Here at the CBR offices we have a problem – we are constantly getting lost.
Yes, you may say that we should just use an app, however, we have had mixed results with GPS map apps. For example Citymapper, which my fellow reporter Alex Sword swears is brilliant for on-foot navigation of London.
But in reality, it left our editor Ellie filled with frustration as it led our group down multiple wrong paths – due to its inability to update in real-time.
So, which GPS apps actually work? CBR is here to help with 10 of the best.
1. MAPS.Me
This Android map service is a fine competitor to Google maps and surpasses it by offering offline maps.
With real-time tracking it can follow your location and help to guide you to your destination. The interface is very in-depth and will show you extremely detailed views of locations you want to go to.
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What stands out on the maps is the vast amount of shops and locations that are clearly marked. Cleverly the app also lets you bookmark your favourite places, so it is easy to return to your new favourite restaurant or hangout in the future.
All of these features and more are included for the grand price of nothing – it’s free.
2. Navmii (formerly Navfree)
This free app is the top rated GPS map systems in the iTunes store and rightly so.
The app offers free real-time traffic and road information and voice guided navigation for easy hands free use. Google street view and offline address search helps to fill out what is a very good app.
The system works by storing OpenStreetMaps on your device, so when you are lost abroad you can use it safely in the knowledge that you won’t be racking up data charges.
Additional maps will cost you £1.99 and you need to load them when changing country, so it may be slightly annoying for the frequent traveller.
The downside is that in order to have these functions in a free app you will have adverts. However, the app offers enough to make this a minor nuisance.
3. Google Maps
Google maps is a clear contender for one of the best app devices around, it’s accurate and is widely used by many people.
The system will show the user multiple route options and has voice guided turn-by-turn navigation.
However, a trick that is missing from the Google maps system is that it does not function when you are offline. This means that if you have a patchy service or are in an area where you have no signal at all, then you can find yourself in a bit of a pickle.
4. Sygic
Another excellent system which will work perfectly in offline mode, this is due to it storing maps on your device – which are updated several times a year for free.
This is apparently the most downloaded offline navigation app with over 30 million downloads.
The basic system works well and for a price you can add some premium features such as the ingenious heads up navigation.
If you lie your phone down then it will project the directions and route onto your windshield.
This app does come at a price though, £18.99 to be exact.
5. Polaris
The Polaris Navigation app is a little bit more than a GPS mapping system, it is a cross between a standard tracking system and a fitness tracker.
In addition to a standard GPS system, the user also has access to an odometer, altimeter, speedometer and directional compasses.
Also included are turn-by-turn directions and a data protection system which is regularly backed up, so you can be sure that you won’t lose your progress if anything happens to your device.
Again, it is another system which works offline.
6. Apple Maps
Apple maps came in for a fair amount of criticism when it was first released as a competitor to Google maps. Reviews came flooding in about mapping inaccuracies and other issues, however the app has improved over the years.
Which is partly down to a number of smart acquisitions by the company.
The app has many of the same features that Google has, such as turn-by-turn navigation and route mapping for multiple types of transport.
The app isn’t the most user friendly though, as exploring of new areas is made difficult through a pin selection system, which makes you click on said pin to see its details.
Some cool features allow users to have 3D tours of some cities, but expect these functions to drain your battery so use wisely.
7. Waze
This good little app was actually recently bought by Google, but it remains separate to the Google maps app. Although, they do share some features to the benefit of both.
The app has a whimsical nature to it with its gamification features which makes it a little more interesting to use.
The navigation screen is clear and easy to use and some smart features help to aid ease of use. For example, the count-down function which allows you 10 seconds to cancel any navigation decisions can be quite useful.
The free app also offers voice commands and voice navigation directions which work well.
8. Navigon
The iPhone GPS app offers a sleek user interface with some good menu functions, which allow the user to have day and night modes and SOS Emergency Help if you get into any serious trouble.
To add to its pedigree, Navigon is a Garmin company, which is probably best known for its Sat Nav systems. So you should be able to trust that the maps and directions are correct.
However, a major downside is that it will cost you a fair chunk of money, £59.99 to be precise. While this does mean that you have very detailed and up to date maps, it is a lot of money for an app.
9. MapFactor
This is a good Android app which will work just as well offline thanks to the OpenStreetMaps data, which updates for free every month.
The app includes a route calculator, simulator, and recorder as well as many other tools which will help you to navigate to your destination.
A nice addition is that you can download premium TomTom maps for many different countries, if you require detailed maps outside of the UK.
Unfortunately, the app has been known to drain your phone’s battery quickly, so it may not be the best tool for long journeys.
10. The AA App
Downside first – it’ll cost you £24.99.
On the positives side, the app is smooth and uses detailed 2D and 3D maps and route navigation won’t be interrupted if you receive a phone call.
As you could expect from the AA, the road systems are kept up to date and are nicely detailed, but the points of interests are restricted to AA-related places which can be a bit limited.
The app needs more variety to its voice instructions in order to justify its cost, it also needs a lot more points of interest.
