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I’ve always held the view that wired connections outperform wireless ones in nearly every scenario, and this remains true for the most part. For the best speeds, being physically tethered while charging a phone is ideal. Ethernet connections are typically more reliable than Wi-Fi, and wired headphones are preferred for anyone seeking superior audio quality. However, the advantages of going wireless have become evident in several cases, particularly when I decided to try a budget wireless Android Auto dongle.
Do you use a wireless Android Auto adapter?
831 votes
Yes, I use a wireless Android Auto adapter daily.
42%
I want one, but I haven’t bought one just yet.
36%
I’ve tried, but I can’t get one to work in my car.
10%
No, I prefer using wired Android Auto.
11%
When I first got my car, I anticipated needing a USB cable for Android Auto, which wasn’t initially a hassle. However, I soon faced a couple of practical challenges. For starters, I wasn’t thrilled about my device sitting on a hot dashboard while charging, which could gradually affect the battery’s longevity. With phones today often offering seven years of software support, I want the hardware to last just as long.
Additionally, there were security concerns associated with leaving my phone in plain sight. It’s generally wise to keep valuables out of sight, including phones and cables. Sometimes, I would keep my phone stowed away in the glovebox to reduce risk, but this led to issues with the cable becoming crimped and the constant rattling inside my car. This was far from being a satisfactory solution.
The wired version of Android Auto had its downsides, which left me yearning for a wireless alternative.
On top of that, there was the irritation of having to find and untangle the USB cable each time, plug in my phone, and wait for Android Auto to start up. While this only took about ten seconds, it diverted my attention from the road.
I began to explore wireless Android Auto dongles, realizing that I preferred the convenience of wireless over wired connections.
This is the best $29 I’ve ever spent
Wireless Android Auto dongles have emerged as a relatively recent innovation, but numerous choices are available in the market. I aimed to get an AAWireless TWO, a highly-rated adapter known for its smooth performance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available in my location. Importing it didn’t seem practical due to the current economic climate, which made it unwise to spend excessively on something that alternatives could deliver at a lower cost. Therefore, I adjusted my expectations and opted for a more affordable Android Auto adapter instead.
Purchasing a generic Android Auto adapter was a gamble, but it paid off surprisingly well.
My choice turned out to be a fortunate one. I usually exercise caution before finalizing any purchase, extensively researching products. However, since the adapter I picked lacked a brand name, I hesitated. Still, its significantly lower price compared to other options lured me in, and I ultimately bought it for $29 from a local shop.
Initially, I experienced buyer’s remorse when I struggled to connect it to my S24 FE. I attributed this to the generic quality of the device, as I initially misunderstood how wireless Android Auto operates. Google’s wireless mirroring utilizes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for content streaming, requiring me to pair my phone with the dongle’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct network manually. Once I figured this out, the connection was almost instantaneous, and the device reconnects in roughly the same time it takes me to organize my car’s interior.
Despite the initial hiccup, I haven’t encountered any issues since. The functionality is all there; Spotify plays without a hitch, and Google Maps operates seamlessly. The performance is effectively on par with that of wired Android Auto. Among the various upgrades I’ve made to my car over the past months, this budget-friendly Android Auto adapter has proven to be the most valuable addition in terms of daily use.
Which wireless Android Auto adapter should you buy?
MASAYA Android Auto Wireless Adapter
MASAYA Android Auto Wireless Adapter
Affordable • Reconnects quickly • Reliable, stable connection
For those looking for an economical way to add wireless Android Auto to their vehicle, this adapter is easy to store away and connects effortlessly to either a USB-A or USB-C port.
While I can suggest you explore the inexpensive Android Auto adapter you’re considering, I can’t endorse the specific one I purchased. However, I’ve found a similar option, the MASAYA Android Auto wireless adapter. It mirrors the design of my dongle, featuring a small, stubby cable that allows it to attach to the dashboard and includes a USB-C adapter if necessary. It’s currently available at the same price I paid for mine.
AAWireless TWO
Works very well • Small and discreet • Cheaper than original
Transform your car into a wireless Android Auto experience, even if it doesn’t support it natively!
The AAWireless TWO dongle connects to your car’s USB port, enabling you to bypass that permanent cable and embrace wireless convenience.
If you’re apprehensive about taking a risk, there are numerous other wireless Android Auto dongles available. As previously mentioned, my personal favorite is the AAWireless TWO, which comes with a companion app and a compact design, backed by an extensive array of support resources from the company and community members. Although it’s a higher investment, you’re likely paying for a product that will work reliably with your vehicle.
Do you own an Android Auto dongle? If so, which model do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source
www.androidauthority.com