If we look for a GPS navigator for Android We will find dozens of alternatives on Google Play, but not all of them are equally good and complete. Very few options are the best.
Although virtually all devices sold come with Google Maps out of the box there are users who are looking for an alternative, or would like to know if the Google option is the best. That is why we are going to review the best GPS navigatorssee its pros and cons, and know which one is the best of all.
What we ask of a GPS navigator is that be simple to use and? take us to our destination the first time, with clear and simple instructions. The most important features to take into account when choosing a GPS navigator are the following:
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Maps: The most important thing about a GPS navigator is that your maps are up to dateso that there are all the new streets, new roundabouts and changes in the road.
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Without connection: Allow us to download your maps to work without a data connection, so we can continue using the application without coverage.
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Traffic: Let the GPS navigator inform us about traffic jams and accidents to avoid the dreaded traffic jams.
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Speed alerts: Let us know with alerts when we have exceeded the speed limit of the road.
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Radars: Inform us about the presence of fixed or mobile radars.
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Alternative routes: That we can decide which route to choose to reach our destination.
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Stops: Being able to make several stops in different directions before reaching the destination of our journey.
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Modes: Different ways to get to our destination: car, motorcycle, public transport, walking, bicycle, etc…
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Route options: Being able to avoid tolls, highways, unpaved roads, etc…
Our selection of candidates
In our comparison we have selected the seven most popular GPS navigators on Google Play, the ones with the most downloads and positive ratings, and who have also recently updated their application. Our candidates are:
Google Maps
Of course, we begin our comparison with Google Maps, the most used GPS navigator on Android, and the best alternative for several reasons. It has a very minimalist interface, is very easy to use and has voice commands to use it without having to touch the screen.
Your maps are updated daily, as well as the information from millions of business listings. It allows us to download regions, share our location in real time, add stops, see alternative routes while driving Google, avoid arriving late to our destination thanks to real-time traffic information. In addition, it will notify us of the presence of radars, speed limits and incidents on the road.
Google Maps
waze
Waze, also from Google, is a GPS navigator that stands out in its large community of drivers who share traffic and road information in real time. Unrivaled in traffic alert information.
Its maps are the same as those of Google Maps, so they are always updated but with the advantage that we will see more information about traffic incidents. Here we will have speed alerts and radar warnings. We can also share our journeys with our friends. The only downside is that cannot be used offline. Like Google Maps, Waze is completely free.
- Developer: waze
- Download it at: Google Play
- Price: Free
- Category: Maps and navigation
Here WeGo
We continue our comparison with Here WeGowhich a few years ago was the Windows Phone mapping application until Nokia sold its mapping service to a consortium made up of Audi, BMW and Daimler.
Here WeGo is also a totally free GPS navigator, and the best alternative to Google Maps. It has a very neat interface. It allows us to download its maps by continents, countries or native communities, it has traffic information and speed alerts. What it does not allow is adding stops, sharing our location in real time or viewing radars. Of course, its maps are updated four times a year.
HERE WeGo – GPS, Metro & Bus
Sygic
Sygic is the most downloaded alternative to Google Maps in the Play Store. It is a free download GPS navigator but There are some payment features, such as traffic information, voice directions or some of its maps. They allow us to test all their functions for 7 days.
If we pay 19.99 (Europe) or 29.99 euros (Worldwide) we will enjoy navigation with voice instructions, speed limits, Head-up Display and real-time traffic service. Of course, it only has modes for driving or walking. It is the navigator with the best transportation options.
- Developer: Sygic.
- Download it at: Google Play
- Price: Free with integrated purchases
- Category: Maps and navigation
Maps.Me
After Sygic, Maps.Me is the second most downloaded alternative GPS navigator, free, with five navigation modes and that uses maps OpenStreetMapwhich are updated every day.
Maps.Me It allows us to download its maps by country and by native communities. It does not have speed alerts but it does have radar warnings. It also does not offer alternative routes and its points of interest are few.
- Developer: My.com BV
- Download it at: Google Play
- Price: Free with integrated purchases
- Category: Travel and guides
TomTom AmiGO
TomTom AmiGO, the most recent navigator of the entire selection. Launched this 2021, It is the completely free version of TomTomwhose focus is focused on competing against Waze.
In TomTom AmiGO we find a simple and easy to use GPS navigator where we will find the radars, speed limits and where, just like in Google Maps and Waze, we can report traffic incidents. The only drawback we found is that, like Waze, the maps cannot be downloaded.
We continue with MapFactor, another highly downloaded and highly rated GPS navigator on Google Play, but one of our chosen ones. It is the one with the worst interfacewith a style similar to that of classic GPS.
MapFactor is free, but has several paid options, such as real-time traffic information and paid alternative routes. Their free OpenStreetMap maps are updated every day and their maps are downloaded by country. Also allows you to buy TomTom maps. It has speed radars, speed warnings and blocking certain streets. It is the only GPS with truck mode.
- Developer: MapFactor
- Download it at: Google Play
- Price: Free with integrated purchases
- Category: Maps and navigation
Petal Maps
Finally, we finish our selection with Petal Maps, the most recent GPS navigator on the list and owned by Huawei who was born before the company’s inability to access Google servicesso he had to create his own Google Maps.
Despite being the youngest browser, Petal Maps arrived very strong, becoming one of the best alternatives. Huawei uses OpenStreetMaps and TomTom services to display your maps and traffic information. This navigator can work offline, has speed limit warnings and allows you to add stops to your route, among other options. Best of all, it’s completely free.
What browser do I choose?
Below we leave you with a comparative table with the most important characteristics of the GPS navigators analyzed, so that you can see the pros and cons so that you can decide which GPS best suits your needs.
Google Maps |
waze |
Here |
Sygic |
Maps.Me |
TomTom AmiGO |
MapFactor |
Petal Maps | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maps |
They are updated daily |
They are updated daily |
They are updated 4 times a year |
They are updated 2 – 4 times a year |
They are updated daily |
They are updated every week |
Maps are updated daily |
They are updated daily |
Without connection |
Yeah |
No |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Traffic |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yes (payment) |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yes (payment) |
Yes (TomTom) |
Speed limits |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Radars |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Alternative routes |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Yeah |
Yes (payment) |
Yeah |
Points of interest (POIs) |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Modes |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Route options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stops |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Yeah |
No |
No |
No |
Yeah |
Price |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free, 7-day Premium trial |
Free |
Free |
Free with integrated purchases |
Yeah |
Android Auto |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Yeah |
Yeah |
No |
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our winning options are Google Maps and waze, as they are the ones that offer the most updated maps, the best information on points of interest and the best traffic information in real time. On top of that, they are totally free. In addition, it is not necessary to download its maps to use its applications, just like Here WeGo. In the rest of the alternatives you have to download their maps to work.