BEST GPS AND NAVIGATION APPS FOR ANDROID

HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo, formerly titled HERE, lets you download maps of entire countries and use them almost exactly as you would online. What's more, it allows you to do this entirely for free.

Here WeGo offers a different aesthetic to many other GPS and navigation apps, and some might prefer its ways. Certainly one to try out, as it is undoubtedly an excellent app.

Key features:

Voice-Guided turn-by-turn navigation all over the world
Real-time information on traffic conditions
Building plans for shopping centers and airports
Distances of public transportation services, directions and information
A route planner for car, public transport and on foot
Saved locations

GPS Navigation & Maps by Sygic

Sygic is one of the most popular offline navigation apps on Android, and with good reason. The TomTom-powered app offers high-definition maps for most countries in the world, and recently received an update that brings it more in line with Android Lollipop (i.e. it's easier to use than ever). It's recently gone down the freemium route, offering many maps for free, but providing extra features such as live traffic information, regular updates and extra navigation voices at a price.

Key features:

Offline map navigation
Voice-activated GPS navigation with full route guidance
3D cities and landscapes
Multiple routes and drag-and-drag route editor
Speed limit and camera / radar warnings
Head-up Display (HUD) projects GPS navigation onto your windshield
Millions of points of interest (POI)
Helps to find the cheapest gas based on your gas type

Maps.Me - Offline Map & Routing

Maps.Me was well worth the US$4.99 price tag it used to have on the Play Store, so imagine our delight when the app was made absolutely free. If you haven't picked this one up already, we highly recommend it, because not only is it one of the best Android map apps available – with a clear and simple UI – but it also works offline and includes points of interest such as subway stations, ATMs, petrol stations, and so on.

Key features:

Walking directions for hikes and trails
Supports 345 countries and islands
Millions of points of interest and tourist attractions
Features offline maps and offline search
Location-sharing via email or SMS
Auto-follow mode; when enabled, the map automatically orients itself to the direction you are moving

Waze Social GPS Maps & Traffic

Waze is a free Navigation app that relies on its community for its traffic information, so it's just as well that it's one of the most popular apps of its kind on the Play Store. As a member of the Waze community, you can report accidents, police traps and road closures, which then get cross-referenced with other users' input and broadcast for other users. It also has a very nice interface and a few other nifty features, such as showing you the cheapest gas stations en route, and a points-based system, where being an active member of the community sees you climb the Waze ranks.

MapFactor: GPS Navigation

MapFactor uses OpenStreetMaps (OSM) map data, which gets installed on your device so you don't need an internet connection when using it. MapFactor offers all the usual bells and whistles of SatNav, with turn-by-turn directions, voice navigation in several languages, and the option to change your route depending on whether you're driving a car, a truck, or just walking. It also includes audible noise warnings when you approach speed cameras – not that you would ever dream of breaking the speed limit, would you now?