7 Best GPS Navigation Apps for Android
If you live in a big city, your daily life can turn into a series of traffic jams and wasted time. Finding the street or the right route to the desires place can be difficult even for a local. And if you go on a trip to an unfamiliar city, then the situation with navigation around the area becomes even more dramatic.
Let’s imagine that you are driving a pickup truck rental Houston for the first time and forgot to take the optional Satellite navigation device at the car rental counter. What to do? If you are a confident smartphone user, then the case is not so critical. Just download the required navigation app, install it and continue your trip.
Fortunately, there are many GPS navigation applications available today. Let’s take a look at those that will help you find the right road, even if you are driving a rental car in an unfamiliar area or country.
CityGuide
CityGuide is free navigation software that will easily select a route for you, taking into account the traffic jams that may occur on the way. This application will be able to work in different countries. Moreover, the developers don’t stand still but constantly release updated maps. So you don’t miss any changes on the roads.
Another advantage is that navigation takes into account the closure schedule for bridges and level crossings. Additional benefits include the radar system, walkie-talkie, and SOS service, with which you can call a taxi, a tow truck, or emergency services. In addition, the application may work offline.
OsmAnd
The OsmAnd application can operate autonomously, but you must first save the required maps in advance. The app provides three modes: car, bicycle, and pedestrian, so the program will help you not only while driving.
Also, there’s a possibility of overlaying additional translucent cards. All maps in the service are regularly updated, while route planning is very flexible. You will be able to watch city navigation when using public transport too. Another great thing is that the app displays the maximum speed at which you can move on a particular section of the road. This will allow you to avoid potential speeding tickets.
Maps.me
This application will be very useful if you are traveling in places with no mobile coverage and no internet access. Maps.me features very accurate and highly detailed maps that can work offline. Thanks to this, it finds any objects, up to the parking lot nearest to you.
The application can also overlay a vector map if needed. This can be useful, for example, in case you want to bypass a traffic jam by using the metro. One of the features of the application is very flexible customization. You can change the unit of measurement, scaling, enable or disable voice guidance. Also, several ways of travel are available to you – car, public transport, bicycle, taxi or on foot.
Please note that these are offline maps, so there may be too little information about cities with small populations.
Sygic GPS Navigation
This program uses for its work maps from different suppliers. Plus, these maps receive regular updates several times a year. There is very accurate and detailed voice navigation, including the sound of street names. Another benefit is that the app has features that will enhance your safety on the road. One of them is a speeding alert.
Sygic has built-in instructions for re-routing and avoiding toll roads too. These features will be especially useful for those who don’t yet have a lot of driving experience and those who want to save money. The ability to keep track of the available parking spaces makes the app even more convenient for road travelers.
Waze
The Waze app continues our list of the best navigators for Android. Its main difference from competitors is a large number of social network features. With this program, you will always be aware of traffic jams and emergencies on the road. Waze maps are highly detailed and informative.
Another handy feature is automatic re-routing in case the application crashes. Plus, with Waze, you can save money by finding the cheapest gas station nearby.
Although the app requires an active internet connection, it’s a small price to pay for the huge range of features you get.
mapFactor
This application can work offline, however, you will enjoy all the benefits with Internet access only. mapFactor works stably on any smartphone, regardless of its power. With multiple navigation modes, it is a great solution for both driving and hiking. The system independently creates the shortest and most convenient route, making the necessary adjustments during the movement.
You can also see the current information regarding the traffic situation. The system voices every maneuver so you can easily find the right path. If necessary, you can turn on 3D. In case you still want to use the app offline, don’t forget to download the maps in advance.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a standard navigator installed on every Android-powered smartphone. This is its first advantage – the application is completely free and you don’t need to download it. Also, its integration with Google Assistant provides a convenient voice search.
The app was originally too limited in functionality, but now it’s really good to navigate with. The developers added offline maps and other features to it. Pay attention to the fact that the service takes maps from the built-in database, so you don’t have to bother installing them.
