id6476240552/reviews) | **[3.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carwidget-car-widget-studio/id6757487560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **25.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Epilog Imaging Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1068615902) | [DEEPLY AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809787876) |

## What reviewers say

### SideCar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidecar/id6476240552)

This application allows users to set up and manage their SideCar device directly from their smartphone. It provides a streamlined interface for configuration and ongoing control of the device's features.

**Highlights:** Device setup, Device management, Smartphone control, Streamlined interface

**In-app purchases:** none


### CarWidget

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carwidget-car-widget-studio/id6757487560)

Design and customize car-themed widgets for your iPhone and CarPlay dashboard. Personalize your driving experience with automotive-inspired designs, essential information at a glance, and a safe, private interface.

**Highlights:** CarPlay Widgets, Custom Dashboard Designs, Weather & Time Widgets, Fully Customizable, Safe & Private

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CarPlay Widget Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| CarPlay Widget Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| CarPlay Widget Premium Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| CarPlay Widget Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SideCar free?

SideCar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CarWidget free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SideCar or CarWidget?

CarWidget is rated higher. SideCar averages 2.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while CarWidget averages 3.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do SideCar or CarWidget have ads?

CarWidget shows ads; SideCar does not.

### Which is updated more often, SideCar or CarWidget?

SideCar ships an update every 10 months, and CarWidget every 4 weeks. Most recently, SideCar was updated on September 13, 2026 and CarWidget on September 17, 2026.

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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.*