I finally found an Android Auto adapter that’s functional, pairs easily, and priced well

because of its popularity and, admittedly, Amazon’s algorithmic recommendation, but it was simply too unreliable to use during commutes and road trips. 

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The pairing process wasn’t always the fastest; audio playback (including navigation instructions) tended to stutter, and the dongle would often get so warm that it felt uncomfortable stashing it inside the center console. When I took the risk on a different, generic brand, its interpretation of “wireless Android Auto” meant fully replacing the operating system with its own proprietary user interface. Boo.

A bit of cross-shopping led me to the AAWireless adapter

The pairing process alone is superior to that of other wireless adapters, as the multifunctional button doubles as an LED indicator ring, saving you from second-guessing whether the adapter is on or not (or if pairing mode has been activated). 

It took some time to familiarize myself with what each color meant, but after the first few days of testing, I got the hang of things. Just make sure you’re staring straight at the LED ring, as the coloring is less visible when off-axis.

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The AAWireless Two can pair and swap between multiple devices, which is ideal for those who share a car with someone else. Setting up the secondary device is the same as the first, and swapping between the two is as simple as a single press of the multifunctional button. 

I’m a fan of the app’s ability to set a priority list for which device to connect with. I’m usually the one driving between my wife and me, so we prefer the adapter to pair with my phone. Once it does, the Android Auto experience often works fluidly, reacting to my button presses without much lag (if any), and playing Spotify without skipping a beat.