Wireless Android Auto adapters can make life easier by allowing drivers to connect their phones to their vehicles without a cable. However, it’s essential to be careful when purchasing one, as the market is flooded with questionable options.
A couple of years ago, there were only a few wireless Android Auto adapters available, usually priced around $100. As demand grew, more affordable options appeared, some as low as $50. These cheaper adapters weren’t terrible in a test by 9to5Google, but they didn’t always perform as reliably as their pricier counterparts.
Now, the market has exploded with a vast selection of adapters available on Amazon. Prices range from $50 to $60, and many come with discount coupons, making them appear like great deals. Unfortunately, appearances can be deceiving.
Watch Out for Fake Reviews
One red flag when browsing these listings is the number of dubious reviews. Amazon allows sellers to send products to customers for free in exchange for reviews, and while these reviews aren’t always dishonest, they can be skewed. For example, adapters from brands like “KooDux” and “BaseSailor” have many reviews from people who received the products for free, which raises questions about their objectivity.
Even more concerning is a listing for the “Veqotya” adapter. While it boasts nearly 7,000 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating, most of those reviews are for a completely different product: a pill holder. Sellers sometimes change listings for unrelated products, boosting new items with irrelevant reviews. This practice violates Amazon’s policies, but enforcement is inconsistent.
Additionally, many of these listings show little or no actual Android Auto usage in the product images, another sign to be wary of.
Are the Savings Worth the Risk?
The main appeal of these generic adapters is their lower price. However, well-known brands like AAWireless and Motorola MA1 have reduced their prices, often selling for $65 or less. With trusted options available at competitive prices, the risk of purchasing a no-name adapter may not be worth it.
Before buying, it’s crucial to dig through reviews and verify that the product is what it claims to be. For most buyers, it’s safer to stick with reputable brands to ensure you’re getting a quality adapter that works reliably.