8 of the best offline GPS maps apps for Android


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.

embed
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H7cL36xLmL4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
HERE Maps
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps

embed
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YknQrmrWmo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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.
Download Navigon
* 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.
Download Navigon
Navigon by Garmin

embed
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hh1yEEVUCtA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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

image
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.
Download MAPS.ME Lite
Download MAPS.ME Lite
MAPS.ME — offline maps
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapswithme.maps

image
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.
Download GPS Navigation & Maps by Sygic
Download GPS Navigation & Maps by Sygic
GPS Navigation & Maps by Sygic
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura

image
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.
Download OsmAnd Maps & Navigation
Download OsmAnd Maps & Navigation
OsmAnd Maps & Navigation
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand

image
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.
Download Maverick: GPS Navigation
Download Maverick: GPS Navigation
Maverick: GPS Navigation
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.codesector.maverick.lite

image
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.
Download MapFactor: GPS Navigation
Download MapFactor: GPS Navigation
MapFactor: GPS Navigation
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapfactor.navigator
8 of the best offline GPS maps apps for Android
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.
Download HERE
Download HERE
FEATURED VIDEO
42 Comments
RebelwithoutaClue
Posts: 5454; Member since: Apr 05, 2013
No Tom Tom?
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 5:38 AM 2
NexusKoolaid
Posts: 493; Member since: Oct 24, 2011
"GPS Navigation & Maps by Sygic is The World’s Most Installed Offline GPS Navigation App powered by TomTom Maps."
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 10:33 AM 1
RebelwithoutaClue
Posts: 5454; Member since: Apr 05, 2013
I know Sygic uses TomTom maps, same as Apple Maps. But TomTom has an app themselves as well. Btw I do use Sygic myself
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 10:47 AM 2
ivanprskalo
Posts: 124; Member since: Dec 09, 2010
and no Navigon and CoPilot live??
posted on Aug 17, 2014, 5:24 AM 0
nlbates66
Posts: 328; Member since: Aug 15, 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.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 5:43 AM 2
elitewolverine
Posts: 5192; Member since: Oct 28, 2013
Thats the one i used on my note 3, though wish they would have done ios and wp too.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 6:41 AM 1
gd761
Posts: 193; Member since: Sep 18, 2012
Where the HELL is NAVIGON?!
NAVIGON is one that should be in the TOP 2, but someone was Sleeping, Drunk, or High for leaving NAVIGON off of this list!
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 5:49 AM 3
Deadeye37
Posts: 265; Member since: Jan 25, 2011
They do have Navigon. See #2
It links to the Garmin developer so you can choose the Navigon app for your region (~$40-$60 per region)
posted on Feb 13, 2015, 10:36 AM 0
XperiaFanZone
Posts: 2277; Member since: Sep 21, 2012
Thanks for the article.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 6:44 AM 0
ManusImperceptus
Posts: 724; Member since: Jun 10, 2014
One of the big advantages of using a Nokia; Good ol' Here Maps FTW! B-)
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 7:23 AM 0
tedkord
Posts: 16888; Member since: Jun 17, 2009
How is it an advantage when anyone else can use it, too?
posted on Feb 13, 2015, 11:16 AM 1
RandomUsername
Posts: 808; Member since: Oct 29, 2013
City Maps 2Go?
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 7:26 AM 0
gd761
Posts: 193; Member since: Sep 18, 2012
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.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 7:32 AM 1
gd761
Posts: 193; Member since: Sep 18, 2012
See for yourself about NAVIGON for Android, iOS, & Windows Phone.
http://www.navigon.com/portal/us/produkte/navigationssoftware/index.html
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 8:28 AM 0
fanboy1974
Posts: 1345; Member since: Nov 12, 2011
Copilot has gotten better. I recommend a test run if you haven't used it for a few years. Not perfect but it feels close to a true gps unit.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 7:46 AM 0
neela_akaash
Posts: 1239; Member since: Aug 05, 2014
The article image is from sygic and its not even in the list...
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 8:59 AM 0
Droid_X_Doug
Posts: 5993; Member since: Dec 22, 2010
Ummm. Sygic is number two in the list.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 9:22 AM 0
mildorzalost
Posts: 143; Member since: Jun 03, 2014
HERE Drive?... Is the best
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 7:40 PM 0
henpan unregistered
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.
posted on Aug 15, 2014, 10:32 PM 1
Report Post
Send a warning to post author
Send a warning to Selected user.
The user has 0 warnings currently.
Next warning will result in ban!
Ban user and delete all posts
Message to PhoneArena moderator (optional):
Download HERE