USB stick, CD or Spotify: The best ways to get a playlist on the road

Even in new cars, you'll nearly always find somewhere to slot in a USB stick packed with hours of songs in audiophile quality. — Christin Klose/dpa

Cars have never given us so many different ways to play music in them. Streaming from a smartphone might be the new default for many, but even this comes with its drawbacks. CDs and SD cards, meanwhile, are still an option. Here's how to find what's best for you.

Cars have been playing music as long as they've had windows, and the idea of driving to songs has been around for a century.