Do you own a car compatible with Google's infotainment system and want to get the most out of it? We've compiled an extensive list of Android Auto apps that will make you never want to leave your car. We'll include apps for listening to music or podcasts, GPS navigation alternatives, and instant messaging options.
Since the introduction of mobile phone connectivity and infotainment systems based on smartphone interfaces , users increasingly demand more apps for their vehicles. Both iPhone users and Android device owners can access these features through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , respectively. We'll focus on the latter.
What is Android Auto
Over the years, Google has been working to bring its operating system—and interface—to vehicles. And it did so with one product: Android Auto . It's a way to connect your smartphone to the car's screen and control everything from there, leaving your phone's screen in the background. This makes driving safer and also allows you to enjoy more information in your vehicle: maps, music, podcasts, messages, audiobooks, and more . And all without having to directly use your phone. Furthermore, to make things even safer, you can summon the Google Assistant from the car and avoid using your hands at all times.
The Android Auto user interface is like using a tablet running Google's mobile operating system. Furthermore, the company has been working on and releasing various updates to this infotainment system.
Apps for Android Auto – what can we find in its catalog
Although Android Auto started with only a few compatible apps for playing on car screens, new additions to the catalog have been steadily growing. Developers—and the companies behind the associated services— know that users frequently use apps in their vehicles, and this is a way to attract new customers and, consequently, generate more revenue. Therefore, we're now providing you with a list of apps you can use on your car's screen.
GPS Apps for Android Auto
Perhaps one of the options most loved by users of these systems is the possibility of using a geolocation system. Because? Well, because most of the options offered by vehicle brands usually have an associated subscription and updates usually take a little longer. Therefore, the best option is to opt for an updated system that is free. Hence the two options that we are going to give you:
Google Maps – the king of geolocation inside and outside the vehicle
Undoubtedly, the most popular option among users is the one offered by Google itself. That's right, we're talking about Google Maps , which, more than just a GPS geolocation system, could be considered a social network these days. Besides allowing you to plan your routes with different options, it also includes information on points of interest . And the best part: users can contribute by uploading photos of these places and writing a short review that serves as extra information for the entire community.
Waze – another very complete alternative
The other option available to Android Auto users is Waze . This veteran app can also be used in your vehicle using Google's operating system. It's another alternative that allows you to navigate your routes, adding the extra benefit of all the alerts and signs displayed on the screen —we showed you how to activate speed camera alerts here. You need to register to create an account, although it's free.
Sygic – the alternative to have offline maps with a big but
Finally, we also recommend Sygic , another excellent GPS navigation app that connects to Android Auto. It offers good mapping and allows you to download routes for when your phone has no signal. However, Sygic requires a subscription.
Apps to listen to music on Android Auto
Another popular in-car function is listening to music . While podcasts and audiobooks have recently been added – which we'll cover in the next section – you can now do all of this from inside your car using your mobile phone and the vehicle's screen. Here are the available options:
Spotify – the king of music on streaming
It's no secret that Spotify is the most popular music service worldwide . You can create your own playlists , search through millions of songs or thousands of artists, all from a single app that then displays on your car's screen with a user-friendly interface.
Amazon Music – if you are a Prime member it is another alternative service
It's one of the services you can enjoy if you pay for an Amazon Prime membership , which offers various benefits and access to other services. Amazon Music is one of them, where you can find thousands of songs and share them in your car.
Deezer – the alternative to Spotify
A service very similar to Spotify , and it works in a very similar way. That is to say, you can find music, podcasts, and radio stations. Deezer has different plans: a free one and a paid one—including a family plan that allows up to six accounts with the same Premium features. This app also lets you take your favorite music to the car.
YouTube Music – Google is also in the music section of Android Auto
Android Auto is a Google product. And, of course, if you're subscribed to YouTube Music, you can also enjoy your favorite music through this service, which can be free or Premium.
Apps for Android Auto for podcasts, Internet radio and audiobooks
Podcasts and audiobooks are booming in the audio entertainment sector. That's why there are options so that, in addition to enjoying them on your smartphone , you can also take them in your car. The available options are as follows:
Audible – the best option to listen to books in audio format
Some users have become hooked on the possibility of 'reading' books in audio format . Audible is another Amazon product with a large catalog of titles. It offers a 3-month trial. And if you like it, you can upgrade to a monthly subscription.
Google Play books- the default app for ebooks and audiobooks
It might seem silly, but this app should already be installed on your Android phone. It's Google's service for ebooks , which also includes audiobooks. So, if you use this platform, it's also compatible with Android Auto.
Google Podcasts – a platform dedicated to podcasts
Another option for listening to podcasts in your car with a dedicated Android Auto interface is Google Podcasts . This service from the in-car system developer also has a platform dedicated to podcasts. If you have them stored on this platform, you can listen to—and control—them from your car without any problems.
TuneIn – the application par excellence to listen to Internet radio stations
If there's a veteran in the internet radio sector, it's TuneIn . With millions of stations from around the world , it's also compatible with Android Auto. Therefore, it's a great alternative for listening to news, sporting events, or, who knows, even practicing a language you're studying.
Apps for Android Auto in the instant messaging sector
Text messages -or audio- are the order of the day in terms of relationships with our friends or family. Instant messaging platforms are very relevant in the mobile telephony sector. And, therefore, the alternatives that were compatible with Android Auto and being able to receive alerts on the car screen could not be missing.
WhatsApp – the most popular service among users
You probably have WhatsApp installed on your phone. In fact, the vast majority of users have this service on their smartphones . Therefore, it was to be expected that it would be compatible with Android Auto. From your car's screen, you can receive all kinds of messages and even listen to them, as well as reply using voice commands.
Telegram – the other alternative platform to WhatsApp
Many users, for one reason or another, sought an alternative to WhatsApp, and Telegram was their chosen solution. Beyond its channels and the ability to control the platform from a computer, Telegram has become a valuable tool in the business world. And because of its importance and constant updates, Telegram is compatible with Google's car navigation system.
Signal – the most secure messaging service of all
If security and anonymity are among your priorities when choosing an instant messaging platform, Signal is the one for you. And for added peace of mind, if your car is compatible with Android Auto, you can also manage your Signal messages through it.
Similarly, if you'd like more apps, here's the complete list of apps compatible with Android Auto. This list is regularly updated with new options.