Navigating to places can be a hard nut to crack without map apps. Whether you are in a foreign city or trying out a new café in your hometown, we always need navigation to show us the shortest and fastest possible route.
With Google Maps taking the lead, plenty of other navigation apps are tailored to make navigating a piece of cake for you.
Navigating unfamiliar terrain can be daunting for many, especially when trying to reach a specific destination. Thankfully, there is now a plethora of mapping apps available to help make the process much easier. From finding directions to the nearest restaurant to obtaining real-time traffic updates, the best map apps of 2023 offer a wide range of features.
For example, if I wanted to find the nearest pizza place, I could use Google Maps to find the closest restaurant and get turn-by-turn directions to get there. If I was on a road trip, I could use Waze to avoid traffic and get real-time updates on road closures and traffic incidents. If I wanted to plan a trip with multiple destinations, I could use MapQuest to plan the route and get estimated times of arrival for each destination.
So, sit back and navigate through the article to find the perfect fit for your next trip:
Table of Contents
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most popular and comprehensive mapping apps available. It offers features such as turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, estimated time of arrival (ETA) calculations, and even the ability to share your location with friends and family.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Traffic | The app provides real-time traffic information to help you plan routes and avoid traffic jams. |
| Public Transportation Information | The app provides information about public transportation such as trains, buses, and other modes of transport. |
| Voice Guidance | The app provides voice guidance to help you navigate while driving. |
| Saved Locations | The app allows you to save locations and destinations so you can easily access them in the future. |
| Street View | The app provides a street-level view of your destination, allowing you to better plan your route. |
| Detailed Maps | The app provides detailed maps with multiple layers of information, such as points of interest, restaurants, and businesses. |
| Offline Maps | The app allows you to download maps for offline use so you can access them even when you don’t have an internet connection. |
The veteran app, Google Maps, is everyone’s go-to app for looking for directions. The app will not mislead you whether you travel within a city or another country. The most facilitating feature of this app is that it shows adapted routes according to the type of vehicle. For instance, you will see a different path for a bike.
The app updates routes showing you the fastest, avoiding traffic where possible. Suggestions for nearby places are another intriguing feature of this app. You can find everything through Google Maps, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, petrol pumps, or markets. Users can also contribute to making Google Maps even better by adding photos of public places and missing information to the map.
Best for: All roadside routes
2. Waze
Waze is a crowd-sourced navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation. The app is powered by its community of users who report traffic incidents and road closures, making it an invaluable tool for avoiding traffic.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time traffic updates | Waze provides real-time traffic updates so that drivers can make informed decisions about the best route to take. It allows users to report traffic incidents such as accidents and road closures, so that other drivers can be warned and avoid those areas. |
| Community-based routing | Waze uses a community-based system to provide drivers with the most accurate route and best driving experience. Drivers can share information about roads, traffic, and other hazards to help other users find the best route. |
| Alerts for police presence and speed cameras | Waze provides its users with alerts about the presence of police and speed cameras so that they can be aware of the speed limit and drive safely. |
| Gas prices and fuel station locations | Waze provides its users with up-to-date information on gas prices and the locations of fuel stations so that they can find the best deal and save money. |
| Directions for walking and public transportation | Waze provides directions for walking and public transportation, so that users can plan their trips and get around without a car. |
| Voice navigation with street names | Waze provides voice navigation with street names, so that users can easily follow the directions and find their destination. |
Regarding predicting traffic accuracy, Waze trumps all other navigation apps, including Google Maps veteran app. Even though it is owned by Google now, still, it serves as a different app. So, the maps are essentially the same. What sets this app apart from Google Maps is its features.
The app navigates even when you are not using it and uses the users’ everyday location to update its database. So if you are getting late and want to be told the real deal with traffic, this is the app you need. The app can also alert you about speed cameras, police patrols, and local hazards; these features are unique, and you would hardly find any in other navigation apps.
Best for: Traffic predictability
3. AllTrails
If you are a sucker for a good hike and are always looking to explore new places, AllTrails is perfect. The app is designed to guide explorers to trails. Although other navigation apps include trails, this app has more routes and is more trail-driven than others.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Record Tracks | Automatically record your activity and save it for future use. |
| Navigation | Navigate confidently with detailed topographic maps, points of interest, and routes. |
| Offline Maps | Download maps for offline use to stay on track even without service. |
| Elevation Profiles | View elevation profiles for trails and routes to plan your trip. |
| Photos & Reviews | View photos and reviews from other users to get an idea of what you’re in for. |
| Landmarks & Points of Interest | Find landmarks, points of interest, and other places of interest along your route. |
| Find Trails Near You | Search for trails near you or in another location and filter by activity type. |
The app takes its navigation from hand-drawn routes expeditors generally use; it uses a paper map that updates with your every step. The best part about this app is its dog-friendly and kid-friendly ways; if you have a dog or kid with you, the app can be a lifesaver. Even for mountain bikers, the app can show you the route to follow.
Best for Trails, dog-friendly, and kid-friendly routes
4. Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default mapping app for Apple devices and offers a range of features, including turn-by-turn navigation, 3D maps, and optional satellite imagery.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Turn-by-turn navigation | Step-by-step driving and walking directions |
| 3D Flyover | Get a 3D view of the map |
| Real-time traffic updates | View current traffic conditions and detours |
| Local search | Find nearby places like restaurants, coffee shops, and more |
| Transit directions | Get directions on public transit like buses, trains, and ferries |
| Lane Guidance | Get detailed lane guidance to avoid wrong turns |
| Siri integration | Ask Siri to find directions and start the navigation |
| Flyover Tour | Take a guided 3D tour of select cities |
| Indoor maps | Get detailed indoor maps for select locations |
This exciting navigation app to help you with specific searches is Apple Maps. The app is available for Apple users only. The best thing is that it works and integrates with all Apple devices. You will find all the routes to the places you can think of on this app. The app is compatible with Siri, so you can ask Siri to show you the path, and it will do that using the app for you.
The app lets you search for specific cuisines and stores; other apps can be disappointing if you are looking for particular restaurants. Another top-tier feature you can enjoy with this app is the 3D view and tilts; you can enhance your viewing experience and peek into places to familiarize yourself with the city you are considering moving in.
Best for: Specific searches
Availability: iOS
5. Citymapper
If there is any app that specializes in public routes, it has to be Citymapper. The app is dedicated to providing the best public transport routes possible. The app focuses on trains/subways and gives you their complete routes so you do not miss your commute. Furthermore, the quick view of the routes facilitates you by offering all the nearby locations and their types for one-tap access.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time transit information | Citymapper provides the most up-to-date information about public transportation schedules, delays, and disruptions in major cities. You can easily access this information in the app and plan your journey accordingly. |
| Step-by-step directions | Citymapper provides detailed step-by-step directions that allow you to easily plan your journey from start to finish. You can choose from different modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, driving, and public transit. |
| Voice navigation | Citymapper offers voice navigation that helps you stay on track while you’re on the go. The app will give you turn-by-turn directions so you never have to worry about getting lost. |
| Live traffic updates | Citymapper’s live traffic updates help you make the most efficient route by providing real-time information about traffic congestion and road closures. |
| Popular destinations | Citymapper allows you to quickly find popular destinations near you and get directions to them. It also allows you to save your favorite locations for easy access in the future. |
| Estimated travel time and cost | Citymapper provides you with an estimated travel time and cost for your journey so that you can plan accordingly. This information is based on the current traffic conditions and public transit fares. |
| Multi-modal routing | Citymapper can combine different modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, driving, and public transit to create the most efficient route for you. It also allows you to compare different routes to find the one that works best for you. |
| Offline maps and navigation | Citymapper allows you to download and store maps and directions locally so that you can access them even if you don’t have an internet connection. This makes it easier to find your way around when you’re travelling in an area with limited or no internet access. |
From the journey time prediction to the exact routes followed by the train, the app has a lot in store for you. You can even view your trips and follow one of your old routes. The lines section can show you the interruptions. You can also access tube maps using the app.
Best for: Public transport (train) routes
6. Roadtrippers
The name gives it away; the app is perfect for road trips. You can plan your journeys across the country using the app. The app’s massive database shows you routes through cities and countries. The app will show you the underrated places and hidden spots you would otherwise miss on a road trip. You can save the locations and revisit them. You can even view the travel itineraries that already exist. You can either follow a pre-formed itinerary or create your own.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Offline Maps | Store maps on your device for offline use. |
| GPS Navigation | Get turn-by-turn directions to any destination. |
| POI Search & Discovery | Find points of interest along your route. |
| Real-Time Traffic Info | Get real-time traffic updates to help plan your journey. |
| Lane Assistance | Receive lane guidance on highways and other complex roads. |
| Address Search | Quickly find the address of any destination. |
| Route Optimization | Automatically find the most efficient route to your destination. |
| Customizable Options | Customize your route based on your preferences. |
| Multiple Map Views | View the map in 3D, 2D, and Satellite view. |
Spots that have been reviewed will have their reviews displayed to help you pick a good spot for the trip. The app also shows you free travel guides.
Best for: Road trips, lesser-known spots
7. MapOut
Now that we have discussed road trips and trails, walks are next. While other apps show routes for pedestrians, MapOut is dedicated to providing you with routes for your morning walks. The app is one of the most highly-rated apps by users. In addition, the app gives you offline maps. You can download the tiles you need and view them later.
Ease Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Offline Maps | Download maps for offline use and still access features like navigation, searching for places, and tracking. |
| 3D View | View maps in 3D and use the 3D view to navigate. |
| Search | Search for places, addresses, businesses, and points of interest. |
| Real-Time Navigation | Receive turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance. |
| Local Points of Interest | Discover local points of interest such as restaurants, hotels, and attractions. |
| Traffic Information | See live traffic information to better plan your route. |
| Multiple Map Types | Choose from different map types, including satellite and terrain. |
| Routes & Tracks | Create routes and tracks and share them with others. |
| Favorites | Save favorite places for easy access. |
| Share Locations | Share your current location with others. |
| Weather & Air Quality | See the current weather and air quality. |
| Customizable Map | Customize your maps with different colors and layers. |
MapOut also offers 3D tilts for a better navigation experience. You can also export maps to MapOut without much hassle. The app predicts the route durations and alerts you. It also allows you to set a walk routine that you can follow daily. For the hikes and trails, separate colored lines facilitate you.
Best for: Walks
Final Word
The best map apps of 2023 offer a wide range of features that make navigating unfamiliar terrain much easier. From turn-by-turn navigation to real-time traffic updates, these apps can help make traveling a much smoother experience. No matter your needs, there is sure to be a mapping app that can help you get to your destination safely and efficiently.
Conclusively, whether on a road trip or going for a routine walk, apps can save you a lot of trouble and time by guiding you to the safest and fastest possible.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Are there any other navigation apps that were not mentioned in the article?
Ans: Yes, here are a few more.
MapQuest: MapQuest is a reliable mapping app that offers turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and even the ability to plan trips with multiple destinations.
Here WeGo: Here WeGo is a multi-platform mapping app that offers turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and the ability to save routes for offline use.
Bing Maps: Bing Maps is a reliable mapping app that offers real-time traffic updates, 3D maps, and the ability to get directions and explore local points of interest.
OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap is a crowd-sourced mapping app that offers turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and the ability to download maps for offline use.
Q: Which navigation app is best for specific searches?
Ans: It depends on what type of search you are trying to do. Some popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze are generally good for general searches, while specialized apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS are better for specific searches such as hiking trails or backcountry routes.
Q: What is the most used map app?
Ans: Google Maps is the most used map app, with over 1 billion active users.
Q: Is Waze better than Google Maps?
Ans: It depends on what you are looking for. Waze is designed to focus on driving directions and is more tailored to the current traffic conditions than Google Maps. It also has some unique social features that allow you to report hazards and other incidents on the road. However, Google Maps offers more comprehensive maps and a more detailed view of the area you are navigating.
Q: Which map is more accurate?
Ans: It depends on the context. Generally speaking, a vector map is more accurate than a raster map because it uses mathematical equations to represent features, such as lines and points, whereas a raster map uses pixels which can be distorted. However, the accuracy of a map also depends on its source data and the level of detail. For example, a vector map of a large area may be less accurate than a raster map of a smaller area.
Q: Which GPS works without Internet?
Ans: Yes, GPS devices work without an internet connection. These devices use satellite navigation technology to provide accurate positioning information. Examples of such GPS devices include handheld GPS devices, in-car navigation systems, and various other types of GPS tracking systems.
Q: Did Google buy Waze?
Ans: No, Google did not buy Waze. In 2013, Google entered into an agreement to acquire Waze, but the deal ultimately did not go through.
In the comments section below, let us know which navigation app saves your day.
Until next time!
My faborite feature of google maps is the option for most fuel efficient route. Unfortunately, it only works with wifi or data service.
Trying de-google my life… what’s the next best free “map” app?… for road travel in Canada.
What I miss on these map apps is the lack of information. Boundary lines are often missing. No millage key. Not everyone looking at a map is going somewhere. Paper maps always have more information.
can’t find MAPOUT for ANDROID in GOOGLE PLAY….link you have takes you to MAPOUT24 which is some auto service link.
In the GOOGLE PLAY store it says MAPOUT is only available for iOS/Apple.
can you please review your research and advise?