14 best Android Auto apps in 2023

If you’re planning a road trip, there’s nothing more useful than Android Auto. It can get you from point A to point B while avoiding speeding traps and accidents and playing your favorite playlists, all right from the display embedded in your dashboard. It’s like CarPlay on iPhone, but unlike Apple’s service, Google’s platform has a wide range of third-party apps worth checking out.

What you’ll need to get on the road

Google has several different automotive platforms, and the names are similar enough to cause some confusion. Right now, most modern cars support Android Auto, though vehicles running directly on Android Automotive are likely to continue growing in popularity in the coming years. Android Auto uses your car’s infotainment system to display mobile apps that make your commute easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Android Auto’s UI should feel second nature to Android users. Simply connect your Android device to your vehicle’s charging port with a sturdy USB cable and follow the directions on your car’s display. Alternatively, you can use a wireless adapter like AAWireless to avoid wires altogether. Once you have the system set up, you can answer phone calls, ask for turn-by-turn directions, and even listen to incoming messages using the shortcuts on your steering wheel.

Although Google announced wireless Android Auto in 2018, the number of cars compatible without relying on an adapter is still fairly limited. You can check our Wireless Android Auto Guide if you’re shopping for a car that has the feature.

1


Google Maps

There’s no denying that the most-used app for Android Auto is Google Maps.


It’s one of the most accurate and efficient mapping apps that provides turn-by-turn directions no matter where you’re headed. Simply press the voice button on your steering wheel, say the name of a business, address, or city, and your car display will show all the relevant details. There’s no need for a subscription, and it’s constantly updated to boot.

Of course, Google has ensured the service isn’t just great at simple navigation. The map is reactive to lighting, meaning light and dark themes are offered and switch automatically based on your vehicle’s sensors. Meanwhile, the ability to detect and report speed traps or accidents helps make the road safer for both you and other drivers. Basically, Google Maps is an obvious choice for in-car navigation, and while Waze has also earned a spot on this list, there’s a reason this app holds such a dominance over the market.

2


Facebook Messenger

For all its issues as a social network, Facebook Messenger remains one of the most popular messaging services on the planet. You can send messages through voice commands and listen to replies read aloud while keeping your eyes on the road. If your friends have migrated to Messenger, you don’t need to rely on basic SMS messages to reach out while commuting. The Messenger app — which, we should mention, remains an Android Auto exclusive not found on CarPlay — is a must-have.

3


Scanner Radio – Police Scanner

Habitually listening to emergency service scanners at home might not be for everyone, but listening while driving can help to avoid accidents, especially in unfamiliar terrain. Rather than relying on users on Waze or Google Maps to report issues on the road, you can listen to your city’s emergency scanners to look out for issues clogging the roadways.

While listening to emergency scanners is beneficial for those who spend their days working on the road, even if you’re not on the hunt for delays directly from the source, listening to a local scanner while driving can also keep you up to date with your city’s emergencies. It might not replace your usual playlists or podcasts — nor is it meant to — but it’s something you’ll want to keep on your smartphone. You’ll be happy you did.

4


Spotify: Music and Podcasts

If you’re looking for a single app that can play both your favorite songs and your favorite podcasts, Spotify is a no-brainer. Its library of artists and shows is enormous, with a few podcasts that can only be found on the service. Pair this with Google’s voice commands, and now you’re jamming to some tunes hands-free while driving. Spotify has even worked to expand out to audiobooks, perfect for longer solo road trips no matter the time of year.

Of course, the real highlight of Spotify is its starting price. As long as you can deal with some ads, there’s no need to pay for a premium subscription. All told, there’s a reason Spotify remains one of the best streaming services around, and it works great with Android Auto.

5


Telegram

Much like Facebook Messenger, if you’re using Telegram to communicate with your friends and family, its Android Auto UI is a lifesaver. Sending messages is fast, everything’s encrypted, all content is synced account-wide (so you can pick up where you left off when moving between devices), and you can delete your messages at any time. Plus, the app is constantly updated with new features.

There’s a lot to like here, and since Telegram works well with Android Auto along with Google Assistant, you can go hands-free with ease while driving.

6


Audible: audiobooks and podcasts

This one is for all of you audiobook fanatics out there. Commuting is a great time to listen to an audiobook, and thanks to Audible’s Android Auto support, you can easily launch into a new read directly from Android Auto’s UI.

Amazon owns Audible, so the audiobook selection is virtually endless. You can even purchase audiobooks packaged with your e-books on the Amazon store, which is a great way to save on Kindle and Audible purchases. Best of all, Audible offers convenient features that make it easy to pick up where you left off as well as replay something you missed while distracted. It’s a great choice for on-the-go listening.

7


Waze – GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Live Navigation

Although most of us opt to use Google’s

other

navigation app, Waze is an excellent service in its own right. It works through crowdsourcing, so anyone can report accidents or other delays on the road that the rest of us can see with minute-to-minute information. It’s a suite of tools that allows drivers to choose efficient routes. It’s brilliant, which is why Google bought the service to begin with.

But despite a lack of offline support, Waze still offers accurate real-time traffic, thanks to the work of its users. Plus, Waze integrates well with Android Auto, complete with support for voice responses.

8


Pocket Casts

Several streaming services offer podcast support, like Spotify and Audible, but if you’re looking for a dedicated podcast app, Pocket Casts is a mainstay. Thanks to an intuitive UI and queuing feature that makes it easy to set up a list to listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts is perfect for long drives while keeping your hands free.

The app plugs into Android Auto just fine, all while syncing up with Assistant, ensuring your hands remain free even if you wish to change what you previously set up. So if you’re a podcast addict (hey, that’s a different app!) who requires control over your entire library for your commutes, Pocket Casts is a great place to start.

9


TomTom GO Navigation

TomTom has been in the satellite navigation game since 2004, so it would make sense that the company offers a handful of apps on Android, and TomTom GO Navigation is the big boy of the group. You can trial this navigation software for 30 days, fully featured, and if you like what you see, you can subscribe monthly for $5, go with six months for $16, or grab a year’s worth of directions for $25.

Offline maps are supported, along with lane guidance, real-time traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. There’s also a free option available called

TomTom AmiGO

, for those of us unwilling to pay for directions in 2023. Still, if you’re looking for TomTom’s full navigation feature set, TomTom GO Navigation is definitely the version you should try if you require robust map software that works offline.

10


Poweramp Music Player

There are tons of music streaming apps, but local music players are something of a rarer breed. At the top of that list is Poweramp. It’s offered Android Auto support since 2019, and thanks to its clear design and awesome EQ, it’s a long-time favorite. It also plays just about any format you throw at it, including FLACs, which makes it an excellent player for audiophiles with killer sound systems jammed in their vehicles.

You won’t have to worry about compression degrading your favorite tunes, ensuring you get the best experience possible for your FLAC collection with an excellent 10+ band graphical equalizer built-in. You can try the full app for free for 15 days, and if you like what you see, there’s a

full version unlock on the Google Play Store

for $5.49.

11


TuneIn Radio

Okay, this is going to sound like a wild idea, but have you considered playing the radio

through

Android Auto? TuneIn Radio is an all-in-one radio app, and it offers over 100,000 radio stations from across AM, FM, and the internet. This includes news stations, as well as popular podcasts and live sports.

The app offers Android Auto support, and with all these stations available, you can listen to all sorts of offerings while driving. The selection of stations is exponentially better than what’s built into most car radios, so it’s not such a crazy idea if you enjoy cruising to music from around the world.

12


Podcast Addict: Podcast player

Pocket Casts might be a great option for podcast addicts, but only one app actually used the phrase in its name. If you’re looking for something that works great with Android Auto and is also customizable, Podcast Addict is an excellent alternative to our previous pick.

You get an AA-specific UI for easy navigation, and you can customize the placement of the screen’s buttons to ensure they are where you need them to be to better build your muscle memory to keep your eye on the road. You also get access to tons of popular podcasts. Just keep in mind the app contains ads which can be removed through a subscription.

13


Player for Rainwave

If you’re looking for something a little different when listening to the radio while driving, Player for Rainwave might just be the ticket. This audio streaming app is centered around video game music, with Android Auto support built-in for hands-free access while driving. It’s a free service backed by user contributions, so it doesn’t offer the wide-ranging library you’ll find with more prominent players in the streaming game. However, updates are abundant, and bugs are squashed quickly.

An entire app dedicated to video game music might not appeal to everyone. Still, for those who enjoy chiptunes, especially while on the go, Player for Rainwave is an excellent indie release that fills this niche admirably. Best of all, you can rate songs and favorite the finest tunes, customizing your experience so that you can hit the road, no muss, no fuss.

14


WhatsApp

We’ve already highlighted a couple of communication apps you’ll need for your drive, but this list can’t be complete without WhatsApp. While it’s certainly more popular outside of the United States, WhatsApp is a service you’ll need no matter where you live. You no doubt have at least a few friends or family members who insist on texting you through Facebook’s

other

messaging service, and by keeping this on your phone, you can answer hands-free while driving to your next destination.

Stay entertained and connected no matter where you’re headed

While this list is just a small selection of apps you’ll need for your drive, the truth is, Android Auto support is so sporadic in apps these days, you’ll likely want to check and see if the software you use every day includes support for it. At the same time, remember not to allow yourself to get

too

distracted by your car’s display while driving. After all, you’re responsible for your own safety and the safety of everyone on the road around you. Drive safe!