I tested ChatGPT and Perplexity AI as my CarPlay voice assistants - this model was better
ChatGPT outperforms Perplexity AI hands-free in driving tests with real queries.
Deep Dive
ZDNET's Lance Whitney tested ChatGPT and Perplexity AI as CarPlay voice assistants on iOS 26.4. Both go beyond Siri for complex questions. ChatGPT works with all account types; Perplexity requires a $20/month Pro subscription, though there are tricks to get a free year.
Key Points
- ChatGPT works with all account types (free, Go, Plus, Pro) in CarPlay, while Perplexity demands $20/month Pro subscription.
- Tested on iOS 26.4+ with CarPlay support for third-party AI assistants
- ChatGPT provided better conversational flow and reliability for complex driving queries than Perplexity.
Why It Matters
ChatGPT's free CarPlay integration makes AI voice assistance accessible to all iPhone drivers, outperforming both Siri and Perplexity.