15 essential Android Auto apps every driver and passenger needs

Android Auto apps make driving easier by offering music, navigation, and communication features on your car’s screen. You’ll connect your phone to the display via USB or wireless adapters to use it.

Not all apps that are compatible with the service are on the Play Store, but plenty of great options still exist. Plus, new ones pop up all the time. Popular options for your road trips include Google Maps and Spotify, but there are others that provide more outside your drive. If you need recommendations, here are the top options.

Related

What is Android Auto?

Hey Google, how’s the traffic to work?

Posts

What you’ll need to get on the road

Google’s various automotive platforms can be confusing, but for most cars, Android Auto is what we’re focusing on. It comes alongside Apple CarPlay and uses your car’s infotainment system to display compatible apps, making your commute safer and more enjoyable while limiting distractions.

Android Auto’s UI and home screen app launcher should feel familiar to Android users. Connect your phone to your vehicle’s charging port with a USB cable or Bluetooth and follow the directions on your car’s display. Alternatively, use a wireless adapter to avoid wires.

When Android Auto is up and running, answer phone calls, use voice commands to ask for turn-by-turn directions with “Hey, Google,” and listen to incoming text messages with the shortcuts on your steering wheel. You can also tap the microphone on your in-dash display. It’s better and safer than looking at your phone screen on a stand.

1 Google Maps

Accurate navigation with helpful information

Google Maps is the top choice for Android Auto, offering accurate, turn-by-turn directions. With Google Assistant, simply press the voice button on your steering wheel, say an address, and your car’s display will show the details. It’s free, always updated, and doesn’t require a subscription. The app also adapts to ambient light, automatically switching between light and dark modes based on your car’s sensors.

Additionally, it detects and reports speed traps and accidents, prioritizing you and other drivers’ safety.

2 Facebook Messenger

Easy messaging with loved ones

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

3 Scanner Radio – Police Scanner

Stay aware of road emergencies

Police scanner apps aren’t for everyone. Still, they’re helpful in unfamiliar areas. Instead of waiting for Waze or Google Maps users to report road issues, you can tune into emergency radio channels to stay ahead of any traffic disruptions. It’s also useful if you spend a lot of time on the road. While it won’t replace your usual playlists or podcasts, they’re a valuable addition to your smartphone.

4 Spotify: Music and Podcasts

Audio experiences in one app

Spotify is among the best streaming services, and combines music with podcasts. Its library of artists and shows is enormous, with podcasts exclusive to the service. Pair this with Google’s voice commands, and you’ll jam to the tunes hands-free while driving. Spotify has expanded to audiobooks, so it’s perfect for longer solo road trips. Spotify’s highlight is its starting price. If you don’t mind some ads, you don’t need a premium subscription.

5 Telegram

Encrypted messaging across devices

If you use Telegram to communicate with friends and family, its Android Auto UI is a lifesaver. Sending messages is quick, fully encrypted, and synced across devices, allowing you to pick up where you left off. You can also delete your messages at any time. Plus, the app is constantly updated with new features. Telegram works well with Android Auto and Google Assistant, so you can drive hands-free.

6 Audible: Audio Entertainment

Countless audiobooks in your hands

​​

Commuting is a great time to listen to an audiobook, and with Audible’s Android Auto support, you can launch into a new read from Android Auto’s UI.

Amazon owns Audible, so the audiobook selection is virtually endless. You can purchase audiobooks packaged with your e-books on the Amazon store, which is a great way to save on Kindle and Audible purchases. The app offers convenient features that make it easy to pick up where you left off and replay something you missed while distracted.

7 Fuelio: gas log & gas prices

In-depth information about gas stations

Fuelio helps you find the cheapest gas stations, whether you’re close to home or traveling. It also tracks your gas usage, mileage, and spending over time. However, it lacks social features in the Auto UI, so you can’t share gas prices unless Fuelio can access them from Google. While it may not be something you use daily, Fuelio is a useful tool for saving money at the pump.

8 Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

Helpful real-time navigation

Although most people use Google Maps, Waze is an excellent service. Its best feature is the ability to crowdsource information. Anyone can report accidents and road delays that the rest of us can see with minute-to-minute information. Despite a lack of offline support, Waze offers accurate real-time traffic, thanks to the work of its users. Plus, the app integrates well with Android Auto and supports voice responses.

9 Pocket Casts – Podcast Player

Curate your podcast collections

Pocket Casts is a mainstay if you’re looking for a dedicated podcast app. Thanks to its intuitive UI and queuing feature, which makes it easy to set up a list of podcasts to listen to, the app is perfect for long drives. It plugs into Android Auto just fine and syncs with Assistant, ensuring your hands remain free even if you wish to change what you previously set up. If you want control over your library for your commutes, Pocket Casts is a great place to start.

10 TomTom GO Navigation

Navigate smarter and faster

TomTom has been into satellite navigation since 2004, and the company offers a handful of apps on Android, including TomTom GO Navigation. You can trial the full-featured navigation software for 30 days; if you like what you see, a monthly subscription is $5, six months is $16, and a year is $25. Offline maps, lane guidance, real-time traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation are supported.

But if you don’t want to pay for directions, just use the free option called TomTom AmiGO.

11 Poweramp Music Player

Your go-to local music app

There are many music streaming apps, but local music players are rare. Among them is Poweramp, which has supported Android Auto since 2019, and its clear design makes it a long-time favorite. It plays most formats you throw at it, including FLACs, and compression doesn’t degrade your favorite tunes; the excellent built-in 10+ band graphical equalizer gives you the best experience possible for your FLAC collection.

You can try the free version of the app for 15 days.

12 TuneIn Radio: News, Radio & FM

Thousands of radio stations worldwide

TuneIn Radio is an all-in-one radio app. It offers 100,000+ radio stations across AM, FM, and the internet, including news stations, popular podcasts, and live sports. With all these options available, you can listen to all sorts of offerings while driving. The selection of stations is better than what’s built into most car radios. This is a great app if you enjoy cruising to music from around the world.

13 Podcast Addict: Podcast player

User-friendly podcast app

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. Put them where you want and build your muscle memory to keep your eye on the road. You can also access tons of popular podcasts. The app contains ads that can be removed through a subscription.

14 Player for Rainwave

Free gaming music anytime

Player for Rainwave is centered around video game music fueled by user contributions. It doesn’t offer the vast library you’ll find with other apps, but its updates are frequent, and bugs are squashed quickly.

An entire app dedicated to video game music might not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy chiptunes, especially while on the go, Player for Rainwave is an excellent indie release that fills this niche. Plus, you can rate songs and favorite tunes.

15 WhatsApp Messenger

Streamlined and feature-packed messaging

WhatsApp is more popular outside the United States, but you’ll need this service no matter where you live. You may have friends or family members who text you through Facebook’s other messaging service. By keeping this on your phone, you can answer hands-free while driving to your next destination.

Stay entertained wherever you’re headed

Android Auto apps help those long drives feel less tedious. But it’s more than just an app for your car’s infotainment system. There are interesting settings hidden on the service to make your driving experience safer, more enjoyable, and tailored to your needs. Control themes, customize the launcher, and even enable starting Android Auto while your phone is locked.