Let’s face it: Most of us spend way too much time in our cars. Between driving to and from work, carpools, road trips, etc., it seems like life occurs on the highway. When you spend long amounts of time out on the open road, it can be the simple things that make the journey better. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best car gadgets that are sure to make your driving experience more pleasurable as you navigate short trips, long trips, and daily life.
These car gadgets are the best of the best and were curated with one goal in mind, making your driving experience as aware, safe, protected, and generally great as it can be. From making sure that you are cozy and warm on the drive to creating a fun atmosphere on the go to keeping your coffee at that perfect temperature, our list of car gadgets addresses many problems you might face on the road.
No matter how hard you try to keep your car nice and clean, it seems like messes inevitably find their way onto the floors and seats. From that sand you trekked in on your latest beach trip to crumbs from your on-the-go snack, things have a way of getting into your car and making it dirty. The mess is unsightly and trips to a car detailer can be expensive, so what is the solution to this pesky problem? A car vacuum cleaner!
With the ThisWorx Car Vacuum, you can easily get rid of crumbs, sand, hair, etc. in a matter of minutes. It is designed to be compact, lightweight, and very easy to use. It is 2.4 pounds and has a HEPA filter. The suction on the vacuum is strong, with a 106w motor.
The ThisWorkx Car Vacuum has a protective lid that prevents garbage from falling out. It also comes with three attachments for detailing, a carry bag, a filter brush, and an extra filter. The cord is 16 feet long, making it easy to clean the front and back seats, as well as the trunk.
Now, there’s no need for the mess in your car to get on your nerves. Clean it up in mere minutes using the ThisWorx Car Vacuum.
- Handheld vacuum perfect for using in the car
- Lightweight, at only 2.4 pounds
- Comes with carry bag, 3 all-purpose nozzles, cleaning brush, and additional filter
- Type: Car Vacuum Cleaner
- Power Source: Battery
- What’s Included: Vacuum cleaner, protective lid, 3 attachments, carry bag, filter brush and spare filter
- Brand: ThisWorx
- Lightweight design makes it easy to use without getting tired
- Additional nozzle attachments make it adaptable to different cleaning needs
- Suction might not be strong enough to pick up large amounts of hair
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
The roads can be rough. Give yourself a second set of eyes on the road with a dashcam. The Rove R2 Dash Cam is a great addition to your car and can provide you with peace of mind when driving.
This dash camera records video up to a resolution of 2160 p. It provides great clarity and quality, allowing you a clear picture of events that occur on the road. It has super night vision technology that is designed to give you clear footage and images even in low-light conditions.
The Rove dash camera has a parking mode, motion detection, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, slow-mo video, and time-lapse video. These features make it so that you have a clear record of events in any situation on the road.
The camera is compatible with the Rove app, which gives you access to your dash camera recordings straight from your device. You are also able to share recordings on social media and with friends and family. In addition, there is a built-in GPS that records your driving location and speed. You are able to view your driving route and tracker on Google Maps by utilizing the app.
- Has parking mode, motion detection, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, slow-mo video, and time-lapse video
- Compatible with the Rove app, allowing you to save and share recordings
- Records videos up to a resolution of 2160p
- Type: Dash Cam
- Power Source: USB cable
- What’s Included: Dash cam, suction mount, USB charger, wire trim tool, USB data cable,
- Brand: Rove
- High-quality video recording, giving you a clear picture of what goes on on the road
- Built-in GPS feature tracks driving location and speed
- Does not come with an SD card for storage; must purchase separately
Going on drives with kids can certainly be an interesting experience. Trying to focus on the road, while also tending to the needs of young passengers is challenging. Providing entertainment in the backseat can make the ride easier for both the driver and the bored kids. The WixGear Car Tablet Holder lets you mount a tablet to your car’s headset and provides everyone with a more enjoyable car experience.
This tablet holder easily installs on the headrest of your car. No tools are required, it just simply requires a light push to get it attached to the headrest post. It can hold up to 40 pounds and can be rotated 360°. The holder is stable and secure, making it so that the tablet won’t shake during the drive.
From just simple drives to the grocery store to long road trips, kids can get rowdy when stuck in a car without stimulation. Give them something to do and make them excited for car rides with the WixGear Car Tablet Holder.
- Can fit to 4.7-12.9 inch devices
- Easily installs on to car headrest
- Rotates 360-degrees
- Type: Car Tablet Holder
- Power Source: N/A
- What’s Included: Tablet holder
- Brand: WixGear
- Extremely easy to install, no tools necessary
- Rotates 360-degrees, ensuring the perfect viewing angle
- Fits most but not all car headrests, designed for 16-16.9 inches of rod distance on car headrests
WixGear Car Tablet Holder
While being on your phone while driving is never encouraged, our phones have many safe purposes in the car that do not require us to be physically using them. Navigation, charging your phone and listening to music are some of the most popular ways of utilizing phones in the car. The CHGeek Wireless Car Charger makes doing these things even easier and more convenient.
The product serves as both a wireless charger and a phone holder. It supports many devices, including Apple and Samsung phones. When the charger detects your phone, it will automatically clamp. This design makes it so that you are able to easily charge your phone, without disturbing your driving by having to mess around with a charging cable. If you gently touch the two buttons on the side of the charger, the arms will open and your phone is released. When your phone is fully charged, the phone charger will automatically power off.
The phone holder aspect allows you to keep your phone mounted on the dashboard. You won’t have to worry about keeping track of where it is or having it fall between the seats. It also allows it to be in a nice, central place to use for navigation services.
Elevate your driving experience with the CHGeek Wireless Car Charger. Avoid having to be distracted on the road by dealing with charging cables and keep your phone mounted on your dashboard for easy use of navigation services with this great two-in-one product.
- Wireless car charger that doubles as a phone stand
- Can mount on dashboard, vent, windshield, etc.
- Available in multiple colors
- Type: Wireless Car Charger
- Power Source: Battery
- What’s Included: Wireless car charger and battery
- Brand: CHGeek
- Allows you to charge your phone without keeping charging cord in the car
- Mounts your phone in place, making it easy to use navigation and audio apps
- May have to modify for longer phones
CHGeek Wireless Car Charger
Driving can certainly be a relaxing experience. Going down the highway with music blasting through the speakers, driving can provide a great way to unwind. The only thing that could make this experience better is having the car smell great. The Kwak’s Car Air Freshener is an aesthetic way to make your car smell amazing and make your driving experience even better.
The Kwak’s Car Air Freshener comes in two colors, black and red. It is solar-powered and has two rings and a crystal ball that rotate. To install, just unscrew the cover, insert the included perfume pad, and then re-screw. When the smell runs out, you can purchase more perfume pad refills from Kwak or get unscented perfume pads and use your favorite essential oil.
Not only does this air freshener leave your car smelling like an oasis, it also is beautiful in appearance. Keep your nose happy on your long car rides with the Kwak Car Air Freshener.
- Solar powered air freshener that comes in red and black
- Mild and non-irritating ocean scent included
- Scent can be refilled if necessary
- Type: Car Air Freshener
- Power Source: Solar
- What’s Included: Air freshener and perfume pad
- Brand: Kwak
- Air freshener rotates, providing a fun visual experience
- Smell is mild and non-irritating. Won’t disturb passengers
- Only works in the sun, will not rotate if not in direct sunlight
In the cold, winter months it can feel tortuous to get into a cold car. It’s hard to remain bundled up in coats and gloves in a car due to the constrained nature of seatbelts. If cranking up the heater isn’t keeping you as warm as you’d like, now you can keep your hands nice and toasty with the QQCherry Heated Car Seat Steering Wheel Cover.
This heated steering wheel cover takes just 3 minutes to heat up to 110℉. It is made from a plush, non-slip material that is designed to last you winter after winter. The cover has spaces in the material that allows air to circulate to prevent your hands from getting sweaty. It fits most steering wheels, specifically those that have a 14.5-15.5 inch diameter.
Don’t let your hands freeze this winter! The QQCherry Heated Car Seat will keep them nice and warm while you drive.
- Heated steering wheel cover for 14-15.5 diameter steering wheels
- Heats to 110 degrees in 90 seconds
- Type: Heated Car Steering Wheel Cover
- Power Source: N/A
- What’s Included: Steering wheel cover
- Brand: QQCherry
- Protects car’s steering wheel from cracking and peeling
- Breathable material keeps your hands from getting sweaty
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t come in multiple colors; would be nice to be able to have options
QQCherry Heated Car Steering Wheel Cover
On a long drive, a hot cup of coffee can really keep you going. But when that cup of coffee gets cold, your patience can run thin. That’s where the East Mount Smart Temp Control Travel Mug comes in. Keep your coffee hot all the time while on the go with this self-warming coffee cup.
This travel mug can be set to the perfect temperature for you, from 86 °F to 194 °F. It is made of the same material that advanced baby bottles are, making it very safe. It utilizes medical grade 304 stainless steel and can hold 13oz of liquids.
When the liquid is heating up, the coffee will have a red indicator. When it is done heating, it will have a blue indicator. It does not make any noise while heating and will not disturb your commute. It should be washed by hand and left to dry completely before using again.
During an early morning commute, a hot beverage can truly make your day. Don’t let that saving grace get lukewarm and get yourself the East Mount Smart Temp Control Travel Mug.
- Comes in two colors, black and blue
- Has stainless steel liner and anti-slip rubber bottom
- LCD temperature display
- Can be heated up to 194℉
- Type: Smart Temp Control Travel Mug
- Power Source: Cigarette lighter
- What’s Included: Travel mug
- Brand: East Mount
- Can be used for coffee, tea, milk, etc. Can even cook noodles
- Does not make noise when heating
- Should not wash in dishwasher, creating a bit of extra work in the kitchen
East Mount Smart Temp Control Travel Mug
Leave your car unattended without stress by investing in a car monitor. Breaking into cars and carjacking are common occurrences that can leave you in a tricky situation. You can avoid these unfortunate instances happening to you with the Carlock 4th Gen Car Tracker and Alarm.
This tracker and alarm monitors and alerts you on your phone when your car is moved, the engine starts, if unusual vibration is detected, and if the device is disconnected. It is a great-buy for the concerned parents of teenage drivers, as it can detect harsh acceleration, harsh braking, and sharp cornering. It can also let you know where the drivers of your car have been going, with detailed trip tracking.
Not only does the monitor protect your car from people with bad intentions, but it also protects its health. It notifies you if your car battery is running low and if it is experiencing high battery drain.
CarLock utilizes an app that is available on Android and IOS. It is free for the first month but costs $9.60 per month afterward.
- Notifies you of car activity, including movement, engine starting, unusual vibration, and if the device is disconnected
- Tracks harsh acceleration and braking, as well as sharp cornering
- Monitors car health
- Type: Car Tracker and Alarm
- Power Source: Car’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port
- What’s Included: Car tracker and alarm
- Brand: Carlock
- Great for parents, provides you with details on driving safety and habits
- Easy to install
- Provides information about car health, keeping you safe on the road
- Subscription for the app has a monthly charge
Carlock 4th Gen Car Tracker and Alarm
Make your next road trip a party with colorful lights that sync with fun music. Feel like a DJ with pulsing, vibrant lights and music that syncs with the visual show with the Govee Car LED Lights.
There are 16 million available colors to choose from, in addition to a DIY mode on the Govee Home app. The lights have a built-in mic that allows the interior car lights to sync with your music. They have a 2 line design that connects the 4 strip lights, hiding wiring and creating a nice and tidy look.
The lights are easy to enjoy and even easier to install. All you do is attach the LED lights to your vehicle with the included adhesive and support clips. There is rubber tubing outside the lights that is designed to protect them from any accidental liquid spillage.
- 16 million colors to choose from
- Lights can be synchronized with music
- Compatible with Govee smartphone app
- Type: Car Led Lights
- Power Source: Cigarette Lighter
- What’s Included: 4 Pieces with 48 LED Lights
- Brand: Govee
- Has a built-in mic that allows music to sync with your music
- Compatible with convenient smartphone app that allows you to manage the colors and brightness of the lights
- Adhesion is not very strong; may need to purchase additional double-sided tape to secure the lights
You only have to lose your phone one time in your car to know what a pain it is. It seems like phones are always getting lost between car seats or underneath them. The Loncaster Car Phone Holder makes it so that you never have to feel frustrated looking for your phone in your car again.
This phone holder comes in six colors, including black, blue, orange, pink, purple, and red. It is compatible with most cell phones, specifically those that are between 6 and 12 mm thick. It is designed to not only keep your phone in one place but also protect against scratches or cracks when the car suddenly brakes.
It is quick and easy to install. All you need to do is peel off the stick film that is located on the bottom of the holder. You then simply stick it onto your car dashboard, making sure that is dry and clean before doing so.
- Comes in 6 colors: black, blue, orange, pink, purple, and red
- Compatible with devices that are between 6 and 12 mm thick
- Has soft silicone texture and attaches to dashboard using sticky pads
- Type: Car Phone Holder
- Power Source: N/A
- What’s Included: Phone holder
- Brand: Loncaster
- Quick and easy to install
- Can be taken off and reused
- Keeps your phone mounted and safe
- Will not fit on holder with a pop socket
Loncaster Car Phone Holder
What to Look for In a Great Car Gadget
As the adage goes, safety first. When picking out a car gadget, it is important that your number one priority is that it is completely safe for use. In case of a car accident, you want to make sure that any gadget is completely secured and will not cause any injury or damage by flying off its intended location.
Assessing the power source of the car gadget is another important step when purchasing a car gadget. Knowing if the device utilizes batteries or obtains power by connecting to your car is quite important. You’ll want to know what power source it takes so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not the device suits your needs, as well as be prepared after purchasing by having that power source available to you.
The best way to choose which car gadgets are necessary for you is to analyze your commute. Take note of what issues you run into when driving and purchase accordingly. For example, if you find yourself constantly shivering in your car, the heated steering wheel cover is a great option. If you find yourself bored during your road trips, the LED lights are a great way to make the journey more fun. With so many car gadgets available on the market, it is easy to find the right solution for you.
