Alternative navigation apps for your iPhone
Google Maps or Apple Maps—that's what we often default to for navigation on our iPhones. Understandably, as they're undoubtedly excellent apps. But there are also smart alternative navigation apps worth exploring. These work a little differently and offer unique advantages that you might prefer. For example, Waze is built on real-time user input, HERE WeGo focuses on ease of use, and TomTom GO provides a trusted navigation accessory for your iPhone. While you might be tempted to blindly trust the usual suspects, it's worth giving these five alternatives a try. Who knows, you might find your new favorite navigation app and discover the convenience of wireless audio .
Useful links
There are numerous navigation apps available for iPhone, in addition to the well-known options Google Maps and Apple Maps. Each of these alternatives has its own unique features and advantages. Below, we discuss 5 of the best navigation apps for iPhone:
Waze
Waze is a community-based navigation app where users share real-time information about accidents, alternative routes, roadblocks, and police checkpoints. You can also carpool with other users through Waze. Thanks to the active community, the app is always accurate and up-to-date. An added benefit is that Waze uses relatively little data and can also be used offline, provided you pre-load the route at home.
HERE WeGo
According to the Consumers' Association, HERE WeGo is one of the most user-friendly free navigation apps. They particularly praise the clear menu, concise route descriptions, energy-efficient offline mode, and display of speed limits. However, it should be noted that the routes weren't always 100% accurate. HERE WeGo also offers public transport information for more than 1,300 cities.
TomTom GO Navigation
Although you have to pay for the full version (after 75 km), the Dutch TomTom GO is one of the best iOS navigation apps. The route directions are excellent, and you get notifications about speed traps. The integration with Apple CarPlay is also convenient, allowing you to safely operate your iPhone in the car. As a trusted name, TomTom GO is a solid choice.
Google Maps
It's understandable that many people choose Google Maps by default, given its enormous reach and hundreds of millions of users. Thanks to the vast amount of data, Google Maps is extremely accurate and comprehensive, with information on traffic, shops, restaurants, and attractions. Downsides, however, are its high battery consumption and the extensive offline maps, each hundreds of MB in size.
Apple Maps
Although Apple Maps initially lagged behind Google Maps, it has since become a worthy alternative. Advantages include a clear, less distracting interface and a beautiful design. The app also includes increasingly more public transport information, allows you to conveniently save favorite locations, and provides smart suggestions. The fact that Apple Maps is standard on iPhones is a bonus.
Bonus: MapQuest
As one of the first navigation services, MapQuest is a familiar name to many. The current app version offers real-time traffic updates, including live cameras. MapQuest also always displays the speed limit while driving. However, the app's strengths lie in its handy tools for road trips, such as booking hotels, calling roadside assistance, and checking fuel prices—all directly from the app.
Because of the unique features each navigation app offers, it's worth exploring different options beyond the standard Google and Apple Maps. Whether it's the user-driven information of Waze, the ease of use of HERE WeGo, the reliable navigation of TomTom GO, or the road trip features of MapQuest, there's something for everyone. Compare apps based on factors like price, fuel economy, offline use, and unique features to find the best match for your needs and driving style.
Choose the navigation app that suits you
While Google Maps and Apple Maps are excellent navigation apps, it's worth exploring alternatives. Apps like Waze, HERE WeGo, TomTom GO , and MapQuest each offer their own unique perks, from real-time traffic information to road trip tools. By trying out different options and comparing them based on price, fuel economy, and unique features, you're guaranteed to find the perfect match for your driving style and needs. No matter which iPhone you use for navigation, there's an app that suits you.
