ZDNET’s key takeaways are both concise and revealing of a product that has managed to modernize the in-car connectivity experience. The AAWireless Two Plus, priced at $65, not only enables seamless wireless integration for Android devices but also expands its reach to include full iOS support for Apple CarPlay. In essence, this small yet powerful adapter bridges the gap between two major mobile ecosystems, providing users the ability to connect effortlessly without ever having to reach for a cable again. Importantly, the device still retains its multifunctional pairing button, a feature designed for intuitive and fluid switching between devices—a convenience particularly valuable for households or individuals who juggle multiple smartphones. However, if you are exclusively an Android user with no plans to switch platforms, the original AAWireless Two model, currently available at a more affordable $55, remains an excellent and cost-effective alternative.
Each year, countless technology gadgets arrive for evaluation, yet only a handful manage to earn a permanent spot in daily use. Among those rare finds was last year’s AAWireless Two, a compact adapter that transformed wired Android Auto experiences into effortless wireless ones. What makes the story even more impressive is that AAWireless has now refined an already impressive product. The newly introduced AAWireless Two Plus stands as its evolutionary successor, maintaining the same plug-and-play design philosophy while substantially increasing compatibility and convenience. Now, not only does it perform flawlessly with Android Auto, but it also offers the unprecedented ability to operate Apple’s CarPlay wirelessly. This eliminates the need for iPhone owners to fumble with physical cables in cars that lack built-in wireless CarPlay, turning what used to be a small annoyance into a complete hands-free luxury.
The process itself remains pleasantly simple. Pressing the multifunctional button enables the dongle to connect or switch between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with minimal delay. For families that use a mix of Android and iOS devices, or for tech enthusiasts who frequently alternate between both platforms, such cross-compatibility feels liberating. It’s precisely this adaptability and reliability that makes the AAWireless Two Plus the preferred choice, merging functionality, intuitive use, and fair pricing into a single, well-rounded package.
My experience with the previous-generation AAWireless Two easily explains why I still keep it in my vehicle—a Mazda CX-5—as part of my daily driving routine. Setting it up last autumn was as easy as connecting it to the car’s USB-A port, pressing the multifunctional button to begin Bluetooth pairing, and confirming the connection from my Android phone. From that moment onward, the adapter quietly made its home inside my center console, working flawlessly across numerous seasons and trips. The only obstacle arrived later, when testing a new iPhone forced me back into a wired CarPlay connection, since my Mazda lacked native wireless iOS support.
That particular inconvenience disappeared about a month ago, when I replaced the previous model with the new AAWireless Two Plus. Immediately, the difference in routine was tangible. No longer did I need to search for a cable in the dark or plug in my phone every time I entered the car. Instead, I now simply start the engine, wait five to eight seconds for the adapter to power on and establish the connection, and the wireless interface launches seamlessly. It is, quite literally, a hands-free experience transformed by convenience.
Having tested the reliability of the connection extensively with my 2023 CX-5, I also evaluated the Two Plus during a weekend trip in a 2019 Audi Q5. The consistency remained impressive in both vehicles. Only once did I need to reinitiate pairing by holding the multifunctional button, as the indicator light failed to pulse on the first attempt. Beyond that minor hiccup, the dongle consistently paired with either my Android or iPhone without issues, though individual car systems may yield slightly varied results.
Interestingly, the adapter continues to maintain a local Wi-Fi connection momentarily even after the car is turned off—a subtle feature that occasionally causes me to glance at my phone, thinking the vehicle is still on. This idle connection state, however, lasts only seconds and poses no operational concern. Moreover, the Bluetooth range and stability are admirable. On several occasions, my phone triggered a Spotify playlist from inside my house while the car idled in the driveway, showcasing the product’s exceptional connection radius. Admittedly, this behavior may cause media—particularly podcasts or long-form audio—to begin playback earlier than expected, but that’s a minor quirk rather than a drawback.
To fully unlock the AAWireless Two Plus experience, the company’s companion mobile application becomes essential. Through it, users can fine-tune a wide range of settings: adjusting display density (DPI), enabling a dynamic split-screen interface, and prioritizing which device pairs first when multiple phones are detected. This level of customization is particularly useful in shared vehicles. For instance, my adapter defaults to pairing with my Android device, yet intelligently switches to my iPhone if the Android is unavailable. Additionally, just as with the earlier model, the app provides access to diagnostic tools and troubleshooting utilities—useful for addressing audio dropouts, routing navigation prompts, or enabling pass-through modes for more direct data flow.
Ultimately, ZDNET’s buying advice remains clear and practical. The AAWireless Two Plus delivers precisely what it promises, merging smooth setup with dependable wireless functionality across both major smartphone ecosystems. For users operating solely within the Android framework, the original AAWireless Two continues to offer exceptional value and performance at a lower cost, with the only distinction being its lack of Apple CarPlay support. Yet for iPhone owners, or those who appreciate the option to switch devices and systems fluidly, the Two Plus stands as the smarter long-term investment. Though its $65 price point places it slightly above other adapters that can be found online for $40–$50, few alternatives match its build quality, ongoing software support, and finely tuned companion app. It is this thoughtful integration of reliability, software intelligence, and cross-platform versatility that makes the AAWireless Two Plus the wireless car adapter most worthy of recommendation as we move into the new year.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/my-favorite-android-auto-wireless-adapter-just-got-its-biggest-upgrade-ever-and-ios-users-will-love-it/
