Google and Amazon want to be in your car.
Which one deserves a ride?
Overall Findings
Requires Android 5.0 or newer.
Built into Android 10+ (no app needed).
Doesn’t need any peripherals.
Integrates directly with many OE and aftermarket car stereos.
Usable by itself without head unit integration.
Requires Android 6.0 or newer, or iOS 11.0 or newer.
Uses the Alexa app.
Requires the Echo Auto machine to work.
Echo Auto connects to your car via Bluetooth or aux.
No way to use Alexa Auto Mode without Echo Auto.
Android Auto only works for Android phone users, while Alexa Auto Mode works on both Android and iPhone.
Specifications: Alexa Works on Android and iPhone
Android phone running Android 5.0 or newer.
Requires Android Auto app (Android 9.0 and older)
Built into Android 10.0 and newer.
Requires compatible car stereo for full functionality.
Capable of running on your phone without full car integration.
Android phone running Android 6.0 or newer.
iPhone running iOS 11.0 or newer.
Requires Echo Auto machine.
Car stereo must have Bluetooth connectivity or an auxiliary input.
Owners of Android phones that can’t install Android 10.0 have to actually download the Android Auto app.
Your phone will also switch automatically if connected to a compatible Android Auto car stereo.
Home screen with large text and buttons.
Individual screens for navigation, communication, and music.
Open interface by connecting an Echo Auto and starting your car.
Can’t open interface without connection to Echo Auto.
Home screen with large buttons and text.
The main buttons along the bottom open your navigation app, phone dialer, and music.
The home screen here provides large buttons you might press for music, navigation, and calls.
Both systems are set up to work with voice commands alone as well.
Use voice commands to find points of interest and set routes.
Navigation occurs within the Android Auto app.
Option to set default navigation app in the Alexa app controls.
Use voice commands to find points of interest and set destinations.
Navigation occurs within your chosen navigation app.
Android Auto and Alexa Auto Mode are functionally very similar when it comes to navigation.
Both services allow you to locate points of interest, set destinations, and begin navigation using voice commands.
Google Assistant handles it for Android Auto, while Alexa does the listening for Alexa Auto Mode.
The biggest difference is Android Auto is a bit more integrated with its navigation.
The functionality is all there, it’s just a little less integrated.
Communication: Alexa Auto Mode Allows Drop-in
Dedicated communication screen.
Easy options for recent numbers, favorites, contacts, dialer, and voicemail.
Send and read text messages with voice commands.
Dedicated buttons for calling, dropping in on other Alexa devices, and sending announcements.
Use voice commands to send and read text messages.
For the most part, the communication options provided by these services are on an even keel.
Google may provide payment options for things like Gas through Google Assistant in the future.
Use Alexa to control your smart home devices from your car.
Order and pay for Starbucks.
Pay for gas and activate pumps at participating Exxon and Mobil stations.
Alexa Auto Mode relies on an Echo Auto to function, so it provides full Echo functionality by default.
Alexa Auto Mode provides extended functionality, allowing you to interact with services beyond your own smart home devices.
It does work on both Android and iPhone though, and Echo Auto works with bothBluetooth and auxiliaryinputs.
