Top 5 Best 2-in-1 CarPlay Adapters 2023 | Which 2-in-1 CarPlay Dongle Should You Buy?

[@Senrab46]

Enjoyed your review as highlights the pitfalls and ease of access for two users. Thanks great content for novices like me🐈👍

[@CarPlayLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lordcarnorjax8599]

Great review. What I've found though watching and reading lots of reviews is people seem to quite varying opinions with these adapters. I think you've probably had the best methodology I've seen so far for your review. The only reason I can think of why the reviews seem to very quite so much depends on the car infotainment or head unit that they are connected to. I have a CarlinKit 4.0. With my two cars, at least 1 or 2 times out of 10 my phone doesn't connect properly and I have to manually intervene. Generally I've found powering off the head unit (Sony XAV-A200) or infotainment (2019 Holden ZB Commodore - Australian version of Opel / Vauxhall Insignia) and disconnecting the CarlinKit 4.0 gets it going again but sometimes I also have to force the iPhone to connect to the bluetooth and then it will go. Reading some forum posts most Commodore owners found the Ottocast U2-X Pro was the best for use with the infotainment in the car.

[@Betheball1966]

great vid. thanks. is wifi preferable to bluetooth?

[@CarPlayLife]

Wi-Fi is the only way CarPlay wirelessly connects. CarPlay uses BT to connect then shares Wi-Fi credentials between your phone and the adapter and then it switches to Wi-Fi to stream audio and video to the display via the adapter.

[@Itsjayduhhhhh]

My carlinkit 4.0 comes sometime this week, very excited to hear it supports wired android auto cause that’s probably what’d I’d use My car has CarPlay but not AA so that’s why I bought it so I wouldn’t have been to upset if it only supported wireless but I’m very happy it supports wired

[@CarPlayLife]

Awesome! I hope it works for you when it arrives.

[@Itsjayduhhhhh]

@@CarPlayLife hoping the car not being on stock firmware isn’t gonna create issues for the device since it never shipped with CarPlay on the stock head unit lol 🤞

[@xnwdvwb]

Thanks for this video. 2 in 1 is nice but we can’t find dongles that allow us to simply switch between my iPhone and my wifes iPhone on carplay. It’s such a widespread customer demand, so where are those adapters? Thanks for your reply.

[@CarPlayLife]

Two of these would work fairly well for that. The Ottocast u2-x pro and CarLinkit 4.0 would work with both iPhones. The CarLinkit would be more reliable. And with auto connect switched off it would wait for your input on which previously paired phone to connect to.

[@Cruiserharry447]

Hi Andrew. Great review. I own a toyota landcruiser 200 series 2021 VXR model. Will any of these adapters work on the Cruiser?

[@CarPlayLife]

As long as you have CarPlay port, CarlinKit 5.0 off Amazon should work. But check their compatibility listing first.

[@AlainGlico]

Great video. Thanks.

[@CarPlayLife]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching

[@curiouszac411]

Great review Anthony, my use case is: I have one new car Mitsubishi which has wired Android Auto and an older 2012 Nissan Dualis of which I installed a cheap aftermarket ebay Android Head unit which I presume doesn't have Carplay, not sure if it is something that can be installed into the Head unit as an app. Would like a 2 in1 dongle or AI box if only option that can be used with Apple & Android phones on both cars and hopefully also be able to watch most streaming services Netflix, Disney etc.. What is the best value proposition? Only option i'm thinking of is Picasou 3 or Carlinkit CP200 running android 13 which seems to require at least wired android? Having a Hdmi output port is a bonus to be able to use in hotels sometimes.Would also like it future proof in case of updates so the streaming apps don't stop working.Thanks.

[@CarPlayLife]

If your Mitsubishi only has Android auto you will struggle to find an Ai box adapter that allows Netflix etc that would run on it. Most of these require a wired CarPlay car system. Same goes for wireless adapters, most will not work on AA and if they do they won’t convert to CarPlay (if that’s what you want to do). There are wireless AA adapters and you can get wireless adapters for Android OS head units that have the ability to install apps onto them. But again these are only wireless adapters. Not the kind of Ai box type of adapters that run Netflix etc.

[@4becool]

Hi what if my car support only Apple carplay will I be able to use android auto with any of this adapters ?

[@narxic]

I would like to know the answer to this as well.. thank you for asking.

[@4becool]

I watched review of carlinkit 4.0 on this channel and he confirmed it will support android auto even if you have only carplay support in your car.

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes as long as you get a 2in1 like these it will allow android auto connection on a CarPlay only display

[@4becool]

@@narxic I just received carlink 4.0 tested with my mercedes CLS 2016 and android auto's working perfectly all the buttonns even those on steering wheel can operate android auto like carplay

[@MrMlyarber]

Can you go back and forth to Carplay and the car's display.

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes you can

[@sanchotp]

Thanks for the video man. Someone told me you can’t use the phone option on car play with carlinkit .. is that true? iPhone.

[@CarPlayLife]

If you mean not being able to call from the dongle that’s false. You can call from the phone app just fine in my experience.

[@beordaznkid]

Hi what about the carlinkit tbox plus?

[@CarPlayLife]

That’s an AI Box. One for another round up soon :)

[@vovantiensy4940]

I live in Vietnam, is it easy to buy one of these ? My car is Kia Rondo 2021, is it compatible with any of these adapters ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Sorry I don’t know that

[@ongnguyenba8556]

Hi mate. What's about MIC carplay box hdmi?

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m not sure that’s a 2in1

[@JamesBrown-zm6us]

Hi, I have an unusual scenario where the car has wired android auto only, would any of these be able to convert to CarPlay? Thanks for your effort in making these videos

[@CarPlayLife]

None of these will do that but I’m not sure of any that do this the other way round - convert android to CarPlay. Some run android wireless but they won’t allow CarPlay on them.

[@JamesBrown-zm6us]

@@CarPlayLife that appears to be the case and I’ve searched high and low! Thanks for taking the time to reply

[@danielortega6371]

Thanks for you video, I have a Toyota Corolla 2019, I’ve heard that Ottocast Picasou is compatible, what is your advice for this model? Thanks for your help

[@CarPlayLife]

What do you plan on doing mostly with the adapter?

[@danielortega6371]

@@CarPlayLife basically for GPS purpose, the sound works pretty well with the factory equipment comes from.

[@spotifysplio693]

If my car is just wired CarPlay only system, do you recommend Carlinkit 4.0 or the A.I box for faster and smoother experience?

[@CarPlayLife]

If it’s just android auto you want on CarPlay then stick with the 4.0 from CarlinKit. AI boxes add another layer and over complicate and delay the whole process.

[@spotifysplio693]

@@CarPlayLife Thank you so much!

[@zu5295]

Hi, I only need wireless CarPlay support, I already have the Ottocast U2-Now, what would be an upgrade to this unit in terms of the usual variables like speed of boot up, stability, ease of use etc.?

[@CarPlayLife]

Right now there isn’t much of an upgrade to experience. Maybe the u2-air or similar for boot/pairing speed but once you’re in there’s not much else to improve if it all works. There’s adapters that might offer better config for compatibility but if it all works for you then there’s no need. These are made on a budget so less ££ profit for them with these so that’s why we’ve not seen them advance any better and there’s been more focus on AI Boxes as the profit is more as it’s a little extra hardware spend and all smoke and mirrors on the software side to ask for more £££. Maybe one day someone will return with an upgraded adapter with faster Wi-Fi connections and boot up. 🤞🏻

[@lareineamin5216]

Hello!! Thank you for this awesome video I would like to ask what do you recommend me to buy for my car I have iPhone 13 Pro Max and 2014 Nissan rouge select awd Please help me I’m not sure which one is the best Thank you!

[@CarPlayLife]

I assume your 2014 Nissan doesn’t have wired CarPlay?

[@gianmarcobabini3496]

Thank you, very interesting! What about the mobile battery usage? I need to connet it to my motorbike and I'd like to have a your opinion about it. Thank you again!

[@CarPlayLife]

They should power off the usb when the car/motorcycle is turned over and on. They shouldn’t draw any power when the car/bike is off unless the USB remains powered when it’s off.

[@gianmarcobabini3496]

@@CarPlayLife thank you. But I would ask you about the mobile phone battery drain usage. Do you think I can use for several hours the device workout recharge the mobile phone? Thank you

[@dariuscerkauskas1241]

@@gianmarcobabini3496 my note 9 loses a charge quite drastically, plus if you want to use navigation, it can't be in energy saving mode. But again, maybe it's just my old phone

[@gianmarcobabini3496]

@@dariuscerkauskas1241 I heard that the main trouble of this kind of devices is the power drained by the mobile phone. That's why the constructors keep the connection cable mandatory. Above all for motorbikes... It power usage could be affected by the BT revision. It could be interesting to do some test regarding it.

[@kurbeco]

When you say that the CarlinKit 4.0 supports wired CarPlay and Android Auto passthru, does that mean that it just bypasses the dongle entirely? My car supports wired CarPlay and wired Android Auto natively. My understanding is that a lot of these devices that add wireless Android Auto support do so by converting it to CarPlay for the car to receive.. which I guess is fine but also isn't needed if the car already supports wired Android Auto.

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t think it totally bypasses the adapter. But it’s a scenario I haven’t and can’t try myself. In that having a CarPlay only system and then adding a 4.0 and connect Android via cable to see if the dongle is still doing its job or it’s bypassing it. That’s the only way to find out really. If you want AA to AA wireless you want the 5.0

[@mrtom7157]

Hey, thanks for the great videos. I’m new to CarPlay in my 2018 Astra, it’s confusing! CarPlay has to be plugged in and I understand these things simply allow me to use CarPlay wirelessly? Is there an adapter that will allow me to use CarPlay wirelessly AND use the in car screen to watch Netflix/KZbin? Cheers

[@CarPlayLife]

If you’re system does wired CarPlay you need to look for an AI Box or 3in1 adapters. This will do what you want.

[@mrtom7157]

@@CarPlayLife thank you for your reply. I have ordered a HERILARY C3 Mini 2 in 1 Wireless Box Adapter × 1 after watching another of your video’s. I also got some money off so thanks for that! Hopefully, this will do the trick?

[@stevemouat1033]

are there any dongles on the market that can covert any screen into CarPlay ? My car has a touch screen but no wired CarPlay.

[@CarPlayLife]

Sadly not. They all need wired CarPlay to function

[@narxic]

My car has usb connection used with apple carplay. Can these allow my Android phone to play music through the car speakers? Thank you for the great video, otherwise very informative and well done. 🍻

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes you will need a 2in1 adapter like the CarlinKit 4.0

[@OnlineObsessionista]

Hi, do you happen to know if it's possible to connect the AI BOX to Carpuride monitor?

[@CarPlayLife]

Most can. But some can’t.

[@CreativeBuilds1]

Please help me, which one is better Playaibox UX999 Ultra or Carlinkit Tbox Plus ??

[@86plaque]

My husband recently had a new kenwood stereo system installed with "wired" apple car play in my 2015 Ford Expedition. Do you think the Carlinkit 4.0 CPA 2 in 1 (would like to have the android capability) will work?

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes it could work. But from Amazon so you have easier returns should it not work.

[@86plaque]

Thank you so much! @@CarPlayLife

[@justtrue8228]

Hi my Corolla only has carplay but i need to connect Android phone will these devices can do that??

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes these will do that.

[@informedreader9354]

Hello, was wondering what and which one is the best is for my situation. i have a 2020 corolla with Apple carplay and my phone is Android . could you please recommend a 2 in 1 for my situation so i can use Android on the corolla Apple carplay head unit. Thanks!

[@CarPlayLife]

Any of these should work in this scenario. Do check that they are compatible with your Corolla and year though and buy it off Amazon for easy returns when possible.

[@Blz-qr4wd]

Hey, whats the difference between a 2 in 1 and an ai box

[@CarPlayLife]

2-in-1 is just a CarPlay and Android Auto wireless function. AI Box offers a standalone Android operating system that runs on the CarPlay display. They also have an android app that allows wireless CPlay and AAuto functionality too.

[@Blz-qr4wd]

@@CarPlayLife if I get a 2 in 1 can I use android auto on a carplay only car?

[@spotifysplio693]

​@@Blz-qr4wd Also this, can you answer this pls 👆

[@bendoherty7721]

Hi I want to mirror my iPhone so I can have my obd app on my mondeo sync 3 so I can see gauges on my screen. Can you please recommend any so I know where to start. Ps. Thankyou for the video

[@CarPlayLife]

Out of these only the MMB will mirror your iPhone. Connecting to it isn’t a seamless process you will have to fiddle with WiFi connection each time you’re in the car and want to use it this way.

[@bendoherty7721]

Really. That sounds crap. Is there any that I just plug into usb from my iPhone?

[@thereturnfc]

Would m.I.c. Be fastest CarPlay android box currently? I’m looking for HDMI output for hotel stay as well

[@CarPlayLife]

That and the Ottocast Picasou 2, which is the same but in a fancy round case and a different menu interface

[@black8237]

Hi I’m looking for something that it wouldn’t need any sim card in order to watch movies or carplay at the same time Any suggestions please? What would be the best to get Thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

Nothing like that exists. You have to remember how wireless CarPlay works (Wi-Fi) and how do you expect to watch streamed movies on the system (internet usually using a data SIM or tethering from your phone (Wi-Fi)). Only way around it is watching local movies form an SD card or loaded onto the adapter itself.

[@black8237]

I’m deciding between MMB and iHeylinkit Which one is better? Thanks

[@eliotwilliams4279]

Just to make sure i understand, the Carlin kit one. I have a Supra A90 (which is based on BMW iDrive 7 iirc) which supports Carplay only, but i have an android and no plans to change to iphone. Can i use this device to somehow convert my Samsungs AndroidAuto to carplay? Which my car supports?

[@CarPlayLife]

If it just has CarPlay then the 4.0 CarlinKit would allow you to connect your android to the adapter to use android auto on your CarPlay system.

[@eliotwilliams4279]

@@CarPlayLife i see, but it needs wired carplay to do that right (my car)

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes it needs to plug into a wired USB port that’s used for wired CarPlay.

[@eliotwilliams4279]

Ah i see. That might limit it for me then. Have you ever seen any devices that do wireless or aired androidauto To Wirelss carplay?

[@CarPlayLife]

So you want wireless CarPlay on an android auto only system? I’m confused as you said it has CarPlay 🙃

[@neilhibbert5201]

Hi please can you tell me if i can use one these doggle for,my pioneer dab and sat nav unit with usb.with out having to use usb after system set up by pluging doggle into cig lighter plug?Or will it only work with usb pluged in.i was thinking on getting carlin 5.0 or 3.0 will it work with these.

[@CarPlayLife]

It needs a wired CarPlay usb port. If you don’t have CarPlay already these won’t work.

[@ovictorcoelho]

Hello, friend! Greetings from Brasil! I would like to know which one do you recommend for a Toyota Yaris. I mostly use iPhone 13, but I have an old android here as well that maybe can help me with some apps that don't work with iOS. I would love to watch some videos during my spare time. Netflix, KZbin, Tidal Videos and other installed apps as well. Do you think that CarLinkKit should be a safe option? Thanks for everything!

[@CarPlayLife]

The CarLinkit might be ok but it won’t do video apps. Also your android needs to be android 11 or newer unless you plan on using a cable to the dongle, which in that case the CarLinkit might be your only option from these finalists. If you want video you need to look at either the Herilary for YT and Netflix only or go all out on an AI Box.

[@olenronning5868]

So if I’m only using CarPlay 90% of the time with occasionally a friend who may ride with me using AA, is the #2 device the fastest? That’s what I care most about. 😊

[@CarPlayLife]

That’s right. The second was the fastest to CP and AA in this round up of adapters.

[@spotifysplio693]

My car has just, wired CarPlay support no Android Auto, so will adding any of these devices allowb me to have Android Auto compatibility?

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes that right.

[@wherewolf87]

Does the Carlinkit 4.0 provide the Netflix and KZbin playback feature ??

[@CarPlayLife]

No sadly not.

[@PQR5CHE]

What 2 in1 will allow me to watch KZbin videos on my cars screen..? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@gjg19791]

@@PQR5CHE Ottocast Picasu. I just ordered the Pro 2. Haven’t received it yet, but watched videos on them.

[@Godfamilygators]

@@gjg19791 I got the Ottocast AI-plus and have issues connecting to Wi-Fi through phone to allow KZbin and Netflix. The wireless is perfect though

[@gass3764]

What’s playback feature?

[@ronalddrzewicki5786]

Does any of them all for unknown apps to play like live tv?

[@CarPlayLife]

Sorry I don’t know what you mean

[@ronalddrzewicki5786]

@@CarPlayLife iptv?

[@ronalddrzewicki5786]

Internet TV. App not on Google

[@CarPlayLife]

They don’t come with any IPTV apps but I guess you can sideload or download any that are on the Google play store

[@ronalddrzewicki5786]

@@CarPlayLife okay how can u sideload is there a video on that

[@kimo20011]

Hi anthony i got a question which one should i get if i got wireless carplay already but i want an android box to watch videos on and one more thing if my screen size is 12” which one has the better screen quality

[@CarPlayLife]

Try the Ottocast Picasou 2, but buy it from Amazon or directly from them so you can easily return it if it doesn’t work with your large display kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYS7oKCEnKh_nJI

[@kimo20011]

@@CarPlayLife thank you for your reply I ordered carlin kit t box plus from amazon since I saw it working on 12" in a kia

[@mranthonybarker]

@@kimo20011 OK great! I'm due to review the Plus this week :)

[@dekart283]

Hi, I have carlinkit 4.0 works very nice but i can't get phone calls by stering wheel (no calls list on dashboard) its connected by carlinkit bluetooth (name iPhone) I can get calls only from menu androidauto phone. Without carlink when car linked by phone bluetooth there's call list on dashboard. Is any solve? Sync checked

[@CarPlayLife]

When connecting to you car BT the car system is displaying contacts. Connect to this adapter and contacts are handled through the CarPlay or AAuto platform. So it’s handled differently. Make sure you accept the prompt when connecting first time to share your contacts.

[@adriantimko2343]

Hello, i have Carlinkit 4.0, then connect to my radio via USB but my radio doesn´t start streaming. I have 10,1´´radio (idk name), but it have android 10. Where could be the problem? I need download some app? Thank you for your answer.

[@CarPlayLife]

The 4.0 requires your system to be running native CarPlay. Not though an android app. If your head unit runs an android OS and it can have apps installed onto it you will need an android OS adapter instead like one of these kzbin.info/aero/PLysOHeJ5BkMj-ov6_61XEGpj9AbbM0QYM

[@tommylux247]

Thanks, can you do a video on best AI box? Thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

That’s the idea. End of Dec or early Jan.

[@omarramirez2335]

I didn’t understand the lineup so was number 5 your best pick or was it number 1 they progressively got cheaper and less capable as you got to number 1

[@CarPlayLife]

No1 was best.

[@danielbechter522]

Have you ever tried switching between platforms in your VW with MIB 2.5? With my MIB 2 the switch from an iPhone to an Android phone results in distorted screen. It probably can't handle the H.264 profile switch as CarPlay uses High Profile while Android Auto uses Baseline Profile.

[@CarPlayLife]

How are you switching between them? swapping cable, or via wireless adapter? I assume this is also under the same session whilst the system is still running?

[@danielbechter522]

@@CarPlayLife Pair both with adapter and switch via red AutoKit UI. I connect to one phone (e.g. iPhone) then disable Wi-Fi on that phone which takes me back to the boot menu of the adapter, where I select the Android phone. Display then becomes distorted, forcing me to replug the adapter. It is also possible to switch to the other phone be re-plugging the adapter instead of disabling Wi-Fi. My MIB2 head unit can't seem to cope with the switch from iPhone to Android or vice versa.

[@CarPlayLife]

I’ll try when I can. Are you using 4.0 or 5.0?

[@danielbechter522]

@@CarPlayLife Thanks. Am currently using the 4.0. A 5.0 will arrive next week. I hope phone switching to be better with 5.0. 4.0 however seems to work with certain head units too. Not for mine though. I have to replug the adapter each time I go from iPhone to Android and vice versa.

[@CarPlayLife]

FYI - I just tried this out and don’t get the issue you’re experiencing on the 4.0. 🤔

[@LloydDroid]

Hey I love watching your informative videos and I think I’m finally ready to buy one! I see the carlinkit 4 in this video, but the 3 mini in the apple only video as best. Which one is better between the two in terms of speed? I’m only going to use CarPlay but whichever is fastest is what I’m interested in, 2023 kia sorento , any chance you could help? :)

[@CarPlayLife]

Out of these two: CarLinkit 4.0 total boot and pair into CarPlay speed was 38.73 seconds CarLinkit 3.0 Mini 40.71 seconds So very little between them.

[@samba2498]

Unfortunately carlinkit 4 does not work with IPhone 12

[@CarPlayLife]

Hmm how odd.

[@0202nh]

👍

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks for watching