My favorite Android Auto wireless adapter finally got the one upgrade it desperately needed

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Dozens of tech products make their way onto my reviewer’s desk every year, but only a select few manage to have enough staying power to remain my everyday carry. Last year’s AAWireless Two was one of those rarities, and it somehow just got better in two ways.

For one, AAWireless has launched the much-anticipated successor to the wireless Android Auto adapter, named the Two Plus<!–>. While it’s designed the same as the previous model, meaning it’s still a plug-and-play affair, you can now use the device to run Apple’s CarPlay operating system wirelessly. So, instead of having to wire your iPhone to an older vehicle to run the iOS-based platform, you can simply pair it to the dongle.

Also: My search for the ultimate Android Auto adapter is over: this one checks all the boxes (including price)

The entire process, including the ability to switch between Android Auto and CarPlay with the press of a button, works magically. For families with different phone brands, tech enthusiasts who swear by the duo-phone lifestyle, and users who simply want a reliable, functional, and fairly priced wireless car adapter, this is the one I’ve settled on – and recommend you do the same. Here’s why.

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If you’ve read my review of last year’s AAWireless Two, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I still use it in my car (a Mazda CX-5) every day. Since setting up the adapter last October, which involved plugging the device into my car’s USB-A port, long-pressing the multifunctional button to initiate Bluetooth pairing, and confirming the pairing from my phone, the AAWireless Two has lived in my center console throughout the seasons.

The only times of friction were when I was reviewing a new iPhone and found myself tapping into CarPlay more often than Android Auto, which required a wired connection, as my Mazda didn’t support wireless.

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That was until a month ago, when I replaced the AAWireless Two with the Two Plus, eliminating the need to dig out a USB-C cable and struggle to plug it into my phone during the dark, end-of-year days. Now, I simply start the engine of my car, wait for five to eight seconds for the dongle to react and my phone to pair, and voilà: wireless automotive software goodness.

Also: Android Auto not connecting? Try this one setting tweak – it worked for me

While I can only attest to the consistency and reliability of the wireless pairing with my 2023 CX-5, I also used the dongle on a weekend road trip recently with an older 2019 Audi Q5. Except for one time when long-pressing the multifunctional button didn’t prompt any pairing indicator (a pulsing light ring surrounding the button), I didn’t have any issues with connecting my iPhone or Android to the car. Your mileage may vary. 

I’ve actually found that the AAWireless Two Plus often works overtime, as it will still hold a local Wi-Fi connection even after you turn off your car and walk away. The idle state lasts for only a few seconds, so it’s nothing to worry about. However, I often notice the “pairing in process” notification and second-guess whether I powered off my car. 

I’ll add that the Bluetooth connection is strong enough to trigger my Spotify playlist (set to autoplay when paired with a car) even when I’m still inside the house and have only started the vehicle to warm up. My only qualm with this behavior is that podcasts or other audio shows may start playing ahead without you realizing it.

To make the most of your AAWireless Two Plus, you’ll want to dial into the companion app. Within the settings, you can make finer adjustments, such as adjusting the DPI, enabling split-screen modes, and setting a pairing priority chain for multiple connected devices. 

Also: Your Apple CarPlay is getting a big upgrade: 3 features I’m using on iOS 26 right now

This is helpful if you enter the car with a partner or family member. For example, the adapter always pairs to my Android phone first, but automatically switches to my iPhone if the Android isn’t present.

Like the previous model, you can still access diagnostic and troubleshooting tools from the mobile app, including the option to toggle pass-through mode for data transfer, fix audio stutters, disable TTS sink for routing navigation audio, and more.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Ultimately, the AAWireless Two Plus<!–> does what it’s advertised to do, and it does it well. I still highly recommend the older (and now cheaper) AAWireless Two–> for Android-only users, as it does nearly everything the same, except for not supporting Apple CarPlay. However, for iPhone users or those looking to switch operating systems, the Two Plus is the new best option.

At $65, the AAWireless Two Plus isn’t necessarily the cheapest auto adapter out there. A quick Amazon search reveals listings that hover around the $40-$50 range, with reviews that show promise. But I doubt that those options have the same functionality, software support, and in-app tools as the AAWireless, which is why it’s the adapter I’ll be recommending to most people going into the new year. 

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