According to statistics from the Pew Research Center, a staggering 88% of Americans own their own car. From commuting to work, to carting the kids to and from school, to tackling road trips across the country, we all seem to rely on our cars a lot.
Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that a whole host of companies have leapt at the chance to make the driving experience better for us all – with gadgets. We’ve scoured the web for the coolest and most useful gadgets around right now, and put together a list of our top 25. With functions ranging from keeping you entertained to keeping you safe, there’s sure to be something here to suit every driver’s needs.
25 Cool Gadgets for Your Car
1
Mpow Bluetooth Receiver
The first item to make it onto our list it Mpow’s Bluetooth receiver. This clever device is designed to adapt your car’s audio system to make it compatible with Bluetooth technology. Simply plug the sleek, compact device into the auxiliary port in your car stereo, switch on Bluetooth on your phone or tablet, and play music or make phone calls through the stereo system.
The device offers excellent sound quality, without compromising on battery life. In fact, the durable lithium battery works for up to 10 hours of continuous use without the need to recharge. The signal emitted by the receiver is strong too, so that backseat passengers can take a turn choosing the music too. You can also connect not one, but two Bluetooth devices to the transmitter at once, so you and your passengers can easily take it in turns to take over the stereo.
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Bluetooth receiver designed to connect your device to non-Bluetooth enabled car stereos
Compatible with any car stereo that has an auxiliary port
Allows users to make phone calls and play audio through Bluetooth connection
Sleek and compact design
Battery can last for 10 hours’ continuous use
Two Bluetooth devices can be connected at once
Signal range of 33 feet
- BrandMpow
- ModelPAMPBH044AB-USAA1
- Weight1.92 ounces
2
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer
Great for long roadtrips, Cooluli’s small but effective mini fridge will keep your drinks and snacks at their ideal temperature – be that hot or cool. Capable of holding up to six 12 ounce cans at a time, the device is the perfect size for a family picnic.
Each fridge comes with a number of power adapters, meaning it can easily be powered by USB, the mains, and through your car’s cigarette lighter. It’s easy to move the fridge from office to car and back again, thanks to this versatility and its lightweight design. Finally, the fridge is quiet and convenient to use, so it won’t detract from your road trip playlist – only enhance it with perfectly stored snacks!
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Two in one portable fridge and heater
Capacity of roughly 5 pounds
Low power consumption
Can be powered by USB, mains, or car cigarette lighter
Lightweight design with carrying handle is easy to take with you on any trip
Available in a variety of different colors
- BrandCooluli
- ModelCMF4LW
- Weight4.8 pounds
3
Aylio Coccyx Seat Cushion
If long car journeys tend to be hard on your back, Aylio’s coccyx seat cushion could be the perfect solution. Its ergonomic cutout design is engineered to take the pressure off your spine, preventing your lower back from becoming sore, no matter how far you’re travelling.
The cushion’s contours also act to cradle your buttocks while evenly distributing your weight and encouraging healthy spine alignment. It’s lightweight, too, making it easy to take from work, to home, to the car – so you can sit in comfort no matter where you are. Finally, the cushion’s durable cover is totally machine washable, making it convenient to care for so it will last and last.
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Coccyx seat cushion is ergonomically designed to promote healthy spine alignment while seated
Curved surface cradles the buttocks and spreads your weight evenly
Takes pressure off your spine, to prevent lower back soreness on long journeys
Lightweight and easily portable
Machine washable cover
- BrandAylio
- Model0L-9ULV-QXNJ
- Weight12 ounces
4
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Perfect for travelling with bulky items, the next gadget on our list is Thule’s rooftop cargo holder. Designed to perfectly balance storage capacity with weight and aerodynamics, the holder will carry up to 16 cubic feet worth of luggage, without wasting as much fuel as more conventional designs.
Thanks to its patented PowerClick system, the holder is quick and easy to mount on your car, too. Despite being easy to install, though, you can rest assured that the box will remain securely attached – and shut, owing to its automatic lid locking system. Finally, this holder’s unique design eliminates the risk of collision when you open the trunk. Overall, Thule’s rooftop cargo carrier is a safe and convenient way to maximise your storage space, wherever you’re travelling.
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Roof-mounted cargo holder with a capacity of 16 cubic feet
Aerodynamic design saves fuel compared to other roof boxes
Unique PowerClick mounting system allows quick and secure installation
Automatic lid locking system prevents your luggage from going flying
Unique design allows full access to trunk without removing the holder
- BrandThule
- Model6297T
- Weight42 pounds
5
FRiEQ Car Air Purifier
The next gadget to earn a spot on our list is this nifty air purifier. Simply plug the sleek and compact device into your car’s cigarette lighter, and enjoy improved air quality on every journey you undertake. Unlike a standard car air freshener, the purifier doesn’t just cover up bad odors – it actually eliminates them; by releasing millions of negatively charged ions that effectively stick to tiny particles in the air such as dust and microbes. These negatively charged particles are subsequently collected on a positively charged plate inside the purifier, removing them – hence the odors they cause – from the air in your car.
The device is a great solution to all manner of car odor problems – easily tackling that wet dog smell – and improving the vehicle’s overall hygiene.
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Air purifier, powered by your car’s cigarette lighter
Effectively removes odor-causing particles through negative ions
Compact and easy to use
Improves overall hygiene in any vehicle
Perfect for pet owners
- BrandFRiEQ
- ModelAP-C
- Weight1.44 ounces
6
Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine
For all you coffee fanatics out there, this portable espresso machine is the perfect way to replace your standard gas station brew with something a little more sophisticated. The compact flask offers excellent extraction pressure that results in the perfect coffee every time.
It’s easy to use, too, and relies solely on hand power, precluding the need for bulky and expensive batteries or compressed air cartridges that other portable coffee machines often rely on. This handy gadget can be used with all ground coffee, giving you complete freedom to brew it up exactly to your taste. Customers say that this gadget is quick and easy to use, perfect for road trips, camping, and anywhere you crave a proper coffee.
Lightweight, portable espresso maker
Easy to use and totally hand powered
Perfect for use with any ground coffee, giving you total control over your brew
Compact flask also keeps your beverage warm for hours
Perfect for road trips and camping
Save money by avoiding coffee shops on the road
- BrandWACACO
- ModelMPGR100
- Weight12.8 ounces
7
Roav SmartCharge F2
Roav’s clever gadget is a great addition to any car, providing a whole host of useful features. Capable of emitting both a Bluetooth and FM signal, the device makes it easy to stream music to your car stereo directly from your phone, as well as making hands-free calls.
Another handy feature is the in-built Car Locator – the Roav SmartCharge records your car’s location, and displays it on a map that you can view through the Roav app on your phone or tablet. Finally, the two handy USB ports housed in the gadget make charging your devices on the go easy and convenient.
Overall, Roav have managed to design a compact and convenient device that can adapt the technology in almost any car, bringing it totally up to date. Simply plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter socket, and go!
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Connects your phone to your car stereo system via Bluetooth or FM signal
Enables you to stream music directly from your phone to your car stereo
Enables hands-free calling
Car Locator feature makes it easy to track down your vehicle if you forget where you have parked
Includes two USB ports for handy charging on the go
Compact and easy to install – simply plug into your car’s cigarette lighter
- BrandROAV
- ModelAK-R5111012
- Weight2.88 ounces
8
Nonda ZUS Connected Car App Suite
Another great gadget that can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter is Nonda’s Car App Suite. This neat little device offers a number of insights into your car’s performance, as well as offering convenient phone charging.
The device will charge your phone – 2.4 times faster than conventional car chargers! It can also help you to find your car if you forget where you have left it, through a handy app that can be downloaded straight onto your phone.
The gadget also takes advantage of the connection between your cigarette lighter port and your car’s battery, to keep you up to date on its performance. This insight brings the benefit of giving you advanced warning should anything go wrong with this vital car component. This isn’t the only diagnostic feature either; the gadget will automatically keep track of your mileage, and alert you to the presence of parking meters in the area. It’s an incredibly useful addition to any car, which could end up saving you a lot of money and hassle!
Charges your phone – 2.4 times faster than conventional car chargers
Monitors the condition of your car’s battery
Automatically monitors your mileage
Alerts you to the presence of parking meters in the area
Helps you locate your car when you forget where you’ve parked
Easy to use – simply plug into your car’s cigarette lighter
- BrandNonda
- ModelZU44BKRN
- Weight3.2 ounces
9
Uniden HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner
This hand-held scanner is an easy and convenient ways to keep yourself up-to-date with weather and road warnings in your area – wherever you travel.
Simply enter your zip code, and let the gadget scan for suitable frequencies in your area. The GPS technology inside the scanner easily tunes into the correct frequency wherever you go, keeping you informed wherever you roam in the US and Canada. Thanks to its two sets of batteries, the scanner can hold its own for weeks at a time, so you’re always in the know about potential hazards. It’s especially good at handling weather warnings, thanks to its Specific Area Message Encoding Alert (S.A.M.E). The system alerts you to severe weather conditions in your immediate area during NOAA Weather or Emergency Alerts.
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Hand-held radio scanner keeps you up-to-date with local weather and road updates
GPS system tracks your location for relevant local alerts
Easy to get started – simply plug in your zip code and go
Featuring S.A.M.E weather alert system
- BrandUniden
- ModelBCD436HP
- Weight1 pounds
10
BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum
Although they’re better known for their construction tools, Black & Decker’s portable hand-held vacuum deserves a little accolade all of its own. Perfect for keeping your car interior clean and tidy on the go, the vacuum cleaner features long-lasting lithium batteries that can hold their power for up to 12 months, alongside smart charge technology that allows it to use 50% less energy than its main competitors.
Despite being light on power use, this vacuum can withstand some seriously heavy usage. Cyclonic action keeps the filter clean, while providing powerful suction. Its narrow nozzle is perfect for reaching into all the nooks and crannies in your car interior, too, making it a handy addition to any regularly used vehicle.
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Hand-held, battery operated vacuum
Long-lasting lithium batteries can hold their charge for up to 12 months
Powerful cyclonic action for excellent suction
Low power use
Narrow nozzle can reach into many tight spaces
- BrandBLACK+DECKER
- ModelCHV1410L
- Weight2.6 pounds
11
Pratt and Hart Traditional Leather Driving Gloves
No list of driving gadgets would be complete without reference to that classic accessory, the driving glove. Available in both brown and black, these high-quality leather gloves are the perfect addition to any glove compartment.
Their soft, supple leather improves your grip on the wheel, while ensuring your hands are kept warm on longer trips. Thanks to their elasticated wrist snuggler, the gloves offer a great fit no matter your wrist size. Why not impress your passengers with this classy little car upgrade!
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Real leather driving gloves
Available in brown and black
Offer excellent steering wheel grip
Elasticated wrist snugglers offer an excellent fit
- BrandPratt and Hart
12
Escort iX Long Range Radar Laser Detector
Escort estimate that 20% of all drivers will be given a ticket this year alone, and their handy gadget is the ideal solution. Its long-range detector, paired with GPS technology, picks up on live police, speed cameras, and warns you of areas where you should use special caution. Since it works in every state except Virginia and Washington D.C, it’s a versatile system that you can use wherever you go.
Most users find that this gadget allows them to avoid receiving speed tickets altogether, and is a solidly-built solution designed to last. Its excellent range is sure to emit an audible warning whenever speed monitoring technology appears near you.
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Offers drivers an audible warning wherever speed monitoring technology is nearby
Helps remind drivers to keep an eye on their speed
Detects live police presence, speed cameras, and areas where drivers are freqently stopped
Works in every state except for Virginia and Washington D.C
Excellent detection range
- BrandEscort
- Model1220044-1
- Weight1 pounds
13
Lebogner Car Seat Protector + Backseat Organizer
Another really useful piece of kit for parent and road-trippers alike is this simple but effective car seat organizer. Simply hook it over the front seat of your car to provide handy storage solutions on both sides. Featuring nine pockets, including a tablet holder, it’s the perfect way to keep snacks and useful items on-hand.
Made from durable polyester that can be easily wiped down, yet grips your seats to prevent slippage, the organizer is made to last for many years. As well as providing extra storage space, this handy gadget acts as a seat protector, protecting the fabric beneath from scuffs and other everyday wear and tear.
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Car seat organizer with eight pockets and a built-in tablet holder
Easy to install by simply draping over front car seats
Keeps snacks and useful items on hand
Made from non-slip, easy to care for fabric
Protects seats against scuffs and other wear and tear
- BrandLebogner
- Weight1.65 pounds
14
SEI GPS Head-Up Display Speedometer
Keep a closer eye on your speed and give your car interior a sci-fi twist with this unique speedometer. The head-up display projects your speedometer reading onto the car’s windshield, providing an easy-to-read number that you can check without taking your eyes off the road for even a second. The display adjusts its own brightness automatically depending upon ambient light conditions, too, ensuring the reading can be seen equally well day and night.
It’s easy to install, thanks to the adjustable mounting bracket, which allows you to alter the projection angle for optimum viewing. It’s really simple to install, too – just plug the gadget into your car’s cigarette lighter before mounting it onto your dashboard. The device can also keep your speed in check, with adjustable speed warnings if desired.
Speedometer projects your speed onto the windshield of your car
Allows you to keep an eye on your speed without taking your eyes off the road
Automatic brightness adjustment for optimal viewing in various light conditions
Easy to install; simply plug into your car’s cigarette lighter
Optional speed warnings help you to keep your speed in check
- BrandSEI
- ModelK132-4
- Weight2.08 ounces
15
Aootek Upgraded First Aid Survival Kit
It’s not exactly a ‘cool gadget’, but it is one of the most important items a car can have – an extensive first aid and survival kit. Aottek’s kit includes everything you’re likely to need should you be involved in an accident or become stranded on your travels.
Everything from a can opener and scissors to bandages and a tourniquet is stored easily in this compact kit, which is easy to fit in the trunk or glove compartment of your car. Customers love the extensive collection of useful items, and the great value for money offered by this kit. A literal life-saver that no car should be without!
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Compact first aid and survival kit
Perfect size to stow in your car
Offers peace of mind should you encounter a difficult situation on your travels
Great range of items
Excellent value for money
- BrandAootek
- Weight7.4 ounces
16
BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer
According to the NHTSA, 31% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents are under the influence of alcohol. We all know not to drink and drive, but it can be tricky to determine exactly when the alcohol has passed out of your system – that’s where this mini breathalyzer comes in. Conveniently sized, and easily connected to your keys, the gadget offers compact yet reliable breath capturing technology.
This easily portable device could literally be a lifesaver – great for anyone who drinks alcohol and owns a car.
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Compact and portable breathalyzer lets you know if you’re under or over the legal alcohol limit
Compact design can slip into your pocket
Reliable readings
- BrandBACtrack
- ModelBT-C6
- Weight2.08 ounces
17
WizGear Universal Magnetic Phone Car Mount
Nowadays, we use our phones for everything from playing music to navigating, so it makes sense to keep them accessible while driving. WizGear’s magnetic phone mount allows you to easily do just that, holding your phone securely in place.
It’s easy to install in virtually any air vent, with a simple but effective clip system. This position means that, unlike other phone mounts, the view out of your windshield isn’t blocked at all. The mount comes with a small metal plate that is attached to your phone, making for a strong magnetic connection that won’t become dislodged even on rougher road surfaces.
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Universal car phone mount
Phone held in place by strong magnets
Easy to install on your air vent with a simple clip system
Unlike other phone mounts, it doesn’t obscure your windshield
- BrandWizGear
- ModelUG-Air-vent-Magnetic-mount
- Weight1.6 ounces
18
FIXD OBD-II Active Car Health Monitor
We all know that prevention is better than cure, and this is no different when it comes to your car. Catching car problems early is the best way to save yourself time, money, and stress, as well as improving your overall safety. FIXD’s car health monitor allows users to keep track of their vehicle’s condition in real time, and offers easy to understand information through the connected app.
It’s simple to install at home, and is compatible with every car manufactured after 1996. You can even buy multiple monitors, and fit them to all your family’s cars, allowing you to keep track of everything from the app. Whenever your check engine light comes on, FIXD’s system will let you know, in plain English, exactly what the problem is as well as its severity. The app also helps you keep track of your maintenance history, reminding you when components need to be replaced, or checks need to be performed.
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Car health monitor alerts you to car issues as soon as they emerge
Updates can be viewed through the FIXD app, available on both Android and IOS
Multiple vehicles can be monitored via the same app
Compatible with every vehicle made after 1996
Provides car maintenance reminders
Easy to install at home, in as little as one minute
- BrandFIXD
- Model2
- Weight2.08 ounces
19
TOGUARD Backup Camera
Toguard’s touch screen dash cam is ideal for safe parking, improved security, and keeping other drivers accountable. The gadget consists of a front and rear camera, along with a 7 inch touch screen where the footage is relayed – in excellent 1080p quality.
The system is simple to install, with the touch screen component sitting over your existing rearview mirror, and offering an intuitive interface that optimizes backward visibility for safer and easier parking. The second, front-facing camera, records your journey as you go (once you’ve inserted an SD memory card). Recording this footage ensures that if anything goes wrong, it’s easier to pinpoint who is responsible. Overall, this handy system helps to keep you safe both on the road and in the parking lot.
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Dual camera and touch screen system
Includes parking sensor
Offers improved backwards visibility
Records footage of your journeys
- BrandTOGUARD
- ModelCE35
- Weight1.9 pounds
20
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry Jump Starter
A flat battery really is the car equivalent of the common cold, and if you’re a driver, chances are you’ve had to grapple with this problem more than once. One simple solution to this perennial issue is the jump start, but you can’t always count on the appearance of a friendly driver and a set of jump leads.
Luckily, Clore Automotive have thought of this exact predicament. Their handy Jump-N-Carry system delivers up to 1,700 amps to your car battery, quickly providing the boost required to bring it back to life. The kit also includes sturdy and reliable cables and clamps, as well as a built-in charger. The rechargeable battery within can hold its charge for up to 30 days, making this useful piece of kit surprisingly low maintenance. At 18 pounds in weight, it’s not light, but easy enough to stow in your trunk when you’ll be driving in rural or freezing conditions.
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Provides a jump start to your car battery without another vehicle
Rechargeable
Provides an output of up to 1,700 amps
Includes durable copper cables with clamps
Rechargeable battery will hold its charge for up to 30 days
- BrandClore Automotive
- ModelJNC660
- Weight18 pounds
21
GoPro HD Motorsports Hero
GoPro are known for their incredibly tough cameras, and this model is no exception. Easily installed in any vehicle, the Motorsports Hero captures 60 frames in high resolution every second, adding up to a playback experience that GoPro describe as ‘liquid smooth’, with unbeatable stability.
The camera also offers a market leading angle, capable of capturing 170 degrees of footage. Its impact resistant casing makes it ideal for everything from cars, to ATVs, and even jet skis and boats thanks to the fact that it’s waterproof up to 180 feet. The Motorsports Hero even comes with its own mounting system, keeping the camera firmly in place no matter what’s thrown at it. The durable lithium-ion battery within can last for up to 2.5 hours, too, and is easily rechargeable through a USB port. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, or simply want to record your journeys for safety purposes, the GoPro is a handy gadget to have around.
Camera specifically designed for motorsport applications
Records footage at up to 1080p (‘true HD’) quality
Captures footage in 170 degrees
Waterproof up to 180 feet
Unbeatable stability and ‘liquid smooth’ playback
- BrandGoPro
- ModelCHDMH-001
- Weight5.3 ounces
22
IPOW Car Safety Hammer Escape Tool
Another must-have safety gadget is IPOW’s hammer multi-tool. The hammer end is specifically designed to penetrate car windows, facilitating escape in the event of an emergency. The double-sided head features a sharp stainless steel point to pierce the glass, and a blunt end to clear away larger shards of glass.
The bottom of the tool also houses a seatbelt cutter, which allows for a quick escape if the release mechanism is damaged or inaccessible after an accident. The razor’s safeguard ensures that you can’t accidentally cut yourself during use. This potentially life saving tool also comes with its own mount, providing easy access while holding it safely in place.
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Safety multi-tool allows a quick escape from your vehicle in an emergency
Double ended hammer can break through windows or windshield
Bottom end of tool features a safeguarded seatbelt cutter
Comes with its own secure mounting system for easy access
- BrandIPOW
- ModelIP1-201510123
- Weight8.8 ounces
23
Ionox Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Keeping your tires at the correct pressure is essential. Properly inflated tires save fuel, as well as improving grip, handling, and the tire’s lifetime so checking their pressure regularly is a vital part of basic car maintenance. To do this, you would normally need to go to the gas station, but Ionox’s handy gadget makes it easy to perform this check on the go.
This ergonomically designed tool is simple to use, and small enough to be portable. The backlit digital display also makes it easy to check your tire pressure accurately be it day or night, while its lifetime warranty assures you of its quality.
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Lightweight and portable tire pressure gauge
Easy to use
Backlit LED display is easy to read
Long-lasting battery
Ergonomic design
- BrandIonox
- ModelION-15B-FBM
- Weight5 ounces
24
Starling’s Car Trunk Organizer
For all your neat freaks out there, this collapsible trunk organizer may well be a godsend! Featuring three internal compartments, plus two pouches on the outside, it’s perfect for keeping items organized in the trunk, preventing them from jostling around and becoming damaged.
It also has two handy carrying handles, so it’s easy to transport in and out of the car. Constructed from durable and waterproof Oxford polyester, this handy gadget is ideal for groceries, sports kits, and more.
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Trunk organizer featuring three compartments and two exterior pockets
Prevents items in the trunk from becoming disorganized or damaged
Features carrying handles
Collapsible for easy storage
Made from tough and waterproof Oxford polyester
- BrandStarling’s
- Weight4.41 pounds
25
Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion
Add a touch of luxury to your passenger seat with Snailax’s heated massage cushion. This easy to install device features four heated, rotating nodes, which sooth tired muscles with ease.
The cushion offers a wide range of massage options, allowing you to adjust the position and intensity to match your preferences. The node positioning has been carefully designed to match the curvature of your body, making for a comfortable and soothing experience. You can also use it on your couch, office chair, or recliner!
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Relaxing massage cushion
Features four heated, rotating nodes
Adjustable intensity and positioning
Designed to match the curves of the human body
Perfect for the home, office, or car
- BrandSnailax
- ModelSL-256
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