Rexing - CPW-42 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter for iPhone (iOS 10+) and Android (Android 11+) - Black

This really is a good device. Setup was a bit finicky using bluetooth, but once set, it worked flawlessly. After connecting the first time, it will take a few minutes for the setup to finish. Once that is all done, it is just as good (if not better) than wired. There was little to no latency in navigating menus, using maps, listening to music, running apps, etc. Reconnecting after the car is started was also very fast. I used the adaptor for about a week before doing this review. I do have a few complaints and concerns. First, although I did not use it, the device comes with a USB-A to USB-C adaptor. It makes the overall device very long and I can easily see it damaging the car's USB-C port if anything is pushed against it too hard. Second, the manual is terrible. The text is tiny, tiny, tiny despite having quite a bit of white space to work with. My car is a 2018 Mazda 3 that supports wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

The Rexing CPW-42 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter is a compact and practical device designed for drivers who want to eliminate the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging their phones while driving. Built for both iPhone (iOS 10 and above) and Android (Android 11 and above) users, this adapter transforms the traditional wired CarPlay or Android Auto connection into a smooth wireless experience. Design and Build Quality The adapter comes in a small, minimalist black housing that blends discreetly with the car’s interior. Its lightweight design makes it easy to plug into the vehicle’s USB or USB-C port without adding clutter. Rexing’s attention to simplicity ensures that the device does not distract from the driving environment while still feeling solid and durable. Setup and Connectivity Installation is straightforward. Once connected to the car’s USB port, the CPW-42 pairs with the phone via Bluetooth and then establishes a Wi-Fi connection for data transfer. The initial setup takes only a couple of minutes, and from then on, the adapter connects automatically every time the driver enters the car. This plug-and-forget design is particularly convenient for those who rely on navigation, music streaming, or voice assistants during their daily commutes. The use of dual-band Wi-Fi helps reduce latency, providing a stable link between the phone and the car’s infotainment system. The performance is smooth for navigation apps, calls, and music playback, and transitions between apps remain quick and seamless. Compatibility The Rexing CPW-42 is compatible with iPhones running iOS 10 or higher and Android devices with Android 11 or newer. It’s important to note that this adapter does not add CarPlay or Android Auto to vehicles that lack those features; it only works with cars that already support wired CarPlay or Android Auto. Within those limits, compatibility is broad, covering a wide range of car brands and infotainment systems. Everyday Performance Once paired, the CPW-42 delivers a wireless experience that feels almost identical to a wired connection. Drivers can access navigation, messages, calls, and streaming apps without reaching for a cable. Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant remain responsive, allowing for hands-free control. The automatic reconnection every time the car is started further enhances convenience, saving time and effort. Pros Eliminates the need for cables, offering a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto experience. Simple and quick setup process with automatic reconnection. Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable and low-latency performance. Compact and discreet design. Broad compatibility across iOS and Android devices. Cons Does not add CarPlay or Android Auto to cars that lack these systems. Some vehicles may have minor compatibility limitations. Slight startup delay while the adapter initializes after turning on the car. Conclusion The Rexing CPW-42 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter is a practical upgrade for drivers who want to cut the cord without sacrificing functionality. It combines a compact design, easy installation, and reliable wireless performance, making it a strong option for anyone who already has CarPlay or Android Auto and is tired of managing cables. While it does not expand compatibility to vehicles that lack these systems, for its intended purpose it excels and proves to be a valuable accessory for everyday driving.

I've just received my Rexing CPW-42 Wireless CarPlay device. The product is packaged well and includes all of the information to get it installed. The installation is straightforward and easy. I plugged it into the car's USB port, and a screen instantly appeared on the car's display to pair. On my iPhone 15, I found the device in the Bluetooth list and paired it. Once the pairing was successful, I was able to connect and use the Apple CarPlay app wirelessly. The device uses the dual-band 5GHz Wi-Fi on my iPhone, and I can't detect any latency issues. The previous Rexing CPW-22 is excellent, but I much prefer this one. It connects quicker and takes no space in my car's console.

So far this works well for is in a 2024 Subaru Forester; it was previously SUCH a pain to have to connect via charging cord in a newer vehicle. Heads-up: pairing works better when the car is parked rather than moving. We paired it to 2 different iphones. If both of us get in the car together, the most-recently-connected iphone automatically connects to Apple Carplay.

I bought this for my 2018 Nissan Maxima, which only supports wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and I was honestly worried it might not work well because my car is 5 years old now and the USB port connection can be a little sensitive. I had already tried several other products, including some bulkier adapters, but they were either unreliable or did not connect consistently. This one was completely different. Setup was quick, the connection was smooth, and it worked almost like magic. Now my Android phone connects beautifully, and my family’s Apple devices work just as well with CarPlay. That was a huge plus for me because I wanted something that would work for both Android and iPhone users without any hassle. The adapter is compact, easy to use, and performs exactly as promised. So far, it has been money very well spent, and I am genuinely impressed with how seamless it made everything feel in my car.