There are so many GPS navigation apps to download on your smartphone. It’s often difficult to decide which ones are worth taking up storage space, and which ones aren’t worth your time or money. Here, in no particular order, we give you the pros and cons of 15 apps that are worth a look and will get you where you need to go. Some are simply for navigation, while others have integrated features like location sharing on social media or routes for backwoods hiking. The basic versions of all are free, although many of them offer premium features for a monthly or yearly fee.
1. Google Maps
The granddaddy of GPS navigation options.
Pros:
- Works for many forms of transportation
- Tells you about traffic issues
- Just added departure and arrival times for driving.
Cons:
- No social media sharing function
- Some reviews complain about next-turn directions being delayed or incorrect, with people missing their exits.
- GPS can drain your phone battery
- If you make a wrong turn, it will often redirect you back to the original route, even if a new route would be shorter.
Download availability: iOS and Android
2. Waze
This app stands apart due to its crowd-sourced traffic information.
Pros:
- Lets you know about accidents, construction, police, road closures and other traffic-related items in real time so you can choose an alternate route.
- User can share up-to-date gas prices.
- Possible to connect app to Facebook so your location is posted in your timeline.
- Can save you time by allowing you to find the most efficient route based on traffic conditions.
Cons:
- Icons for roadwork and other obstructions can clutter up the map, obscuring your view.
- Social aspects can be distracting if you are getting a lot of notifications with sounds.
- Battery can be drained quickly because the app is always updating with new information.
Download availability: All smartphones and tablets with GPS functionality
3. MapQuest
One of the original navigation services in desktop format also exists in app form.
Pros:
- Focus is mostly on maps and driving directions, although it also offers turn-by-turn navigation and traffic information.
- Can tell you where to find best gas prices.
Cons:
- Pop-up ads turn some users off.
- Mobile version can give inaccurate directions.
- Not available offline.
Download availability: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
4. Maps.Me
This app is for the globetrotter, as its main feature is high-quality maps around the world.
Pros:
- Offers an array of features including auto-follow mode, turn-by-turn directions and traffic data.
- Full offline functionality, including search function, navigation, and searching for things like restaurants or ATMs.
- When online you can share your location with friends.
- Because everything is offline, this app uses less battery power than others that run in the background.
Cons:
- Businesses on the maps are not updated frequently.
Download availability: iOS, Android, Blackberry
5. Scout GPS
Bills itself as the “only social navigation app”.
Pros:
- Has normal features including turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic information, speed updates
- Offers social features like nearby restaurants recommended by users.
- Can text people automatically to let them know your arrival time.
Cons:
- Basic version is free, but premium features like GPS cost $4.99 per month or $24.99 per year.
- App only works in the US at the moment
- Can decrease the battery life of your phone due to the app running in the background.
- Some users have noted safety and privacy concerns due to location sharing.
Download availability: iOS, Android
6. InRoute Route Planner
For the control-freaks out there, this app is good for multi-stop, non-direct trips.
Pros:
- Plot your course dependent on weather or elevation.
- Drop pins in places you want to go and then a route is configured.
- Allows you to search along a route for things like hotels and gas stations.
Cons:
- There is a free version, but the turn-by-turn directions and other features are only available if you pay $14.99 per year for up to 25 stops, or $29.99 per year for up to 100 stops. You can, however, test it for 7 days for free.
- Eats up your battery by running in the background.
Download availability: iOS only
7. Apple Maps
The most-direct rival of Google Maps, due to it coming preloaded on iPhones.
Pros:
- Provides all of the usual features like turn-by-turn directions and voice navigation.
- 3D map view for directions includes buildings.
- Offers a Flyover tool to give you a virtual tour of your destination in 3D.
Cons:
- Some users say the exit directions and information about businesses was slightly inaccurate.
Download availability: iOS only
8. MapFactor
This one is only for offline use, allowing you to download maps for countries, regions and cities around the world.
Pros:
- The maps are up to date and the points of interest database is vast due to OpenStreetMap data.
Cons:
- Doesn’t give you up to date traffic information.
- Some reviewers say maps have inaccuracies.
Download availability: Android only
9. CoPilot GPS
Focuses on route planning not only for cars, but also RVs and larger trucks
Pros:
- Customizable routes for all vehicle types, taking road width or low clearance into account.
- Can be used offline to find locations like restaurants.
- Premium version has audio navigation, traffic information and 3D maps.
- Works worldwide.
Cons:
- Premium map and traffic subscriptions cost from $13.99 to $99.99 per year.
- Only for driving routes.
Download availability: iOS, Android
10. OsmAnd
Map-focused app using OpenStreetMap data.
Pros:
- Works online or offline.
- Features voice guidance, lane guidance, ETA and even cycling routes.
- Has a plug-in for ski resort routes in some countries.
Cons:
- Some users have complained about a poor interface.
Download availability: iOS, Android
11. TomTom GO
The smartphone app from the GPS device maker
Pros:
- Features live traffic information, voice navigation, offline functions, 3D maps.
- Includes maps for other countries, in case you will be taking an international roadtrip.
Cons:
- Free, but only for up to 50 miles with the full features, then costs $19.99 per year.
Download availability: iOS, Android
12. HERE WeGo
A GPS app targeted towards city navigation.
Pros:
- Can be used offline worldwide.
- Maps can be altered to suit your needs. Gives traffic information.
Cons:
- Interface, search function and other features could be improved.
- In some models of smartphones maps don’t go full screen.
Download availability: iOS, Android
13. MotionX GPS
This one offers a lot more information than most people need, but it’s good if you plan on doing other activities besides driving.
Pros:
- Gives topographic and road maps.
- Allows offline use including ability to save up to 500 personal waypoints.
- Integrated compass.
- Has full Wikipedia integration so you can look up information about your destination.
- Can share location information to Facebook, but only when online.
Cons:
- Some say it needs to be updated to add more features.
- Focus on outdoors may be more than most people need for a road trip.
Download availability: iOS only
14. Karta GPS
Map download is free, and you can customize the app with different voices and navigation icons.
Pros:
- Can be used offline.
- Calculates route using traffic information, gives turn-by-turn directions.
- Gives warning of upcoming speed-controlled zones, lane assistance, and help finding parking.
Cons:
- Some users have said the navigation is sometimes inaccurate and it doesn’t show construction or other obstructions.
Download availability: iOS, Android
15. Polaris GPS Navigation
Outdoor adventurers should download this app.
Pros:
- Gives turn-by-turn driving directions based on information from other navigation services.
- Provides navigation for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, even in remote locations.
Cons:
- This is not an app you will use on a daily basis.
- Some users say the display is old-fashioned looking, but if you plan to go on a trip off the grid, it’s worth downloading.
Download availability: Android
When renting a car in a foreign country, it can also be a good idea to rent a car with GPS. Often your data is limited abroad or its prohibitively expensive. If you’re going further a field, often mobile data covered is patchy at best and so having GPS included is necessary for navigation.
