Choosing a motorcycle CarPlay or Android Auto screen is not simply a matter of buying the largest display that will fit. Screen size affects how easily the controls can be used with gloves, how much navigation information is visible, how the unit fits into the cockpit, and which compromises a rider has to accept.
To make those differences easier to understand, CPMC invited motorcycle YouTuber [TwoWheelObsession] to test the 5-inch P5, 6-inch P6, and 7-inch P7 side by side. He mounted all three screens in the same position on the motorcycle and put them through the same CarPlay tasks, comparing their size, usability, brightness, display quality, and mounting hardware.
All three models were quick and responsive, and each delivered the essential wireless CarPlay and Android Auto experience. However, the test also revealed meaningful differences that are difficult to judge from specifications alone. Here is what TwoWheelObsession found—and what those findings mean when choosing a screen for your own motorcycle.
What the P5, P6, and P7 Have in Common
These are streamlined motorcycle CarPlay and Android Auto displays rather than full dash cam systems. Their main purpose is to connect to a smartphone and provide access to navigation, music, calls, voice assistance, and other compatible apps on a weather-resistant motorcycle screen.
All three models share the following core features:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Responsive touchscreen operation
- USB or ACC power options
- Optional tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- IP67 dust and water protection
- A sunshade around the display
- Handlebar mounting hardware
- Quick startup and automatic phone reconnection
The choice of USB or ACC power gives riders flexibility. USB is convenient for a simpler or removable installation, while an ACC connection is usually better for a clean permanent setup that switches on and off with the motorcycle.
TPMS is also an option across the P5, P6, and P7 ranges. Riders who want tire pressure information should select the corresponding TPMS version and confirm what sensors are included. Because this feature is available on all three, it should not be the deciding factor when choosing a screen size.
During the comparison, all three units started quickly, reconnected to CarPlay automatically, and moved between navigation and music without obvious hesitation. Processing speed was not a meaningful reason to choose one over another.
The important differences were physical size, screen proportions, touch-target size, brightness control, panel quality, and mounting design.
CPMC P5: Compact, Light, and Straightforward
The CPMC P5 is the smallest and lightest model in the comparison. It is designed for motorcycles with limited cockpit space and for riders who want a simple display without making it the visual center of the bike.
Its compact body includes an integrated rear ball mount and a sunshade around the top and sides. Like the other two models, it can be powered through USB or connected to an ACC circuit. It is also available with optional TPMS.
The P5 performed well in basic operation. Startup was quick, CarPlay reconnected automatically, and navigation and music apps responded smoothly. Riders who prepare a route before setting off and make few changes while moving may find that it covers everything they need.
The main limitation is not performance—it is touch usability.
Although the unit has a 5-inch display, the CarPlay interface includes small sidebar icons. In the hands-on test, some controls were around half the size of a thumbnail. A gloved finger could cover several icons at once, making it easy to select the wrong option.
That matters less when the screen is used mainly for following an existing route or skipping a song. It becomes more frustrating when searching for destinations, browsing a music library, or moving frequently between apps.
The P5 uses manual brightness control. Its maximum brightness was considered sufficient in the test, but it must be lowered manually for nighttime riding. Its settings are otherwise deliberately simple.
Who should choose the P5?
The P5 is a good fit for:
- Smaller motorcycles, scooters, and crowded cockpits
- Riders who want the lowest-cost option
- Users who mainly need basic navigation and music controls
- Riders who prefer a discreet display
- Installations where a 6- or 7-inch screen would obstruct the instruments
It is less suitable for riders who expect to interact with CarPlay frequently while wearing thick gloves.
CPMC P6: The Best Balance for Most Riders
The CPMC P6 makes the largest practical improvement in the group. The change from 5 to 6 inches feels more significant than the change from 6 to 7 because the P6 uses a wider screen format and provides substantially more usable space without becoming excessively tall.
The physical unit is not dramatically taller than the P5, but its interface is much easier to operate. CarPlay icons are large enough for a fingertip to target one control at a time. That is a meaningful advantage on a motorcycle, particularly when gloves are involved.
The wider layout works well for everyday CarPlay tasks. Maps remain easy to follow, while app icons and music controls feel less cramped. It is large enough to be genuinely useful but still manageable on a wide variety of motorcycles.
The P6’s most important feature difference is automatic brightness. The adjustment range can be set and the screen can then respond to changing light conditions without constant manual input. This is helpful when moving between bright sun, shade, tunnels, garages, and nighttime riding.
In the side-by-side test, the P6 also produced the most vibrant image. Its screen appeared brighter and more saturated than the P7 panel, giving maps and app interfaces a clearer, more modern appearance.
Like the P5 and P7, the P6 supports USB or ACC power and can be ordered with optional TPMS. These are shared choices rather than unique P6 advantages. What sets the P6 apart is its combination of usable screen proportions, larger touch controls, automatic brightness, and stronger-looking panel quality.
Who should choose the P6?
The P6 is the best starting point for:
- Riders who are unsure which size to choose
- Daily commuters who use navigation regularly
- Riders who operate music or navigation menus with gloves
- Motorcycles with a moderate amount of cockpit space
- Users who value automatic brightness
- Buyers wanting the best balance of size and image quality
For most motorcycles and most riders, this is the sweet spot.
CPMC P7: More Navigation Space, More Compromise
The CPMC P7 is the largest model and approaches small-tablet dimensions. The jump from 6 to 7 inches is not as dramatic as the move from 5 to 6, but the P7 provides noticeably more height.
That extra vertical space is valuable for navigation. A taller display can show more of the route ahead, which may help on unfamiliar roads or when viewing complex junctions. Riders who prioritize the largest possible map may prefer this format.
For music controls, app selection, and general CarPlay use, however, the wider P6 layout may feel more natural. The P7 also relies on manual brightness adjustment. Its maximum brightness was adequate in the comparison, but its colors appeared less saturated and the panel looked less modern beside the P6.
Who should choose the P7?
The P7 is most suitable for:
- Touring and adventure motorcycles with ample cockpit space
- Riders who mount the display farther from their eyes
- Users who want the largest possible navigation view
- Riders who value vertical route visibility
Which CPMC Motorcycle Screen Should You Buy?
- Choose the P5 if space and price matter most and you mainly need a compact display for navigation and music.
- Choose the P6 if you want the best all-around experience. It offers larger touch controls, a practical widescreen format, automatic brightness, and the best display quality in the side-by-side comparison.
- Choose the P7 if you prioritize a larger navigation view and have enough room for a bigger display. Its taller screen shows more of the route ahead.
A Final Note Before You Choose
The observations above reflect TwoWheelObsession’s hands-on experience with the three screens he tested. They provide a useful real-world reference, but every rider’s experience can be different. Motorcycle size, mounting position, viewing distance, riding gloves, eyesight, and the way the screen will be used can all change which model feels most comfortable.
Before ordering, consider the space available on your motorcycle and the functions that matter most to you. A compact screen may be the better fit for one rider, while another may value larger controls or a wider navigation view. The right choice is the model that best matches your own motorcycle and riding habits.
When ordering from CPMC, eligible orders include free shipping with applicable import taxes and duties covered. CPMC also offers a 30-day return period, giving riders time to check whether the selected screen suits their motorcycle and needs.
