HTG Wrapped 2025: 24 days of tech
24 days of our favorite hardware, gadgets, and tech
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are some of the best features in newer cars, but if you’ve ever wanted to upgrade from a wired system to a wireless one, the options were somewhat limited—until now. Don’t waste your money on a no-name adapter from Amazon, and buy this one instead.
I have an older Toyota Tacoma truck that’s heavily modified and upgraded, including the Pioneer stereo, but it still doesn’t support wireless Android Auto. And unless you have a relatively newer vehicle, or a higher trim model, yours likely doesn’t either. Wired Android Auto and CarPlay are fine, but wireless is even better. The only adapter I’ve found that delivers a quality experience is the AAWireless TWO, or the new TWO+, which also works with CarPlay.
The only Android Auto dongle worth buying
Credit: Cory Gunther / How-To Geek
Earlier this year, I bought and reviewed the AAWireless TWO, and not only did I come away highly impressed, but it was the only adapter that actually worked and worked consistently.
I’ve tried the Motorola MA1 and two different generic models from Amazon, and all three struggled. I actually threw two of them away and gave the other to a friend. The Motorola MA1 dropped its connection at least once every single time I drove my truck. I was so frustrated that I tossed it, got the AAWireless TWO, and haven’t looked back.
The way this little dongle works is similar to wired Android Auto or CarPlay; instead of plugging your phone into your car, you plug in the adapter and then throw it in the glove box or center console. This way, your phone isn’t tethered to a cable, and everything happens wirelessly between your phone and the adapter. Better yet, if your stereo has extra USB ports, you’re not wasting the main built-in USB port on your vehicle for Android Auto and can then use it for charging and other devices.
The AAWireless TWO dongle delivers the best, stable, and most reliable connection of any adapter I’ve tried so far. Once you plug it in and pair it to your phone, you’re all set. The LED indicator ring around the on-board button makes it easy to determine whether the dongle is on, connected, or in pairing mode, as indicated by blue and green lights. Then, tap the button (or open the app) to switch between phones. That way, it’s easy to switch phones between friends or your spouse. Then, the companion app is excellent and allows you to set which phone gets priority, along with several other features and controls.
After trying several alternatives, I’m confident in saying that AAWireless makes the best Android Auto and CarPlay adapter.
It works with CarPlay now, too
Credit: AAWireless
Everything I just said about the AAWireless TWO also applies to the newer AAWireless TWO+, which is the same device, only it also supports Apple’s CarPlay. Until now, this awesome little dongle only helped Android users, but now it’s compatible with both platforms.
Essentially, don’t cheap out on an adapter for Android Auto or CarPlay. It’s not worth the hassle. The AAWireless TWO+ is the only one I recommend. It’s fast, easy to use, stays connected, and only $65.
Even if you’re a die-hard Android fan like me, I have friends and family with an iPhone, so it makes sense to have an adapter that supports both platforms. Sure, you can save a few bucks and get the original TWO that only works with Android, but I’d highly recommend spending $10 more on the TWO+.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to take advantage of wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, now is your chance. This is a great way to upgrade an old vehicle to support AA or CarPlay, or even a newer vehicle that has it, but only in wired form. Nothing else I tried came anywhere close to the ease of use and reliability of this Android Auto adapter. Buy this little gadget at the link below. You’ll be glad you did.
Type
Android Auto & Apple Carplay adapter
What’s Included
Adapter, USB-C to USB-A cable
Connectivity
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Dimensions
5.5 × 3.5 × 1.5 cm
Easily add wireless Android Auto or CarPlay to your vehicle with this capable dongle that works with both platforms.
HTG Wrapped 2025: 24 days of tech
24 days of our favorite hardware, gadgets, and tech
