Best Car GPS Apps – Finding Your Way In A Breeze

An increasing number of people are embracing the need to have the best car GPS system. This is because a GPS or Global Positioning System has multiple benefits. Some of the most important of these benefits include a boost in safety of the vehicle, easier navigation in unknown locations, and saving of cash on insurance. However, to fully enjoy these benefits you must ensure that you are using the best car GPS application available and that it is compatible with your device, whether that be Android or iPhone.

Factors to Consider When Picking the Best Car GPS Apps

Before you settle on any application for your GPS system, there are a number of factors that you should keep in mind. Among these important considerations are cost, usability, features, updates or upgrades, and compatibility with your device.

Cost

The total amount of money you have to pay for the acquisition and continual use of the app should be among the top factors you consider. There are certain apps that are available for free. However, they may not be able to provide all the features that you need. When choosing an app, go for something that is full of helpful features while still being affordable enough for you to comfortably manage.

Usability

It is futile to download an app that is too complicated for you to use. This is why you should have an initial assessment to determine if its interface is user-friendly enough for your needs. An application that has simple sections can be the ideal pick.

Features

The application should have all the basic features that are necessary. These include a detailed map, clearly labeled menu and clear voice instructions. Some of the best car GPS apps provide updates on the state of traffic and shortcuts to enable you to reach the desired destination as quickly as possible.

Updates or upgrades

Another important factor for you to consider is if the application you pick can be upgraded in the future. Because of the dynamic nature of technology, go for an app that gives room for improvement and adjustments to heighten accuracy while getting rid of any bugs that may be causing problems.

Compatibility with your device

You should only pick apps that are compatible with your device. Of course, there are exceptional apps for iOS, Android and OS devices. No matter what type of device you are using, there is a GPS app that will work for you.

Who Can Use The Best Car GPS Apps?

GPS can be used by just about anyone that owns a vehicle, bicycle, motorbike or walks from one point to another. Almost all modern vehicles come with a Global Positioning System. However, if you own a vehicle that does not have a system already, you can still get the best car GPS installed at a local dealership.

What Are The Benefits Of A Good GPS App?

There are many benefits to a good GPS app. Some of the most striking are accurate directions, traffic updates, money-saving opportunities with car insurance, and enhanced vehicle security.

Gives accurate directions

When you are visiting a new place that you have little or no information about it is common to get lost. The best car GPS apps allow you to pinpoint your exact location while creating a tracking system that helps you find the best route to your destination.

Shows traffic situation

While not all apps are able to give real-time updates on the state of traffic on each road, those that have this capability can help you use alternative routes when a particular road is experiencing heavy traffic or road work.

Saves money

There are a lot of insurance companies willing to lower rates on their policies simply because a vehicle has a GPS tracking system. This is because such a system raises the possibility of finding a stolen vehicle. The best car GPS apps can also provide information regarding the shortest routes to your desired destination hence saving you a considerable amount of fuel.

Secures the vehicle

A good GPS app gives real-time information regarding the location of your vehicle. This means that if you fall victim to a crime such as car theft, all you have to do is alert the police and share the information on the app. The police will then use such information to locate and retrieve your car.

The Top 7 Best Car GPS Apps Of 2018

Below is a list of some of the best car GPS apps in the market today. Note that the list is in no particular order. You reserve the final decision as to which of these apps best suits your needs.

1. TomTom Go

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This product comes across as one of the best car GPS apps because of the vivid map interface that it has. With buildings appearing in 3D it is easy for users to know exactly where they are and determine where they wish to go. The realistic depiction of the map makes it stand out from most apps on the market today. TomTom Go has a simple menu that allows users to navigate from one section to another with exceptional ease.

The right-hand sidebar of the app gives information regarding important points on the road including fuel stations. It gives updates regarding the traffic situation in the area. The app also features voice instructions that make it easier for drivers to focus on the road instead of having to look at their device’s screen. This app is free to use for 50 miles each month making it ideal for people who only need it occasionally.

Pros

• Free for 50 miles per month
• Works without mobile data
• Compatible with both iOS and Android
• You can download maps depending on the country you visit
• Traffic and speed cameras are announced by voice

Cons

• Costs almost twenty dollars per year after an   initial free 50-mile monthly   offer
• Device battery gets hot and drains fast
• Voice interrupts itself when the vehicle is close to two or more indicators

2. CoPilot

Image Source: copilotgps.com

This GPS app is another one that can be helpful to road users regardless of the country in which they are driving. CoPilot has a simple user interface that allows drivers to navigate from one point to another. An interesting feature about this app is that it makes route adjustments on the fly which makes it possible for users to identify the quickest road to their destination.

It keeps a history of all the places that you have traveled to, meaning that if you return, you will have an easier way of getting information. The app has free mapping capability, making it possible for users to use it even when not connected to data. Users on the premium version get real-time traffic updates that ensure they do not get stuck on the road.

Pros

• It is available with a  seven-day     free trial
• Compatible with iOS and   Android devices
• Has clear voice instructions and repeats street names
• It offers an automatic choice of     route to ease decision making
• Shows distance to destination

Cons

• The premium version is quite costly at almost thirty dollars.
• Has navigation errors that may end up frustrating users
• It features offline 2D maps

3. Here WeGo

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This app makes it to the list because of its impressive all-around features. Among Here WeGo’s most striking features is the fact that it can provide different routes depending on the mode of transport you are using. It can switch from ideal routes for walking to cycling and driving. Like the other apps on this list, it gives updates regarding the traffic situation in your location and provides alternatives to avoid any delays. A striking feature about this app is that it gives speed alerts that ensure you are always within the legally allowable limits.

Here WeGo allows you to download entire country maps for offline use. It has a basic user interface which is always a plus because it simplifies use for just about everyone. The app allows you to save your favorite places and routes which can make for the ideal planning tool next time you want to travel from one point to another.

Pros

• This app is available for free
• It is compatible with iOS and   Android devices
• Can be used both online  and     offline
• Driving directions are clear and concise
• Its user interface loads fast

Cons

• You need 10 GB of storage to download entire country maps
• Its  voice  guidance  instructions     are not clear
• Loses some functional  features   when in offline mode

4. Google Maps

This is arguably one of the most popular GPS apps on the market today. Google Maps is packed with some of the most helpful features available. It comes as a standard application with most Android smartphones. Its map layout is not only intuitive but also clear. You have the option of zooming in and out to get a better picture of where you are and where you wish to go. It makes use of different colors to distinguish between locations that may include parks or large and small roads among other important landmarks. This app looks up several routes before recommending the most ideal.

Pros

• The app is completely free of charge
• It is compatible with both iOS  and Android devices
• Gives details of traffic rules in  the location
• Provides information about possible parking spaces
• Has a simple user interface

Cons

• It has poor voice instructions
• Does not give accurate traffic updates
• Offers no alerts regarding obstacles ahead

5. Waze

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This is a community-based app that is also available for free. The Waze app gives traffic updates, which is quite impressive for a freely available product. However, the accuracy of the updates may not be at the level of CoPilot and TomTom Go. Voice instructions are quite clear and timely which is another plus for this product.

Another unique feature of this app is that it allows users to add any number of their friends to given groups. This makes it possible for each member of the group to keep track of the movement of others in the group. It also allows individuals to connect to Facebook and get information regarding important events.

Pros

• The application is compatible  with iOS and Android devices
• It is completely free to  download and use
• Can be used to identify community recommended restaurants and cheap fuel stations on a particular route
• Provides recommendations for  the best travel times after collecting data from community members

Cons

• Its maps are cluttered making    it appear ugly
• Areas with no community base lose a lot of information    because the app has no data to rely on
• Features pop up ads that may   be annoying

6. Scout GPS Navigation and Maps

Image Source: play.google.com

One of the top reasons why this app makes this list is its clear design and organized menu. Scout even features sub-menus to make your work easier. When you input a destination, the app immediately scouts for various options before presenting the results for you to choose from. Of course, the app also gives an automatic choice based on data that it has internally collected.

The voice instructions given by this app are clear and accurate. In case of deviation from an original route, the app quickly calculates alternatives. While the app is free to use, you may have to spend about eight dollars for real-time traffic updates. You also have to spend an additional amount to get different cities or countries.

Pros

• This app is free to download and use
• It can work both online and offline
• Scout is compatible with both  iOS and Android devices
• Its voice instructions are clear
• Gives speed trap alerts

Cons

• Its maps are not as detailed as those in other apps
• You need to spend more money to unlock its full potential
• It has no address data when running in offline mode

7. Sygic Car Navigation

Image Source: play.google.com

This particular application makes it to the top seven best car GPS apps because of the various features and benefits it offers. Sygic has a simple user interface that makes traveling a breeze. Users get a seven-day free trial version enabling them to test it before deciding if they want to go premium. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Pros

• Free for seven days
• It can work seamlessly with certain car infotainment    systems
• Gives easy to follow routes
• Provides voice instructions

Cons

• You need about sixty dollars to unlock its full potential
• List ElDrains the device’s battery quicklyement
• It features a cluttered map that may be confusing to some  people

Comparison Table

GPS APP	PREVIEW	Number Of Google Play Install	Google Play Rating
TomTom Go	[amazon_link asins=’B00I9UKU8K|B00I9UKU8K|B00I9UKU8K’ template=’ImageLink’ store=’carrepairlife_us-20|carrepairlife_ca-20|carrepairlife_uk-21′ marketplace=’US|CA|UK’]	10,000,000+
CoPilot	Image Source: copilotgps.com	5,000,000+
Here WeGo	[amazon_link asins=’B00TR5XM2M|B00TR5XM2M|B00TR5XM2M’ template=’ImageLink’ store=’carrepairlife_us-20|carrepairlife_ca-20|carrepairlife_uk-21′ marketplace=’US|CA|UK’]	10,000,000+
Google Maps		1,000,000,000+
Waze	[amazon_link asins=’B01504WS9G|B01504WS9G|B01504WS9G’ template=’ImageLink’ store=’carrepairlife_us-20|carrepairlife_ca-20|carrepairlife_uk-21′ marketplace=’US|CA|UK’]	100,000,000+
Scout GPS Navigation and Maps	Image Source: play.google.com	5,000,000+
Sygic Car Navigation	Image Source: play.google.com	5,000,000+

How The Best Car GPS Apps Were Rated

These GPS apps were rated on various issues with one of the most important being the ability to give the most accurate and convenient routes. The simple or user-friendly interface was another issue that was given prominence. Other issues that were taken into consideration included clarity of voice instructions, compatibility with mobile devices and price where applicable. Which one is best for you depends on your personal preferences, but you can’t go wrong with any of these options.