Android Auto has become one of the most important tools for drivers who want to combine technology and safety on the go. This Google platform allows you to integrate your Android smartphone with your vehicle's infotainment system, offering access to numerous apps directly from the car's screen. This way, you can navigate, listen to music, or communicate without taking your eyes off the road.
There are a large number of apps compatible with Android Auto, some directly from Google Play and others installed via other methods. In this article, we'll compile a list of apps. the essential apps for Android Auto.
GPS navigation applications
One of Android Auto's main functions is to serve as a roadside assistance. Choosing a good navigation app can make all the difference in time, fuel consumption and driving safety.
- Google Maps: It's probably the best option due to its integration with the Android ecosystem. It offers real-time maps, points of interest, alternative routes, live traffic, and seamless support for voice commands.
- Waze: Also from Google, but with a more social focus. The user community reports incidents, accidents, and speed cameras in real time, allowing you to better anticipate what's happening on the road.
- TomTom Friend: Free version of the popular TomTom navigator. It works very well, although it requires a constant internet connection. Ideal for those looking for accuracy and speed camera warnings.
- Here WeGo: It stands out because you can download maps for offline use. It has traffic alerts and a simple interface that makes it very easy to use. Perfect for areas with poor coverage.
- Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps: One of the most comprehensive navigators, with offline maps, smart routing, speed alerts, and voice guidance. Subscription required after a free trial period.
- Maps.me: Focused on offering downloadable maps for offline use. It's free, lightweight, and effective for those traveling in remote areas.
- Magic earth: An excellent option if you're concerned about privacy. It uses OpenStreetMap data, doesn't collect personal information, and allows offline navigation. It has a clear interface and comprehensive features.
- OsmAnd: Open source app with a wealth of features including speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, and full Android Auto support.
- Coyote: Specializes in radar and road hazard alerts. It has good accuracy but requires a monthly subscription.
Music and audio applications
Driving with good music can greatly enhance the travel experience, and Android Auto offers many options for enjoying your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks.
- Spotify: The most popular music streaming service with full integration with Android Auto. It works with voice commands, has millions of songs and podcasts, and is compatible with Maps and Waze.
- YouTube MusicIdeal if you use YouTube regularly. It has a huge catalog and direct integration with Google. To access all content, you need to be a Premium user.
- Amazon Music: Compatible with Android Auto, it's a great option if you have Amazon Prime or Music Unlimited. It has a wide catalog, good sound quality, and no ads.
- Apple Music: It also works with Android Auto and is perfect if you're coming from an iOS background. You can easily have your playlists and library on your car screen.
- Deezer: another popular alternative with playlists, offline music, podcasts, and a very user-friendly interface inside the car.
- AudibleIf audiobooks are your thing, this Amazon app is made for you. Ideal for long trips or learning while driving.
- Pocket Casts: One of the best podcast players, with a clean interface, smart filters, and seamless syncing with Android Auto.
- TuneIn Radio: Access over 100.000 radio stations from around the world. Ideal for quickly changing stations while on the go.
- Simple radio: An alternative to TuneIn with over 50.000 international stations. Easy to use and very lightweight.
- AIMP and VLC: Both are advanced players that allow you to listen to music files stored on your phone. VLC also allows you to create playlists for long trips.
- SoundCloud: Perfect for discovering new music or independent artists. Its catalog is less commercial, which can be a plus for many drivers.
- Storytel: Ideal for Spanish audiobooks, with an extensive library and features like bookmarks, speed control, and more.
- iVoox: The top app for listening to podcasts in Spanish, with radio channels, popular programs, documentaries, and content by category.
Supported messaging apps
One of the advantages of Android Auto is being able to reply to messages without touching your phone. Here are the best options for communicating safely while driving.
- WhatsApp: You can receive messages, listen to them, and respond by dictating to the Google Assistant. Ideal for staying in touch without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Telegram: Very similar in function to WhatsApp, it allows voice dictation, message reading, and assistant control.
- MessengerIf you use Facebook regularly, you can also receive and reply to messages from your car.
- Signal: Focused on privacy, it offers similar features to the previous ones and is compatible with Android Auto.
- Skype or Whatsapp: Although it has lost popularity, it is still useful for professional video calls or quick messages.
Useful apps that almost no one knows about
In addition to music, maps, and messaging, Android Auto can offer you many more features if you install these lesser-known apps that add value in different situations.
- Car Stream: Allows you to watch YouTube videos on your car's screen (only useful when the car is stationary). Requires manual installation.
- Stop: application designed to view local videos stored on the phone, useful while waiting in the car.
- IPcarTV: plays IPTV lists and allows you to watch TV in the car, only when parked.
- Samsung SmartThings: If you have Samsung home automation devices, you can control them from your car (turn on lights, open doors, etc.).
- Zoom: allows you to join virtual meetings from your car, but only when you're stopped.
- Weather and Radar: an app to check the weather forecast from the vehicle interface with very complete visual information.
- Vivaldi: Web browser compatible with Android Auto, although it can only be used when the car is parked.
Apps for car information
Some apps are designed to improve route planning based on the type of vehicle you have.
- Fuelio: Provides data on nearby gas stations and compares prices, helping you save on every fill-up.
- Loadmap: Especially useful for electric cars, it locates charging points in real time and helps plan routes with recharges based on the remaining battery.
Using voice commands
Most of the apps mentioned allow you to use them without touching the screen. You just need to say "Ok Google" and give orders like:
- “Play classic rock on Spotify.”
- “Take me home with Google Maps.”
- “Send a message to Marta on WhatsApp.”
- “Call Dad.”
- “What’s the weather like in Valencia?”
Its voice command support makes Android Auto a convenient and secure extension of your phone, improving navigation, communication, and entertainment on your daily commute or long trips.
