What are the best GPS navigation apps for Android?

Question

AndroidLifestyleTravelNavigation

What are the best GPS navigation apps for Android?

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611

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Jan 23, 2024

Last
Updated

19 Options Considered

Best GPS navigation apps for Android	Price	License	Supported platforms
55 OsmAnd	FREE	GPLv3	Android, iOS
50 HERE WeGo	FREE	Proprietary	-
50 Sygic	Free+	-	-
-- Magic Earth	Free	Proprietary	-
45 Waze	FREE	-	-

See Full List

MapQuest

Wisepilot

Maverick

HERE WeGo

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score 58 · Answer 1

OsmAnd

Top Pro

Allows offline use

The application can be used online and maps can be downloaded for offline use with all main functionality present. When the application is first launched it requires downloading world base map (131MB), a rudimentary world map, and offers downloading a more detailed map per country or region. Great for situations when the signal is unreliable or when abroad, since you can use the app without having to consider roaming charges. See More

Top Con

Slow and sometimes poor search

Most often does not find what you are looking for (which is not caused by bad OSM data). See More

TranquilMormo's Experience

Lots of options in settings. Love the display while driving. Difficult to find addresses. Other apps using OSM data give better results. Using the avoid highway option gives poorer results than others. Using default setting it works good. While navigating, going into a menu to make a change works sometimes and other times it will lock the UI. See More

Specs

License:GPLv3

Supported platforms:Android, iOS

Top Pro

Shows speed limit

Top Con

Poor navigation interface

The interface is not the most intuitive, though is continually progressing. It doesn't provide a 3D view like many navigation apps. See More

Eugene zmeu's Experience

It's fine app for active travel trip. See More

Top Pro

Based around crowdsourced OpenStreetMap data

OSM provides a map editable by everyone; just like the web-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Using a community edited map allows one to correct isses they encounter. Combined with the monthly turn around, these edits are added for navigation quickly. See More

Top Con

No support car entertainment displays

There is no support for SmartDeviceLink or Android Auto. See More

Top Pro

Routinely updated maps

Utilizing the community driven OpenStreetMap data has allowed for monthly publishing of new maps that the user can use. Though that doesn't necessarily mean the map data has changed. See More

Top Con

No display when the next speed limit occurs

When driving on unknown streets you are often surprised by speed limits or town signs, so you have to friction brake. See More

Top Pro

Paid version is free

OSMAnd+ is available for free an the F-Droid appstore See More

Top Con

It is not possible to load maps from other offline sources

Top Pro

Free and open source with a completely optional paid version

The app has a fully-featured free and open-source version, with code available on GitHub. The only benefit to getting the paid version, except for supporting developers and further development of the application, is having access to new features one release sooner than the free version. See More

Top Con

Terrible address data

This is a limitation of OSM's data, but it is unreliable for locating an address while offline. Even with internet it doesn't appear that it can locate most addresses. See More

Top Pro

For car navigation, vehicle parameters and specifications can be entered

This helps in optimizing route calculations based on vehicle's maximum speed or a country's maximum speed limits, typical driving speeds, width and height of the vehicle and so on. See More

Top Con

Slow rendering

It can take some time for an area to be rendered. This tends not to be a problem during navigation since only a small area must be rendered as the map moves, and this area isn't immediately needed; though likely a bigger issue with smaller screens. See More

Top Pro

Can search for places by type

In addition to searching by address and geographical coordinates, the app allows searching by type such as restaurants, hotels and gas stations in your local area or chosen region. See More

Top Con

Near impossible to scroll through map

Due to the slow rendering (already mentioned) it is near impossible to scroll through OsmAnd's maps. You move the map only slightly and it takes ages to redraw all vector layers. See More

Top Pro

OpenStreetMap contributing made convenient

One can also utilize features to contribute back to OSM. This includes reporting a bug or adding a POI. This feature doesn't require an internet connection as the points can be uploaded latter upon request. See More

Top Con

Being based on OpenStreetMap data can be lacking

The use of OSM also has the drawback of many places not getting the attention needed for updates. Depending on the geographic location OSM may have the most detailed maps or the most bare/outdated map. See More

Top Pro

Great for bicyclers and pedestrians

Bicyclers and pedestrians can take advantage of foot, hiking, and bike paths, public transport stops, specialized routing and display modes. And since the app can be used offline, it's reliable even in locations without a signal. See More

Top Pro

Contour lines enable understanding the terrain

Through the use of an additional plugin OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is able to utilize contour lines on its maps which helps view the landscape and terrain. See More

Top Pro

Excellent general map viewing

Sometimes one needs more than just navigation, they have a need to view a map or specify a specific route. OsmAnd provides a very nice, detailed map. This can be good for seeing what is around you or showing a place you are talking about to a friend. It also provides a means to add waypoints on the map which can be used to dictate a specific route (not simple enough to do routinely). See More

Top Pro

Instructions can be given using voice

Top Pro

Helpful lane guidance

Lane guidance can assist in deciding if one should stay in the right or left lanes. OsmAnd provides detailed information on the number of lanes and which are valid for your chosen destination; based on the data available it may show too many or too few lanes. See More

See All

score 68 · Answer 2

HERE WeGo

Top Pro

Find places near you

You can find places to shop, eat, and almost anything with HERE. See More

Top Con

Map inaccuracy

It can direct you to a different road with the same name. Other apps work fine. See More

RickZeeland's Experience

Very accurate, used it in the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy on a Samsung Galaxy Young and a Motorola E4 plus. Except for narrow streets in Sicily in the "Centro Storico" everything works fine. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, iOs

License:Proprietary

Developer:HERE Apps LLC

Top Pro

Voice-guided navigation

HERE has voice-guided turn by turn direction built into the app and is even usable when offline. See More

Top Con

Does not provide lane guidance

WiseAequitas's Experience

Does Not Track u See More

Top Pro

Save maps for offline use

HERE allows users to save maps to their devices storage in order to allow offline usage of the app anytime. See More

Top Con

No navigation via waypoints/extra stops

ReverentZisa's Experience

Tried it, liked it - but then it had a POI in the wrong place (right road name but wrong road), I just can't trust this app after that experience. See More

Top Pro

Usability

Extremely simple to use. See More

Top Pro

SD card support

Top Pro

Interactive 3D maps

There are interactive 3D maps for shopping areas and airports for 70 different countries around the world. See More

Top Pro

Offline transit and walking directions

HERE is probably the only offline navigation app which has transit directions and walking directions when offline. See More

Top Pro

Includes public transport routing & schedules

Has train, ferry, bus etc. routes and schedules for many cities. The routes are overlaid on actual maps (spatially correct, vs the typical simplified diagrams of public transport networks) which I find reassuring and useful when exploring new locations. Also shows the schedules for next few services for any given station/stop. I'm not sure how accurate the schedules are though - they were incomplete for the small town where I live, but seemed more complete for major cities. See More

Top Pro

Good interface and very reliable when compared to other navigation apps

Top Pro

Wider availability of downloading maps from various countries

HERE maps allows users to download maps from more than 200 countries. See More

Top Pro

Has multilevel floor layouts for many airports and large shopping centers

Many airports and large buildings have an icon on them which, when tapped, opens up a 3D view of the floor plan with labelled locations of services, shops & transport etc. Includes an index for selecting each level of the building. See More

Top Pro

Great smartwatch companion app

Excellent companion app allows navigation from your paired Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch. Has clear turn-by-turn instructions, vibration alerts at intersections, and zoomable location map (using rotating bezel). (Smartwatch app works with phone app and is not standalone). See More

Top Pro

Android Auto support

Read Hands-on with Here WeGo's Android Auto beta. See More

Top Pro

Voices in several languages

Voices in lots of languages can be downloaded for free. See More

See All

score 74 · Answer 3

Sygic

Top Pro

Offline map

At first, you should download the map of your city. After that, there is no need to have an internet connection while driving. Full functionality - except traffic updates - when offline. Very useful when driving abroad. See More

Top Con

Privacy issues

Shares user data to 3rd parties. See More

ConsiderateIxchel's Experience

great maps lifetime updates world wide See More

Top Pro

Clear interface

By far the best interface, clear navigation instructions with beautiful maps. See More

Top Con

Limited free version

7 day trial after which reduces to basic maps. See More

PleasantKinieGer's Experience

Used it for years and is very easy to use and clear map interface and great features See More

Top Pro

Lane assist

Advanced lane assist helps you stay in the right lane on junctions or complex intersections. See More

Top Con

Updates require running the app

After a Play Store update it is important to run the app once to download all the offline data again, otherwise it will not be usable when no external data is available. See More

Top Pro

Offline navigation

Internet connection is not required. See More

Top Con

Cost

Why buy when Google Maps and Apple Maps are free? See More

Top Pro

Lane guidance

Top Con

Cannot locate address with ease

An update a few years ago made finding addresses in the US much harder. See More

Top Pro

Heads up display

Top Con

Night mode too bright

Top Pro

Good address data

This app can locate address without external data. See More

Top Pro

Choice of Tom Tom or OSM maps

Can choose between Tom Tom maps or Open Street Map maps with paid version. See More

Top Pro

SmartDeviceLink

It supports SmartDeviceLink and MirrorLink so you can use it without the unsecure Android Auto or Apple Carplay. See More

See All

score 26 · Answer 4

Magic Earth

Top Pro

No tracker

Very good privacy policy. See More

Top Con

Proprietary software

The source code is not available. See More

TranquilMormo's Experience

Routing when avoiding highways is better than OSMand. UI is more pleasant but still has a few options that aren't obvious. Great dev support. Upcoming POI (such as a gas station) doesn't always show on the map and requires tapping the lower bar then sliding up to see them as text which takes your eyes off the road too much making it a not so usable feature. Never had it lock up or lag. Using in offline is great when in no signal area. Downloads of maps are a bit slow but ok. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, iOs

License:Proprietary

Top Pro

Speed limitation

Speed limit display with the possibility of signalling an excess of speed. See More

BrightQuetzalcoatl's Experience

I installed this app on two different devices, and it did not work on either device. Ran into identical problems on both devices. I could set a destination. Afterwards, though, unable to choose or start route. I checked the help files on the app. And my screen was missing several icons or options shown in help. Had this problem on both devices. See More

Top Pro

Offline mode

Possibility to download maps for offline access. See More

FriendlyCopacati's Experience

Excellent, will switch from car to pedestrian automatically when you navigate to a point where you can walk but not drive. Have used it for two years, no problem whatsoever. Frequent offline map updates (once a month) and minute-by-minute traffic info. Saved us almost an hour on our last holiday trip. See More

Top Pro

Excellent voice navigation

Top Pro

Traffic

Handling of traffic. See More

See All

score 72 · Answer 5

Waze

Top Con

Telemetry

It is constantly sending data to Google. See More

Top Pro

Live routing and alert reports from other waze users

Each waze user has the ability to report traffic and road information changes as well as accidents, road closures, police locations and other alerts in real-time. This information is then displayed on the map to benefit other drivers and used to recalculate optimal route. See More

Peter J. Mello's Experience

Waze takes the Google Maps experience to the next level by integrating real-time traffic flow and road conditions as reported by all other Waze users, allowing you to react to changing traffic conditions effortlessly while saving time and frustration. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, iOs

Developer:Google

Top Con

High battery usage

It needs full battery to lead you on your way. See More

Top Pro

Routes around traffic

If there's a lot of traffic, Waze can help navigate around it. See More

rebroad's Experience

also tried Google maps See More

Top Con

Advertisement supported

The advertisements usually shown when the vehicle is at rest, and they cover the entire screen. There is no way to get rid of them, it's strictly a free ad supported app. See More

Top Pro

Alerts when there is a wreck on the side of the road

It notifies you about every single construction beside the road. See More

manson novanter's Experience

Best gps I've ever tried. The maps are always up to date and it shows the best road suggestions... a must for every driver. See More

Top Con

Only one stop along route.

If you only need to go to one place at a time then Waze is nice. Need to make multiple stops in a row with little time to add next destination? Look elsewhere. See More

Top Pro

Keeps users out of trouble

Waze reports red light cameras and police locations. See More

CredibleTutewehiwehi's Experience

Pute crap, constant ads blocking screen See More

Top Con

Very high battery consumption.

This app literally DRAINS your mobile. In a iPhone 6s, I can drive just a couple of hours before running out of battery. See More

Top Pro

Notification about police

It notifies you if there is police by the road. See More

Top Con

When rerouting in no signal area, gives up too soon and exits navigation mode

It's quite common while navigation to miss the turn. In such a case, Waze tries to re-route. If there is no signal in the area, after trying a few seconds, Waze gives up with message saying "could not connect to routing server" and exits navigation mode, without providing an easy way to retry. See More

Top Pro

Shows traffic speeds during rush hour

Shows red during heavy traffic along with mph, and orange for mild traffic. See More

Top Con

Doesn't always get directions right

Waze sometimes doesn't pick up subtle things about roads, like which ones are one way only. Traffic density is also sometimes miscalculated, leading users to areas with more traffic than they initially had to deal with. See More

Top Pro

Great for cities

Waze is socially oriented and is geared towards users who need to quickly get places where there are a lot of people. See More

Top Pro

Lists traffic accidents

Top Pro

Good selection of voices

For example, "Simon" has a very relaxed voice compared to the voices available on Google Maps. See More

See All

score 33 · Answer 6

TomTom GO

Top Pro

Lane assist

Detailed lane guidance system helps drivers make the right exits. See More

Top Con

Slow development

TomTom are nortoriously slow on the development of the app, seemingly not interested in staying ahead of it's competition. As a result, there has been very little in the way of improvements with the exception of map updates. See More

EnterprisingGleti's Experience

Works well. See More

Top Pro

Traffic alerts

Up to the minute updates of traffic alerts based on floating car data. See More

IndustriousVicaPota's Experience

You have listed this as Free+ there is no part of the app that is free, you get a free trail for 7 days, but only after you have committed to purchase, and its not a low cost purchase at 99 euros per year. Uninstalled before signing up. Please correct your indicator. See More

Top Pro

Color themes

There is a good selection of color themes to pick from which are reflected across the interface. See More

CredibleTutewehiwehi's Experience

Wants money for maps. Just buy a vos for that price See More

Top Pro

Offline

Doesn't require an active internet connection. See More

See All

score 17 · Answer 7

MapFactor

Top Pro

Free

Top Con

High battery use

CompassionateGwydion's Experience

Using it since years with osm Maps. Maps for all the world. Easy top use. See More

Top Pro

Allows selecting fastest, shortest, or cheapest route

The app offers calculating route by shortest travel time, shortest travel distance or lowest gas cost. See More

Top Con

Ads

TirelessAtaiUlaan's Experience

Frequent map updates, fairly easy to use, See More

Top Pro

Can be used offline

From the app's settings at the bottom of the screen there's a section that allows downloading new and deleting no longer necessary maps. You can choose between free Open Street Maps or slightly more accurate and feature-rich TomTom maps. Downloading maps locally isgreat for situations when the signal is unreliable or when abroad, since you can use the app without having to consider roaming charges. See More

Top Con

Pinch to zoom needs calibrating

Top Pro

Can be installed on an SD card

In addition to installing the app on the device's internal memory, MapFactor can also be installed on an external memory storage device such as an SD card. See More

Top Con

Lacks alternative routing options

Top Pro

Clean, customizable UI

Top Con

Truck mode is not useful without paid TomTom maps

Top Pro

Offers choice between using free Open Street Maps or paid TomTom maps

Top Pro

Day and night switching

Top Pro

2D and 3D modes

Top Pro

Turn-by-turn voice navigation is available in multiple languages

Top Pro

Searches by address, POI, coordinates and via Google search (allows voice)

Top Pro

Allows recording and replaying travel

MapFactor allows recording travel and replaying back the route later. It also allows exchanging recorded routes with other MapFactor users. See More

Top Pro

Dedicated routing options for trucks

In truck mode, that requires paid TomTom maps, if you input vehicle's properties such as max speed, height, length, weight, weight per axle, etc, it will take those restrictions into consideration when planning a route. See More

Top Pro

Has internet based live traffic option

For 9€/year See More

See All

score 15 · Answer 8

MAPS

Top Pro

No nagging advertisements

No tracking built-in. See More

Top Con

Takes too long to release updates

Updates are very rare. See More

CaffeinatedNotus's Experience

work ofline fine See More

Top Pro

Includes offline routing and turn-by-turn navigation

Users without a data connection can still use the app for turn by turn directions, which is great for those that travel or use a device that does not have a cellular data connection. See More

Top Pro

Optionally can download traffic information

And showing it color-coded (Google-maps-like) on the streets. See More

Top Pro

Obtains data from community-based OpenStreetMap

MAPS.ME uses data from OpenStreetMap, meaning the data retrieved from that service is a community-based map. Anyone can freely edit and contribute to the map, a map concept that is similar to Wikipedia. See More

Top Pro

Fast rendering

By using compression of the map data, MAPS.ME is able to speed up the rendering of their maps to one's device. This allows for a quicker feeling app. See More

Top Pro

Offline vector maps

Automatically downloads vector maps for offline use. See More

See All

score 79 · Answer 9

Google Maps

Top Con

Telemetry

Like any other free Google service it is sending constantly data to Google See More

Top Pro

Street view

Google Maps includes street imagery that can be viewed from different angles. See More

's Experience

I use almost daily. I save my visits in the app for future reference. See More

Specs

Platforms:Android, iOs

Developer:Google

Top Con

Limited offline support

Offline is limited to an area of the map and expires after 30 days. See More

Top Pro

Search along route

This feature allows users to search for gas stations, convenience stores etc. along the route without leaving the navigation screen. See More

DeliberateSuleviae's Experience

Excellent ... and accurate. See More

Top Con

Sometimes takes too long to load

Top Pro

Updated constantly

Nearby my house, there is major road construction in progress. Apple maps didn’t show this at all, but google maps did. There was also a new, small road that was finished around 3 days ago. Google maps shows this road. Apple maps still hasn’t shown the major construction. See More

TranquilMormo's Experience

Use it to find GPS coordinates, then force close, then use another non-tracking app to do actual navigation. See More

Top Con

Saved locations needs online connection and has no visible label

Two negatives about this feature is you have to be online to be able to save a place, but it is stored off line once google map gets on the net and syncs. The other negative is there is no visible label for saved places, you have to click on stars to see the label for them. See More

Top Pro

Explore nearby points-of-interest with ease

Google Maps has an explore function that allows you to search for nearby restaurants, cafes, ATMs, etc. See More

NonchalantRudraige's Experience

I tried Waze and it is good. However, its also huge and takes up a lot of space on your device. Google took over Waze and implemented almost everything in Google maps.... And more. Besides, almost every Android device these days comes standard with Google maps. See More

Top Con

Annoying voices

Not many voices to choose from compared to other options. See More

Top Pro

Accurate mapping

Almost accurate mapping. Sometimes due to cellular network problem it may not respond properly. See More

Top Con

Limited features in some countries

Some features like street view is not available in all countries. Navigation not present in some countries (Morocco, Cambodia and others). See More

Top Pro

Simple & clean

Google Maps sports an interface that is easy to navigate and use. See More

Top Con

There is no option to disable automatic night mode switch

Night mode cannot be disabled. This would be especially useful if the phone is in "automatic brightness adjustment" mode. When switched to the night theme, the screen becomes absolutely not readable. See More

Top Pro

Multiple transportation options

Directions are offered through 4 different modes of transportation: car, public transit, walking and cycling. See More

Top Con

Will not display an icon on the phone

Top Pro

Offline functionality

Areas can be downloaded for offline use. See More

Top Pro

Most ubiquitous third party app integration

Asides from the stock Apple Maps app, Google Maps is the most commonly supported 3rd party map. 3rd party apps often have links for directions, Google Maps is usually an option whereas other 3rd party GPS apps are not. See More

Top Pro

Navigation background change based on ambient light

This is great for night driving or even when going through tunnels as the map will be more visible for low light situations. See More

Top Pro

Best execution of save location feature

Recent updates have made it so you can label a place instead of being stuck with some address or GPS coordinate and forgetting what it represents. Saved places show as stars and are all on one layer as long as you're logged in. There is also the ability to create maps (parallel to groups) for things you might not want to see or have show up all the time whenever you're using google maps from day to day. This feature is highly helpful for planning, even if you're a person who likes to wing it. See More

Top Pro

Secondary routing

Google Maps can now search for and add a route for a second location on the way to the primary location that you are going to and have already routed. Note that it cannot do a third or true multi routing like the desktop webapp can. See More

Top Pro

Find your parked car

You save the location of your car and easily find it again See More

See All

score 7 · Answer 10

Be-on-road (Offline Maps & Navigation)

Top Pro

Navigation-orientated interface

Easy to select target(s), easy definition of home/work addresses, clear interface while navigating. See More

Top Pro

Display of next speed limit change

When routing you can see the next speed limit traffic sign displayed, so you can better estimate when to release the right pedal to drive more efficiently. See More

Top Pro

Good display of lanes to use

e.g. on Autobahn exits. See More

Top Pro

Easy to set up map data

It is easy to select for which country to download the maps initially. See More

Top Pro

Display of speed and (current) speed limit

If exceeding the current speed limit by more than 10km/h, the current speed display turns red. See More

See All

score 8 · Answer 11

BackCountry

Top Pro

Great for outdoor, off-road and nature navigation

score 8 · Answer 12

ZANavi for Android

Top Pro

Usability focused

The core of the app is designed around ease of use which makes it an intuitive app to use. See More

Top Con

Limited maps

There are many missing maps from the database making for user limitation depending on the are one lives. See More

Top Pro

Anyone can use or share the code

It's licensed under GPL which make sit ope-source, where anyone can look at or use the code which allows for an open understanding of the app. See More

See All

score 11 · Answer 13

Copilot GPS

Top Pro

Free offline mapping for convenient use when away from data

Users can download map packs for different regions along with points of interest to allow for easy navigation when in an area without data or using a device that does not have a cellular data connection such as a tablet. See More

Top Con

No normal active traffic

Active traffic only when navigating. See More

LogicalHemithea's Experience

Precise voice commands See More

Top Pro

Precisão

See All

score 1 · Answer 14

TomTom AmiGO

score 1 · Answer 15

Polaris Navigation GPS

score 1 · Answer 16

Navigon Cruiser

Top Pro

Curvy roads function for motorcyclists, on par with Garmin's functions

Top Con

Crashes sometimes

19 Options Considered

My Recommendation for OsmAnd

My Recommendation for OsmAnd

Allows offline use

Slow and sometimes poor search

Shows speed limit

Poor navigation interface

Based around crowdsourced OpenStreetMap data

No support car entertainment displays

Routinely updated maps

No display when the next speed limit occurs

Paid version is free

It is not possible to load maps from other offline sources

Free and open source with a completely optional paid version

Terrible address data

For car navigation, vehicle parameters and specifications can be entered

Slow rendering

Can search for places by type

Near impossible to scroll through map

OpenStreetMap contributing made convenient

Being based on OpenStreetMap data can be lacking

Great for bicyclers and pedestrians

Contour lines enable understanding the terrain

Excellent general map viewing

Instructions can be given using voice

Helpful lane guidance

My Recommendation for HERE WeGo

My Recommendation for HERE WeGo

Find places near you

Map inaccuracy

Voice-guided navigation

Does not provide lane guidance

Save maps for offline use

No navigation via waypoints/extra stops

Usability

SD card support

Interactive 3D maps

Offline transit and walking directions

Includes public transport routing & schedules

Good interface and very reliable when compared to other navigation apps

Wider availability of downloading maps from various countries

Has multilevel floor layouts for many airports and large shopping centers

Great smartwatch companion app

Android Auto support

Voices in several languages

My Recommendation for Sygic

My Recommendation for Sygic

Offline map

Privacy issues

Clear interface

Limited free version

Lane assist

Updates require running the app

Offline navigation

Cost

Lane guidance

Cannot locate address with ease

Heads up display

Night mode too bright

Good address data

Choice of Tom Tom or OSM maps

SmartDeviceLink

My Recommendation for Magic Earth

My Recommendation for Magic Earth

No tracker

Proprietary software

Speed limitation

Offline mode

Excellent voice navigation

Traffic

My Recommendation for Waze

My Recommendation for Waze

Telemetry

Live routing and alert reports from other waze users

High battery usage

Routes around traffic

Advertisement supported

Alerts when there is a wreck on the side of the road

Only one stop along route.

Keeps users out of trouble