Ultimate Android Auto Experience: The best Android accessories for your car

Android Auto represents a major push by Google into the automotive industry, not everyone needs or wants a new automobile. The good news is that your automobile can now have at least some of the mobile experience thanks to a wide variety of accessories.

The best way to get Android Auto in an older vehicle without an in-dash head unit is through a third-party unit. Since they all support wired or wireless Android Auto, Pioneer and its Nex range of infotainment systems can help in this situation.

• Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX:

The AVH-W4400NEX is one of the better head units in terms of price and features. The AVH-W4400NEX has a seven-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touch display and supports wired or wireless Apple CarPlay for iPhone users. A built-in HD radio tuner, support for Miracast, 1.5A output to devices, and assistance with FLAC files up to 192kHz/24-bit are also provided.

The outdated resistive display is a major drawback. The AVH-W4400NEX is available for slightly around $454 if you don’t mind that. The in-dash head unit, a backup camera, and a magnetic phone mount are all available for $509.

• Kenwood Excelon DMX706S:

Kenwood also produces a large variety of Android Auto head units if you’re seeking a Pioneer substitute. One that jumps out is the Excelon DMX706S, which Kenwood unveiled at the beginning of the year.

The DMX706S supports Apple CarPlay and has a 6.95-inch WVGA (800 x 480) resistive touch display. Keep in mind before you buy that wireless capabilities are not mentioned with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Two camera connections, a USB connector with a 1.5A output, and FLAC and WAV file support up to 192 kHz/24-bit are other features of the head unit.

• Roav DashCam C2 Pro:

Anker’s NightHawk Vision technology and 1080p video recording are both supported by the C2 Pro for better video recording at night. The f/2.0 aperture of the Sony Starvis sensor allows it to see four lanes of traffic well. While loop recording allows the camera to record over previously recorded video, GPS logging keeps track of the camera’s most recent location.

Finally, using the Roav app, you may wirelessly link the C2 Pro to your phone. You may view, download, share, and remove any recorded video using the app.

The C2 Pro is not the cheapest dash cam you can purchase, costing $149.99. Roav even provides less expensive options, including the DashCam S1 and DashCam Duo. The C2 Pro, on the other hand, has enough functionality to make up for its greater price.

• Yi Smart Dash Cam:

The Yi Smart Dash Cam from Xiaomi includes an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The technology can measure the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you and will alert you if you are about to veer from your lane.

The 165-degree lens of the camera can cover up to three lanes, and its f/1.8 aperture, 1080p recording at 60 frames per second, and night vision guarantee clear and fluid video in all lighting circumstances. The Yi Smart Dash Cam may also be connected to your phone via an app to view live video or replay recordings.

The Yi Smart Dash Cam, which costs about $49.99, offers capabilities that are unusual for products in this price range. When you add the 2.7-inch touch screen and a maximum 2,304 x 1,296 at 30 frames per second video resolution, you get a camera that is incredibly affordable.

• Anker 3.5mm Nylon Audio Cable: 

There are an absurd amount of 3.5mm male-to-male audio cables available, but Anker’s version makes our list of portable car accessories because it is made of nylon. The nylon ensures that the wire won’t tangle and keeps its durability over time. You’ll need something durable because this cable is probably going to be installed under the floorboard of your car.

Anker’s 3.5mm cable costs $6.99 and is four feet long in addition to having an 18-month warranty.

• Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable:

A micro-USB connector can be found on the three-foot cable by itself. However, the cable has two Lightning and USB-C adapters attached. This is a handy cable if you have a large variety of gadgets in the car, but you will need to place the adaptor on the micro-USB connector to get output.

• Anker Roav SmartCharge T1:

The Anker Roav SmartCharge T1 is the best option if your car’s radio lacks Bluetooth or an aux-in connector for playing music from your smartphone on your stock car stereo. Your phone pairs through Bluetooth with the SmartCharge T1, which then establishes an FM frequency connection with your car stereo.

With a USB port for charging your phone, the SmartCharge T1 performs a double job as a mobile car accessory in addition to hands-free calling. For $25.99, you can purchase the SmartCharge T1.

• iOttie Phone Car Mount:

A great mobile car accessory is the iOttie phone car mount. The locking and releasing button, which enables you to quickly install and remove your smartphone, is the calling card. Along with a removable and washable suction cup and a telescopic arm that stretches from four to 6.5 inches, there is a knob behind the mount that may be used to raise and lower the feet.

• Besign BK06:

Put down the phone and acquire the Besign BK06 if you are someone who frequently speaks on the phone while operating a vehicle. A Bluetooth 5 speaker, this odd device attaches to your sun visor. You may talk on the phone and listen to music with the twin two-watt speakers. Interestingly, it also automatically comes on when you get into your car and goes off when you get out.

Last but not least, a 1,000mAh battery offers 20 hours of use. Simply take the BK06 out of your sun visor and connect a micro-USB wire to the side when you need to charge it. The BK06, which costs $24.99, is an excellent mobile car accessory to receive customized music and keep your eyes on the road.

• RAVPower Car Charger:

if your car audio, the RAVPower car charger is working just fine and you would want more ports for charging your electronics. Each connector is capable of producing up to 18W of output due to Quick Charge 3.0 support. Thus, the charger’s overall output is 36W. Additionally, there is a tiny blue light that aids in illumination while you connect your devices at night.