Drive safely without sacrificing music, GPS, or messages? That’s exactly what Android Auto offers through a road-friendly interface. It transforms your car’s screen into an intelligent onboard assistant, provided you choose the right applications. Here’s our selection of the 10 must-have apps for safer, smoother, and more enjoyable trips.
When thinking of Google, Android Auto may not come to mind first. However, for everyday drivers, it’s one of the most useful features of its ecosystem. Of course, it’s not about manipulating your phone like you would when stopped; Android Auto is designed to reduce distractions.
It facilitates access to navigation, music, and messaging while allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel. You just need to make the right choices, as only a few applications designed for safe and suitable driving are compatible. In this guide, we’ve selected the 10 best Android Auto apps to install in 2025. This will turn every journey into a connected experience without losing sight of the road.
1. Waze
Waze is undoubtedly one of the most beloved apps among drivers. Powered by its user community, it signals real-time dangers, traffic jams, speed traps, construction, and slowdowns. The route adapts automatically to help you save time and avoid risky areas.
Moreover, the navigation is smooth, alerts are clear, and voice instructions can even be customized. This alternative to Google Maps also displays fuel prices along your route to optimize your stops. Its interface, specifically designed for driving, gets to the point without cluttering the screen. Fully compatible with Android Auto, it can be controlled by voice and is suitable for both urban trips and long distances. The only downside is that it sometimes suffers from a few bugs.
2. Spotify
Many people enjoy listening to music in the car. It’s often one of the first things we do once onboard. With Android Auto, Spotify makes this habit even simpler and safer. Your playlists, artists, and podcasts are accessible through a clear, fluid interface designed for driving.
Once your songs are downloaded, you can even enjoy offline listening. And with voice control, you no longer need to take your eyes off the road to change a track or restart a song. Since it’s compatible with Google Maps or Waze, you can follow your route while enjoying the sound. Other alternatives like Deezer or YouTube Music are compatible with Android Auto, but Spotify remains one of the most comprehensive, customizable, and less prone to bugs.
3. Autovaras
Between technical controls, insurance, or maintenance, it only takes one oversight to find yourself in violation or broken down at the wrong time. Autovaras helps you stay on track. Once your information is entered, the app sends you reminders before every important deadline.
The alerts are clear, programmable, and tailored to your vehicle. You can even include maintenance, renewing your registration, or just changing tires. On Android Auto, the interface remains simple, readable, and perfectly suited for quick use from the cabin. If you want to drive with peace of mind without monitoring the calendar, this app clearly deserves its place in your Android Auto.
4. Messenger/WhatsApp
Replying to a message without taking your hands off the wheel is possible, provided you use compatible apps with Android Auto. Messenger and WhatsApp, two of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, remain accessible even when you’re in the car.
Messages are read aloud, and you can respond by dictating them to Gemini, Google Assistant’s replacement. An automatic message can also inform your contacts that you are temporarily unavailable. The integration is smooth, discreet, and perfectly adapted for quick exchanges in complete safety.
For those who prioritize privacy, Telegram provides an equally compatible alternative. But for simple, familiar, and effortless communication, Meta’s messaging apps remain the most practical on board.
5. Plugshare
As more and more drivers adopt electric vehicles, knowing where to charge, and especially whether a station is available, makes all the difference. Plugshare meets this need by listing thousands of charging points worldwide. Furthermore, its vast community continuously updates the information.
You can access the status of stations, type of plug, available power, and even reviews left by other drivers. The app also allows you to plan a route that includes charging stops directly from Android Auto.
ChargePoint can be an interesting alternative, especially with the ability to reserve certain stations. However, for a broader, collaborative, and constantly updated view, Plugshare remains one of the most comprehensive tools.
6. Audible
Many French people would love to read more but struggle to find the time. Between work, children, journeys, and unforeseen events, reading often takes a back seat, even if the desire remains. This is where audiobooks come in, which can be listened to anywhere, including while driving.
Among the many options, Audible offers over 200,000 titles: novels, documentaries, fiction, wellness, fashion, etc. All are narrated by professional voices with excellent sound quality.
This Amazon solution relies on a monthly subscription with a free trial period. Its alternative, OverDrive, works differently: it allows you to borrow audiobooks for free through certain libraries, without fees or late penalties. Two different approaches, depending on whether you prioritize a wide selection or free access.
7. Pulse SMS
Staying in contact without taking your eyes off the road is the key to a good messaging app on Android Auto. Pulse SMS excels at this with a clear, responsive interface perfectly designed for driving.
Once connected, incoming messages are read aloud, and you can respond by dictating them directly to Gemini, Google’s new voice assistant. There’s no need to touch the screen; everything is voice-operated for a smooth and secure experience.
However, what truly sets this alternative to Google Messages apart is its multi-device synchronization. You can find all your conversations on your phone, tablet, or computer, without ever losing the thread. Convenient, especially when your days are packed with trips, calls, and meetings.
8. Weather & Radar
Before hitting the road, knowing the upcoming weather can make all the difference, especially on long trips. This is where Weather Radar proves useful. Directly from your car’s screen, you can access clear, up-to-date animated maps displaying areas of rain, storms, or fog clearly visible.
The evolution of the weather is displayed hour by hour, allowing you to anticipate sudden changes or avoid a risky route. The interface is simple and well-designed for Android Auto, highlighting essential data without cluttering the screen. This alternative to Overdrop impresses with its readability and responsiveness. It helps you avoid rain, adjust your departure, and drive with peace of mind.
9. Google Calendar
It can be challenging to stay on top of things when days are packed with meetings, appointments, trips, and unforeseen events. With Google Calendar, you always have an eye on your schedule, even while driving. Once connected to Android Auto, your upcoming events will display directly on the central screen.
You can check them at a glance or ask Gemini to read them aloud. The reminders are clear, well-spaced, and always synchronized with your Google account. So you don’t have to check your phone while stopped.
Unlike other collaboration-focused tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar focuses on simplicity and immediacy. No superfluous features, just the essentials to keep up with your schedule effortlessly, even while driving.
10. SOS Autoroute
On the highway, every minute counts in an emergency. That’s exactly why the SOS Autoroute app was created by French management companies (APRR, AREA, SANEF…). It allows you to contact emergency services without leaving your vehicle or searching for an emergency phone post.
As soon as you trigger the alert, your GPS position is automatically transmitted to the response teams. Even without an active mobile network, the app uses GPS signals to locate you. You then receive instructions to secure the area and can follow the arrival of the tow truck in real-time.
Compatible with Android Auto, SOS Autoroute deserves a place on your dashboard, especially if you frequently travel on major routes.
How to install an app on Android Auto?
Simply install the compatible application on your Android smartphone from the Play Store. Once your phone is connected to your car via USB cable or wirelessly, the app will automatically appear on the screen if it is supported by Android Auto.
What to do if the app does not appear on my car’s screen?
First, check that the app is properly installed and compatible with Android Auto. Make sure that your system is up-to-date, both on your phone and car. Sometimes, restarting or resetting the connection can suffice. Otherwise, consult the Android Auto settings to manage which apps are visible manually.
How does Android Auto improve daily driving?
Android Auto allows you to access your usual tools like GPS, music, calls, and messages without taking your eyes off the road. The interface is simplified, interactions are voice-driven, and everything is designed to minimize distractions. It’s a real comfort, especially for regular or long-distance trips.
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