As much as we appreciate Google's extensive Maps app, it's got a very serious weakness that has allowed relatively smaller companies to compete: offline navigation.
Sure, nowadays Google Maps allow you to cache a piece of a map for later use, but the size limitation simply won't cut it for most. Especially if you're touring another country, and are looking at ludicrous roaming charges for data, or, for example, if you're the wilderness type and need something really solid to rely on during your outings.
Thankfully, the Play Store does not want for offline navigation maps, of which there are plenty. Many of them are free, but many also have some type of limitations to them that the developers have put in order to motivate you to buy the full version. In any case, find below 5 of the best offline navigation apps for Android that we picked for you.
HERE Maps have long been an exclusive to Nokia's ecosystem, but the offline mapping solution finally made it to Android a few months ago. If you're looking for a well-designed, thorough offline mapping app, HERE is one of the first you should absolutely try.
If your job involves a ton of driving, few solutions come close to Navigon – a solution by Garmin aimed at transportation professionals. For an app, it costs a fortune, but once again, professionals will definitely appreciate the functionality it offers (lane assist, live fuel prices, 3D view, etc).
* Since Navigon has several apps that are only appropriate for a given continent, the link below shows you the developer's profile on the Play Store. Pick the appropriate app from there.
Another great app that offers offline navigation and is worth checking out is CoPilot GPS - Plan & explorer. It offers quite the detailed maps, with a ton of POIs included (Points Of Intrest).
CoPilot GPS - Plan & explorer
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MAPS.Me is just awesome. We were truly impressed with the detail its maps offered, especially if you consider that it's absolutely free. We also definitely dig the simplistic, yet modern UI.
Sygic's GPS Navigation & Maps app is among the most popular when it comes to both navigation in general, but also offline maps. One of the perks of Sygic is that it always works with GPS only -- an internet connection is not at all needed.
OsmAnd (short for OSM Automated Navigation Directions) won't win your heart with its design, but perhaps its detailed maps and their availability even offline will.
The apps on the list so far will cover the needs of the majority of users, but some will inevitably be on the lookout for something more specialized. Like Maverick -- a great app if you're into hiking, boating, or any other outdoor activity that would require you to navigate the land.
Last, but certainly not least, MapFactor -- an app that rivals Sygic's own solution in terms of popularity, and, with a rating of 4.4 out 5, is among the most appreciated navigation apps on the market right now. You just can't go wrong with MapFactor.
HERE Maps have long been an exclusive to Nokia's ecosystem, but the offline mapping solution finally made it to Android a few months ago. If you're looking for a well-designed, thorough offline mapping app, HERE is one of the first you should absolutely try.
HERE Maps have long been an exclusive to Nokia's ecosystem, but the offline mapping solution finally made it to Android a few months ago. If you're looking for a well-designed, thorough offline mapping app, HERE is one of the first you should absolutely try.
If your job involves a ton of driving, few solutions come close to Navigon – a solution by Garmin aimed at transportation professionals. For an app, it costs a fortune, but once again, professionals will definitely appreciate the functionality it offers (lane assist, live fuel prices, 3D view, etc).
* Since Navigon has several apps that are only appropriate for a given continent, the link below shows you the developer's profile on the Play Store. Pick the appropriate app from there.
Another great app that offers offline navigation and is worth checking out is CoPilot GPS - Plan & explorer. It offers quite the detailed maps, with a ton of POIs included (Points Of Intrest).
MAPS.Me is just awesome. We were truly impressed with the detail its maps offered, especially if you consider that it's absolutely free. We also definitely dig the simplistic, yet modern UI.
Sygic's GPS Navigation & Maps app is among the most popular when it comes to both navigation in general, but also offline maps. One of the perks of Sygic is that it always works with GPS only -- an internet connection is not at all needed.
OsmAnd (short for OSM Automated Navigation Directions) won't win your heart with its design, but perhaps its detailed maps and their availability even offline will.
The apps on the list so far will cover the needs of the majority of users, but some will inevitably be on the lookout for something more specialized. Like Maverick -- a great app if you're into hiking, boating, or any other outdoor activity that would require you to navigate the land.
Last, but certainly not least, MapFactor -- an app that rivals Sygic's own solution in terms of popularity, and, with a rating of 4.4 out 5, is among the most appreciated navigation apps on the market right now. You just can't go wrong with MapFactor.
2.nlbates66(Posts: 328; Member since: 15 Aug 2012)
mmk, hadn't actually heard of any of these ones before. On my Android devices I used Navigon which had offline availability, but now I no longer use an Android device as my phone.
NAVIGON is on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. I have had a NAVIGON GPS in My car long before it was even on Any Mobile.
I have tried All of the other Major GPS and none could match NAVIGON on it's worst day.
Now that Garmin has bought NAVIGON, they have a Really Good GPS for the Car.
I have Recommended NAVIGON to ALL My Friends and Family and Co-Workers.
All of My Mobile Devices have NAVIGON Installed as the Primary GPS and ONLY GPS that I use.
The size for Google offline map is so limited that you can't even use it to travel across one small state let along touring across the country which is too bad, Google Map is the most easiest navigation app for android. I tried out Sygic and a couple of other offline map before, it was far from user friendly.
Download HERE