There are so many GPS navigation apps available 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 of them are free, although many of them offer premium features for a monthly or yearly fee.
1. Google Maps
The granddaddy of GPS navigation options for almost any type of transportation.
Pros:
- Works for many forms of transportation
- Tells you about traffic issues
- Gives you departure and arrival times for driving.
- Real-time ETAs based on traffic conditions
- Available offline
Cons:
- No social media sharing function
- Some reviews complain about next-turn directions that are missing 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.
- User reviews from 2021 mention issues with app updates like the removal of features like upcoming turns and automatically changing the route due to accidents.
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.
- Users can share current gas prices.
- Feature to connect the 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.
- Phone 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.
- Offers multiple routes to choose from based on what you prefer
- Can tell you where to find best gas prices.
- Allows you to search for and book hotel and restaurant reservations in the app.
Cons:
- Pop-up ads turn some users off.
- Map size can be too small to see details
- Mobile version can give inaccurate directions.
- Not available offline.
Download availability: iOS, Android
4. Maps.Me
This app is for the globetrotter, as its main feature is high-quality maps around the world for use offline.
Pros:
- Offers an array of features including auto-follow mode, turn-by-turn directions and traffic data.
- Full offline functionality, including a search function, navigation, and the ability to find 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.
- Users have reported that updates have made the maps load slowly, the interface is difficult to use, and maps can be hard to read.
Download availability: iOS, Android
5. Scout GPS
Bills itself as the “only social navigation app”.
Pros:
- Has normal features including turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic information and speed updates
- Offers social features like nearby restaurants recommended by users.
- Can text people automatically to let them know your estimated 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, elevation and road curviness.
- Drop pins in places you want to go and the app configures a route.
- Search along a route for things like hotels and gas stations.
- Turn-by-turn directions also factor in severe weather.
- Great features for motorcycle rides, RV and truck routes.
Cons:
- Free version only lets you plan routes with up to 8 locations.
- inRoute Pro costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year for routes with up to 150 locations. You can, however, test it for 1 week for free.
- Eats up your battery by running in the background.
- Sometimes hard to get back on track if you go off the route.
Download availability: iOS only
