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5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Be Using - SlashGear

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 12:44 GMT by SlashGear
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Free Android Auto Apps Everyone Should Use

When a vehicle’s infotainment system can tap into the power of a smartphone, every trip becomes an opportunity to stay connected, entertained, and on the right track. Android Auto, Google’s in‑car companion, brings the phone’s most popular apps to the dashboard via a large‑screen interface and voice commands. While the platform itself is free, the real value comes from the ecosystem of third‑party apps that integrate seamlessly. Below is a roundup of the free Android Auto applications that SlashGear highlighted as must‑have tools for every driver, along with what makes each one stand out.

1. Google Maps – Navigation Done Right

Google Maps remains the backbone of Android Auto’s navigation suite. With up‑to‑date turn‑by‑turn directions, real‑time traffic updates, and a massive database of points of interest, it covers every major city and most rural routes. The app even offers a “offline maps” feature: by downloading a region beforehand, drivers can keep navigating even when mobile data is spotty. Voice‑controlled “Navigate to…” requests let drivers stay focused on the road while still receiving clear guidance.

2. Waze – Community‑Powered Traffic

Waze offers an alternative to Google Maps, distinguished by its social‑driven data collection. Drivers contribute incidents—such as accidents, traffic jams, police checkpoints, and road work—allowing the system to route users around congestion in real time. The Waze app on Android Auto provides the same voice‑controlled commands and turn‑by‑turn prompts but adds a layer of dynamic traffic insight that often reduces commute times. A quick look at Waze’s website shows it’s built on community contributions, ensuring that the most current traffic conditions are reflected on the dashboard.

3. Google Assistant – Hands‑Free Control

The built‑in Google Assistant is a voice‑first AI that can answer questions, control music playback, set reminders, and even book a ride. By simply saying “Hey Google,” users can send a message, get a weather report, or request a Google Maps route—all while keeping their hands on the wheel. Assistant’s integration with Android Auto means that the assistant’s responses appear on the car’s screen, making it easier to follow instructions visually and reduce the temptation to glance at the phone.

4. Spotify – Free Music Streaming

Spotify’s free tier offers an expansive catalog of songs, playlists, and podcasts, albeit with occasional ads. When paired with Android Auto, users can browse their personal libraries, discover new music, and control playback through voice or touch. Spotify’s “Spotify for Android Auto” integration also allows users to queue up songs before starting the drive, ensuring a seamless hand‑off from phone to car.

5. Pandora – Radio‑Style Discovery

Pandora’s “Music Genome Project” creates personalized radio stations based on user tastes. The Android Auto version lets drivers switch between stations, skip songs, and add tracks to a personal playlist—all via voice or the car’s interface. The free version of Pandora offers a decent selection, and the “Plus” subscription removes ads and expands playlist creation, but the base app remains a solid choice for those who enjoy a continuous stream of music without having to curate specific playlists.

6. Audible – Audiobook Library

Audible, Amazon’s audiobook platform, offers a massive catalog of books, podcasts, and original content. While the full service requires a paid subscription, Audible also offers a free trial that can be used while driving. When connected to Android Auto, the Audible app displays the current book, allows users to adjust playback speed, skip chapters, and even start or stop reading by voice command. For commuters who prefer to “listen” to books, Audible’s integration turns the car into a portable library.

7. Google Play Books – E‑Books and Audiobooks

Google Play Books gives users access to a large selection of e‑books and audiobooks that can be read or listened to on the go. Through Android Auto, drivers can open their latest book, see a preview of the current page, and use voice commands to turn pages or adjust the volume. The platform also syncs across devices, so a book started on the phone will be available on the car and vice versa.

8. Google Play Newsstand – On‑the‑Go News

Google’s news aggregator—formerly known as Play Newsstand—offers a customizable feed of news articles, magazines, and blogs. Though not all publishers are available on Android Auto, the app lets users tap on headlines to read summaries or open the full article on the phone. For drivers who enjoy catching up on headlines during short trips, the newsstand provides a quick and distraction‑minimized way to stay informed.

9. YouTube Music – Video‑Based Audio

YouTube Music is Google’s answer to music streaming, pulling from the platform’s vast catalog of official tracks, live performances, and user‑generated content. The Android Auto version lets drivers search by song, artist, or album and control playback via touch or voice. The free tier includes ads, but for those who already have a YouTube Music account, the integration offers an effortless way to queue up playlists while driving.

10. TuneIn Radio – Live Streams

TuneIn Radio aggregates thousands of live radio stations from around the world. On Android Auto, drivers can browse stations by genre, location, or popularity and switch between them using voice or the car’s touchscreen. This app is perfect for road trips that take you across time zones, giving instant access to local news, sports, or music without needing an active phone signal.

11. Pocket Casts – Podcast Management

Podcast enthusiasts find Pocket Casts useful for managing subscriptions, downloading episodes for offline listening, and auto‑advancing through chapters. The Android Auto version displays the current episode title and progress bar, and users can adjust playback speed or skip to the next episode via voice. While Pocket Casts offers a premium tier, the free version already covers most podcast‑listening needs.

12. Headlights – Car‑Specific Utilities

Although not a media app, Headlights (formerly called “Car stuff”) offers a handful of car‑related utilities—such as a dashcam, maintenance logs, and trip‑duration timers—accessible through Android Auto. While the base app remains free, users can unlock additional features through in‑app purchases. It’s a handy tool for keeping track of mileage, fuel usage, and scheduled service intervals without having to pull out the phone.

How to Get Started

Setting up Android Auto is straightforward. If your car’s infotainment system supports Android Auto, simply connect a compatible Android phone (Android 6.0 or later) via USB or set up the wireless connection if your vehicle and phone both support it. Once connected, the dashboard will display a selection of apps that are available through Android Auto. From there, you can tap the “Add” icon on any listed app or install a new one from the Google Play Store. The next time you start the car, the interface will be ready with the apps you’ve chosen.

Why These Apps Matter

The real power of Android Auto comes from the synergy between navigation, media, and productivity tools—all designed to keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. By focusing on free apps with robust free tiers, the list ensures that anyone can enhance their driving experience without paying for a subscription. Whether you need the fastest route with Google Maps, the freshest traffic data from Waze, or a playlist to keep you energized on a long drive, these apps cover the spectrum of everyday needs.

In a world where the car is becoming an extension of our digital lives, a few well‑chosen apps can transform a mundane commute into an engaging, safer, and more productive experience. Android Auto’s free ecosystem, as highlighted by SlashGear, proves that you don’t have to spend a cent to enjoy the full potential of connected driving.