Driving directions from Google maps, direct from your desktop. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
While standalone GPS devices remain popular, more and more people are turning to their iPhones for driving directions. GPS apps are more sophisticated than ever, with accurate maps, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, and features such as traffic and safety camera alerts. We tested many of the free (and paid) apps available for iOS devices to help determine which ones will get you to where you're going the fastest, and which ones aren't even worth the download.
Note that while all of the reviews here are of iOS apps, most are available in Android counterparts as well.
GPS Apps vs. GPS Devices
Before we get to the apps, let's discuss why you'd still consider a standalone GPS in the first place. Physical devices offer some features that apps don't, but that list is quickly shrinking. Some GPS units have screens as large as seven inches, which you can't beat with a smartphone, unless you have an absolutely huge phablet, or use a tablet. Often you'll get more information on the screen, such as your current speed and the speed limit. And most GPS devices offer multi-segment routing (a trip with one or more stops along the way), while many apps only allow for one starting point and one destination.
Navigating also takes a heavy toll on your smartphone's battery life, since you have to have location services turned on and your device won't be able to go to sleep during long trips. In addition, it may be harder to hear voice prompts on a phone's smaller speaker, and you'll need to buy a separate mount to go hands-free. Nearly all standalone GPS units come with one or two auto mounts and a car charger.
On the other hand, smartphone apps offer some benefits. For instance, apps are more likely to receive regular updates and faster software upgrades. You'll have to connect your GPS device to your computer in order to receive updates, or at least hook it up to Wi-Fi, which is probably not available in your car.
Only on Apps
Unique to mobile apps are integrated walking, cycling, and public transit navigation, which can be very useful when you're in a new city, or simply visiting a place you've never been. A few apps, including Google Maps, offer cycling directions and integrate bike-only routes into their maps. A handful of apps offer walking navigation, though some that do have limitations or errors.
Transit directions are another benefit of apps. Many people travel by a combination of driving, walking, and/or public transit, so having access to all three in one handy app makes sense. Our top picks offer accurate public transit directions with up-to-date schedules.
Apps are also usually easier to search for points of interest (POIs), and you can simply pull up your phone's Web browser and search for what you're looking for if you don't find what you need in the app; you can't do that on a standalone GPS. Smartphones also offer enhanced control over most GPS devices, like the ability to zoom in and out of map view, or tweak your route by dragging it across a touch screen.
Ultimately, if there's already a smartphone in your pocket, it can't hurt to give one of our top-rated GPS apps a try. All are free to download, so you can test a few to see which one works best for you. For more, see The 100 Best iPhone Apps and The Best High-Tech Cars.
Featured Reviews of Free GPS Apps for Your iPhone
Driving is a major form of transportation all over the world. You already knew that, though. It’s generally good practice to not use your smartphone while driving. However, there are some apps that can be genuinely helpful. We’re telling you here and now, don’t text and drive. Have one of these apps read them out loud instead. Here are the best driving apps for Android! 10 best car apps for Android!10 best GPS apps and navigation apps for Android!5 best speedometer apps for AndroidBest Android compatible car accessoriesAndroid Auto
Price: Free
Android Auto is one of the essential driving apps. You pop this on your phone and then pop your phone into a mount. You then have an Android Auto-enabled car. It makes managing your media much easier while on the road. It can read texts out loud. You can also respond to them with your voice, thus leaving your hands for the important task of not crashing. It can also bring up navigation, music, and more. It’s a little rough around the edges right now. We expect it to improve dramatically over time.
Car Dashdroid
Price: Free / Up to $4.30
Car Dashdroid is similar to Android Auto. It gives you quick, easy access to things you’d normally want on the road. That includes navigation, music, contacts, messages, voice commands, and more. It can read text messages out loud and it supports popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and others. It also comes with a compass, speedometer, and plenty of other features. There is even Tasker support. You can try out most of the features for free before going pro.
Drivemode
Price: Free / Up to $4.00
Drivemode is one of the better driving apps. Like the others, this one makes stuff easier to use while driving. It responds to voice commands. It also has support for Google Maps, Waze, HERE Maps, many music apps, many messaging apps, and more. The app even has Google Assistant integration. It can read texts out loud, turn off notifications entirely for peaceful driving, and auto-reply to texts. We really liked the interface on this one as well.
Google Assistant
Price: Free
Google Assisatant is useful for a lot of things. It also works well as a driving app. You can ask Google to do just about anything you need your phone to do. That includes playing music, responding to (or listening to) a text message, or searching for directions. It’s not a full on driving mode app like some others. However, it works well for people who want similar functionality. It’s also completely free with no in-app purchases. Some vehicles also include Amazon Alexa which allows for similar functionality. If yours does, we recommend looking into that as well!
GPS SPeedometer and Odometer
Price: Free / $1.10
GPS Speedometer and Odometer is one of the better driving apps. It uses your GPS to calculate how fast you’re going. It’s not 100% accurate. No apps like this are. It’ll give you a good indication, though. The app boasts a 98% accuracy when online and slightly less when offline. It’ll also show your average speed, total distance traveled, maximum speed, and more. It won’t read texts or anything like that. Not everyone needs that kind of stuff. This one is free with ads. You can pay $1.10 for the pro version.
5 best car insurance apps for Android!10 best car rental apps for Android!HERE WeGo
Price: Free
HERE WeGo is one of the better offline GPS apps out there. It has support for most countries around the world. You can download and use maps offline as you please. It can help find faster alternatives if there is a traffic jam. It also has integration with other apps to provide data on nearby businesses. It’s a rock solid navigation app. It’s not as up-to-the-minute as Waze. It also doesn’t have as much info on businesses as Google Maps. HERE WeGo does offline better, though.
Google MapsThe Best Driving Direction Software
Price: Free
Google Maps is one of the obvious driving apps. It has support for virtually the entire world. There is also information on local businesses, traffic conditions, public transit, and a whole lot more. The app also does offline maps and it’s not difficult to use them. There are some restrictions, but nothing serious. It also features Google Street View so you can scout where you’re going before you actually get there. Millions of people use this one for a reason. You probably do already. You should probably just keep using it.
Waze
Price: Free
Waze is another one of the really good driving apps. It focuses more on navigation than anything else. The app uses crowd-sourcing for traffic data. It shows up-to-the-minute traffic conditions. The app also shows police officer locations, accidents, and other potential obstacles. It also has some fun features, like various navigation voices from celebrities to spice things up a bit. It has support for Android Auto. The app isn’t as powerful as Google Maps. It won’t do offline as well as HERE WeGo. However, it does active traffic conditions better than pretty much any other service.
Whatever music or podcast apps you use
Price: Free / Varies per app Openoffice free download windows 7.
There are too many music streaming services to pick just one for a driving apps list. However, we can help you narrow it down a little bit. Apps like Spotify, Google Play Music, Apple Music, and several others allow you to download music for offline listening. That works great if you’re road tripping through the boonies where there is no WiFi signal. iHeartRadio and Pandora are great for just casual listening. TuneIn Radio, Pocket Casts, or CastBox are excellent for you talk show fans out there. They’re all excellent driving apps. Especially for longer commutes or trips where it can get boring really quickly.
Car manufacturer apps
Price: Free / Varies
Many modern vehicles have companion apps. These apps can sync with your car and give you all kinds of important information. You can see your fuel range, get quick details for your check engine light, and you can even contact OnStar in some cases. Some even allow things like remote start for your car over the old key fob method. Each manufacturer has a different set of features. It all depends on what you own and what you’re looking for. Some of these apps are rough around the edges. Not many third party apps will give you fuel estimates, though. These apps usually have really long free periods. However, most of them eventually have a yearly subscription fee. Check with your dealer to find out more.
Thank you for reading! Here are some final driving apps you might like!10 best transit apps and transportation apps for Android! (Updated 2019)5 best speedometer apps for AndroidFree Driving Directions Software
If we missed any great driving apps, tell us about them in the comments! You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists!
Driving Direction Apps For Iphone
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