GPS maps and navigation apps have completely changed the way we travel these days. You can have access to turn-by-turn navigation, comprehensive traffic update, best route to a destination, nearby hotels and many other types of handy traffic information, all in the palm of your hand .
However, almost all of these apps require an internet connection to offer their services, and the internet is a luxury that is not available everywhere.
If you want to be guided in an area without an internet connection or if your data plan is limited, you should get a maps app that supports offline maps. And today I will present to you best offline gps apps, for Android and iOS platforms, which will be a great help when the Internet closes on you.
Here WeGo
HERE WeGo is one of the few serious competitors to Google Maps in the navigation app space. It has a simple and elegant interface with worldwide mapping options. You can download maps for offline use in your area. This should help in areas with spotty data connections. HERE also shows you traffic information (if available), transit maps, and you can customize by saving places for quick directions later. Everything is free to use. There is also a map maker app that can let you edit maps.
Download the app for Android | iOS
Sygic Navigation GPS & Cartes
Sygic is a very popular navigation app that has over 50 million downloads to date. Like others on this list, it provides downloaded maps for offline use except this one uses TomTom maps. It has the usual features like turn-by-turn guidance, voice-guided directions (which includes spoken street names so you can concentrate on driving), alternative routes and even a speed limit display. You can unlock additional features by purchasing one of the app's lifetime licenses. They are rather expensive, but at least you only need to buy them once.
Download the app for Android | iOS
Google Maps
Google Maps is about as good as it gets in the navigation app and in the GPS app space. It has a metric ton of features. You will get the standard turn-by-turn instructions. There are also live traffic updates, transit schedule information (if available), and it has information on virtually every business known to man based on location. It's the one we recommend you try and get used to first, as it's hard to find a replacement for all of its features. It's free and you can even download offline maps for temporary use. You can also download Google Street View to take a closer look at destinations, businesses, and even homes.
Download the app for Android | iOS
CoPilot GPS – Navigation
CoPilot is one of the coolest apps dedicated to drivers, and all of its features are there to help motorists drive optimally. It allows you to download a map of a specific region or country with full POI details and turn-by-turn voice navigation.
It incorporates a powerful route planning function as well as an “ActiveTraffic” function that automatically manages your journeys according to real-time traffic conditions without your manual intervention.
Unfortunately, most CoPilot features are locked behind a paywall with a 7-day free trial. You will only get free offline browsing for one region, but you can download other regions as in-app purchases. Some advanced features like ActiveTraffic also require an in-app purchase.
Download the app for Android | iOS
Maps.me
Maps.me is another free navigation app and GPS app. It offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and updated maps through OpenStreetMap. There are also bookmarking sites, offline search, traffic data (where available), and global support. It's almost as close to a Google Maps competitor. This should work for most people most of the time. Some have reported a few issues here and there, but nothing too concerning. The app is completely free with no in-app purchases.
Download the app for Android | iOS
Polaris Navigation GPS
Polaris Navigation tries to be the all-in-one navigation app, and for the most part, it succeeds. Its greatest feature is that it has access to Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, MapQuest and cycling route maps. So whatever source you want is the one you get. It also has multiple coordinate formats, track records, a unique waypoint management system, and your standard stuff like turn-by-turn directions. There are also a handful of features for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits. It looks old, but it works well.
Download the app for Android
MapOut
MapOut is a highly customizable maps app for iOS that gives you full control over your maps. You can draw on maps and create your own waypoints to follow. You can also download full region maps and navigate offline places, streets and even mountains in 2D and 3D views.
MapOut is primarily created for adventurers who like to take things into their own hands. It can also do a reliable job of offering on-road navigation if needed. Some of its features include, track recording, topology maps, tilt-based 3D view, accelerated OpenGL map rendering and more.
Download the app for iOS
MapFactor
MapFactor is one of the popular unobtrusive navigation app options. It includes basic navigation and GPS functionality. It uses OpenStreetMap. This means that you can get free offline maps which are updated every month if you want. There are also other card options, but they can cost money. Some of the other features include voice prompts, cross-border routing, 2D and 3D modes, day and night themes, and more. This GPS app also has support for dozens of countries around the world. Not bad for what you get.
Download the app for Android
MapQuest
MapQuest has undergone many changes over the years. However, it is the same service that we have known since the good old days. It uses standard turn-by-turn directions. There are also other features such as live traffic updates (when available), traffic-based rerouting routes and a service to find cheaper fuel. You can even use it to call a tow truck if you break down. It's not as good as Google Maps or as an effect of finding the cheapest fuel. However, it's a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Download the app for Android
Waze – GPS, Maps, Traffic
Waze is the second Google navigation app on the list. It shares some features with Google Maps. However, Waze is still great on its own. It features live traffic updates, from people actually driving in traffic. You can make sure you're not speeding, check where the police may be, and find other useful driving information. It can also find the cheapest fuel on your trip, share locations with friends, and there's even a ranking system for those who actually contribute to the experience. It's completely free with no in-app purchases. The app also gets a lot of fun new updates in any given year. It is certainly one of the most interesting navigation applications.
Download the app for Android
If we missed any of the best GPS apps or navigation apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments.
