Autio App Review [2023]: THE Must-Have for Road Trips?

It's no secret that life gets hectic and stressful at times. We're constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, calls, and the list goes on. All this makes it difficult to relax and unwind. Perhaps all you wish for is an imaginary destination you can retreat to when things get overwhelming. But alas, such a place does not exist…or does it?

Enter Autio, an app you can use to create your own personalized location-based audio experience. Explore different destinations without even leaving your home! Like the Calm app, the Autio app offers a wide range of sounds and scenes to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to fit your mood.

But this audio app really shines when you're on the go. Autio is ultimately a storytelling app that highlights interesting facts about various destinations across the USA in real-time. Let's find out how!

So, What is Autio?

The app was previously known as HearHere and re-launched as Autio. It has quickly become a popular USA location-based app allowing users to create their own personalized audio experience. This is done by combining different types of sounds with a network of stories told by master storytellers from all around the world.

The idea is that you can use Autio to discover more about destinations you're either interested in or traveling through. Autio uses a mixture of fiction and non-fiction stories to shed light on the history, facts, and people in any region of the USA you may find yourself in. 

Autio is also designed to offer users a sense of escapism and relaxation. Whether you're taking a break from work, stuck in traffic, or just need a moment to yourself. Autio provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and connect with your inner thoughts and feelings by taking an imaginary trip to another destination. 

The app is now trending with over half a million downloads and a 4.8 rating on the app store.

Its focus on storytelling sets Autio apart from other travel audio apps. The app offers a wide range of stories, from fiction to non-fiction, told by storytellers like Kevin Costner, and John Lithgow.

How Autio Works

The Autio app has a simple and user-friendly interface. After downloading the app, you create a profile and select your preferences. You can choose the type of stories you want to hear, the length of the story, and even the narrator's voice.

You can also select the mood you want to experience, and Autio will curate a list of stories and sounds that match your mood. For example, if you want to feel relaxed, you can choose from various scenes like "Serene Beach" or "Calm Forest". Each scene comes with its own unique soundscape that will transport you to that place.

Creating an Account

In order to make the most out of Autio, you'll have to create an account. This will enable you to bookmark, download, and all the rest. You can sign in using your Facebook or Google account, or you can create a new account using your email address.

If you prefer to explore Autio first, you can go ahead as a guest user, where you will receive trial access to 5 free stories. 

Just keep in mind that some features will be locked unless you create an account. Once you've used up your trial, you'll then be prompted to choose a subscription plan to continue.

Creating your First Audio Experience with the Autio Map

You can browse stories about specific places by moving around or zooming on the Autio map. This will allow you to browse every story available in the Autio library. To return to the current location, simply press the location button on the bottom-right corner.

You'll have access to an information card about the story. To view information, tap on the title. You can even share, like, download, or get directions by tapping the three dots button on the right. Tap on the bookmark button to save the story to your bookmarks.

If you come across a place with multiple stories, you can view them by tapping on "See all stories". You can also tap on the play button to start listening to the story immediately without going to the story page.

Using Geolocation to Curate your experience

By switching on your geolocation, you can allow Autio to do all the work for you! Sit back and listen to fun facts and stories about the places you're passing through. 

Autio will track your location and share relevant information about the place, the people, and the history of the region.

How to Use the Story Player on Autio

Each story has a short description in the story player section. Below the story title is the narrator's name, together with the other stories they have narrated. Play, pause, skip to the next, or go back to the previous story using the controls at the bottom.

My Stories

This tool is only visible to account holders. 'Stories' is where you can find all your bookmarked stories. Also, you will find a  history of the stories you've listened to, which can prove to be a helpful reference.

Download stories for those moments when you know you're going to be out of internet range. Just go to 'My stories' to find the list of all the stories you have downloaded.

Main Features in the Autio App

• Popular narrators, such as Kevin Costner, Phil Jackson, John Lithgow, and more.
• Interesting new stories continuously added to the collection
• Geolocation linked to storytelling
• Educates by focusing on storytelling
• User-friendly interface
• Downloadable content - can be used offline
• Caters to different moods

How much does Autio Cost?

The Autio app is free to download and offers a 5 free stories trial. Once the trial is over, you can choose to subscribe to the monthly or yearly plans.

• Traveler (1 year subscription)  - $ 35.99
• Single Trip (30 days pass) - $29.99
• Adventurer (3 years) - $84.99

Is the Autio worth it?

Autio is an excellent investment for those who love to travel. With its wide range of stories, you can be sure to find a story that will interest you. The app is also easy to use and navigate.

However, Autio does have some drawbacks. The app freezes quite often, which can be frustrating, and there are reports of bugs on the app. Additionally, some of the stories are not terribly interesting and can be inaccurate. Nevertheless, Autio is still an excellent investment for avid travelers.

Further, if you don't plan to travel in the near future,  the app will take you on an inspiring tour while staying in the comfort of your home. Autio is an app we recommend to anyone who loves listening to stories and is interested in travel and history.

Our Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Informative 
• 9000+ stories
• Affordable
• Available on IOS and Android

Cons:

• IOS app freezes
• Bugs reported
• Some stories are inaccurate
• Not all stories are appropriate for those under 18

Plan your best roadtrip!

Whenever you're ready to hit the road, Pilot will be there to provide you with planning options.