Most newer cars that support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay do so wirelessly. However, in many vehicles, using Android Auto or CarPlay requires plugging your phone in every time. Digging it out of a pocket or purse can be cumbersome, and it also means more wear and tear on the power port. That's when a wireless dongle can save the day. They plug into your car's smart USB-A or USB-C port, acting as a go-between to connect your phone to the dashboard via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can get in the car and start rolling—no need to plug in. To make it easier for you to choose the right one, I've tested several of these adapters to identify the best ones for this list. Read on to find the one that most closely matches your needs.
Ottocast U2-Air
Why We Picked It
Ottocast states that the U2-Air is compatible with over 600 car models from 2016 onward, except for certain Sony aftermarket head units. Its boot time is rated at 18 seconds, and it defaults to 5GHz Wi-Fi. This model is only compatible with iPhones running iOS 10 or later. The stylish-looking (by dongle standards) U2-Air is easy to set up. It includes a 12-inch USB-A to USB-C cable plus a USB-C to USB-C cable. Once the iPhone connects via Bluetooth, the phone takes over the screen. It supports multiple iPhones. You can access the U2-Air’s settings via an IP address typed into the browser on your iPhone.
Who It's For
People who share a car: The adapter supports multiple iPhones, which is helpful if you're not the only one using your car who wants to connect their phone.
The design-minded: Many wireless adapters resemble power banks, but the Ottocast U2-Air's exterior is adorned with triangles, sure to pique the interest of your passengers.
Motorola MA1
Motorola MA1 Wireless Android Auto Car Adapter - Instant Connection Using Google-Licensed Bridge Technology from Smartph
Why We Picked It
This is a dongle from two big-name companies. The first is Motorola (specifically, the Motorola Sound division); the second is that Moto claims this is the first wireless adapter for Android Auto to feature technology designed by Google. The Motorola MA1 doesn't have a terrible price, though you can pay much the same for units that support both Android and iOS/CarPlay. It resembles a Google Chromecast, with an integrated short USB-A cable. The phone connection is done over 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Phones have to support Android 11 or higher.
Who It's For
Android fans on a budget: The Motorola MA1 is regularly discounted by up to half, making it a cost-effective option for Android phone owners.
Couples who share a car: A button on the right-hand side of the adapter allows you to switch between two paired Android devices with a single press.
The Magic Link
Magic Link
Why We Picked It
The Magic Link from The Magic Brand is rated to work with any iPhone from the 5 on up in “any vehicle with wired CarPlay.” It's larger than some of the others, measuring 3.2 inches long, and features a decent-sized status LED on the front. It also features two ports—one at the top for USB-C and another at the bottom for USB-A—which allow you to connect the phone via a cable to use wired CarPlay, making The Magic Link a pass-through. It now also supports Android Auto. It includes a 12-inch USB-A to USB-C cable.
Who It's For
Multi-platform households: While most wireless adapters support either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the Magic Link supports both.
People who like to confirm settings by sight: The built-in status LED makes it easy to check the status of the adapter and which devices are connected at a glance.
The Magic Box 3.0
The Magic Box
Why We Picked It
While The Magic Box runs on Android, it still supports CarPlay for iPhone users, as well as Android Auto. It works in (most) cars and even on your home TV via an HDMI out port. The big difference is that it goes beyond the CarPlay and Android Auto app offerings—which are limited by design, for safety—to being able to display just about anything your phone can do. From games to Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu right on your dash (which is a terrible idea, but we can't stop you). The 3.0 will do it in 4K on a TV. It has slots for microSD cards, USB-A and USB-C cables, and a micro HDMI slot for connecting to a TV. From the home screen on your car dash, you can access various Android apps (like Google Assistant) or jump right into CarPlay or Android Auto with your phone.
Who It's For
Apple CarPlay users: Although the Magic Box 3.0 supports wireless Android Auto and utilizes the Google Play Store for app downloads, it's only compatible with vehicles that have wired Apple CarPlay.
EV owners: If you spend a lot of time at public chargers, the Magic Box 3.0 enables you to download your favorite streaming app and turn your car's infotainment display into a TV.
Frequent travelers: In addition to letting you use almost any Android app in your car, the Magic Box 3.0 can be connected to a regular TV via HDMI, making it an excellent portable streaming box for those who spend a lot of time in Airbnbs or hotels.
Carluex Air
Why We Picked It
The $169 Carluex Air has a unique look, like a little Hot Wheels racer. It supports both Android and iOS, plus offers a few extras—namely, wireless streaming from YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu from your devices. The ads say Carluex Air is lag-free, and it does feel a little faster than most.
Who It's For
Streaming fans on a budget: The Carluex Air is a more affordable alternative to the Magic Box 3.0 above and also supports not only streaming services but also most apps on the Google Play Store.
Best for Dual CarPlay/Android Auto Use on the Cheap
Carlinkit 5.0
Why We Picked It
The Carlinkit 5.0 is compatible with any iPhone version 6 or higher, as well as phones running Android 10 and above. It does a great job connecting more than one phone, and comes with a couple of USB cables that allow for pass-through charging. Most important, this is one of the most affordable dongles, especially one that supports both iOS and Android.
Who It's For
Cost-conscious cross-platform households: This is one of the most affordable adapters that works with both Android and iOS devices.
Those who want pass-through: A USB-A port on the bottom of the Carlinkit allows you to connect a device for charging, so you don't lose the port the adapter occupies.