In the ever-evolving world of in-car tech, wired connections feel like relics from a bygone era. If your car supports Apple CarPlay but only through a cable—like my 2020 Toyota RAV4—going wireless can transform your daily drive. Enter the AAWireless TWO+, a compact adapter that promises to cut the cord for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users. Launched earlier this year via an Indiegogo campaign, this little dongle aims to bridge the gap for mixed-platform households or anyone tired of fumbling with USB cables.

I've been testing the TWO+ in my RAV4 for a few weeks now, and it's largely lived up to the hype. With its dual-support for CarPlay and Android Auto, easy setup, and reliable performance, it's a solid upgrade for cars stuck in wired mode. But like any tech gadget, it's not without a minor quirk or two. Let's dive into the details.

What Is the AAWireless TWO+?

The AAWireless TWO+ is the latest iteration from AAWireless, a company that's been specializing in wireless adapters since their first Android Auto-focused device. What sets the TWO+ apart is its dual compatibility: it works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it ideal for families or individuals who switch between iOS and Android devices. It's a plug-and-play dongle that plugs into your car's USB port (the one typically used for wired CarPlay) and connects wirelessly to your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Key specs include a multifunctional button for quick switching between paired devices, standby mode, and resets. It supports over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates through a companion app, ensuring it stays current with bug fixes and new features. Priced around $70 for early backers, it's competitively positioned against other adapters, though availability was initially limited to a 3,000-unit run.

Compatibility is broad, covering most vehicles with wired CarPlay from 2016 onward, but it's always wise to check specifics—especially for Toyotas like the RAV4, which have solid but sometimes picky infotainment systems.

Setup: As Simple as It Gets

One of the standout aspects of the TWO+ is how effortless the initial setup is. Plug the dongle into your car's USB port, and it boots up in seconds. From there, pair it with your iPhone via Bluetooth (it'll show up in your settings). A prompt appears on your car's screen to allow CarPlay, and another on your phone to confirm. That's it—no complicated apps required for the basics, though you'll want the AAWireless companion app (available on Android, with web access for iOS users) for advanced tweaks.

In my 2020 RAV4, the process took under two minutes. The first connection might hiccup—mine disconnected briefly before reconnecting—but subsequent starts are automatic. Every time I hop in the car, CarPlay fires up reliably as long as my iPhone is nearby. No more digging for cables in the glovebox or dealing with worn-out ports. Users on forums echo this sentiment, noting quick pairings even when switching between Android and iOS devices.

Features and Customization: App-Powered Flexibility

The companion app is where the TWO+ shines for tinkerers. It lets you adjust settings like screen resolution, DPI for better interface scaling, and even enable features like audio fixes for older head units. Firmware updates are a breeze—push a button, and it's done OTA, no cables or computers needed. I've updated mine twice since getting it, each time fixing minor connectivity tweaks.

The multifunctional button is a game-changer for multi-phone setups. A quick press switches between paired devices or enters pairing mode. If you're in a household with both Android and iOS, this avoids the hassle of unplugging and re-pairing. For CarPlay-specific use, like mine, it just works seamlessly in the background.

One note: While the app is Android-centric, iOS users can access settings via a web interface when connected. It's not as polished, but it gets the job done for firmware updates and basic configs.

Performance and Reliability: Consistent with a Minor Hiccup

In day-to-day use with my RAV4, the TWO+ has been rock-solid. CarPlay connects automatically within 20-30 seconds of starting the car, and navigation via Apple Maps or Waze is smooth. Music streaming from Spotify or Apple Music plays without interruption, and Siri responds promptly to voice commands.

I've put it through real-world testing: city commutes, highway drives, and even a weekend road trip. It held up consistently, with no random disconnects or lag in the interface. This aligns with early user feedback, where people praise its stability over cheaper alternatives.

That said, there's one small issue I've encountered: occasional audio jitter. It happens maybe once every few days, where the sound stutters for a second or two during playback. It's not a deal-breaker—restarting the app or waiting it out fixes it—but it's worth mentioning. From what I've seen in online discussions, this could tie back to older CarPlay implementations in cars like the RAV4, and enabling the "audio fix" in the app helps mitigate it. Overall, though, reliability is high, especially compared to wired setups where cable wear causes more frequent problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Super simple setup and automatic connections.
  • Dual support for CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy switching.
  • Companion app makes customization and updates effortless.
  • Compact design that tucks away neatly.
  • Reliable performance in testing, with few issues.

Cons:

  • Occasional audio jitter on some setups (like my RAV4).
  • Limited initial availability; might be hard to snag right away.
  • Web interface for iOS feels a bit clunky compared to the full app.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Upgrade for Wireless Convenience

If you're like me—driving a 2020 RAV4 with wired CarPlay and craving a cable-free experience—the AAWireless TWO+ is a worthwhile investment. It's transformed my drives by making CarPlay feel modern and hassle-free, with consistent reliability and easy management. The minor audio jitter is a small price for the convenience, and ongoing firmware updates suggest it'll only get better.

For anyone in a mixed-phone household, the dual-platform support is a killer feature. At around $70, it's priced right and backs up its promises with solid execution. If your car supports wired CarPlay and you're ready to go wireless, give the TWO+ a shot—you won't want to go back to cables.