Essential apps every Android Auto user should try

Key findings

Google Maps: Efficient navigation with speed signs for unfamiliar places.
Deezer: User-friendly interface for discovering music and podcasts by voice.
Audible: Stylish, well-functioning app for audiobooks with a paid subscription.

If you spend a lot of time in the car like me, you probably use your phone a lot for navigation and music. With thousands of compatibleAndroid Auto Apps, including those that allow you to listen to audiobooks and Podcast There are many ways to pass the time on a road trip. I’ll look at my picks for the best options for your next road trip.

A Mini displays Android Auto on the dashboard in the car.

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1 Google Maps

Getting around with GPS

The clear and simple choice here is Google MapsI know there are great alternatives like Waze, which is a good navigation app in its own right, but Google Maps always seems to get me to my destination faster.

Speed signs are a great addition to stop signs and traffic lights that appear on the map as you drive, but be sure to check all signs as you drive, especially when you’re on unfamiliar roads. Another benefit is that you don’t need to install another app to do the same thing, as Google Maps is built right into Android. Plus, you’re guaranteed regular updates because Google has invested so much in the success of Maps.

I compared Google Maps with Waze to see which is actually better

Google has two navigation apps: Waze and Google Maps. I use Waze regularly, but I downloaded Google Maps to compare.

2 Deezer

Music on the go

Yes, a music app that isn’t Spotify, can you believe it? Deezer has a good UI for driving. I find it manages to keep tapping the screen to a minimum and keep your eyes on the road. Deezer also finds music and podcasts just by voice, which is something we really want when driving. There’s not much I can’t find in the Deezer app, but I don’t demand much off the beaten track as I mostly listen to 90’s hip hop, some jazz and first wave music. You won’t find some exclusive podcasts that are only available on Spotify, but I can find most of what I like, including the Deep House Cat Podcast.

An iPhone with Spotify open and headphones plugged in

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3 SiriusXM

Live radio and talk

If you have a subscription, SiriusXM is also worth mentioning. The app has a good UX and you’re also greeted by two Howard Stern channels if that’s your thing.

Additionally, it’s the only way in the US to listen to live Premier League soccer on Sirius FC (okay, soccer in some parts of the world, including here in the US).

4 Audible

Books for the ears

Onyx Boox Tab Mini C with the Audible app.

Amazon has done a fantastic job with the Android Auto version of its audiobook app. The software is slick, runs very well, and has an excellent user interface. I would advise you to buy all the audiobooks you want to listen to before you set off.

I’ve listened to quite a few books on very long drives, and Audible is the best way to enjoy a novel or non-fiction book on the road. While there is a two-tier subscription paywall to overcome, it’s very worthwhile if you regularly spend time in the car.

How to get Audible cheap (or free)

The most popular audiobook subscription services can get expensive, but there are ways to continue reading cheaply or even for free.

5 Fuelio

Manage your car expenses

Prices at the pump and car costs in general have risen significantly over the last five years. Nobody likes to pay more than necessary, and here Fuelio comes in.

Fuelio is designed to help you monitor your car’s mileage, fuel consumption and other expenses like maintenance. You can keep track of maintenance records, tank fills, consumption rates, mileage, costs and fuel prices. Additionally, Fuelio lets you plan your trips and the app will tell you where to stop on a given route.

Once you’re connected to Android Auto, you’ll be able to see where and when you should fill up. Enter this information into the app and you’re all set. Note that the Fuelio app works best with the Sygic GPS Navigation app.

You can be as detailed as you like. This is very handy if you run a small business and like to log car trips. Or maybe you just want to keep track of expenses, like I do.

6 Memory

Don’t forget me

Google Assistant on a Nokia against a pink and blue background.

An often overlooked feature of Android Auto is the Reminders app. It comes pre-installed on Android, so you don’t have to search for it in the Google Play Store.

As the name suggests, it’s a simple note-taking app for your brain lapses, of which I have many. You can revisit all the notes and reminders at a later time, refreshing any information you may have stored while driving.

It’s very handy for storing information like the license plate of a car you saw in a traffic accident. Of course, you can also use it for things like shopping lists and the like.

7 Scanner radio

Emergency on planet Earth

Scanner Radio lets you receive most police and emergency services radio stations. Whether there’s a forest fire, shooting, or other emergency event nearby, you’ll be notified and have the opportunity to listen in. There’s even a handy feature that lets you set the number of active listeners to a particular station before you get pinged. I live in the country, so any local news in real time is helpful, especially when there’s a forest fire involved.