Listen to audiobooks on Android Auto for safer long drives

Android Auto isn’t just a music player. A quick roundup spotlights four apps that can keep you entertained and safer on long trips. Here’s what to know and how to use them without fidgeting with your phone while driving.

Audible stands out for road trips if you want to listen rather than read. It offers a broad catalog of audiobooks, so you can enjoy stories and non-fiction titles while your eyes stay on the road. This is especially handy on stretches where a book would be impractical to handle in the car.

Sports fans will find the Varsity Network app appealing. It brings live and on-demand college broadcasts to Android Auto, letting you hear play-by-play content from your favorite teams without touching the screen. It’s a simple way to stay connected to college sports during a long drive.

For podcast lovers, Castbox helps you keep a tidy listening queue. You can build playlists so you can switch between shows with fewer taps, which is useful when you’re focusing on driving and not scrolling through menus.

Scanner Radio adds a practical edge by giving you access to live emergency communications. Real-time feeds can help you gauge traffic and safety-related issues nearby, which can influence where you drive and when you depart. Use this responsibly and always respect privacy and local laws.

Why these apps matter: if you spend hours on the road, having reliable audio entertainment and real-time information can reduce fatigue and make trips feel less tedious. The key is to set up hands-free access and test before you hit the highway, so you can start a show or broadcast with a quick voice command.

What to try next: ensure Android Auto is active in your car, then add Audible, Varsity Network, Castbox and Scanner Radio to your car’s launcher. Try a short drive first to confirm voice commands work smoothly and that you can start content with minimal taps.