Car audio systems have evolved from simple built-in devices to complex multimedia centers that still lag behind the versatility of smartphones. Wireless adapters like CarPlay and Android Auto bridge this gap, offering seamless integration and expanded entertainment options in the car.

I grew up at a time when the car's audio system was a separate device, often integrated by the manufacturer into the interior without significant loss to the overall design, and sometimes even enhancing it. Later, built-in devices improved with larger screens, the added ability to watch videos or TV in the car, and even connect to the internet. At the same time, navigators emerged for route planning, which required loading maps. The range of devices that could enhance our travels continually expanded.

But for at least two decades now, all these functions have been performed by our smartphones, and let’s be honest, smartphone manufacturers do it better. It’s no surprise when we understand the primary purpose of a car: to get you from point A to point B as safely as possible, and automakers devote the majority of their resources to researching and developing safety features for vehicles. While modern cars are equipped with powerful computers and their own infotainment systems, their main function is to monitor metrics and integrate with the vehicle’s hardware for a unique user experience and to enhance the safety of your trip. Multimedia takes a secondary (or even last) place.

But for at least two decades now, all these functions have been performed by our smartphones, and let’s be honest, smartphone manufacturers do it better. It’s no surprise when we understand the primary purpose of a car: to get you from point A to point B as safely as possible, and automakers devote the majority of their resources to researching and developing safety features for vehicles. While modern cars are equipped with powerful computers and their own infotainment systems, their main function is to monitor metrics and integrate with the vehicle’s hardware for a unique user experience and to enhance the safety of your trip. Multimedia takes a secondary (or even last) place.

The most popular mobile operating system manufacturers—iOS and Android—have taken on the role of entertainment providers in cars, developing the CarPlay and Android Auto systems—two of the most popular platforms that synchronize your smartphone with the car's multimedia system. With their use, we can see our smartphone screen on the car's display, including apps like YouTube, Spotify, Waze, or Google Maps, and we can control it as easily as on our phone, but in a much safer way: through the multimedia touchscreen or by using voice assistants.

Great! Now you might think you can relax and read the instructions for connecting CarPlay or Android Auto and set them up before your trip. However, it’s not that simple, as almost all modern mid-range and premium cars offer support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, but some models lack this capability—especially when it comes to cars over 10 years old.

Also, if we take Tesla as an example, Tesla does not have built-in support for CarPlay or Android Auto in the traditional sense. This is because Tesla has created a closed ecosystem that does not rely on third-party developments. There are also third-party solutions that allow you to connect your smartphone to a Tesla, which we have discussed before, so we won’t focus on Tesla right now.

Let’s look at the best wireless CarPlay adapters that do not require a cable connection and protect the phone ports, making it very easy to use your phone—just hop in and go

Let’s start with a device that is suitable only for iPhone owners and has proven itself well among car owners with wired CarPlay (be sure to check the list first) and is a sales leader. There’s a reason for this: it supports over 800 car models and works with all iPhone models starting from iOS 10. The connection speed is also very high—just a few seconds and you're ready to go.

The Wireless Carplay Adapter BY960H is equipped with a powerful dual-core A7S chip and comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter for those who need it. It has a one-year warranty, high ratings, and is truly a worthy device. On the downside, some users have noted screen cropping when mirroring CarPlay, but this depends on the multimedia system of the specific car.

The Android Auto device, which is not suitable for iPhone users, comes from a well-known manufacturer that inspires trust and is easy to use. The Motorola MA1 requires a compatible Android phone with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, running Android 11.0 or higher, and it only supports cars with wired Android Auto (it is strongly recommended to check compatibility with your vehicle). The setup might take a bit longer than with the previous device, but you should still complete it in under a minute. Simply pair the device with your phone, ensuring that you have the latest version of Android Auto installed. There is a button on the side of the device's box for Bluetooth pairing or resetting. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone and look for "AndroidAuto-XXX." If you see a green light on the bottom side, you've set everything up correctly.

Why choose this adapter? The Motorola MA1 is the only wireless USB adapter for cars that uses bridge technology licensed by Google. Any updates for the wireless receiver technology contained in the product are delivered through the Android Auto app via your Android phone, according to the manufacturer. On the downside, the manufacturer does not specify the lifespan of the device's cable on its page, as I noticed with the previously reviewed device, and it may not be covered by the one-year warranty per the instructions.

The device we discussed is designed for Android 10+ phones and cars made after 2015. Its hardware and design are similar to CarPlay, so I won't go into detail, but it's worth noting that the connection works similarly. With its high rating, it ranks among the best wireless adapters for Android Auto.

A small plug-and-play device that boasts instant connectivity and a wide list of compatible models: iPhone SE and newer, with iOS 10 or later. It supports most car models from 2016 onwards with wired CarPlay. This adapter offers automatic connection in 5-10 seconds, enhancing safety by minimizing distractions, and it maintains all original car controls. Fast data transfer via Bluetooth and WiFi ensures a stable connection for clear music listening, calls, and responsive navigation.

Its compact, stylish design saves space and solves the "where to put it" problem, but due to design features, it may not fit all cars. It meets strict quality standards for durability and safety, providing a hassle-free, enjoyable CarPlay experience. The package does not include a Type-C adapter, and some Toyota owners have reported difficulty connecting the device. Therefore, I strongly recommend checking compatibility before purchasing.

The OTTOCAST U2-AIR wireless adapter is the latest model for 2024, quickly converting wired CarPlay to wireless with a launch speed of just 7 seconds with the CarPlay adapter installation guide, according to the manufacturer. Its diamond design fits nicely in the car but also looks quite aesthetic in the vehicle's interior. It comes with USB Type A to C and Type C to C cables for newer models and is compatible with a wide range of vehicles from 2016 to 2022. It features voice control and steering wheel controls, with Siri integration for music playback, navigation, and messaging.

Compatible with iOS 10 and above, it supports numerous car brands, except for BMW. Ottocast states that there are issues with certain brands such as Volvo XC90, Volkswagen GTI, Toyota Tundra, Subaru Impreza, Ram 1500, Buick Encore, Audi Q7, and Chevrolet Traverse, but they are working on solutions for these problems

Quite popular for several years now, the updated version of CarlinKit 5.0 provides wireless integration with both CarPlay and Android Auto. This is very convenient if you share your car with others. Compatible with iPhone models from the 6th generation (iOS 10+) and Android devices running version 11.0 and above, it meets the needs of a wide range of users.

Its compact plug-and-play design ensures easy installation and portability, while advanced Bluetooth and WiFi technologies provide a stable connection and minimal latency for seamless navigation and audio playback. CarlinKit 5.0 does not support video streaming apps like YouTube or Netflix and is incompatible with Tesla and BMW, but it remains a solid solution for automotive connectivity. It also offers the possibility of OTA updates and comes with a one-year warranty.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are two similar systems that let you connect your smartphone to your car's multimedia system. You can control it through the car's display and manage it using voice commands. The devices mentioned above are quite similar and serve the same functions, making them useful for listening to music, using navigation, and managing calls and messages without distractions while driving, reducing risks. What sets these devices apart and makes them the best is the experience of their manufacturers, who constantly improve their technologies.