Android Auto makes it safe and easy to access all your favorite apps. If you're the kind of person who prefers to listen to music or podcasts or other types of audio, there's a long list of Android Auto-compatible apps available.
All these apps can be accessed from the home screen of Android Auto or you can pick from the list of compatible apps installed on your phone by tapping the headphones button in the menu.
Music Apps for Android Auto
If you prefer to listen to music while driving, you can expect to find an Android Auto-compatible app for all the major music services, and access their main features.
With Pandora, you can listen to your stations and use the thumbs up/thumbs down feature that fine tunes your recommendations. With Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music, you can listen to your playlists and recommendations. With Google Play Music, you can also play your online lists as well as any audio content you've downloaded directly to your phone.
App downloads:
- Pandora (Free)
- Spotify (Free)
- Google Play Music (Free)
- YouTube Music (Free)
- Amazon Music (Free)
- Deezer (Free)
- Slacker Radio (Free)
- Rainwave (Free)
Podcast and Audiobook Apps for Android Auto
If you want to keep up with your favorite podcasts or prefer audiobooks to keep you company on the road, there are plenty of options. From station specific apps like NPR One, to popular podcast apps like Pocket Casts and Stitcher, to audiobook apps like Audible and Audiobooks.com, Android Auto has you covered.
App downloads:
- Pocket Casts (Free)
- Stitcher (Free)
- NPR One (Free)
- ScoutFM (Free)
- Audiobooks from Audible (Free)
- Audiobooks.com (Free)
- OverDrive (Free)
- PodcastGo (Free)
- Podcast App (Free)
Radio and News Apps for Android Auto
While you can listen to radio stations in your car without having to worry about using up your data, there are a few popular options available to listen to radio stations that might not be available through your FM or AM radio.
You'll also find news and sports-specific options like MLB at Bat and CBS Radio News. And in addition to the options listed below, you'll also find plenty of local station apps that are Android Auto compatible.
App downloads:
- iHeartRadio (Free)
- MLB at Bat (Free with subscription)
- TuneIn (Free)
- Simple Radio (Free)
- myTuner Radio (Free)
- CBS Radio News (Free)
- ABC News (Free)
- New York Times (Free)
Playing Local Media Files With Android Auto
In addition to Google Play Music listed above, there are a few extra options if you're looking to play your own MP3 or other media files using Android Auto:
- VLC (Free)
- DS Audio (Free, but only works with a Synology NAS)
- Media Monkey (Free)
Of course, Android Auto is great for more than just listen to music, news, and podcasts, and there's plenty you can do to get more out of Android Auto.
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