In this review, I look at the CarlinKit Mini 5 SE Pro. A 2in1 wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapter, built from the winning foundations of my Top 5 wireless CarPlay adapter winner.
You can buy this adapter for $35 directly from the CarlinKit Store – https://bit.ly/mini5sepro, or for $54.99 from Amazon US – https://amzn.to/4hs7EOJ, £49.99 from Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/40JWsHJ, and €45.99 from Amazon DE – https://amzn.to/4h81N1e.
TLDR: The CarlinKit Mini 5 SE Pro is a dual-platform wireless adapter supporting CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers fast connection times, smooth performance, and excellent configuration options, all for a competitive price of $35. While the setup process for Android Auto isn’t seamless for multi-user scenarios, it remains a strong 2in1 contender for its functionality, performance and overall value.
Hot on the heels of my top five wireless CarPlay adapters roundup for 2025, we now have another new wireless adapter from CarlinKit that could certainly be a firm favourite for this year’s 2-in-1 wireless adapter. The CarlinKit Mini 5 SE Pro may not look drastically different from its wireless CarPlay-only sibling, but like its adapters and AI Boxes of old, its new blue colour scheme signifies something new, something Pro. This Pro model combines the best of its predecessor while adding wireless Android Auto functionality.
Unboxing and Design
The packaging of the Mini 5 SE Pro is minimalistic—no instruction manuals or cables are included. Inside, you’ll find the adapter itself, sporting a sleek new Pro blue finish. On either end of the adapter are USB-A and USB-C connectors, which plug into either a wired CarPlay or Android Auto port. A plastic cap can cover the unused connector, ensuring a cleaner aesthetic within your car’s interior.
Setup and Performance
When plugged into my car’s CarPlay port, the adapter booted up to its CarPlay launch menu in about 14 seconds—two seconds slower than the Mini 5 SE. The launcher menu retains the same intuitive design, allowing quick navigation back to the car’s main system. Most of the screen provides clear instructions for pairing with an iPhone for wireless CarPlay. However, there is no guidance for connecting to Android Auto, which could lead to a slightly inconsistent setup experience for Android users.
Pairing my iPhone via Bluetooth to initiate wireless CarPlay took around 6 seconds, and the connection displayed seamlessly on the car’s screen. Touchscreen interaction was impressively smooth, with high frame rates, making navigation feel native. Apple Maps also performed exceptionally well, with accurate car orientation courtesy of GPS passthrough support, which utilises the car’s GPS data to complement the iPhone’s processing.
Features and Configuration
The IP configuration menu mirrors that of the Mini 5 SE, offering numerous options to enhance compatibility and performance. A standout feature is the ability to tweak audio delay from its default 1000 ms to as low as 400 ms, improving responsiveness. While the default settings were adequate, having this customization is a welcome addition.
Audio performance across music, microphone quality, and calls was on par with the Mini 5 SE, delivering consistent, reliable results. For CarPlay users, this adapter offers the same award-winning experience with the additional Android functionality packed inside.
Android Auto Experience
Switching to Android Auto requires an initial connection with an Android device, which reboots and configures the adapter into Android Auto mode. While this setup isn’t seamless for multi-user scenarios across platforms, it’s straightforward enough for individual users. Android Auto pairing took about 6 to 9 seconds—a rapid and competitive time for such adapters.
Once connected, Android Auto performed admirably, with smooth transitions, a sharp display feed, and excellent audio quality. Calls and messaging resumed without issue, and the lower latency compared to CarPlay was noticeable, particularly during interactions and calling.
Final Thoughts
The CarlinKit Mini 5 SE Pro has been a pleasant surprise, excelling on both platforms without compromises. Its robust configuration menu ensures adaptability and performance optimisation, addressing potential compatibility issues for anyone who faces any.
Perhaps the most impressive feature is its price. Retailing for as little as $35 from CarlinKit’s online store, it offers exceptional value for performance. It’s hard to imagine another adapter that delivers such a high level of functionality and performance at this cost.
If you’re in the market for a dual-platform adapter supporting both wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the CarlinKit Mini 5 SE Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist—if not at the very top of it.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Brief overview
0:38 – Unboxing
2:29 – In-car demo & boot-up test
2:42 – Boot launch screen
3:08 – Bluetooth pairing test
3:30 – Wireless Apple CarPlay
5:39 – IP Config menu
6:57 – Pro vs Non-Pro comparison
7:14 – Wireless Android Auto
11:34 – My Impressions
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