10 best GPS app and navigation app options for Android

HERE WeGo is one of only a few serious competitors to Google Maps in the navigation app space. It features a simple, elegant interface with mapping options all over the world. You can download maps for offline use in your region. That should help in areas with spotty data connections. HERE also shows you traffic information (where available), public transit maps, and you can customize by saving places for quick directions later. It’s all free to use. There is also a map creator app that can let you alter maps as well.

MapFactor is one of the low key popular navigation app options. It includes the basic navigation and GPS features. It uses OpenStreetMap. That means you can get free offline maps that are updated monthly if you want. There are additional map options as well, but they may cost money. Some of the other features includes voice directions, 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. It’s not half bad for what you get.

MapQuest has undergone many redesigns over the years. However, it’s the same sturdy service we’ve known about since the good old days. It employs the standard turn-by-turn directions. There are also other features such as live traffic updates (where available), re-routing directions based on traffic, and a service to find cheaper gas. You can even use it to call a tow truck if you break down. It’s not as good as Google Maps or as effect at finding cheap gas as GasBuddy. However, it’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Google Maps is about as good as it gets in the navigation app and GPS app space. It has a metric ton of features. You’ll get the standard turn-by-turn directions. There is also live traffic updates, info about public transit schedules (where available), and it contains information about virtually every business known to man based on location. It’s the one we’d recommend you try and get used to first because it’s difficult to find a replacement for all of its features. It’s free and you can even download maps offline for temporary use. You can also download Google Street View to get even closer looks at destinations, businesses, and even houses.

Maps.me is another free navigation app and GPS app. It features offline maps, turn by turn directions, and updated maps via OpenStreetMap. There is also bookmarking locations, offline searching, traffic data (where available), and worldwide support. It’s about as close to a Google Maps competitor as it gets. It should work for most people most of the time. Some have reported some issues here and there, but nothing overly worrisome. The app is completely free with no in-app purchases.

Polaris Navigation tries to be the all-in-one navigation app and in most cases it succeeds. Its biggest feature is that it has access to Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, MapQuest maps, and Cycle Route Maps. So whatever source you want is the one you get. It also features multiple coordinate formats, trail recording, 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 activities. It looks old, but it works well.

Sygic is a monumentally popular navigation app that boasts 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, voice guided directions (which include voice-spoken street names so you can concentrate on driving), alternate 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 have to buy them one time.

Scout GPS is actually an older GPS app with a fresh coat of paint. It used to be called TeleNav and it’s changed it’s name, icon, and appearance to give it a fresh look. It’s still a reliable and stable navigation app with all of the basic features, including turn-by-turn navigation. However, Scout GPS focuses more on people rather than navigation which gives it a unique flavor. It can do things like text people automatically with your ETA and alert you when other people need you. The location-based, social media element helps separate it from the pack. Especially if you have a family to drive around. Those looking for hardcore navigation features may need to look elsewhere, though.

Waze is the second Google navigation app on the list. It shares a few features with Google Maps. However, Waze is still excellent on its own. It features live traffic updates, sourced by the people who actually drive in traffic. You can make sure you’re not speeding, check where police may be, and find other useful driving information. It can also find cheaper gas on your route, has location sharing with friends, and there is even a ranking system for those who really contribute to the experience. It’s entirely free with no in-app purchases. It’s one of the best.