USB cables for Android Auto | The best of 2022
As mentioned, Android Auto is an app that replaces the infotainment system without replacing it; to be clearer, it fits inside and allows you to almost entirely manage the functions of your smartphone without taking your eyes off the road. Not all applications are compatible, especially those that would induce you to read or follow video content; however, most of them are usable and able to provide valuable support.
There are two ways to connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system: the first, the simplest, is to use a USB cable (USB- C or USB-A, depending on the configuration of the car) or rely on a WiFi dongle, the most expensive, as highlighted in this previously published guide.
Using your smartphone with Android Auto is really simple; it is necessary to connect the device to the car via the cable, follow the Android wizard (which will appear only during the first activation) and that's it. Smartphones with Android 9 or lower operating system do not have Android Auto pre-installed, but it is always available for free on the Google Play Store. From version 10 onwards, Android Auto is available in the operating system and therefore does not need to be downloaded.
To access Android Auto you need a simple requirement: your smartphone must have an operating system 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Of course, for obvious reasons that we are not going to list, the more recent the smartphone is and free from background applications, the more enjoyable and responsive the onboard experience will be.
Unlike the wireless mode, the wired counterpart allows to keep the smartphone (possibly) in constant charge and therefore to avoid that the battery runs out prematurely during long journeys or intensive use.
Currently, several models are available on the market that are distinguished by length, speed and for compatibility with different smart devices. Let's see in detail some of the best USB-C cables on Amazon and compatible with Android Auto that we have selected for you.
Best USB-C cables for Android Auto
USB-C cable to USB-A CableCreation USB-C cable Rampow USB-C to USB-A cable Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C cable Anker USB-C cable Ugreen Federicovecchio.comUSB-C cable to USB-A CableCreation
The CableCreation Type C to USB-A cable supports fast charging with data rate sync up to 480 Mbit / s. An ideal cable not only for charging your smartphone but also for use in the car thanks to its compatibility with Android Auto. Not surprisingly, the gold-plated connector ensures stable signal transmission while the high-quality aluminum alloy facilitates heat dissipation. The version we have selected has a length of 15 centimeters, therefore ideal for those who have the USB port in the immediate vicinity of the smartphone housing.View on Amazon
USB cable- Rampow A to USB-C
Rampow's USB-C cable is ideal for use with Android Auto due to its ability to transfer data at speeds of up to 5Gbps and compatibility with USB Type C 2.0 and 3.0 devices . The nylon coated, in addition to offering strength and practicality, prevents the cable from entangling during use. The connector is instead plated with gold, a material that ensures high durability over time. Its length, equal to 20 centimeters, makes it suitable for those who have a USB port and housing for the smartphone in the immediate vicinity, as well as practical and functional.View on Amazon
Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-C Cable
Suitable for all devices with USB Type-C ports, the 30cm Amazon Basics cable allows you to charge and synchronize data, photos and music. The braided nylon used for the construction also gives greater protection, strength and flexibility during use in the car. The AmazonBasics cable ensures compatibility between USB Type A devices and next generation USB Type C devices: the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard also supports data transfer up to 10 Gbps and is compatible with the USB 3.0 standard and 2.0. The reversible design allows you to easily connect the cable to a compatible device without having to worry about which side the connector fits.View at Amazon
USB-C to USB cable- C Anker
The 1 meter long Anker branded USB-C cable is compatible with all devices with a Type C port, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. The materials used for the construction guarantee adequate durability over time. Anker has in fact made the cable in braided nylon, offering an inevitably longer duration over time. Thanks to the support for power delivery, it guarantees a high-speed charging capacity of up to 60W for all devices. Used in the car, and connected to Android Auto, it guarantees fast data transfer ensuring an optimal user experience. The version selected by us includes two USB-C cables in the package so that you can always have one available for passengers.View on Amazon
USB-C to USB-C cable Ugreen
If you are looking for a multifunctional USB-C cable, this one from Ungreen is for you. In addition to data transfer and charging, it can, in fact, be used for the transmission of videos and photos up to 4K. Do not miss the fast charging Power Delivery up to 60W 20V / 3A and data transfer speed up to 5Gbps. The 1 meter long cable has a braided nylon coating that provides more wear resistance and offers additional protection to prevent damage in the event of kinks.View at Amazon
The latest generation technologies allow us to transform the car into a connected and intuitive tool. Music, entertainment, social networks and maps that multimedia devices such as Android Auto are equipped with give us the possibility to stay constantly updated while driving. As we know, Android Auto is an app that takes the place of an infotainment system and can be activated either by connecting the smartphone to the dedicated USB port or by using the wireless connection. In this guide we will discover the best USB-C cables compatible with Android Auto, so as to make the driving experience even safer and more interactive.
The USB-C cable is a latest generation cable that allows not only to transfer data from one device to another but also to recharge their smartphones with a high speed. Once the smartphone is connected to a vehicle equipped with Android Auto, the main apps will, in fact, be shown on the display.
In order to establish the connection with Android Auto, it is necessary, as specified, to have a smartphone with a system operating is at least version 5.0. If you have complied with this requirement but Android Auto does not work, the problem could be the USB cable: if you have problems using or connecting Android Auto, it is therefore essential to make sure that the cable is of quality and not damaged. After taking into consideration the essential characteristics to have a quality cable, we cannot fail to give importance to the data transfer speed.
How to choose a USB-C cable
To choose the best USB cable to use with Android Auto, we recommend purchasing a rather long cable with a USB icon. Among the technical elements not to be underestimated there is inevitably the data transfer speed, the charging speed, the length of the cable and the materials with which they are made. Let's not forget that for a cable to be efficient it must be able to withstand sudden bending or removal.Compatibility
Before choosing a USB-C cable, it is essential to analyze several technical characteristics. Currently there are many cables with USB-C interface on the market but sometimes it can be difficult to find one suitable for all needs. Before proceeding with the purchase of a new cable, it is therefore necessary to check whether the latter is compatible with your smartphone and the Android Auto system.
Length
One of the fundamental elements for choosing a USB cable is the length. A limited length makes the cable practical and functional, allowing you to use it without problems in the car. As we know, an excessive length of the cable compromises both the charging performance and the data transfer.
Materials
We also take into consideration the quality of the materials used for the construction of the cable, so that they are resistant and flexible over time. As for the connector, materials such as aluminum are preferred for resistance and reliability.
Type
USB cables can have the same type of connector on both ends (USB- C to USB-C) or be equipped with two different connectors (USB-A to USB-C) so as to allow the user to connect any device without problems.
Quality
Among the types of USB cables on the market, there is no shortage of products made with poor quality components and materials which, if used for a long time, can compromise the performance of the device, even damaging it.
To avoid problems with connected devices , in this guide we have only included products made with quality components and materials in order to avoid unpleasant inconveniences. Quality USB cables are also distinguished by their composition: they are equipped with thicker wires, made of high quality materials to support even high currents and transfer speeds of up to 7.2 Gbps (USB-C 3.1). br>
