Android Auto apps can enhance your driving experience through music, navigation, or communication. Not all the best apps on the Play Store are available for your car. More are added daily alongside staples like Google Maps and Spotify. We collected the most helpful Android Auto apps on the Google Play Store. These apps are also available for your Android phone, and some are available for our favorite WearOS smartwatches, so you can continue using them after you leave your car.

What you'll need to get on the road

Google's various automotive platforms are easy to mix up. Most modern cars support Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay. Vehicles running on Android Automotive — a dedicated operating system — will likely continue growing in popularity in the coming years as companies like GM commit to using it exclusively. Android Auto uses your car's infotainment system to display compatible apps that make your commute easier, safer, and more enjoyable. It limits notifications and provides an interface you don't have to look at frequently to use.

Android Auto's UI and home screen app launcher should feel second nature to Android users. Connect your Android device to your vehicle's charging port with a sturdy USB cable or Bluetooth and follow the directions on your car's display. Alternatively, use a wireless adapter like AAWireless to avoid wires.

When Android Auto is up and running, you can answer phone calls, use voice commands to ask for turn-by-turn directions with "Hey, Google," and listen to incoming text messages using the shortcuts on your steering wheel or by tapping the microphone on your in-dash display. It's better and safer than looking at your phone screen on a stand.

Although Google announced wireless Android Auto in 2018, the number of compatible cars without relying on an adapter is limited. Check our Wireless Android Auto guide if you're shopping for a car with this feature.

1 Google Maps

Accurate navigation with helpful information

Google Maps is the most-used app for Android Auto. It's an accurate navigation app that provides turn-by-turn directions. It uses Google Assistant, so you can press the voice button on your steering wheel, say an address, city, or business name, and your car display shows the relevant details. You don't need a subscription, and it's constantly updated.

Google has ensured the service isn't only great at simple navigation. The map is reactive to the ambient light around you, meaning light and dark modes switch automatically based on your vehicle's sensors. Meanwhile, detecting and reporting speed traps or accidents makes the road safer for you and other drivers. Google Maps is an excellent choice for in-car navigation.

2 Facebook Messenger

Easy messaging to friends and family

For all its issues as a social network, Facebook Messenger remains a popular messaging service. You can send messages through voice commands and listen to replies read aloud while keeping your eyes on the road. If your friends migrated to Messenger, you don't need to rely on basic SMS messages to reach out while commuting. The Messenger app, which remains an Android Auto exclusive not found on CarPlay, is a must-have app.

3 Scanner Radio - Police Scanner

Stay in the know about road emergencies

Listening to police scanners at home might not be for everyone. Still, listening while driving can help you avoid accidents, especially in unfamiliar terrain. Rather than relying on Waze or Google Maps users to report issues on the road, listen to the city's emergency scanners to look out for anything clogging the roadways.

Listening to emergency scanners benefits those who spend their days working on the road, even if you aren't looking for delays from the source. Listening to a local scanner while driving also keeps you updated with emergencies. It might not replace your usual playlists or podcasts (it isn't meant to), but it's something you'll want to keep on your smartphone. You'll be happy you did.

4 Spotify: Music and Podcasts

Music, podcasts, and audiobooks from one app

Look to Spotify if you want a single app to play your favorite songs and podcasts. Its library of artists and shows is enormous, with a few podcasts that can only be found on the service. Pair this with Google's voice commands, and you'll jam to the tunes hands-free while driving. Spotify has expanded to audiobooks, so it's perfect for longer solo road trips.

Spotify's highlight is its starting price. If you don't mind some ads, you don't need to pay for a premium subscription. Spotify is one of the best streaming services, and it works great with Android Auto.

5 Telegram

Encrypted messaging across devices

If you use Telegram to communicate with friends and family, its Android Auto UI is a lifesaver. Sending messages is fast, everything is encrypted, all content is synced account-wide (you can pick up where you left off when moving between devices), and you can delete your messages anytime. Plus, the app is constantly updated with new features.

Telegram works well with Android Auto and Google Assistant, so you can drive hands-free. If Telegram is your communication app of choice, you may have it installed. Use it when you need to text.

6 Audible: Audio Entertainment

Countless audiobooks at your fingertips

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This one is for audiobook fanatics. Commuting is a great time to listen to an audiobook. With Audible's Android Auto support, you can launch into a new read from Android Auto's UI.

Amazon owns Audible, so the audiobook selection is virtually endless. You can purchase audiobooks packaged with your e-books on the Amazon store, which is a great way to save on Kindle and Audible purchases. Audible offers convenient features that make it easy to pick up where you left off and replay something you missed while distracted. It's a great choice for on-the-go listening.

7 Fuelio: gas log & gas prices

In-depth information about gas stations

Fuelio is designed for driving. It collects gas station data from online sources to find the cheapest gas stations near you, allowing you to fill up for less whether you're in your neighborhood or halfway around the country. It also tracks and stores your gas data to understand your mileage, driving habits, and how much you pay at the pump over time.

It isn't a perfect tool. The lack of social integration within the Auto UI means you can't share gas prices with others if Fuelio can't access them from Google, which is how apps like Gas Buddy can manage (you can add them on the smartphone app). Even if it isn't an app you open every day, it will help you maximize your wallet at the pump.

8 Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

Helpful real-time navigation

Although most people use Google's other navigation app, Waze is an excellent service. Its best feature is the ability to crowdsource information. Anyone can report accidents and road delays that the rest of us can see with minute-to-minute information. This suite of tools allows drivers to choose efficient routes.

Despite a lack of offline support, Waze offers accurate real-time traffic, thanks to the work of its users. Plus, Waze integrates well with Android Auto and supports voice responses.

9 Pocket Casts - Podcast Player

Perfect for producing a playlist of podcasts

Pocket Casts is a mainstay if you're looking for a dedicated podcast app. Thanks to its intuitive UI and queuing feature, which makes it easy to set up a list of podcasts to listen to, Pocket Casts is perfect for long drives while keeping your hands free.

The app plugs into Android Auto just fine and syncs with Assistant, ensuring your hands remain free even if you wish to change what you previously set up. If you want control over your library for your commutes, Pocket Casts is a great place to start.

10 TomTom GO Navigation

Detailed navigation

TomTom has been in the satellite navigation game since 2004, and the company offers a handful of apps on Android, including TomTom GO Navigation. You can trial the full-featured navigation software for 30 days. If you like what you see, a monthly subscription is $5, six months is $16, and a year's worth is $25.

Offline maps, lane guidance, real-time traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation are supported. Use the free option called TomTom AmiGO if you don't want to pay for directions. If you're looking for TomTom's full navigation feature set, TomTom GO Navigation is the version to try if you want robust map software that works offline.

11 Poweramp Music Player

The perfect app for local music files

There are tons of music streaming apps, but local music players are rare. At the top of that list is Poweramp. It's offered Android Auto support since 2019, and its clear design and awesome EQ make it a long-time favorite. It also plays most formats you throw at it, including FLACs, which makes it an excellent player for audiophiles with top-notch sound systems jammed in their vehicles.

Compression doesn't degrade your favorite tunes. The excellent built-in 10+ band graphical equalizer gives you the best experience possible for your FLAC collection. You can try the free version of the app for 15 days.

12 TuneIn Radio: News, Radio & FM

Thousands of radio stations from across the world

Have you considered playing the radio through Android Auto? TuneIn Radio is an all-in-one radio app. It offers 100,000+ radio stations across AM, FM, and the internet, including news stations, popular podcasts, and live sports.

The app offers Android Auto support. With all these stations available, you can listen to all sorts of offerings while driving. The selection of stations is better than what's built into most car radios. This is a great app if you enjoy cruising to music from around the world.

13 Podcast Addict: Podcast player

User-friendly podcast app

If you're looking for something that works great with Android Auto and is customizable, Podcast Addict is an excellent alternative to our previous pick. You get an AA-specific UI for easy navigation, and you can customize the placement of the screen's buttons. Put them where you want and build your muscle memory to keep your eye on the road. You can also access tons of popular podcasts. The app contains ads that can be removed through a subscription.

14 Player for Rainwave

Free video game music on the go

If you're looking for something different when listening to the radio while driving, Player for Rainwave might be the ticket. This audio streaming app is centered around video game music, with Android Auto support built-in for hands-free access while driving. It's a free service backed by user contributions. It doesn't offer the wide-ranging library you'll find with prominent players in the streaming game. However, updates are abundant, and bugs are squashed quickly.

An entire app dedicated to video game music might not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy chiptunes, especially while on the go, Player for Rainwave is an excellent indie release that fills this niche. Plus, you can rate songs and favorite the finest tunes, customizing your experience so that you can hit the road with no muss and no fuss.

15 WhatsApp Messenger

Streamlined and feature-packed messaging

WhatsApp is more popular outside the United States, but you'll need this service no matter where you live. You may have friends or family members who text you through Facebook's other messaging service. By keeping this on your phone, you can answer hands-free while driving to your next destination.

Stay entertained and connected no matter where you're headed

Android Auto apps help those long drives feel less tedious, and when it comes to navigation, accuracy is of paramount importance. Google Maps and Waze are the biggest names in this business, but which one should you use?