Best Car iPod Adapters

When it comes to sound quality and convenience, not all iPod car adapters are created equal. Dedicated 3.5mm input jacks are increasingly common in automobiles these days, and provide clear & direct sound transmission. But for vehicles that don’t offer auxiliary inputs, users can also play an iPod through the FM radio tuner, or even through an iPod cassette adapter. Read on to learn about five of the best car iPod adapters on the market.

Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe Auxiliary Car Kit with Remote– iPod/ iPhone Car Adapter & Charger

The Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe Auxiliary Car Kit connects your iPod or iPhone to your vehicle sound system and keeps it charged, but the LiquidAUX also includes a wireless remote control. The dock cradle adjusts to secure your specific iPod model (even in its case), and an integrated 3.5mm plug connects to the vehicle’s auxiliary input. The most unique feature of the LiquidAUX Deluxe is 2.4GHz wireless remote can be attached to your steering wheel, and features play/pause and track selection controls.

You can find the Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe Auxiliary Car Kit at Amazon for $50.96.

Belkin TuneBase Direct with Handsfree – iPod/ iPhone Car Adapter & Charger

The Belkin TuneBase Direct connects your iPod or iPhone to your car’s auxiliary input with an included 3.5mm plug. The gooseneck arm can be positioned wherever you need it, and the universal cradle adjusts to fit virtually any model of iPod or iPhone. The Belkin features a one-touch button to answer incoming calls when used with an iPhone, and automatically silences your music. As a bonus, the TuneBase Direct charges your iPod while you listen, and a USB port lets you charge another device at the same time.

The Belkin TuneBase Direct with Handsfree is available from Amazon for $67.59.

Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan – iPhone/ iPod Car Adapter & Charger

The Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan secures your iPod or iPhone with a flexible steel neck and interchangeable cradle adapters. The RoadTrip charges your iPod or iPhone, while playing your music through your vehicle’s FM radio. Although all FM transmitters can sometimes be subject to radio interference, the SmartScan feature makes life a little easier by automatically scanning for the three clearest frequencies, and programming them to the preset buttons on the face of the unit.

The Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan for iPhone and iPod is available directly from Griffin for $99.99.

Griffin AutoPilot Track Control iPod Car Adapter & Charger

For vehicles equipped with auxiliary jacks, the Griffin AutoPilot Track Control is simple and convenient way to charge your iPod and manage your music. Your iPod connects to the charger via a dock connector cord, and the included 3.5mm plug feeds your music into the auxiliary input. Illuminated buttons on the face of the unit control play/pause and track selection, so your iPod can be stored out of the way.

You can find the Griffin AutoPilot Track Control iPod Car Adapter & Charger for $33.72 at Amazon.

Honorable Mention: Belkin TuneDeck for iPod Nano – Cassette Adapter & Dock

If you have an older vehicle with no auxiliary input, a cassette player can still give you a direct connection for your iPod. The Belkin TuneDeck pops into the cassette deck, and your iPod sits in the attached dock tray. No cables, no searching for available FM stations, no hassle. The TuneDeck receives an honorable mention since it is only compatible with the first- or second-generation iPod Nano, but it’s a clever design to play your music and eliminate dashboard clutter.

The Belkin TuneDeck for iPod Nano is a bargain at Amazon – on sale for just $1.80!!!