There are not many, but little by little the options are growing: Android Auto is gaining applications compatible with GPS navigation. Voice guidance, maps with points of interest, favorites, real-time traffic… We detail all the apps that you have at your disposal to drive guided to your destination.
Google was slow to open Android Auto to app developers, but little by little new material was arriving on vehicle consoles. Especially for applications intended for point to point navigation, the category that is most useful when driving. The group of apps already has a handful of well-known ones; with a perspective of growing future and quality.
There is a lot of life beyond Google Maps and Waze
Since Google is the one that develops the vehicle-oriented operating system, it is also the company that has the most facilities when it comes to creating software suitable for car consoles. Google Maps it was always the priority choice in terms of navigators and maps; with a Waze that came in later and that, since it belongs to Google, It also had easy compatibility with Android Auto.
Google ended up opening the development of other route and map apps apart from the two that were native to the vehicle system. There are currently enough alternatives to Google Maps and WazeI’m sure many more will end up arriving.
What are the best GPS navigators compatible with Android Auto? Let’s see, here is our preferred list.
This GPS navigator is one of the best known and most used. Complete, with the option to use it for free, possibility of loading offline maps and with options as in demand as real-time traffic or road alerts.
Sygic opened its stable app to all users so that they can access navigation from their Android Auto console. This access is located within the ‘premium’ options; although you can try it for thirty days to find out if it is worth your subscription.
Sygic GPS Navigation with Offline 3D Maps is compatible with Android Auto.
The second alternative to Google GPS navigators is TomTom NaviGO, the famous reduced and completely free version of the legendary vehicle navigator. NaviGO works perfectly on Android Auto, is in stable condition and You don’t have to pay a cent to use your maps in the car console. Of course, it is essential to have an Internet connection to use the TomTom app.
TomTom NaviGO is a fairly simple GPS navigator that offers the basics in this type of application: route planning with alternatives based on incidents or traffic, voice guidance and points of interest. Maps are clearly displayed on the console and integrates seamlessly with Android Auto. Plus, you don’t need to pay to use it, Does not include ads.
Maps, real-time traffic information, speed cameras and Android Auto
The less reduced version of the popular GPS navigator is also available for Android Auto. And it works as expected; while maintaining the Simple interface and point-to-point navigation TomTom feature.
TomTom Go Navigation for Android Auto is included in the subscription you have contracted. Simply pair your mobile phone to the vehicle and open the app from the vehicle screen.
GPS, downloadable offline maps and traffic and speed camera information
Here WeGo
It took him a while to arrive, but he did it through the big door: Here WeGo to Android Auto It is one of the best options available for the system and one of the few that include all free offline maps. This alone is worth keeping on the phone.
The interface is not as attractive as Waze, for example, but it is enough and more than enough to offer a more than correct navigation experience. Clear, very visual and with the key options on the road at the touch of a button. Includes real-time traffic.
HERE WeGo BETA
Explore HERE WeGO preview and share your experience with us
Coyote
The application specialized in warning of speed cameras and incidents launched compatibility with Android Auto to bring all its benefits directly to the vehicle console. Thanks to the update, it is possible use maps and voice-guided navigation in the car and using Android Auto touch control.
Although Coyote offers compatibility with the vehicle operating system, this option is not available to everyone, only to those who pay for the service’s most expensive subscription.
Coyote: radar warning, GPS
100% legal radar warning for the DGT: alerts, maps, traffic.
This GPS navigator for mobile phones, which also has physical devices, offers a large number of functions at no cost, including offline map download. And with the Android Auto compatibility It is even more complete: it can now be used in the vehicle console.
Mapfactor Navigation is available for download free of charge from Google Play Store. Its operation is perfectly adapted to Android Auto, its touch control is as expected and, without a doubt, it is one of the best apps of its kind for the car.
Free GPS navigation: offline OSM and TomTom maps. From here to wherever you want.
waze
In our opinion, Waze continues to be one of the best choices when it comes to driving following the navigation instructions. Its social style ensures that maps, incidents and traffic information are not only reliable, They also update with high speed. And its interface is at an excellent level: readable and perfect maps to minimize distractions.
Navigation to any part of the world with voice-assisted guidance, the ability to issue alerts for incidents, favorites, nearby gas stations, zoom on the map… Waze is a very complete app.
Updated data on traffic, accidents, gasoline prices, controls, etc.
Google Maps
It is almost the application par excellence when we connect the phone to the car using the connection that Android Auto provides. And, although it is the most common, it is still useful: It is one of the ones that behaves best in the car console. And maintaining the qualities that it already has on the phone, such as downloading plans to navigate offline.
Clear maps, traffic alerts, option for satellite maps, all the favorites you have saved in Google Maps, Audio directions with Google Assistant as voice…Google Maps is, and will be, one of the best options on Android Auto.
Google Maps
Real-time GPS navigation and suggestions for food, events and activities
Little by little, more map and guided route applications will arrive on Android Auto. We will update this article as that happens.
Cover image | Ivan Linares