USB Cables for Android Auto | The best of 2023
As mentioned, Android Auto is an app that takes the place of the infotainment system without replacing it; to be clearer, it fits inside and allows you to manage almost entirely 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 valid support.
There are two possible ways to connect the 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 car's configuration) or relying 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 there is a simple requirement: the smartphone must have an operating system 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Naturally, for obvious reasons that we are not going to list, the more recent the smartphone is and free from background applications, the more pleasant and responsive the on-board experience will be.
Unlike the wireless mode, the wired counterpart allows to keep the smartphone (possibly) constantly charged and thus prevent the battery from running out earlier than expected during long journeys or intensive use.
Currently, there are various models on the market which are distinguished by length, speed and for compatibility with various 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 Sunguy USB-C Cable USB-C to USB-A Cable Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C Cable Anker Ugreen USB-C Cable Federicovecchio.comUSB-C to Cable USB-A CableCreation
The CableCreation Type C to USB-A cable supports fast charging with data speed sync up to 480 Mbit/s. An ideal cable not only for recharging the 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.See on Amazon
USB cable- Sunguy USB-C A to USB-C
Sunguy's USB-C cable is ideal for use with Android Auto due to its ability to transfer data at speeds of up to 10Gbps and compatibility with devices with USB Type-C 2.0 and 3.0 . The nylon coating, in addition to offering resistance and practicality, prevents the cable from becoming entangled during use. The connector is instead plated in gold, a material that ensures high durability over time. Its length, equal to 30 centimeters, makes it suitable for those who have a USB port and smartphone slot in the immediate vicinity, as well as being practical and functional.See on Amazon
Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-C cable
Suitable for all devices with USB Type-C ports, the Amazon Basics 30cm cable allows you to recharge and synchronize data, photos and music. The woven nylon used for the construction also gives greater protection, resistance and flexibility during use on board the car. The AmazonBasics cable ensures compatibility between USB Type-A equipped devices and the next generation USB Type-C equipped devices: USB 3.1 Gen 2 also supports data transfer up to 10 Gbps and is backwards compatible with USB 3.0 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 plugs into.See on Amazon
USB-C to USB- cable Anker C
The Anker-branded 1-meter-long 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, guaranteeing an optimal user experience. The version we selected includes two USB-C cables in the package so you can always have one available for passengers.See on Amazon
USB-C to USB-C cable Ugreen
If you are looking for a multifunctional USB-C cable, this one made by Ungreen is for you. In addition to data transfer and recharging, 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 speeds up to 5Gbps. The 1-metre-long cable has a braided nylon sheath that provides more resistance to wear and tear and offers additional protection to prevent damage in the event of kinks.See on Amazon
The latest generation technologies allow us to transform the car into a connected and intuitive tool. Music, entertainment, social networks and the maps that multimedia devices such as Android Auto are equipped with give us the opportunity 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 using the wireless connection. In this guide, we'll 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 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 for the connection to Android Auto to be established, as specified, it is necessary to have a smartphone with a at least version 5.0 is operational. If you have complied with this requirement but Android Auto doesn't work, the problem could be the USB cable: if you encounter problems using or connecting to Android Auto, it is therefore essential to make sure that the cable is of good quality and not damaged. After having taken into consideration what are the essential characteristics for having 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 the USB icon. Among the technical elements that should not 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 the various technical characteristics. There are currently many cables with USB-C interfaces 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 its length. A limited length makes the cable practical and functional, allowing it to be used without problems in the car. As we know, excessive cable length compromises both charging performance and data transfer.
Materials
During the purchase phase, 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 to be preferred for strength and reliability.
Typology
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 included only products made with quality components and materials so as to avoid unpleasant inconveniences. Quality USB cables are also distinguished by their composition: they have thicker wires, made with high-quality materials to support even high currents and transfer speeds of up to 7.2 Gbps (USB-C 3.1).
