Android Car Stereo: Best Apps For Android Car Stereo
If you are looking for a new in-car entertainment system, then the Android car stereo is the way to go. Even if you already have a stereo unit installed in your car, it is highly recommended that you get an Android car stereo. The reason is that these stereos are not only easy to use but also provide an excellent user experience.
The following are some of the best apps for Android Car Stereo:
1) Google Maps: You can always rely on this app when traveling from one place to another. It has several features like traffic updates and real-time navigation which makes it one of the best apps for Android Car Stereo.
2) Spotify: This app allows you to listen to your favorite music without having any internet connection on your phone or tablet. You can create playlists and stream songs directly from this app without any hassle whatsoever!
3) Waze: This app provides real-time traffic updates from other users who drive through specific routes; so you will always know about any traffic jams or accidents on your route before reaching there!
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The 12 best Android Auto apps in 2022
BY MATTHEW SHOLTZ
UPDATED APR 08, 2022
28
Going for a drive? Why not take these apps with you?
Read update
New apps have been added to this roundup
Android Auto might not get tons of attention, but it’s definitely a plus when using Android devices, especially if you drive a lot. The app overrides your native equipment, which opens access to a plethora of apps that support Android Auto, hands-free, of course. Ideally, such a setup minimizes distractions on the road, with the added bonus of being able to use the best Android apps natively on your car’s screen, which is precisely why Android Police has compiled a roundup of its favorites.
So if you’re on the hunt for the best Android Auto apps currently available on the Google Play Store, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s roundup is an ever-growing list, and if you’d like to suggest some of your favorites, feel free to drop your recommendation in the comments.
Here’s where you can find our previous app roundups to catch up on the latest and greatest.
Google Maps
There’s no denying that the top-used app for Android Auto is Google Maps, seeing that it’s installed across a billion devices. It’s one of the most accurate and efficient mapping software in the market that dates back to 2008, with years of development behind it, and it’s free. There’s no need for a subscription, and it’s constantly updated to boot. So, of course, Maps is the number-one go-to for Android Auto users with its gigantic installation base, thanks to its fantastic directions when driving that few competitors can beat.
Plus, the map is reactive to lighting, meaning light and dark themes are offered, and they switch automatically, such as when you enter a tunnel. So for everyone using Android Auto, Maps is an obvious choice for in-car navigation. Waze is also great (which is why it’s also on the list), but Maps packs many more features, such as offline functionality.
Monetization: free / contains ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Google Maps best androud auto app roundup (2)
Google Maps best androud auto app roundup
ANDROIDPOLICE VIDEO OF THE DAY
Scanner Radio – Police Scanner
Habitually listening to emergency service scanners at home might not be for everyone, but you know what, listening while driving can actually help to avoid accidents and the like. Unlike relying on users on Waze to report issues on the road, you can listen to your city’s emergency scanners to look out for issues clogging the roadways.
While listening to emergency scanners will be incredibly beneficial for those that spend their days working on the road, even if you’re not on the hunt for delays directly from the source, listening to a local scanner while driving still keeps you up to date with your city’s emergencies. That is, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAPs $2.99 apiece
2 Images
Scanner Radio – Police Scanner android auto roundup (1)
Scanner Radio – Police Scanner android auto roundup
Autovaras: Android car assistant
When it comes to Android Auto, you’d expect a plethora of auto-focused apps, and while the choices are sometimes slim, depending on what you’re looking for, Autovaras is a standout thanks to its expiry date tracking. Simply input the dates for things like your next vehicle inspection, when your insurance is due, or when your tags expire. You’ll always have a screen accessible to you that contains this much-needed info, so you won’t miss any important dates, jeopardizing your license.
Autovaras may be a simple release, but it sure is a helpful one, and you can pick up the install for free, as there are no fees attached to this app.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
Spotify: Music and Podcasts
If you’re looking to play music and podcasts in a single robust app, then Spotify is easily a top choice. Not only because it offers Android Auto integration, but because it’s a great music app in its own right. The library is enormous, and even the fledgling podcast library is growing by leaps and bounds, with a few shows that can only be found on the service. While exclusivity is rarely good for consumers since it removes competition from the market, there’s something to be said about the ability to carry your music library with you wherever you go, especially since you can access that library just about anywhere. Pair this with Google’s voice commands, and now you’re jamming to some tunes hands-free while driving.
Plus, anyone can use Spotify for free if they don’t mind a few ads in between their songs and podcasts. All around, Spotify is a highly accessible streaming service, and it works great with Android Auto (especially with Car View’s removal.)
Monetization: free / contains ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Spotify Music and Podcasts best android auto roundup (2)
Spotify Music and Podcasts best android auto roundup (1)
Telegram
There’s a boatload of messaging apps to choose from, and many work with Android Auto as well as Google Assistant. The one that consistently stands out is Telegram. Sending messages is fast, everything’s encrypted, all content is synced account-wide (so you can easily pick up where you left off when moving from PC to Android), there’s a native PC app (no need for a web app here), and you can even delete your messages at any time.
Plus, the app is constantly updated. There’s a lot to like here, and since Telegram works well with Android Auto along with Google Assistant, you can go hands-free with ease while driving.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Telegram best android auto app roundup (1)
Telegram best android auto app roundup
Audible: audiobooks & podcasts
This one is for all of you audiobook fanatics out there. Commuting is a great time to listen to an audiobook, and thanks to Audible’s Android Auto support, you can easily launch into an Audible audiobook directly from Android Auto’s UI.
Amazon owns Audible, so the audiobook selection is superb. Plus the app offers podcasts, too (a worry for some since conglomerates buying up shows will result in them controlling what used to be an open market). You can even purchase audiobooks packed with your e-books right on the Amazon store, which is a great way to save on Kindle and Audible purchases. Best of all, Audible offers convenient features that make it easy to pick up where you left off as well as replay something you missed while distracted. It’s a great choice for on-the-go listening.
Monetization: free / contains ads / no IAPs
Waze – GPS, Maps, Traffic Alerts & Live Navigation
Waze is an excellent navigation app in its own right, and still in active development. It works through crowdsourcing, and anyone can report accidents or other delays on the road so that the rest of us can see minute to minute information. That allows drivers to choose efficient routes. It’s brilliant, which is why Google bought the service.
But despite a lack of offline support, Waze still offers accurate real-time traffic, thanks to the work of its users. Plus, Waze integrates well with Android Auto, and you can even launch apps from within. Waze is an excellent travel companion.
Monetization: free / contains ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Waze best android auto roundup (3)
Waze best android auto roundup
Pocket Casts
Several streaming services offer podcast support, like Spotify and Audible, but if you’re looking for a dedicated podcast app, Pocket Casts is a mainstay dating from 2011. It’s an oldie but a goodie still going strong despite bad luck with its owners where the company has been sold several times. Thanks to an intuitive UI and queuing feature that makes it easy to set up a list to listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts is perfect for long drives while keeping your hands free.
The app plugs into Android Auto just fine, as well as Assistant, ensuring your hands remain free even if you wish to change what you’ve previously set up. So if you’re a podcast addict who requires control over your entire library for your commutes, Pocket Casts is a great place to start.
Monetization: free / no ads / IAPs from $0.99 – $9.99
2 Images
Pocket Casts – Podcast Player best android auto app roundup
Pocket Casts – Podcast Player best android auto app roundup (2)
TomTom GO Navigation
TomTom has been in the satellite navigation game since 2004, so it would make sense that the company offers a handful of apps on Android, and TomTom GO Navigation is the big-boy of the group. You can trial this navigation software for 30 days, fully-featured, and if you like what you see, then you can sub monthly for $5, go with six months for $16, or grab a year’s worth of directions for $25.
Offline maps are supported, along with lane guidance, real-time traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. There’s also a free option available that goes by the name TomTom AmiGO, but if you’re looking for TomTom’s full navigation feature set, TomTom GO Navigation is definitely the version you should try if you require robust map software that works offline.
Monetization: free / no ads / IAPs from $1.99 – $24.99
Poweramp Music Player
There are tons of music streaming apps, but local music players are something of a rarer breed, especially the good ones. At the top of that list is Poweramp. It’s offered Android Auto support since 2019, and it’s a favorite, thanks to its clear design and awesome EQ. It’ll also play just about any format you throw at it, including FLACs, which makes it an excellent player for audiophiles with killer sound systems.
You won’t have to worry about compression degrading your favorite tunes, ensuring you get the best experience possible for your FLAC collection, with an excellent 10+ band graphical equalizer built-in. You can try the full app for free for 15 days, and if you like what you see, there’s a full version unlock on the Google Play Store for $5.49.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Poweramp Music Player best android auto apps roundup (2)
Poweramp Music Player best android auto apps roundup
TuneIn Radio
Okay, this is going to sound like a wild idea, but have you considered playing the radio through Android Auto? TuneIn Radio is an all-in-one radio app, and it offers over 100,000 radio stations from across AM, FM, and the internet. This includes news stations, as well as popular podcasts and live sports.
The app offers Android Auto support, and with all these stations available, you can listen to the radio while driving. The selection of stations is exponentially better than what’s built into most car radios, so it’s not such a crazy idea if you enjoy cruising music from around the world as you drive.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAPs from $0.99 – $149.99
Player for Rainwave
If you’re looking for something a little different when listening to the radio while driving, perhaps Player for Rainwave is just the ticket. This is an audio streaming app centered around video game music, with Android Auto support built-in. It’s a free service backed by user contributions, so it doesn’t offer the support like the more prominent players in the streaming game, but updates are abundant, and issues are squashed quickly.
An entire app dedicated to video game music might not appeal to everyone, but for those that enjoy chiptunes, especially while on the go, Player for Rainwave is an excellent indie release that fills this niche admirably. Best of all, you can rate songs and favorite the finest tunes, customizing your experience so you can hit the road, no muss, no fuss.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
2 Images
Player for Rainwave android auto roundup
Player for Rainwave android auto roundup (1)
That’s the end of today’s Android Auto app roundup. Hopefully, everyone was able to find a few useful apps for their commutes, though if you feel something is missing, please sound off in the comments to share any apps you feel belong on this list. So until the next update, enjoy, and safe driving!
UPDATE: 2022/04/08 10:00 EST BY MATTHEW SHOLTZ
New apps have been added to this roundup
Scanner Radio – Police Scanner
Player for Rainwave
Does your new car support wireless Android Auto?
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Matthew Sholtz (1902 Articles Published)
Matthew is a furious nitpicker and something of a (albeit amusing) curmudgeon. A person who holds an oddly deep interest in Android and advancing the state of gaming on the platform. Some may say a ridiculous task, but it is one he is willing to take on from the comfort of his armchair.
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