10 awesome Android Auto apps that most people don’t know about

There aren’t many reasons to load up on apps while driving. However, Android Auto provides many features that enhance your experience without pulling your attention from the road. One underrated perk of the service is that it delivers better sound than regular Bluetooth in some cars. That alone makes it worth exploring audio-focused software that takes full advantage of the better quality.

You know the basic apps to use from experience on your mobile phone. Google Maps and Spotify are staples and the most predictable choices for navigation and music. Still, there are underrated treasures you may not be aware of. Let’s uncover the best of them.

10

EasyPark

Handle parking unpredictability with EasyPark. The pay-as-you-go app shows you available spots all over the region. Then you can start and stop sessions remotely. You get reminders before your time runs out, so you won’t be forced to rush to your car. The same features apply to electric vehicles since you must park to charge them.

They may not be commonplace, but their presence is growing. EasyPark makes provision. You can pay for parking and charging in one place without needing separate apps or payment methods. The app is widely used in the United Kingdom. It’s also available in many cities across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

9

GameSnacks

Google’s GameSnacks is more of a curiosity than a must-have. It’s one app you should download to kill time if you’re parked waiting for someone or stuck in traffic. It offers a collection of over 50 bite-sized games that load quickly. You can play simple titles like Endless Siege, Cake Slice Ninja, Carrom Clash, and all kinds of Solitaire games.

These games work smoothly with your car display’s touch controls. The app isn’t limited to Android Auto, and you play the games from your phone’s browser or on a tablet for a large-screen experience. Since they run on HTML5, installation isn’t necessary.

8

MagicEarth

MagicEarth is a more privacy-friendly navigation app than Google Maps. Your data won’t be compromised for profit. It uses OpenStreetMapData, which is a continuously updated and public map resource where users and developers contribute to its development. Its interface might not be the best, but it offers major features like those in Google Maps.

You’ll have access to turn-by-turn guidance, offline maps, high-definition traffic updates, and detailed maps without costs. The app adds an AI dash cam that detects road hazards, monitors traffic signs, and provides lane departure warnings. It records video while you drive and stores the footage locally. If an accident occurs, you have video evidence to review and share.

7

Gaia GPS

Another navigational app that fits into your Android Auto gallery is Gaia GPS. Most maps focus on the main roads, highways, and city streets that make daily commutes easy. The app includes those factors, but it’s tailored for hiking, camping, and off-road driving.

It connects to satellites orbiting the Earth and you can use it without an internet connection. Although GPS knows your exact location, the map data usually comes from the internet. Gaia allows you to download maps ahead of time, so you can see terrain details and trails even when you’re offline and in the backcountry.

6

PlayaPod

While there are many podcast apps on the Google Play Store, they may have annoying ads, limited offline access, or missing features. Playapod has none and supports cross-device syncing. It also allows text-to-speech news reading in the News section. You can listen to content across a range of topics, including arts, business, comedy, education, fiction, and more. Playapod has its own episodes dedicated to helping you get comfortable with the app.

5

Librivox

When you’re feeling nostalgic, listen to Sherlock Holmes books and other classics on long road trips. LibriVox provides free access to thousands of audiobooks in different categories. You don’t need a library card or a subscription to enjoy them. When you find something interesting, add it to your personal collection for quick access. You may also share them with the public.

LibriVox brings stories to life with narrations from a variety of unique voices. Among its well-known volunteers is Elizabeth Klett, a literary professor known for her expressive readings. Choose from a scholarly, soothing, or theatrical voice and adjust the pace to match your mood.

4

MyRadar

You don’t want to get stuck in bad weather when you can avoid it. MyRadar on Android Auto shows you high-definition radar visuals that show where storms are headed in real time. It also provides wind speeds and precipitation level information.

If high winds or heavy rainfall are along your route, you’ll get instant National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) alerts. This way, you have time to reroute or pull over to avoid accidents. If you want hurricane tracking features, get an advanced subscription.

3

AIMP

Maybe you prefer owning music instead of relying on subscriptions. AIMP lets you play your offline collection without ads, data usage, or losing access if a song is removed from a streaming service. Its interface is minimal and focuses on essential controls. The dark theme and bold icons make it easy to see, especially during night driving.

The strongest feature is the 29-band equalizer. It’s fully customizable to match your car’s acoustics or your personal preference. Added to that is a preamp slider to balance volume levels, cut harsh frequencies, or enhance bass. Most importantly, AIMP remembers your settings. You don’t have to redo them every time you start your car.

2

Deezer

Deezer might be a familiar name, but it still qualifies as a hidden gem. Most people don’t realize how good its audio quality is. Spotify may top the charts, but Deezer is more available worldwide and offers high-fidelity streaming with its FLAC-based HiFi tier. Audio is lossless at 1,411kbps, which is full CD grade.

You hear all the details and depth of the original recording. Spotify only supports the AAC and Ogg Vorbis lossy compression formats with a maximum bitrate of 320kbps. That is, if you’re a Premium subscriber. Deezer’s audio experience makes a huge difference, particularly when paired with a good sound system or headphones.

1

Fuelio

You save more money from unplanned stops when you can see the exact remaining fuel in your tank. Fuelio doesn’t exactly show you the inside, but it helps track consumption. It has a calculator that estimates how far you can go before your next refill based on the data you provide.

Input your vehicle name and description, fuel data, odometer readings, and other information to get a preview of your expenses. Alternatively, scan your receipts to enable the app to autofill the information. This feature requires a premium subscription, but it’s affordable.

Reach next-level driving with Auto

Android Auto is rich with apps that are familiar to the operating system. You can get most of them on your phone outside your car. Think of it as an extension rather than a separate system. Not every car with an infotainment system supports it. However, you can use it with adapters. For the best performance, customize your default apps in the settings and use Google Assistant for hands-free control. Also, remove unwanted apps. A cluttered interface slows down how quickly you find apps and use the interface.