The Android Auto app has the ability to navigate map routes, make phone calls, and play music right from the display embedded in your car’s dashboard. Using your smartphone while driving isn’t recommended, so we can’t deny that Google’s voice assistant comes in handy if you want to use your smartphone while driving. This is where Android Auto comes in. Now, it’s available for any Android device and is easy to plug in. Simply connect them to your car via USB or even wireless Bluetooth, and you’re ready to go. 

It’s more like the Apple CarPlay app for iPhone users, but unlike Apple services, Google has provided a wide range of third-party apps that you can check out and use wisely when driving. Even if your car isn’t compatible with Android Auto Apps for Android devices, you can still use these apps straight from your phone’s display, although, we highly recommend that you don’t use apps that distract your attention from the road.

There are a few categories of apps that you can use in the car, from the ones for music streaming to Navigation, and even messaging or news. In this blog, we listed the most useful Android Auto Apps for Android. So, let’s see what they’re all about.

Best Navigation Android Auto Apps for Android

1. Google Maps

Most people already have Google Maps installed on their phones, but it is still worth mentioning. Just tap on the Navigation icon in the Android Auto interface in order to open it and enter your destination. You can either use your voice or just tap on Set Destination in order to do that. You can also use the app just to see the traffic around you, without setting a course.

2. Waze

Waze is another solid choice for a navigation app. Depending on how you plan to use it, Waze can have a few more extra features that can help you while you’re in traffic. Within the app, other drivers can provide information or alerts about traffic jams, police on the road, potholes, and much more. The app can also suggest the places with the cheapest gas near you and it reroutes automatically if needed.

Best Audio Android Auto Apps for Android – Music, Audiobooks, Podcasts

1. Spotify

You’ve probably heard of and used Spotify before – it’s quite popular. It has immense amounts of music to choose from and it’s great for discovering new beats to drive on, as well. However, to get the full Spotify experience, you’ll have to buy the Premium subscription – or you’ll only be able to use the shuffle mode.

2. Google Play Music

If you don’t already have a preferred app for blasting your jams, then Google Play Music is a good choice, as well. You can add the music you already have in your storage and listen to it through the app, or you can choose to broadcast radio stations. It’s worth giving a try!

3. YouTube Music

This app is only available if you have a Youtube Premium subscription. The app is completely ad-free and you can find almost any song that your heart desires (and exists on YouTube). Additionally, you can download songs and store them for 30 days – so that you can listen to your favorite music while being offline.

4. Audible

You can purchase audiobooks and listen to them – both through this app. If you’re always thinking that you need to get more reading done, but never find the time, next time you’re in a traffic jam, try this app! You can also purchase a subscription service if you don’t want to pick the book yourself or just want to find new interesting things.

5. Pocket Casts – Podcast Player

Pocket Casts is a great app for listening to podcasts while you drive. You can find all your favorite ones in there, but it’s also great for discovering the ones you haven’t heard of yet! It also has cross-device synchronization, so you can continue to listen to your episode on your phone after you get out of the car.

Best Android Auto Apps for Messaging and News

1. Pulse SMS

This is a cross-device SMS app that you can use anywhere to catch up on your messages. It has a clean design, has organization options and it’s configurable to fit your needs. You can also schedule messages or blacklist numbers directly from the app. However, we recommend you send only one message while driving – Talk to you later, I’m at the wheel.

2. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp

These apps need no introduction, as they are certainly the most popular messaging apps today. They both have great Android Auto support – you can listen to your messages while driving and respond via voice too. If you use these apps daily, then it’s a no-brainer that you get them with your Android auto as well – if you haven’t already.

3. NPR One

If you can’t bear to listen to your local radio – the ads, the mindless chatter, music you dislike, then try this app to stay connected to the world around you while at the wheel. You can catch up on any kind of news while listening to a cohesive, narrative flow. Skip the stories you’re not interested in, or ask for more news on a topic you care about.

The Best Radio Android Auto Apps for Android

1. Scanner Radio – Police Scanner

Listening to live audio from emergency service scanners might be helpful, especially when trying to avoid accidents on a road trip. Turn on your notifications to receive alerts. Currently, this scanner radio app has more than 2000 listeners. You can get an instant alert about all major events and news happening around your location. 

If you’re traveling to another country or city, you can listen to your city’s emergency scanner radio app to avoid accidents while driving. 

This app does not replace your usual playlists or podcasts, but it’s something useful you can have on your Smartphone. Are you interested in getting a scanner radio for your area? If so, you’ll need a real scanner radio, computer, and cable to broadcast them. Check out their Scanner app for more information. 

2. TuneIn Radio

TuneIn Radio app is one the most popular radio apps in the Google Play Store, and it supports Android Auto apps for Android devices. With this app, you can stream your local FM station, 100,000+ global stations, and even live news, sports, music, and podcasts. This app has all kinds of entertainment contained in a single app right in your car.

It’s also a free app, but you can upgrade to their premium version for bonus content. Enjoy this content from anywhere, how you want to. TuneIn is available on thousands of home, car, and portable devices. It works well with Alexa and Google Home devices as well. Now, you can even listen to and download the app for your iPhone as well. 

3. iHeart Radio

iHeart Radio is one of the best radio apps out there that supports Android Auto Apps for Android phones. You can stream thousands of live radio stations with a bunch of regular music and podcasts, and listen to them all on the app. This app helps users keep everything within the Android Auto update app for those who want to do that. Their podcast app features the most popular podcasts from various platforms. 

Their services are entirely free, but if you want to listen free of ads, you can upgrade to its premium version. Plus, even you can enjoy offline music by downloading music to your Android phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Best Android Auto Apps to Make Communication Easier

While most of the Android Auto app categories are truly useful for navigation or listening to music, some aren’t really necessary while driving. We’re talking about browsing the news or answering your messages. Be sure that when you decide to use a certain app, you are safe and focused on the road. Those unanswered messages can wait until you arrive at your destination.

So which Android Auto Apps for Android did you use? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!

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