Android Auto wireless adapters have become amazingly popular these days, all thanks to the likes of AAWireless and Motorola MA1.
The two models pioneered this product category, making wireless adapters more widely adopted when everybody struggled with cables.
These devices adopt a simple yet handy concept. They connect to the vehicle's infotainment system via the Android Auto USB port in the cabin and to the mobile device using Bluetooth. They convert the Android Auto experience to wireless by allowing the smartphone to communicate without cords with the head unit.
AAWireless, which has recently received a significant price cut, and Motorola MA1 offer a very reliable and straightforward experience, requiring just a few seconds to set up the connection. However, not everybody wants to spend many dollars on such a device, so they look online for cheaper alternatives.
As typically happens with every new brilliant device, copycats have already invaded the market, mostly from generic Chinese brands. These products are typically available for half the price of a premium device, so they are very compelling for people on a budget.
Amazon has plenty of such devices, and I searched the online marketplace for the best options at a low price. I used reviews from verified buyers to look for Android Auto wireless adapters that really work, as some of the models you'll find online are just a waste of money.
The square-shaped dongle from Camecho is nothing exciting in terms of looks, but it comes with a USB-C port and offers Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your phone. The box includes two cables (USB-C and USB-A) to work in most cars – the parent company claims the device should be compatible with over 600 vehicle models, though I wouldn't trust this promise.
Buyers claim the device runs Android Auto wirelessly, but it typically takes up to 10 seconds to start after the engine turns on.
It's not necessarily a deal breaker, as all Android Auto wireless dongles need time to boot. They are powered on when you start the engine, so they need a few more seconds to load the software and then connect to the vehicle and your smartphone.
The adapter launched by Carlimeki is based on the same approach, so it also ships with two cords to work in most cars, depending on their USB port.
The device looks bulkier but also comes with an LED light that offers additional information on its status. For example, when it keeps flashing, the LED light indicates the device is updating. When the LED light remains on, the update is completed and ready to run.
The updates can be performed by accessing a local server running on the device – you must search for nearby Wi-Fi and look for the network initiated by the dongle.
Geweo's dongle doesn't impress in terms of design, but I wouldn't expect such a thing from a cheap device anyway. The design isn't a deal breaker, though, as once you connect the adapter to the USB port in your car, you can forget it's there and just enjoy the wireless connection.
The parent company says its adapter should work with most car models launched after 2016 and equipped with Android Auto. Users must pair their smartphones with the device, plug it into the car's USB port, and then wait for the wireless experience to launch.
Some customers claim the adapter stopped working after a while, with a full reset sometimes the only option. Others explain that it gets hot randomly, and this could lead to other random disconnects in the middle of the drive.
A company called AACPlay also launched a wireless Android Auto adapter, claiming it should work in the majority of vehicles on the road.
It relies on the same approach as all the other competing products on the market, so the differentiating factor is its design.
The parent firm says it focused specifically on heat dissipation when designing the adapter, so it comes with dedicated grilles on its sides to stay cool even on hot summer days.
Users praise the 5.8 GHz Wi-Fi support, claiming that the disconnects happen occasionally and sporadically. However, most customers seem pleased with the device despite the sometimes longer loading times (close to 20 seconds, according to some).
DriveLink's dongle comes with the same price tag, offering a similar feature lineup with 5 GHz wireless support.
The device comes with an integrated USB cord – it uses USB-A on the vehicle's end, so you'll need an adapter if your car comes with USB-C for running Android Auto.
Buyers claim the wireless connection drains their phone battery, but this is unlikely to be specific to this device. Android Auto wireless uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to allow communication between the smartphone and the head unit.
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones. Full profile
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