No one wants to be stuck in traffic, which is why having a traffic app on your smartphone is an absolute necessity. Whether you are commuting to work daily or planning to rent a car and drive in a high-traffic city or area, there is likely a traffic app for your needs. The traffic functions are usually integrated into existing navigation apps, giving you real-time estimates of travel time and in some cases, real-time traffic situations and alternate routes. Here are some of the best traffic apps available in 2021. Many have a free version, with the possibility of paid add-ons.
Pro tip: If you want accurate traffic information for your city or state, think about downloading the state department of transportation app. Not only do these exist, but they often provide accurate local traffic information and access to local traffic cameras.
1. Waze
The most well-known traffic app is free and perhaps its biggest draw is the real-time traffic information provided by users. This allows you to avoid trouble spots on the fly. Many users are also drawn to the app for its social function of sharing route information with friends and family.
Pros
- Changes your route based on real-time traffic, accident, construction, and police information.
- Gives you an estimated time of arrival based on traffic conditions.
- The more you use the app, the better it gets to know you, learning your frequently used routes and destinations, as well as the hours when you commute.
- Community editors are constantly updating the maps to keep everything up to date.
Cons
- Can drain your battery quickly due to all of the notifications.
- Advertisements and multiple icons covering the map can obscure your route and cause distraction while driving.
- Some users have reported that the Bluetooth voice command function doesn’t work well, and physical input is needed.
Download availability: Android, iOS
2. Google Maps
The app we all know and love has live traffic information built into its navigation function.
Pros
- Offers real-time traffic and navigation information.
- Gives ETAs and traffic conditions.
- Offers automatic rerouting due to traffic, accidents, or other road conditions.
Cons
- Users have reported bugs that cause the app to crash or shut off without warning.
- Sometimes the automatic reroute option doesn’t work.
Download availability: Android, iOS
3. INRIX
This traffic and parking app is popular because it has no ads and lets users input information.
Pros
- Keeps track of your routes and driving habits and calculates accordingly.
- Tells you the best time to leave and what route to take for frequently used drives based on traffic and road conditions.
- Users can report incidents like accidents and other road hazards.
- Gives alerts for traffic conditions, lane closures, closed roads, and accidents.
- Can also search for parking options.
Cons
- Reports of road closures, construction or traffic jams not always up to date.
- Rerouting is not always quick.
- Users reported traffic camera option has been removed in some cities.
- Traffic information may be less accurate in less-populous places.
Download availability: Android, iOS
4. MapQuest
The old guard of online navigation also has a traffic component in its app.
Pros
- Shows traffic in real time and gives you alternative routes.
- Can see traffic issues both in the map and in webcams.
- Live traffic camera feature allows you to see how many cars are on the road.
- The colored “traffic bar” at the top of the page shows route progress and traffic flow.
Cons
- Location is not always accurate.
- Users report problems with rerouting or alternate routes appearing in the app.
Download availability: Android, iOS, Windows Phone
5. Apple Maps
The maps app that comes preloaded on iOS devices is known for its proactive suggestions based on your behavior.
Pros
- Tells you the fastest way to get to your predicted destinations based on traffic, location, time of day, and your schedule.
- Gives you guidance on what lane you should be in based on traffic and where you’re going.
- Factors in real-time traffic info to give you an ETA.
Cons
- Points of interest on the maps can be lacking compared to other apps.
- Can give inaccurate information outside of larger cities.
Download availability: iOS
6. Traffic Spotter
The navigation app that combines traffic and weather information worldwide based on information from community spotters.
Pros
- Gives up-to-date traffic and weather information at both your current location and destination.
- Works worldwide.
- Traffic spotters can report traffic and other dangerous conditions.
- Users can report how road conditions are due to weather (slippery, icy, snowy, etc.)
- In the US, the weather radar and weather station components of the app let you see how conditions will affect your trip.
Cons
- Users reported problems with how the map followed their position along the route.
- Sometimes asks for access to photos and other data on your phone.
Download availability: Android
7. USA Traffic Cameras
Claims to offer views from the largest network of traffic cameras in the US, covering more than 16,000 cameras in 200 cities.
Pros
- Gives you access to traffic cameras along your route so you can see how conditions are.
- You can make a group of favorite cameras for easy access.
- The images from the traffic cameras automatically refresh for the most accurate information.
Cons
- Only has cameras in certain locations.
- Need to know exactly where you’ll be traveling so you can search for the traffic cameras showing those streets.
- Sometimes camera information does not refresh.
Download availability: Android
8. TomTom GPS Navigation Traffic
Offers a variety of traffic features, but if you drive a lot this app will cost you.
Pros
- Gives real-time traffic information reported by other drivers.
- Gives traffic camera alerts, where available.
- Can use up to 4 maps offline to avoid using a lot of data.
- Offers advanced lane guidance so you know you are in the correct lane for your destination.
Cons
- Only the first 50 miles of navigation are free each month. After that you need a monthly or yearly subscription.
- App is not updated frequently.
- Some users reported offline maps do not function well (or at all).
Download availability: Android, iOS
9. Glob
The social traffic app that also alerts you to traffic problems and speed cameras.
Pros
- Gives alerts for traffic information, road events like accidents, and speed cameras.
- Ability to confirm other users’ alerts when you are traveling the same route.
- Report the location of speed cameras, and see other users’ reports of where they are.
- Have the app’s alert widgets visible while using another navigation app.
Cons
- No offline mode.
- The map within the app is not good.
- Speed limit alerts often don’t function.
Download availability: Android, iOS
10. Sigalert Traffic Reports
Offers information about what speed traffic is flowing, and user-reported traffic problems in real time for more than 75 metropolitan areas in the US.
Pros
- Gives alerts about traffic conditions like blocked lanes.
- Has traffic camera views.
- Personalized routes show traffic information only for where you’re traveling.
Cons
- Users report that traffic and accident data is not always up to date.
- Font sizes on the maps are small, making it hard to see while driving.
Download availability: Android, iOS
