Personally, I’ve tried a number of different GPS apps, and they’ve all been very helpful in different situations. GPS apps have saved my life when I’m exploring a new city, looking for the cheapest gas, or just trying to cut down on my daily tasks. Each of the best Maps and navigation apps has its own features that make it stand out. It can be hard to figure out which GPS navigation app is best for your needs when there are so many to choose from.
Before we start scrolling, please note that these apps are not listed in any particular order. We have chosen our favorites and listed them below, in no order (on purpose). However, note that some of these services are not completely free. But if you are not satisfied with Google Maps, we have found nine other great navigation apps for Android and iOS users. Below we have mentioned the best maps and navigation apps.
What to Look for in a Maps and Navigation App?
It’s important to think about a few things when choosing a maps and navigation app to make sure it fits your needs and gives you accurate and reliable directions. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
???? Accurate Maps and Directions: The most important thing is how accurate the app’s maps and directions are. ????️ It should have detailed maps that are up to date to help you get around.
???? Real-time Traffic Information: Look for an app that tells you about traffic in real time, such as traffic jams, accidents, roads that are closed, and alternative routes. ???? This feature can help you avoid getting stuck in traffic or having to wait.
???? Online Maps for Offline Use: When you travel to places with little or no internet access, offline maps are very helpful. ???? Make sure the app lets you download maps to use when you’re not online.
???? Turn-by-Turn Directions: The app should have clear voice directions and turn-by-turn directions. ???? Make sure it gives you enough time to turn or switch lanes.
???? Robust Search Function: To find restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and other points of interest (POIs), you need a good search function. ???? Look for an app that has a large database of POIs.
Best Maps And Navigation Apps Comparison Table
This table compares the best Maps and Navigation apps, giving you a quick look at their most important features, user ratings, and compatibility. It gives users a quick way to find the best app for their location and navigation needs, which helps them make better decisions.
| Navigation App | Offline Maps | Traffic Info | Turn-by-Turn Directions | Public Transportation | Points of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HERE WeGo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waze | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| MapFactor | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| TomTom GPS Navigation | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| MAPS.ME | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sygic GPS Navigation | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Karta | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| OsmAnd | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sygic GPS Navigation | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| BackCountry Navigator | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Yes |
| Scout GPS Navigation | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Google Maps
Features
- Detailed maps and real-time traffic updates.
- Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance.
- Street view and indoor maps.
- Public transit information.
- Integration with other Google services.
Google Maps is undoubtedly the most popular application on this list. It is Google’s app and is the best choice for most people when it comes to navigation. The design of the app is great and the app contains over 220 countries and territories mapped.
You can get real-time traffic information and download parts of the map for offline use. Walking navigation is also available, while public transportation information is part of the offering. This app has much more to offer.
Pros
- Excellent accuracy and up-to-date information.
- Integration with other Google services.
- Wide range of features and information, including public transportation options.
Cons
- Requires internet connection for real-time updates.
- Data privacy concerns.
HERE WeGo
Features
- Offline maps available.
- Accurate turn-by-turn navigation.
- Public transit options.
- Live traffic updates.
- Points of interest and places reviews.
HERE WeGo is an application that used to be known as Nokia HERE Maps and it is great. The design of this app is fantastic and allows you to download entire countries so you can browse offline and not have to think about Internet access.
The app even offers the ability to book a cab, while over 100 countries are mapped. The app provides public transportation information for more than 1,300 cities around the world, and that is only part of what the app has to offer.
Pros
- Good offline navigation capabilities.
- Detailed maps for many countries.
- Multiple transportation options.
Cons
- Limited traffic data.
- Some features require a paid subscription.
Waze
Features
- User-generated real-time traffic data.
- Community-driven reports of accidents, hazards, and police presence.
- Navigation with crowd-sourced information.
- Voice-guided directions.
- Integration with music and messaging apps.
As many of you may know, Waze was acquired by Google some time ago and is a great solution for navigation. Waze keeps you updated in real time on traffic, construction sites, police, accidents, and more.
Waze adjusts your route based on the road ahead, allowing you to dodge traffic, for example. This app also allows you to find the cheapest gasoline deals and has full Android Auto support.
Pros
- Real-time traffic and crowd-sourced data.
- Social and community-driven features.
- Frequent updates and improvements.
Cons
- Heavily reliant on user input.
- May not have as much information in less populated areas.
MapFactor
Features
- Offline maps with free updates.
- Turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation.
- Points of interest and offline search.
- 2D and 3D map views.
- Speed limit warnings.
MapFactor is an excellent navigation application with a feature-rich free version. The free app includes access to regularly updated offline OpenStreetMaps maps for accuracy, voice-guided GPS navigation, speed limit and camera alerts, nearby points of interest, and the ability to save favorite routes for easy reference.
MapFactor Navigator CAR Pro offers a wide range of additional features, including standard TomTom professional maps, live HD traffic, and remote controls. For most people, the free version offers everything they need to get around, although it comes with some non-invasive advertisements.
Pros
- Free offline maps.
- Voice-guided navigation.
- No ads.
Cons
- Limited features compared to some other apps.
- Smaller user base, potentially less reliable data.
TomTom GPS Navigation
Features
- Offline maps available.
- Lifetime map updates.
- Advanced lane guidance.
- Real-time traffic and speed camera alerts.
- Offline points of interest.
TomTom is also a fairly well-known navigation service that most of you will have heard of. This application provides downloadable maps, offline routes, accurate traffic and speed camera alerts, and so on.
TomTom maps over 150 countries and also offers advanced lane guidance. The app design is quite functional and you get 75 km of free GPS navigation each month, while you can purchase a 1-month or 1-year unlimited mileage subscription.
Pros
- High-quality maps and navigation.
- Offline maps available.
- Accurate traffic information.
Cons
- Requires a subscription for full features.
- Can be expensive.
MAPS.ME
Features
- Detailed offline maps.
- Search for places and addresses offline.
- Walking, cycling, and driving directions.
- Bookmark and share locations.
- Updated map data.
MAPS.ME is also a rather popular app for navigation, and it is quite good. You can use this app offline, and the service is completely free. You can use the app while driving, walking or biking, it is up to you.
The app will also help you plan your trip, while MAPS.ME’s maps are rich in detail. The maps are updated daily by millions of OpenStreetMap contributors, so everything should be fairly up-to-date.
Pros
- Excellent offline maps.
- Free to use.
- Detailed points of interest.
Cons
- Limited real-time traffic data.
- Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors.
Sygic GPS Navigation
Features
- Offline maps and navigation.
- Real-time traffic updates.
- Speed camera alerts.
- Voice-guided directions with 3D maps.
- Points of interest and offline search.
Sygic is a navigation app used by more than 200 million drivers worldwide. Offline 3D maps are stored on your phone, so you can also use the app offline. Sygic updates its maps several times a year, and everything is free.
Voice-guided navigation is available, and the app contains millions of POIs. In addition, pedestrian GPS navigation with directions and points of interest is also available.
Pros
- Offline maps with voice-guided navigation.
- Accurate maps and traffic information.
- Wide range of additional features.
Cons
- Requires a subscription for premium features.
- Can be expensive.
Karta
Features
- Offline maps available.
- Turn-by-turn navigation.
- Route planning and optimization.
- Points of interest.
- Speed limit alerts.
Karta offers a rather interesting navigation system to your Android phone. You can download maps for offline use, while traffic information is included.
The app can also alert you when you are approaching a speed-controlled area, while in this app you get suggestions on restaurants, stores, sights, and more. The voice search function is available in Karta, the same goes for the lane assistant.
Pros
- Good offline maps.
- Lightweight and user-friendly.
- No ads.
Cons
- Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors.
- Limited community input.
OsmAnd
Features
- OpenStreetMap-based maps.
- Offline maps and navigation.
- Voice-guided directions.
- Points of interest and hiking trails.
- GPX track recording.
OsmAnd is an offline navigation application that can be a good choice if you know that your Internet connection will be difficult or absent. However, an online mode is included and of course the application works best when you use it.
The interface includes lane directions, street names, and estimated arrival times, while you can select different cycling route modes if needed. The app also shows POIs (points of interest) and so on.
Pros
- Open-source and free.
- Extensive offline mapping.
- Customizable and community-driven.
Cons
- Can have a steeper learning curve.
- Not as user-friendly as some other options.
Sygic GPS Navigation
Features
- GPS navigation in remote areas.
- Waypoint management.
- Offline maps for backcountry exploration.
- Elevation profiles.
Sygic GPS Navigation is an incredibly feature-rich navigation application with many useful tools to help you along the way. The app includes many basic navigation features, including turn-by-turn directions, offline maps, voice-guided GPS navigation, nearby points of interest, and walking directions. What sets Sygic apart are its additional features, such as a dashcam that records the road ahead in the event of an accident.
The Cockpit feature shows real-time information on vehicle performance, and Dynamic Lane Assist guides you into the right lane while driving. The app also provides speed alerts, helps you find affordable gas prices, and suggests nearby parking spaces.
Pros
- Designed for outdoor and off-road navigation.
- Topographic maps available.
- Useful for hiking and camping.
Cons
- May not be suitable for urban navigation.
- Limited road-based features.
BackCountry Navigator
Features
- Topographic and trail maps for outdoor activities.
- GPS navigation in remote areas.
- Waypoint management.
- Offline maps for backcountry exploration.
- Elevation profiles.
Like Polaris, BackCountry Navigator is a navigation application designed primarily for outdoor enthusiasts. The app is especially useful for off-road use because of its unique ATV trail maps. It also includes whitewater maps, riding route maps, and offline topographic maps for hiking. You can use GPS waypoints from GPX or KML files or enter your own coordinates.
Mobile Atlas Creator also allows you to create custom maps. The application costs $14.99 to download and several resources are available for purchase, including Accuterra Topo Map Source for $19.99 per year and Thunderforest Map Sources for $7.99 per year.
Pros
- Voice-guided navigation.
- Real-time traffic updates.
- Integration with GasBuddy for fuel prices.
Cons
- Some users report occasional bugs and crashes.
- Not as widely used as other apps, potentially fewer user-generated data points.
Scout GPS Navigation
Features
- Turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation.
- Real-time traffic updates.
- Gas prices and discounts.
- Parking suggestions.
- Points of interest and reviews.
Scout GPS Navigation is a feature-rich navigation and mapping application that offers high-quality social features not found in other applications. Users can share their location and estimated time of arrival with their contacts with a single tap, and you can view nearby restaurants and attractions recommended by other users.
In addition to these social functions, Scout GPS offers many of the basic navigation features one would expect, including real-time traffic updates, the ability to save favorite places, walking directions, and the app helps find the lowest gas prices nearby.
Pros
- Real-time traffic updates.
- Integration with GasBuddy for fuel prices.
Cons
- Some users report occasional bugs and crashes.
- Not as widely used as other apps, potentially fewer user-generated data points.
How to Choose the Best Maps and Navigation App for You?
Choosing the best maps and navigation app for you depends on a number of things, such as your device, location, personal preferences, and specific needs. Here are some steps that will help you make a good choice:
???? Find Out What You Have: Consider whether you’re using an iOS or Android phone, a tablet, or a GPS-only device. Some apps only work on one platform.
???? Look at what you need: Determine what the app’s main goal is. Do you need it for your daily commute, road trips, hiking, or biking? Apps excel in different areas.
????️ Think about Coverage: Examine how the app’s map functions. Some apps perform better in specific regions, so ensure it covers your most frequented places.
???? Online Maps: If you often venture to areas with poor or no cell service, search for apps that allow you to download maps for offline use. This ensures you can navigate even without an internet connection.
???? Traffic in Real Time: Select an app that provides real-time traffic updates if you commute daily. This will assist you in avoiding congestion and planning your routes more efficiently.
FAQs
Both Google Maps and Rand McNally have free online maps, but Rand McNally’s maps are better and more accurate because they show small bodies of water and trails in remote areas. Pros: The maps are more detailed. An easy-to-use zoom tool that works quickly.
Both Waze and Google Maps are good apps for finding your way. Both look at the traffic to figure out the best way to get to your destination. Google Maps relies a lot on information based on data, while Waze relies on user data and participation.
