Ottocast U2 Air Pro vs U2 Air Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter Review

In this video, I check out the Ottocast U2 Air Pro Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter and how it compares to their original U2 Air adapter. You can buy this adapter currently for $89 (with $40 off voucher) at Amazon 👉🏻 amzn.to/3Eeagyn , or for $119.99 directly from Ottocast online store here 👉🏻 bit.ly/u2airpro.
This is Ottocast’s latest wireless adapter which promises to be 30% quicker than their previous U2 Air adapter. It works only in wired CarPlay vehicles to offer a wireless connection between your iPhone and your Carplay system and it will not convert CarPlay to Android Auto for Android phones.
Looking over the adapter, its form factor is pretty similar to their earlier Air wireless adapter. Its casing is slightly rounder and on the front there is some Ottocast branding and the play symbol logo also acts as a status light when connecting to your iPhone.
Like the Air, there are no power passthrough ports, however, there is a new button on the opposite edge, which when pressed will disconnect any connected iPhone from the adapter, and open the adapter for connection from another iPhone in the vehicle.
My time with the Air Pro has been good so far. It hasn't failed me yet and its GPS has been around 1 second behind, with my iPhone sitting on a mount on my dashboard. Personally, I don't think that's too much to worry about, but once it tracking did manage to lose myself when I made a 180 on a roundabout for a few seconds before picking my location back up on the road.
This adapter doesn't convert CarPlay-only systems to run Android mobiles for Android Auto, you can check out the Ottocast U2-X Pro for that functionality.
Its price runs at the high end of wireless dongles that I have tested, so if speed is your primary desire, then the U2 Air Pro delivers in spades, however, do bear in mind its limitations, and those are: no original car GPS support, limited IP Config menu and no power passthrough support. If you can live with that, then the U2 Air Pro is worth checking out for speed freaks out there!
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Brief overview
0:32 - Unboxing
0:49 - Features & Design
1:24 - Demo
1:30 - U2 Air (original) benchmark tests
4:16 - U2 Air Pro tests
9:18 - My Impressions
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EQUIPMENT IN THIS VIDEO:
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#Ottocast #wirelesscarplay #CarPlay

[@Skunkd]

Going over the available settings was super helpful thanks!

[@CarPlayLife]

Glad it helped!

[@stevemhouse]

Spot on review. Hopefully, they will include GPS passthrough in their next version. Will be using the Carlinkit until that day arrives.

[@CarPlayLife]

From their confirmation I highly doubt we will see it anytime soon. They think not tapping into an existing GPS connection from the car system isn’t part of CarPlay standard 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@emilythomson6449]

@@CarPlayLifehat is gps pass through? Do you have a recommendation for which adapter is the best to buy currently I only need Apple CarPlay? The pro one is currently on sale on their website for £50

[@danielbechter522]

@@CarPlayLife They should probably read the CarPlay specs then...

[@giovannirizzotti3923]

I bought the Air one year ago thanks to your reviews and almost never had issues. I was wondering if there is an adapter wiht a lower latency while changing sound :) Thanks for your awesome work!

[@CarPlayLife]

Do you mean audio delay when switching tracks?

[@giovannirizzotti3923]

@@CarPlayLife Yes, I mean audio delay while switching tracks!

[@moayyad4059]

Which carplay adaptor is the best for Netflix .. no lag good resolution ? Please tell me

[@tonypreston6778]

Great review, if I was in the market for one of these I’d probably go for the pro version but I’m really quite happy with the normal Air version I still use daily & only rarely gives any trouble.

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks. Yes both are great adapters. The original Air still is one of the quickest to boot for me.

[@PhilippeLiban]

@@CarPlayLife i bougth the ux2 pro version, not working at all,never get a single answer from their support team

[@DarlesFlow]

i wonder if will work on volvo xc 40 since the display in the car is different. The older model of volvo 2019-2020 they support only a half screen when using the normal air mode for iphone

[@CarPlayLife]

Usually it will work just like how it displays when using wired CarPlay/AAuto

[@duanebonney]

How bizarre! I bought this last night, and was hoping you'd do a review on it! Haha.

[@CarPlayLife]

Haha spooky.

[@chiefmissile]

Great review, I just got one for my 2020 Velar, although it connects first thing in the morning, after being parked, then return to the car, I just get the blue ottocast screen. I have unplug the dongle and restart to get it to connect to the phone. I have selected connect when locked, and using an iPhone 11 with iOS 6.6? Should both Bluetooth and wifi be connected? I turned of Bluetooth and it seemed better, but not tested it this way enough. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[@CarPlayLife]

CarPlay needs both BT and Wi-Fi to function. Turning any off might cause issues on resume. It needs BT first then it drops that can carries on via WiFi. BT is still needed if your connection ever drops between your phone and system.

[@GiffelDK]

Great review. Ottocast also made an app for iOS and Android called Ottopilot where you can update firmware, change settings, view manual etc. One thing i can't figure out is what the different settings in the audio menu does (Default, Mode1-3), anyone know this?

[@CarPlayLife]

I think it’s different compatibility modes. So if you car isn’t passing audio correctly, switching between these modes might make it work better. If it sounds ok , you shouldn’t need to touch it.

[@technickr]

Hi, You mentioned there is no GPS pass trough. What do the carlinkit adapter pass trough, the adapter's GPS or the car's GPS?

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t believe the adapter has GPS, it’s the car’s GPS (if the car has one from an onboard navigation system in the car). If the car system has navigation maps it will have a GPS module that the CarlinKit would use.

[@danielbechter522]

So these adapters are only 150 mbps Wi-Fi? So it looks like Wi-Fi bandwidth doesn't matter a lot for a smooth experience, no?

[@jerryguan130]

Hello! So does this use the phone GPS? I have been having a lot of issues with my built in car GPS stuffing up CarPlay navigation and constantly rerouting my trip. Phone navigation works perfectly when not plugged into CarPlay. Only stuffs up once connected to CarPlay. Do you think because this relies on the phone GPS, it will solve my issue? Thanks!!

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t know if this will solve your issue, but this adapter will use your iPhone GPS instead of the car GPS antenna

[@oleksiibondar8422]

Hi Anthony! Why don't you test response time from steering wheel buttons? I believe your Golf 7 equipped by them.

[@CarPlayLife]

Usually I find the time closely matches the same time as when pressing on the display, give or take milliseconds, so as long as they work, that’s the important bit.

[@MG-yu6do]

I currently own the Carlinkit 5.0 air and I’m happy except of the fact that sound quality is a tiny bit worse than the USB CarPlay. My car is equipped with the premium sound system and sound is a tiny bit quieter and also bass and treble sound just a tiny bit worse, but it bothers me. Do you test sound quality, and if so, what is the best adapter in your opinion? Thank you

[@CarPlayLife]

From what I hear the 5.0 is better than the Ottocast. Me personally I find little difference between them and I am running stock speakers from 2014 so nothing high fidelity here. I do think I have an ear for what sounds like crap and honestly I can’t tell much between them. I can tell over wired/wireless. Maybe my system is doing all the heavy lifting, or my ears are just getting worse with age 😂

[@HCG]

How's the performance (navigation lag, song switching lag, audio quality, disconnection issues) compared to the Carlinkit 5.0? Are they basically the same? Or is one noticeably faster?

[@CarPlayLife]

They each run different software so there is that difference and the CarlinKit has a slightly faster CPU inside. The air boots faster. So they each have pros and cons. My go to is the 5.0 atm.

[@anthonystuart0708]

Hi Anthony thanks for you review can you tell me what dose GPS pass through mean please regards

[@CarPlayLife]

So if your car has a navigation mode it likely had a GPS antenna. GPS passthrough will use this antenna for a better connection to GPS satellites than using the GPS antenna in your phone, especially if the mobile phone is in a bag or back pocket away from the top of the dash.

[@BeefoBoi]

Hi, does the fact it doesn’t have GPS pass through mean there will be a delay when using sat nav.. ie you might actually be past the road when it tells you turn… if that makes sense!

[@CarPlayLife]

It’s never that bad in my experience. Think of it like you’re using navigation on your iPhone screen whilst driving. Same thing. If that’s fine for you then so will this. All it means is it’s using your iPhone aerial instead of one in your car. It all really depends on your iPhone location in the car and how well it will perform connecting to satellites in that location. If it’s up on the dash then it’s not much different to the car gps antenna that might be located around your windscreen or car roof.

[@Adamprivate678]

which of these will work with the Iphone 15 pros running IOS 17.2? I've been hearing not all of these dongles work for the newer iphones or the recent ios updates. Do either of these brands handle iphone updated better than others? I am open to other brands and models than what's in this video.

[@CarPlayLife]

I found the issue with the CarlinKit 5.0 the other day and returned to this one and it’s working again. On iPhone 15 Pro on 17.1.2 I haven’t yet got 17.2 to experience this.

[@jackwong64]

Great video, I have a VW also. Did you try reverse and would this switch back to CarPlay smoothly?

[@CarPlayLife]

Seems to work as normal for me.

[@jackwong64]

@@CarPlayLife good to know! I ordered this last weekend! I will be able to fade out the USB A to lightning!

[@icebreakersable]

Thank you for this video. I have a U2 air pro and my car is mg4. When I get in the car, I think the device gets power but no data. The device stays in red light. When I plug and unplug it connects. Do you have a suggestion? (I also tried with a better usb cable)

[@CarPlayLife]

Try the different modes in the IP config menu. You need to be connected to it to get in there on your browser. If you don’t have enough time to connect or can’t try plugging it into a wall adapter and wait for the WiFi to display and then connect to it using pass 88888888 or 12345678. If there is a start delay option use that, give it 1-2s delay.

[@ahitman30]

Hi I just got the pro unit. How do I get it to read me the new text when it comes in. I can get it to show me on the radio that there is a new text but it won’t read it to me.

[@CarPlayLife]

Ask Siri or Google to ‘read my messages’.

[@plaw9999]

Great review, what do you recommend for best way of wirelesssly connecting both Android Auto and Carplay to a car with wired Carplay and AA ?

[@CarPlayLife]

CarlinKit 5.0, 4.0 or the ottocast u2-x pro

[@plaw9999]

@@CarPlayLife Thank you, will the both allow the unit to be low down in the car to facilitate sat nav, or do they have to be dash mounted?

[@CarPlayLife]

The ottocast will help to have the phone mounted on the dash for GPS, but if you car has GPS stereo system, the CarlinKit 4 and 5 will use this to connect to your car GPS so it doesn't matter as much where you place your phone.

[@georgepetkos9081]

Hi I have a Vw Tiguan with wired Apple car play. Which dongle would you say is the best all rounder with minimal lag to date ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Try CarlinKit 4.0/5.0. You can control the lag a little in the config. As it sounds that is more of a concern for you. They all carry lag and it can also be vehicle specific. So I can’t say specifically which works in a certain vehicle unless I’ve tried it myself.

[@georgepetkos9081]

@@CarPlayLife Thank you. As long as the lag does not interfere with navigation and missing turns I’m happy.

[@CarPlayLife]

I’ve not had any issues with my 4.0/5.0. I have not missed any turns in navigation

[@karloszoopa]

Hey, I have a Opel Insignia from 2018 (car without GPS) any advice on which dongle is best for Android Auto wireless? I asking since your reviews are more focused into Carplay. But Great reviews, keep it up... :D

[@CarPlayLife]

Does your insignia have wired CarPlay or Android Auto

[@karloszoopa]

@@CarPlayLife yes, both... But since I only use Android.... If there is a dongle that is cheaper because is only for Android instead of both AA an carplay...

[@CarPlayLife]

Ok. So either the CarlinKit 5.0 that will do direct AAuto and CarPlay if you ever need it in future, or you could try the ottocast AAir Pro which is just for Android audio connections and might be faster. The ottocast won’t give you wired passthrough that the CarlinKit 5.0 does.

[@karloszoopa]

@@CarPlayLife but in terms of responsiveness are they similar? For me waiting 20~30sec for the phone to connect when i turn on the car is not an issue... What matters is the responsiveness once is connected and if it feels laggy or not... Thanks for the advice btw... :D

[@CarPlayLife]

They are very similar. The advantage on the CarlinKit is you can tweak the media delay setting to make it feel a little nippier between page transitions and maybe touch feedback

[@anthonystuart0708]

Hi Anthony just one more question dose it work when you have your iPhone 14 in your pocket 🙂

[@CarPlayLife]

It will work, but maybe not as good if it’s loose in the car or on a phone mount near the windscreen (which is the best place for it)

[@tobiasbamberg243]

Hello, I got it because of your video and have now found that it is not possible to make calls via Carplay with my VW. I don't hear anything, but my counterpart does. do you have an idea? customer service is not really helpful

[@CarPlayLife]

Do you have a microphone built into the car? Also does it work ok when using a wire?

[@johnm000]

Hi, great review! I have a 7.5 Golf with the same head unit as your car and I only ever use an iPhone 14 (no android auto needed). The main features I need are quick start up, low latency when switching between songs and no dropping out of connection. Which adapter would you choose out of the U2 Air, U2 Air Pro or a Carlin 5.0? Thanks 🙂

[@CarPlayLife]

Either Air Pro or CarlinKit 5.0. I use the 5.0 as my daily as it has gps passthrough from my existing golf system. Plus I like you can configure its options menu to make it a little snappier. It may not boot as quickly as the Air Pro, but with it booting on unlock of the car by the time you’re in and started it could be running CarPlay already.

[@johnm000]

@@CarPlayLife thanks for the advice 🙏🏼

[@haroldmitchell7437]

Which wireless car play adapters offer GPS pass through and does ford support this feature?

[@CarPlayLife]

Mainly adapters running AutoKit. So basically CarlinKit adapters allow pass through, it would work with any car that has navigation on their system, these should have a GPS antenna in the car

[@user-yg6gp7yh6c]

Does the non pro version of android auto A2air have GPS pass through?

[@CarPlayLife]

Only CarlinKit adapters have GPS passthrough toggles in their config

[@artemvi]

Can you pls post FCC ID from the stickers on the back of each adapter? Specifically looking for FCC ID of U2 air pro

[@CarPlayLife]

Any reason why you need this? Not all of them have it on the casing.

[@artemvi]

@@CarPlayLife units effectively made by the same manufacturer are available under different brands on different markets. Sometimes with totally different pricing. I’m particularly interested in Ottocast U2 Air Pro

[@CarPlayLife]

So would the rebrand have the same FCC ID? Usually I can tell by the menu interface and firmware versions, but it would be more confirming if the FCC ID was the same.

[@artemvi]

@@CarPlayLife yes, firmware could be cosmetically different. But it will be cross compatible between different brands and hardwarewise it would be the same thing with identical FCC ID

[@CarPlayLife]

Good to know, thanks for sharing

[@redfish3455]

Does the older/normal u2 air have the gps passthrough?

[@CarPlayLife]

No that’s doesn’t have it either

[@HMR025]

Does it airplay or cast KZbin videos or does it have the KZbin app to it?

[@CarPlayLife]

No casting or video on this one. Looks for an AI Box or 3in1 it might also be called.

[@colxdark]

Thank you sir.

[@CarPlayLife]

Most welcome

[@matthewdanahy8048]

Do you know if you can rename the Bluetooth name for it? Thanks!

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t think you can on this one. The config is very limited.

[@mordekairus]

tnvtec apple carplay or u2 air pro. which one is the fastest?

[@CarPlayLife]

Air pro is fastest

[@ITMTS]

@@CarPlayLife Fastest as in only boot time or also during usage?

[@intheknow6499]

How does this compare to the Ottocast U2-X Pro? I can get one of them cheaper, but this one seems to be newer. Cheers

[@CarPlayLife]

Newer, faster but it’s CarPlay only where as the X pro will do both CarPlay and android auto

[@intheknow6499]

@@CarPlayLife Awesome, that will do me perfectly, thanks!

[@jonathanrosa6405]

Which would you recommend? (iPhone user): Ottocast U2 Air Pro or CarlinKit 5.0 2Air

[@stevemhouse]

Carlinkit has the better product support & gps passthrough. The Ottocast is faster to boot.

[@CarPlayLife]

What he said. 👆🏻 the CarlinKit will passthrough GPS if your car has it so it doesn’t rely on iPhone instead. It also had a much better IP config menu for tweaking the experience or fix compatibility issues much easier without possibly waiting for a whole adapter firmware update. The ottocast is about 3s quicker to boot into CarPlay.

[@MaximumAva]

Same question raised here, how about in term of speed , liability and no laggy on listening songs and map navigation, which is the one should i go for? U2 air pro or Carlinkit 5.0 2air?

[@CarPlayLife]

@@MaximumAva I’d say 5.0/2Air as it’s the only adapter I’ve tested from so many that has 866mbps max data rate. The air pro has 180mbps. So bandwidth speed of data passed between it and the phone is much more limited (slower) on the air pro

[@MaximumAva]

@@CarPlayLife ok i order carlink 5.0 then, thanks!

[@dreycodizon8391]

whats better on an Iphone? carlinkit 5.0 or Ottocast U2 Air Pro ?

[@CarPlayLife]

5.0 for compatibility, air pro for speed.

[@dreycodizon2746]

@@CarPlayLifedamn. I bought the u2 airpro it says it’s compatible for my car but its not pairing/ connecting . Light is always red

[@CarPlayLife]

@@dreycodizon2746 you should at least see something come up on the CarPlay display when it’s plugged in. If you don’t and the dongle is red then this is a compatibility issue with your specific car system. Reach out to support for further help.

[@MaximumAva]

@@CarPlayLifespeed in term of os boost quicker or over all performance during use?

[@CarPlayLife]

@@MaximumAva boot at least. The 5.0 has better max data rate so that will be quicker in its transmission between it and your phone.

[@user-on8uv1tu7d]

Nissan Altima 2013 will be worked?

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t know. Sorry. Check their website for a compatibility list

[@markolacosa6159]

Hey 👋 did this work will with audi s8 2007 ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Without a Audi I can’t say

[@technickr]

How do you the echo Test at 04:00 ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Call another mobile that’s in your car too. The mobile’s speaker is loud enough to hear both. It’s a short capture as you’ll get feedback instantly and a ton of echo. So you can only capture the first one for video.

[@technickr]

@@CarPlayLife thank you!

[@ota_solucoes]

can show how to change into 2 iphones?

[@CarPlayLife]

You mean swap between two phones ?

[@Rawprawned]

I bought the U2 Air Pro which worked great for almost a week then died. My car (IONIQ 5) wouldn’t recognise the device. Support has been seriously bad, ritually non existent. I requested my money back or return the product which fell on deaf ears. It has been weeks of emails with occasional infrequent responses. When it worked it was great. Now almost 2 months later they offered a new product, still waiting for them to send it. This is seriously bad support for this product so consider with care..

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear their support is useless. I have told them to step up on this as it’s becoming more frequently known. Worst case you could try a charge back on your Credit card if you used one.

[@Rawprawned]

@@CarPlayLife Many thanks, good advice I will apply today, so disappointing

[@frankbjrnsten7189]

Works every 3-6. Time i connect, the sound is always there, but the screen stays black. And pull the cord and try again never works. Have tried the diff screen settings. But no diff. Black screen. 😤🤷🙄

[@CarPlayLife]

Sorry to hear this. Sounds like compatibility issue with your car system. What car make, model and year? For anyone else thinking of picking this up and had the same car.

[@frankbjrnsten7189]

@@CarPlayLife a Brand new Byd Dolphin. Funny thing. I had an carlinkit 3.0 I haven't use for years. Yesterday I updated it. And. Boom. It works with no issues. Go figure...

[@rafaelyinflow]

Is it better than CarLinkit 5.0?

[@CarPlayLife]

Speed wise yes. Config wise no.

[@JabDFilms]

would you say this is faster than the carlink 5.0

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes it is

[@JabDFilms]

@@CarPlayLifeok cool im a lil lost when it comes to the GPS pass through can u explain that to me a lil what would be a better buy the ottocast or the car link 5.0

[@neverendingstory8379]

Can this play videos on the car screen?

[@CarPlayLife]

No you need an AI box or 3in1 adapter for that functionality

[@neverendingstory8379]

@@CarPlayLife do you have the link you mentioned?

[@CarPlayLife]

Open Ai Box playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLysOHeJ5BkMh2B1Rn4O0nk1ZSbJ2ufr-Y&si=f-7GKWInSBiG4Kca Closed Ai Box playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLysOHeJ5BkMixbjQkVo_Tkbc1fooIR3zQ&si=DoC8zxdWnqud1WHV Closed means you can install any other apps on them from the google play store and have to use pre installed apps. Usually they are cheaper. Any one of these will do video to CarPlay screen.

[@neverendingstory8379]

@@CarPlayLife thx

[@ypqfyf]

Somehow I feel like most of the CarPlay wireless adapter are manufactored by the same company. Look at the UI when booting up, the UI for updating firmware, they are all the same.

[@CarPlayLife]

That’s (sadly) exactly the case. They all share the same launchers, sometimes hardware, just rebranded.

[@tonyrochette2071]

I thought the box gives u Netflix and iTunes like it said it does

[@tonyrochette2071]

Utube

[@CarPlayLife]

It shouldn’t say this as that’s false marketing. This specific box does only wireless CarPlay. The type you refer to is an AI Box like the picasou 2 from Ottocast.

[@mirandab6260]

Driveworks same on. So Ali express

[@CarPlayLife]

🤔Ok?

[@WaleedTawfiq]

Can you play KZbin with this??

[@CarPlayLife]

Nope wireless CarPlay only.

[@SoniaTragno]

$70 on Amazon.

[@CarPlayLife]

Bargain. 🙌🏻

[@PhilippeLiban]

don t buy, n'achetez pas, i bought a month ago, the item doesn t work, j'ai acheté il y a un mois, l'appareil ne fonctionne pas, i tried 4 times to contact the support, j'ai essayé 4 fois de contacter le support, never get a single answer, je n'ai jamais reçu une seule réponse

[@CarPlayLife]

Sorry to hear about this. Tell us what make, model and year you are trying this adapter with, so it can help anyone with the same setup as you.

[@PhilippeLiban]

@@CarPlayLife ottocast u2x pro, bought 3 weeks ago, never connect with 4 different smartphones, huawei, samsung (2) and motorola, screen keeps trying to connect and fail, i wrote 4 time to ottocast support team, never get answer, i complained to credit card issuer and to police, they are real thieves in ottocast, i tried it on a porsche 718, pcm 4.0 with carplay inside

[@spin0z]

I have both of them, thought that the pro version would improve the performance, but there is no difference Only case was changed 😂

[@CarPlayLife]

It has one extra setting in IP config but that’s about it. Some tweaks to make it just a little faster, in my testing.

[@1961Marat]

It is not wireless

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes Wireless CarPlay, but it has to be plugged in to a CarPlay port.

[@AaaAaa-xm2bp]

scam brand never buy from them

[@CarPlayLife]

Explain? What’s your experience?

[@AaaAaa-xm2bp]

@@CarPlayLife I ordered from their website 16 days ago and then wrote to them and sent them 50 e-mails asking them to cancel. They still did not cancel and did not refund my money.