Our iPhones serve various daily functions. Among these is navigating to destinations and checking traffic for our commutes. GPS apps guide us efficiently, aiding in route selection and estimating travel time. Whether exploring a new city or preventing disorientation, GPS and navigation apps offer indispensable assistance. Below are the top 10 choices for iPhone users in 2020.
Top Picks for iPhone GPS & Navigation Apps
When spoiled with choices, finding one that meets both your taste and demand is tricky. But fret not, a few tips can help. So, breaking them down from the start is key, isn’t it?
Choosing the Right Navigation App
Over time, navigation apps have become smarter and more helpful. While Google Maps remains a leader, competitors have also made significant progress, even surpassing Google in some areas. To find the best fit for your needs, consider factors such as live traffic updates, offline maps, and detailed travel guides. We’ve highlighted the key features of each app to help you make an informed choice. Without further ado, let’s explore the top GPS and navigation apps for iPhone.
1. Google Maps
Expect any other app to slot in at the top spot? Google Maps reigns supreme. It’s the ultimate GPS and navigation app globally. Crafted by Google, it’s freely distributed, boasting precise traffic data, diverse navigation modes, and automatic re-routing based on traffic or missed turns.
Additionally, the app includes street view and indoor imagery for virtual visits before deciding on physical visits. Most importantly, users can save maps for offline use to get directions and search offline maps without data connectivity. This feature can be incredibly useful when exploring new cities or traveling abroad.
One of my favorite features of Google Maps is the ability to create a shortlist of options and vote in real-time. Planning a memorable holiday with friends? This feature is super handy. Not to mention, the incognito mode for private app use. You can also create a collection of favorite places to share. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. Google Maps has several tricks to explore. In short, for a navigation app offering flexibility and accurate results, Google Maps is top-notch.
2. Maps.ME
Maps.ME, a free app, offers maps for over 600 cities spanning 100 countries. Wherever you go, Maps.ME likely provides the maps you need. Targeting tourists and travelers, it features detailed maps including restaurants, tourist spots, and gas stations. For mountainous areas, it includes ski slopes and stations. Users can download maps for offline use and search them without data connectivity. Accuracy is ensured by the expanding community of OpenStreetMap contributors.
Whether you need directions to points of interest, hiking trails, or overlooked spots, this app has you covered. Keep in mind, while it’s free, not all features are available in the free version. So, you’ll need to spend a bit if you want to unlock your favorite ones. Despite pricing considerations, if you seek a straightforward GPS and navigation app for iOS doubling as a detailed travel guide, Maps.ME can meet your expectations.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases available
3. Waze
Waze, an app developed by Waze Inc and acquired by Google in 2013, relies on crowdsourcing for its traffic data. Users can report accidents, hazards, and road closures to assist others. In heavy traffic, the app recalculates routes to avoid congestion. It provides real-time alerts for traffic, police, and accidents, ensuring smooth journeys. Additionally, Waze offers turn-by-turn voice navigation and allows users to share their ETA. It also helps locate the cheapest fuel along the route, saving money.
If you enjoy music, you can freely use your favorite music apps and listen to podcasts during long drives. But these are just a few features; the app has more than meets the eye. For an uninterrupted journey, consider using the Waze navigation app.
4. Apple Maps
Gone are the times when Apple Maps felt like mere numbers on the iPhone. While the app still lags behind Google Maps in features, recent improvements such as ETA sharing and toll avoidance have significantly enhanced its functionality. With a straightforward interface, the app prioritizes destination selection, directions, and navigation.
One advantage of Apple Maps is its seamless integration with Siri and display on the lock screen. This enables users to quickly view navigation even if their phone locks while driving. With a car equipped with Apple CarPlay, using Apple Maps improves further. Upon parking and exiting the car, your phone automatically marks the location on the map to prevent forgetting where you parked. This feature is particularly handy in unfamiliar places and cities.
To learn more about Apple Maps, click here.
5. CityMaps2Go
CityMaps2Go is an app featuring detailed maps saved offline by users, accessible without data connectivity. Maps cover cities, states, or entire countries in one go. With over 150 countries and 60,000 destinations, it offers an extensive map ecosystem. Users can save places, add them to lists, and organize saved places into preferred categories.
For instance, save sightseeing places in a “Things to See” list and restaurants in a “Places to Eat” list. The app simplifies users’ trip planning to other cities. Users can receive directions to saved places via apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps, and can also order Uber directly from the app. Additionally, they can organize trips with lists. While the free version of CityMaps2Go offers essential features, accessing all premium features without limitations requires a few extra dollars.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases available
6. Scout GPS Navigation
The Scout GPS Navigation app offers real-time traffic and speed updates, ensuring users always know their estimated arrival time. Before starting navigation, users can select a route for turn-by-turn directions. Powered by OpenStreetMap, it provides accurate information. The app also enables users to share their ETA with contacts and maintains a list of frequently contacted people for convenient sharing on the go.
Scout GPS Navigation enables users to download maps for offline use, ensuring access and directions without an internet connection. The standout feature for me is the voice chat, facilitating easy communication with friends and family. While Scout GPS Navigation is free, unlocking all features requires purchasing.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
7. Sygic GPS
Sygic GPS, a top-notch iPhone app, offers voice-guided navigation and live traffic updates for real-time traffic conditions. The app includes speed camera warnings and dynamic lane guidance, ensuring safe lane changes. With voice-guided navigation, users can focus on driving without constantly checking the screen.
Upon arrival at your destination, the app offers parking suggestions, availability, and pricing. Additionally, it provides pedestrian GPS navigation with clear walking directions for easy exploration, even in unfamiliar areas. The dashcam automatically records the road ahead, offering valuable footage in case of an accident. Notably, the app seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay, ensuring convenient access to navigation features.
Price: Free, with optional in-app purchases
8. Here WeGo
Here WeGo, formerly Here Maps by Nokia, covers over 100 countries and offers public transit information for more than 1300 cities, including New York, London, Berlin, Munich, Paris, and Barcelona. It rivals the best in the business, featuring various transport modes for navigation and enabling users to save maps offline for access without a data connection. Offline functionality includes street information for turn-by-turn navigation.
If planning to use public transport or taxis, the app allows you to check ticket prices or taxi fares for your destination. Like its counterparts, it offers offline maps for navigation without using cellular data. Additionally, it integrates with TripAdvisor, BlaBla Car, and Expedia to streamline travel planning.
9. MapQuest
The MapQuest app offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and automatic re-routing based on traffic conditions. This helps you avoid gridlocks and ensures a smooth journey. With optimized routing, it saves precious time. Another helpful feature is the ability to compare gas station prices nearby, ensuring you find the best deal.
The app enables users to share their ETA with friends and family for better coordination. Additionally, users can explore nearby points of interest like bars and hotels. Furthermore, the app provides local weather updates to help avoid unfavorable conditions. Triposo stands out as a beloved GPS and navigation app for iPhone and iPad users.
10. Triposo
The Triposo app isn’t merely a comprehensive GPS and navigation tool but rather targets tourists. It lacks a global map but offers detailed maps for numerous prominent tourist destinations worldwide. Users can download these city maps for offline use, ensuring seamless navigation without internet connectivity. These maps highlight numerous points of interest in each city, facilitating directions to desired destinations.
Among the app’s intriguing features, especially beneficial for tourists, is its capability to craft city-walks. These are brief strolls guiding users to key points of interest within the city. Users have the flexibility to tailor these walks to their desired length.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Enhance Your Travel Experience with iPhone GPS and Navigation Apps
Utilizing these GPS and navigation apps on your iPhone guarantees seamless navigation in unfamiliar cities and punctuality despite traffic. These apps streamline city navigation, eliminating the need for manual directions. We’re keen to learn about your preferred GPS and navigation apps for iPhone. Feel free to share any noteworthy GPS apps we might have overlooked in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
