Home Wheel Talk The 7 Best Android Auto Apps You Shouldn’t Be Without

The 7 Best Android Auto Apps You Shouldn’t Be Without

By carbar on the July 31, 2021

6 minutes

If you’ve ever jumped into a car with Android Auto you’d know just how much it has revolutionised the experience of life behind the wheel. It’s made...

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If you’ve ever jumped into a car with Android Auto you’d know just how much it has revolutionised the experience of life behind the wheel. It’s made travelling from A to B more exciting, keeps you connected and makes your life easier. So you’ve got an Android smartphone and looking for those Android Auto Apps that’ll transform your daily drive into an absolute dream?

Here are 7 Android Auto apps that will have you ready to go whenever and wherever you want. 

The Best Android Auto Apps For Your Next Ride

Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp - Display Mobile Apps

Both Free

Facebook messenger is a must have, most of your friends, family and colleagues are on the platform and it means you can get all your messages and communication directly into the dash - without you having to touch your phone on the go.

Facebook’s connectivity with Android Auto integration works seamlessly, showing your messages and allowing you to take voice calls directly through your car's audio entertainment system. What’s even better is voice recognition allows you to keep in touch all whilst being hands free. 

WhatsApp also has great connectivity and provides similar features and will have you connected wherever you are travelling. Both apps are free to download off the Google Play Store. 

Download Facebook or WhatsApp on the Google Play store.

Audible - Immersive Audio Entertainment

Free to Download - In App Purchases

If you like to listen to stories, or gain another view of the world, Audible has all your favourite audiobooks in one place. The app works essentially the same way as it would on your smartphone, with a simplified interface for easier hands free listening. For those of you who are looking to take their reading on the road, Audible offers a great alternative to listening to music and will absolutely keep you entertained as you go on your journey. 

Check out their bestseller list and download Audible

android auto apps

Spotify - Music and Podcasts

Free - Premium $11.99/Month

No road trip is complete without a proper playlist and when you can discover more than 70 million tracks including over 2.6 million podcast titles all for free, Spotify stands out as the clear choice for streaming music and the best podcast apps. Have your music, playlists, and favourite podcasts all at your fingertips with Android Auto connectivity. Spotify connects perfectly into the dash and looks and feels very similar to the smartphone version, with a user friendly interface. You can pick up exactly where you left off and discover new playlists easily with their accessible menus. The app also allows voice command responses so you'll be able to request songs hand free. If the free version doesn't quite get your motor running you can upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features for music including improved sound quality and an on-demand, offline, and ad-free listening experience.

Download Spotify and start listening today.

Google Maps - Your Dynamic Navigation Companion

Free

Gone are the days of bulky map books and Navman's, so make life a little easier for yourself with Google Maps. This app integrates organically into your Android Auto system and once selected it turns your dash into a GPS navigator. The App displays a live map with your position and gives you guided directions both shown and spoken, estimated travel time, ability to search and access all the hotspots, like fuel stations, restrooms, restaurants at the touch of a button. Additionally, Google Maps allows you to download offline maps, enabling you to navigate even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. You can also take Google Maps off the road, allowing you to map out walking, ride sharing and public transport routes. This solidifies Google as a top choice for a navigation app.

Download Google Maps on the Google Play store.

ABC Listen - Premium Audio Content

Free to Download

For many decades, ABC has been the quintessential news and information station for Aussies - the ABC radio app takes that to the next level on your drive.  What’s great about the app is you can access all ABC created content in one place and have it playing through your car’s audio system on demand. Better yet if you're a parent making the school run, pop on some of the kids programs with ABC Kids Listen to keep your little ones entertained. 

Download ABC Listen on the Google Play store.

Pulse - Seamless Text Messaging for Android Auto

Free to Download

Pulse is currently one of the best text messaging apps on Android platform and it works smoothly in your car. Pulse has an edge over others in that it already works on various platforms, like iOS, MacOS, Windows, Wear OS, Android TV, Linux and more. Android Auto is just another, and receiving and sending messages is straightforward, even by voice. The feature set varies, and continues to improve.

Download Pulse on the Google Play store

Waze - Your FREE Commute Companion

Free to Download

Ever found the morning commute hard to navigate? Well, Waze is your gridlock navigator that will find you alternative routes to weave in and out of traffic to make sure you reach your destination on time. This app has great simplified Android Auto connectivity and works similarly to Google Maps but with a sole focus on optimising your drive. Waze can track your speed limit, allowing you the option to access your music and podcasts without having to leave the Waze app. It will also send you live updates for traffic, police, accidents and more - all compiled by other Waze users.

Download Waze on the Google Play store

The Ultimate Android Auto App Ensemble: Elevate Your Drive with Connectivity, Entertainment, and Convenience

Incorporating these 7 Android Auto apps into your driving routine is a surefire way to enhance your on-road experience. From staying connected with friends and family through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to enjoying the latest bestsellers on Audible, and curating the perfect road trip playlist with Spotify, these apps transform mundane drives into memorable journeys. Google Maps ensures you never lose your way, ABC Listen keeps you informed with curated content, Pulse simplifies text messaging, and Waze optimises your route to navigate traffic seamlessly. Embrace the future of driving with these indispensable apps, making every road trip a joyous adventure.

It's crucial to note that Google Assistant plays a vital role in the Android Auto experience. This functionality allows you to effortlessly control numerous apps and services on the platform using voice commands.

Ready to revolutionise your driving experience? Download these must-have apps for Android users and embark on your next road trip with entertainment, connectivity, and convenience at your fingertips. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an audiobook lover, a podcast addict, or a tech-savvy navigator, Android auto users are spoiled for choice. Upgrade your drive with technology that complements your lifestyle.

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For more Android Auto apps, check out the Play store's listings here.

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