When we think navigation app, we typically believe Google Maps. It’s the one many people recommend and it takes place to be the navigation app that gets updated the most typically. Google has actually been really on top of navigation especially over the last few years. However, if you’re not too keen on Google Maps or you want navigation done a different method, you have an amazing variety of alternatives. In this list, we’ll examine those out.
The best GPS navigation apps for Android of 2016
BackCountry Navigator GPS Pro
[Price: $9.99]
BackCountry Navigator is first on our list and if you’re a camper or hiker it’s one you should take a look at it. We took a look at it quickly on our indie apps of the day segment and liked what we saw. It’s pretty pricey however what you get is a variety of offline topographical maps that is best for those locations where there is no information service to download them as you need them like you need to for apps like Google Maps. There are a few fun features like marking the map and maps from numerous countries. It’s expensive but there is a trial variation you can attempt first.
CoPilot GPS
[Price: Varies]
CoPilot GPS was a suggestion made by our readers and it’s an excellent one. CoPilot GPS features voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation and it’s offered in numerous nations all over the world. It also features a 3D guidance show total with some fun little map functions like lane indicators. You can try the whole plan complimentary for a week but after that you’ll have to buy a membership. Some maps are a bit old according to user reviews, however in general it’s a solid GPS app and worth a try.
GPS Essentials
[Price: Free/ $5.29]
GPS Essentials has an old interface however it is still a pretty good app. The app’s claim to fame is its dashboard that permits you to keep track of all kinds of stats including your average speed, altitude, distance took a trip, moon stage, ETA to destination, and a variety of other statistics you can take a look at it. Another distinct function is a HUD that will show you your method points and we liked that a lot. It likewise includes some of the standard navigation functions which indicates you do not need to alter to other apps for directions and whatnot. It seems created for the outdoors instead of driving so if you’re one of those type of people this is certainly worth checking out.
GPS Navigation BE-ON-ROAD
[Price: Free]
Next up is an app called GPS Navigation. This is the first on the list that offers features like turn-by-turn directions. It works around having offline map data that you do need to spend for which has been consulted with blended responses for users. There are likewise a few bugs here and there that individuals have actually not been enjoying. If you can get passed that, it’s a relatively solid app that doesn’t look bad. It does work internationally so individuals beyond the US can utilize it as well. It’s free to try however you’ll need to purchase things like a license and maps in the future.
HERE Maps
[Price: Free]
HERE Maps is established by Nokia and it made rather the splash in 2014. It features a simple, classy interface with mapping alternatives all over the world. You can download maps for offline use in your region so you don’t need a mobile data connection. HERE likewise shows you traffic details (where suitable), public transit maps, and you can personalize by conserving locations for fast instructions later on.
MapFactor: GPS Navigation
[Price: Free]
MapFactor is one of your classic turn-by-turn navigation apps for those trying to find a replacement to Google Maps. It downloads and installs the map files to your SD card so you can use it offline if you have to. It utilizes OffStreetMap information which has assistance for a lot of countries all over the world. It’s not as polished as Google Maps but it has enough includes to utilize it successfully and enjoyably. It’s also worth pointing out that map data and the app itself is entirely free.
MapQuest: Maps, GPS, and Traffic
[Price: Free]
MapQuest used to be among the “go-to” instructions websites on the internet years earlier. Incredibly, the service still exists and it does have an Android app. It has the conventional turn-by-turn functions in addition to some special ones like live traffic updates, automatic traffic re-routing, and a service to find cheaper filling station on your path. It also has walking and driving directions. It’s a solid offering and it’s a name individuals are familiar with.
(Google) Maps
[Price: Free]
Many people are probably here to discover options to Google Maps however we can not reject that feature-for-feature, Google Maps is better than practically everyone. There correspond functions and app updates, worldwide assistance, you can download maps for offline usage if you need them (there is a 14-day time frame on downloaded maps), the venerable Street View, detailed details about 100 million locations, and you’ll be using a service managed by Google. There is just no other way to put it. Google Maps is outstanding.
Navigate 6
[Price: Free/ Up to $125/yr depending upon license]
Navigate 6 is another turn-by-turn option with some decent functions which include offline maps support. A few of the more special functions are Wikipedia entries on the map (where suitable), weather condition on the map, and probably amongst the best 3D graphics we’ve seen in a GPS app. Do note, there are some people who have issues with the licensing and the licensing itself is quite pricey. There is a 30-day totally free trial to see if this is the GPS app for you.
Polaris Navigation GPS
[Price: Free]
Polaris Navigation tries to be the all-in-one map sources and in many cases it is successful. Its biggest function is that it has access to Google Maps, OpenStreetMaps, MapQuest maps, and Cycle Route Maps So whatever source you desire is the one you get. It likewise features several coordinate formats, trail recording, a distinct waypoint management system, and your standard stuff like turn-by-turn directions. It’s ranked fairly well on the Play Store and seems pretty stable. Also, it’s free.
Sygic: GPS Navigation and Maps
[Price: Free]
Sygic is a monumentally popular navigation app that boasts over 10 million downloads to date. Like others on this list, it supplies downloaded maps for offline usage other than this one utilizes TomTom maps. It has the normal functions like turn-by-turn, voice guided instructions (which include voice-spoken street names so you can focus on driving), detours, as well as a speed limitation display screen. There are a number of in app purchases to unlock more functions so watch out for those. Otherwise, it’s a quite solid app.
TeleNav GPS Navigator
[Price: Free]
Many people are probably already familiar with TeleNav GPS because it comes as “bloatware” on certain devices. For TeleNav you in fact have a couple of options. There are two apps particularly for T-Mobile and Sprint clients and a third one called Scout that must be readily available to the majority of people. It’s developed for traditional usage so it has the things like traffic circulations, turn-by-turn directions, and a dashboard to show you journey statistics. It likewise has some social features baked in like real-time ETA sharing called OnMyWay. It’s not the most interesting navigation app but it’s a quite solid option.
Waze Social GPS Maps & Traffic
[Price: Free]
Last up is Waze and this is an interest app because it’s actually now owned by Google. That means there are a couple of features of this app that are baked into Google Maps and we assume more will make their method to Google Mapps ultimately. In the meantime, Waze remains to be its own standalone app. It gets its traffic info in real-time from other individuals increasing and down the road. Like MapQuest, there is a function to discover less expensive gas and liked TeleNav there is a real-time ETA sharing function. It’s one of the most special choices on this list and that’s probably why Google bought it.
Conclusion
Navigation apps for Android are a dying breed. Nowadays there are a couple of companies that are really cleaning house when it comes to navigation while others are struggling either to make a splash or, in the case of MapQuest, not to fall too much further into obscurity. That means we may have missed out on a terrific GPS navigation app for Android. If we did and you find out about it, let us know in the comments below. We do update these lists and our readers do assist a lot with it!
