Carlinkit TBox Series (2026): Every Model Compared & Which to Buy
Five current TBox models, two tiers, one decision. If your car already has factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto, here's exactly which onboard Android AI box gets you what you actually want — with verified specs, not marketing copy.
The current lineup, at a glance
Two tiers. Five models currently on sale. Nothing else exists outside this list — if you've seen another name mentioned elsewhere, it maps to one of these.
Entertainment tier
- LED PlusBudget, LED lighting
- TBox UHDHDMI second screen
Ultra tier
- TBox UltraEntry, wired only
- TBox Ultra 2Best seller, wireless on new stock
- TBox Ultra 3Flagship, wireless CarPlay
TBox Plus has been discontinued and is no longer sold. If you were considering it, LED Plus is the closest current replacement in the entertainment tier.
Three picks that cover most people
The Entertainment tier (LED Plus, TBox UHD) is built for streaming and multimedia. The Ultra tier (TBox Ultra, TBox Ultra 2, TBox Ultra 3) is built for maximum performance and the newest features.
TBox UHD
- Chip: Qualcomm SDM660, 8-core
- Storage: 8G+128G, expandable to 512G
- Best for: HDMI 4K out to a second screen — families & rear-seat viewing
TBox Ultra 2
- Chip: Qualcomm SM6350, 8-core
- Storage: 8G RAM + 128G, FOTA updates
- Note: Wireless CarPlay only on post-June-2026 stock — ask before buying if that matters to you
TBox Ultra 3
- Chip: Qualcomm SM6350, 8-core, 5G LTE
- Unique: Wireless CarPlay (guaranteed) + built-in LCD screen
- Best for: Wanting wireless CarPlay with no manufacturing-batch caveats
Streaming, multimedia, and a second screen
Both models require factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto, and add a real onboard Android system for streaming and split-screen.
| Feature | TBox PlusDiscontinued | LED Plus | TBox UHD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Version | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Processor | Qualcomm QCM6125, 8-core | Qualcomm SM6225, 8-core | Qualcomm SDM660, 8-core |
| RAM / Storage | 8G + 128G, up to 512G | 4G+64G or 8G+128G | 8G+128G, up to 512G |
| CarPlay / Android Auto | Wired required (base); phone-side wireless per app spec | Wired required (base) | Wired required (base) |
| GPS | GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou | GPS + BeiDou + GLONASS + base station | — not specified |
| Video Output | Split-screen / fullscreen | Split-screen / fullscreen | HDMI 4K output (output only, no touch) |
| Price (AUD) | $307.99 | $279.99 – $309.99 | $308.99 |
| Standout | Discontinued — see LED Plus | Ambient LED lighting | Second-screen HDMI output |
Verified against current product listings. LED Plus's product title on-site now reads "Tbox Max (Ambient)" — same device, we keep the name "LED Plus" here for consistency. TBox UHD's HDMI output is output-only (no touch) — pair the second screen with a Bluetooth mouse. All three require factory-installed wired CarPlay or Android Auto; none add CarPlay/Android Auto to a car that doesn't have it. Not compatible with Tesla or BMW.
TBox Plus
Budget pickLED Plus
- Chip: Qualcomm SM6225, 8-core
- RAM/Storage: 4G+64G or 8G+128G
- Unique: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G+5.8G), rated to work from −25°C to +75°C
- Best for: Budget-conscious light entertainment, distinctive in-car mood lighting
Family pickTBox UHD
- Chip: Qualcomm SDM660, 8-core
- Storage: 8G+128G, expandable to 512G via microSD
- Note: HDMI output only — no touch on the second screen, works with a Bluetooth mouse
- Best for: Families — rear-seat entertainment via HDMI 4K
Maximum performance, three ways
All three run the same Qualcomm SM6350 chipset and Android 15 — so raw performance is close across the tier. All three require factory-wired CarPlay and wired Android Auto as the baseline connection. What separates them is whether — and how reliably — wireless CarPlay is available, plus cooling/build, GPS precision, and whether the unit itself has a screen.
| Feature | TBox Ultra | TBox Ultra 2Best Seller | TBox Ultra 3New 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wired CarPlay / Android Auto | ✓ Required, included | ✓ Required, included | ✓ Required, included |
| Wireless CarPlay | ✕ Not supported | ✓ Post-June-2026 units only | ✓ Yes, all units |
| Network | 4G SIM (8+128G) or 5G SIM (8+256G) | 4G SIM, 8+128G | Built-in 5G LTE |
| GPS | GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou | GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou | Dual-freq L1+L5 — GPS + BeiDou + GLONASS + Galileo |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G+5G), BT 5.1 | Dual-band Wi-Fi, BT 5.1 | Dual-band Wi-Fi, BT 5.1 |
| Display on unit | LED indicator only | LED indicator only | ✓ Built-in LCD touchscreen |
| Cooling / Build | Standard ABS shell | Redesigned dual-sided cooling, magnetic mount | Built specifically for BMW factory wireless CarPlay |
| RAM / Storage | 8G + 128G (or 256G on 5G SIM), up to 512G | 8G + 128G, up to 512G | 8G + 128G, up to 512G |
| Price (AUD) | $409.11 | $409.11 | $415.99 |
Cross-checked against the manufacturer's internal parameter and firmware sheet. TBox Ultra's wired-only status and TBox Ultra 2's "post-June-2026 stock only" wireless CarPlay caveat both come from that source — the public product descriptions elsewhere don't mention this distinction, so confirm your unit's manufacturing date with support if wireless CarPlay is a requirement for you. Wired Android Auto is included on all three; we found no verified wireless Android Auto support on any current TBox model. TBox Ultra 3 is built specifically for BMW factory wireless CarPlay, and also works with most vehicles that have wired Apple CarPlay or wired Android Auto. Not compatible with Tesla; TBox Ultra and TBox Ultra 2 are not compatible with Geely vehicles.
OriginalTBox Ultra
- Chip: Qualcomm SM6350 (dual-core A77 + hexa-core A55)
- Note: No wireless CarPlay on this model, at any manufacturing date
- Best for: Drivers happy with wired CarPlay/Android Auto who want Ultra-tier performance
Best valueTBox Ultra 2
- Chip: Qualcomm SM6350, new dual-sided cooling design
- Caveat: Wireless CarPlay only ships on units made after June 2026 — ask before buying if you need it
- Best for: Most drivers who mainly want wired CarPlay/Android Auto with a refined, compact build
FlagshipTBox Ultra 3
- Network: Built-in 5G LTE — stable even during congested rush-hour commutes
- Unique: Built-in LCD touchscreen, dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) with Galileo support
- Best for: BMW owners wanting factory wireless CarPlay, or anyone who wants wireless CarPlay with no manufacturing-batch uncertainty
Check this before you buy anything
Every TBox model shares the same base rule: it plugs into your car's existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto port. None of them add CarPlay or Android Auto to a car that doesn't already have it.
✓ Compatible with
- ✓ Vehicles with factory-wired Apple CarPlay
- ✓ Vehicles with factory-wired Android Auto
- ✓ Older factory multimedia systems and modern aftermarket Android displays
✕ Not compatible with
- ✕ Tesla
- ✕ Vehicles without factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto
- ✕ Geely vehicles — specifically excluded for TBox Ultra and TBox Ultra 2
- ✕BMW factory iDriveExcept TBox Ultra 3 — built specifically for BMW
Which TBox fits how you actually drive?
Budget-conscious, want some flair
Solid 8-core performance, flexible storage, and distinctive LED ambient lighting.
Kids in the back, long waits
HDMI 4K output drives a second screen — great for rear-seat entertainment on trips.
Happy with wired, want top performance
Same Ultra-tier chipset and speed, no wireless CarPlay uncertainty to worry about.
Just want the best value AI box
Same core chipset as the rest of the Ultra tier, refined cooling, sharpest price point.
Wireless CarPlay is a must-have
The only model in the range that guarantees wireless CarPlay on every unit, regardless of manufacturing date.
Was looking at TBox Plus
That model has been discontinued. LED Plus sits at a similar price with a faster chip.
Install in three steps
Applies to every current model in the TBox range — no tools, no dashboard removal.
Plug it in
Connect the TBox to your car's existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto USB port.
Pair once
Pair your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Before your first pairing, turn off your phone's Personal Hotspot — it's the most common reason first-time pairing fails.
Drive
The interface loads automatically every time you start the car after that. No warranty issues, no software changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do all TBox Ultra models support wireless CarPlay?
No. TBox Ultra (the base model) is wired-only and never supports wireless CarPlay. TBox Ultra 2 supports it only on units manufactured after June 2026 — older stock requires a manual firmware channel switch, or doesn't support it at all. TBox Ultra 3 is the only model that guarantees wireless CarPlay on every unit. None of the three have verified support for wireless Android Auto — wired Android Auto is the standard on all of them.
Is TBox Plus still available?
No — TBox Plus has been discontinued and is no longer sold. LED Plus is the closest current replacement, at a similar price with a faster processor.
Is "TBox 4.0 Ultra" a different product from "TBox Ultra"?
No — they're the same product. We use the name "TBox Ultra" consistently on this page; you may see the same model called "TBox 4.0 Ultra" elsewhere.
What's the difference between the Entertainment tier and the Ultra tier?
The Entertainment tier (LED Plus, TBox UHD) is built around multimedia — split-screen, HDMI output, ambient lighting. The Ultra tier (TBox Ultra, TBox Ultra 2, TBox Ultra 3) is built around raw performance, GPS accuracy, and connectivity, all on the same Qualcomm SM6350 chipset.
Will a TBox drain my car's battery?
No. It only draws power when the car's USB ports are on, and most modern cars cut USB power shortly after the engine is switched off.
Does installing a TBox void my car's warranty?
No. Nothing in the vehicle is modified — the device simply plugs into your existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto USB port and can be unplugged at any time, leaving your factory setup untouched.
What's the return and warranty policy?
A 30-day money-back guarantee applies to every order placed on the official website, with a 2-year warranty (extendable by one year for a fee) across the whole TBox range.
Which TBox should you get?
Pick by what you actually need: