Android Auto and CarPlay have changed the way I drive my cars, plain and simple. Being able to have my phone just become the entire entertainment suite when I jump in my vehicle has been a fantastic and welcome enhancement to my in-vehicle time. A new company is attempting to take that a little further with the Pairr Mini, an Android Auto and CarPlay dongle to upgrade wired auto models.
Design
The design is pretty standard here, being it’s just a USB dongle. The key appeal of the Pairr Mini is that all the internal hardware and the USB-S A connection are all in a single item. No interconnected, or separate, cabling. Just one piece of tech to plug into your available car port.
While I love the seemingly seamless concept of the Pairr adapter, I can see one negative. Automotive interiors can be crowded at times. With this being essentially a short, stubby USB stick, I can see some layouts not allowing for the adapters dimensions to be plugged in. I can also see why some OEMs opt for the USB cord that plugs into a dongle.
Daily Use
Thankfully, neither one of my family’s cars had this issue. Both my Mazda, and the wife’s Jeep, had ample room and everything just works. If you’ve used wired Android Auto or CarPlay connections, getting the Pairr dongle going is identical. The unit has a Bluetooth ID instead of the immediate wired connection, but once established, you’ll go through the same steps to get your preferred OS on the infotainment of your vehicle.
Upgrade your ride effortlessly: The Pairr Mini delivers seamless wireless Android Auto and CarPlay in a remarkably compact, single-piece design. Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to instant connectivity.
I literally had zero issues in my few weeks of using the Pairr Mini. The startup time is less than 20 seconds from starting the car to getting to your phone’s home screen. Afterward, the UI and interface are fluid. I notice very little latency issues or lag. If you didn’t know this was a wireless adapter, you’d never know the difference from being physically plugged into the dash.
This goes for both major mobile operating systems. I had the same consistent performance
Final Thoughts
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value. It stands out in design, innovation, and user experience, delivering great functionality at a competitive price.
My car not having wireless CarPlay/Auto from the factory has made me somewhat of a connoisseur of these type of dongles. The Pairr lives up to the competition and adds to it in a few ways. The compact, integrated design makes it very minimal if you have that space to plug in without issue. It really isn’t noticeable in either ports available in my Mazda once installed.
Lastly, the price is fantastic. At just $40, you don’t have to break the bank. I’d almost call it an impulse purchase or necessity for those with limited, wired infotainments systems. Once you’ve installed the Pairr Mini, you’ll never go back to reaching for a cable unless you need a phone recharge.