The Best Wireless Android Auto Adapters In 2024

An Android Auto adapter makes it possible for you to use Android Auto in your car, even if your car doesn’t natively support it. It connects your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system, enabling you to use navigation, music streaming, and messaging on your car’s display, among other features. There are wired and wireless adapters. Wired adapters plug into your car’s USB port and connect to your phone via a cable, but always need physical connection each time. 

Wireless adapters also plug into your car’s USB port, but connect to your phone wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. So you don’t need to replug the adapter or your phone each time you use Android Auto, making them the more convenient options. If you’re in the market for quality wireless Android auto adapters, here are the best options.

• Best Android Auto adapter: AA Wireless Adapter.
• Best runner-up: Ottocast Ottoadapter MX.
• Best for multiple phones: Carsifi Wireless Adapter.
• Best value adapter: Motorola MA1.
• Best streaming adapter: Carluex Air.
• Best AI adapter: CarlinKit AI Box.
• Best budget adapter: AACPlay Wireless Android Auto Car Adapter.

AAWireless Adapter

The AAWireless adapter has a high TrustScore of 4.4 on Trustpilot based on over 6,350 reviews. It’s a strong indicator of the product’s quality and customer satisfaction. Afterall, no one wants to be the first to buy a product and risk disappointment. Plus, it has both the Conformité Européenne (CE) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certifications. They guarantee that it’s safe for personal and environmental health. 

The adapter has a plug-and-play design that works with over 20,000 car models and most Android phones. So, you won’t worry about compatibility issues. Also, it comes with a free companion app that supports firmware updates. It uses its own Bluetooth and WiFi, so your car doesn’t need to have both. First, you connect your phone to the adapter via Bluetooth, then it switches to WiFi. After setup, it will automatically connect via WiFi each time you enter your car.

Connecting multiple phones to AAWireless is possible, but only one phone can actively launch and control Android Auto through AAWireless at a time. The adapter uses a small amount of power from 90mA to 330mA, which shouldn’t be a problem unless you leave it unused in your car for more than two weeks. In terms of warranty, the manufacturers will cover repairs or replacements from hardware issues for a period of two years from the date of purchase. You’ll find the specific details and conditions of what is covered in the product website. 

Ottocast Ottoadapter MX

The Ottoadapter MX supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, killing two birds with one stone. You won’t need to buy an extra adapter for your iPhone when you can just switch to your preferred platform. It also supports YouTube and Apple TV streaming via AirPlay. So, you’ll always have something to watch while you’re stuck in traffic or your passengers need entertainment. Screen mirroring is another option, allowing you to display your phone’s screen on your car’s display for navigation, video streaming, and more. 

The adapter even has a fast 14-second auto-reconnect time, which means you won’t wait long for your car and phone to pair after the setup process. It allows for easy disconnection and switching between users with a single click. However, the Ottoadapter will only work with select cars, especially those that have built-in support for Android Auto and Carplay. Basically, it’s designed to improve experiences for cars that already have these systems but only with a wired connection.

Carsifi Wireless Adapter

The Carsifi adapter has a compact plastic design that you can hide anywhere in your car. There’s an LED indicator on the top that gives you visual feedback on the connection status so you’re not left clueless all the time. You’ll also find the magic button useful for switching between multiple phones or controlling playback when streaming video or music content.

The adapter uses a dual-core processor that should be enough to handle the wireless connection and Android Auto smoothly. Its temperature range spans from -20°C to 80°C (-4°F to 176°F), which means that it can withstand your unheated garage even in low temperature limits, or even extremely hot temperatures when you’re parked under direct sunlight. 

Additionally, the device is a dual-band adapter that allows connection to either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. The 2.4 GHz band typically has a longer range and better penetration through walls, while the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference from other devices. It also supports Bluetooth 4.2, which is popular but not the latest.

Motorola MA1

While most wireless adapters give you the choice of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi bands, the Motorola MA1 provides the 5 GHz band flat. It’s a strong selling point considering that the band offers the fastest speeds and suffers less interference than the 2.4 GHz band. Again, it uses technology that Google has approved. 

Since Google owns and controls the Android operating system (OS), it needs no further explanation that you’ll want to buy the adapter that’s endorsed by the creators themselves. The device supports up to two Android phone Connections via Bluetooth, and you can switch between both without disconnection. Like the Ottoadapter, it’ll only work with your existing wired Android Auto setup, converting it to wireless. 

Carluex Air

Streaming and driving is undoubtedly dangerous. But the Carleux Air lets you stream content from YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu directly onto your car’s display screen. Now, that’s not to say the manufacturers want your car to end up in a ditch. 

But the adapter is a great source of entertainment for passengers, or those boring moments when you’re stuck in traffic or parked waiting for someone. You can also use voice commands for hands-free control, and download different apps from the Google Play Store to expand the adapter’s capabilities. There’s also a remote control you can buy separately if your car lacks a touchscreen. 

CarlinKit AI Box

Contrary to its name, the AI Box doesn’t have features that compete with Gemini, ChatGPT, and others. But you can’t ignore its versatility. It works beyond typical Android Auto adapters with its own Android 13 operating system and a powerful Qualcomm chip. It has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and contains Google Maps, Netflix, and Spotify. With these combinations, you have a rich entertainment experience in your car. 

But that also means a more complicated setup process and higher price tag compared to the other adapters listed. But you may be pleased to learn that the adapter has built-in GPS for accurate location tracking using satellite signals. It even offers 4G or LTE connectivity when you insert your own SIM card. This way, it connects to mobile networks independently and gives you access to online services.

AACPlay Wireless Adapter

This adapter is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t care for fancy features and just wants basic Android Auto functionality. It’s a $50 device that’s small and lightweight, and it comes with an adhesive pad that makes it easy to mount. It also has a bright LED that blinks to indicate its connection status. 

But as with all cheap things, there’s a con. The LED lights become distracting, sometimes, and the adapter does gets warm during use. You’ll want to keep the car properly ventilated and reduce exposure to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Key Takeaway

You may still be indecisive on which Android Auto adapter is best for you. But choosing one shouldn’t be so hard with this guide. The AAWireless Adapter known reliability, and is a solid all-rounder with high user ratings and safety certifications. But it’s on the high price end. On the other hand, the AACPlay wireless adapter is the most affordable option, delivering basic Android Auto functionality on a budget. That said, you’ll want to consider your specific needs and budget, then weigh the pros and cons of each option. Don’t forget to check compatibility with your car model before purchasing.