Discover the best GPS apps for cell phones

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If you spend your day driving, you've certainly thought about how to find the most efficient routes and the best urban resources, all through a single GPS application.

GPS applications offer valuable information about traffic jams, alternative routes, gas stations, speed cameras, accidents and even holes in the road, making your journey even easier.

We researched the best GPS apps to understand how each one works. Want to discover more? Keep reading!

How to choose the ideal GPS app for drivers

With the advancement of intelligent systems for smartphones and automobiles, GPS applications have become widely popular and feature-rich. Nowadays, you can find everything from basic options, which calculate routes and show nearby locations, to more advanced ones, with information about weather, traffic, radars, tolls, among others.

Top-rated GPS apps for Android and iOS include:

  • Google Maps
  • Apple Maps
  • Waze
  • HERE WeGo
  • Scout GPS
  • MapQuest
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When choosing a GPS app, it's essential to consider your specific needs and your level of familiarity with the technology. As these applications are used in traffic, their operation must be completely understandable to avoid problems and accidents.

To make your choice easier, we highlight some important points to consider. Check it out now!

GPS application: the best on the market

After understanding the main aspects of choosing a GPS application, how about finding out about the best ones currently available? Let's go!

Waze

Waze is a free GPS app with a social networking approach. In addition to providing routes for users to reach their destinations, it offers real-time information about traffic, accidents, radars and other obstacles that may arise along the way.

Waze allows users to interact with each other, sharing information and updates about routes and traffic conditions, making the application experience more dynamic and collaborative. Founded by a startup in 2008, Waze was acquired by Google in 2013.

Downloads:
500 mi+
Assessment:
4.2
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Waze

Google Maps

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Google Maps, a free-of-charge mapping and navigation application, allows users to locate places, access route and route data, and view satellite and street images in real time. Additionally, you can access location history and your locations on other devices.

Developed and maintained by Google, Google Maps is available on smartphones, tablets and web browsers on different operating systems. It offers features such as real-time traffic information, satellite images, and 360-degree street views.

Downloads:
10 bi+
Assessment:
4.3
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Google

TomTom Go

TomTom GO, a GPS app designed to help drivers plot routes, provide directions, and alerts about traffic and speed cameras, as well as providing other specific features such as details about gas stations and parking lots.

There are different TomTom GO models available for users to choose from, such as TomTom GO Fleet, aimed at professional fleet managers and drivers, TomTom AmiGO, a free app, and TomTom GO Navigation, which offers monthly plans. The latter includes special features such as map downloads, frequent updates and points of interest along the route.

TomTom GO can be used on smartphones and tablets with Android and iOS operating systems, in addition to being compatible with dedicated TomTom branded GPS devices.

Downloads:
10 mi+
Assessment:
4.2
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
TomTom

HERE We Go

HERE WeGo is a GPS navigation app that aims to provide routes and directions for travel around the world. It offers real-time traffic information, routes, public transport and pedestrian navigation options, all with an easy-to-use interface.

Available free of charge for Android and iOS devices, HERE WeGo can be used on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

Additionally, it offers features such as map viewing and offline directions, as well as information about places of interest and tourist attractions around the world.

Downloads:
10 mi+
Assessment:
4
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
HERE Apps

Scout GPS

Scout GPS is a GPS app that offers smart navigation features for plotting routes, including real-time traffic alerts. Additionally, it provides information about local places of interest and tourist attractions.

The highlight of Scout is the integrated chat, which allows users to talk to friends and family about routes, destinations, visits and even share their journeys with them.

Scout GPS is available free of charge for smartphones and tablets on Android and iOS systems. Furthermore, the application can be accessed on the intelligent systems of Toyota vehicles!

Downloads:
5 mi+
Assessment:
4.3
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Telenav

MapQuest

MapQuest is an online mapping service that offers features like detailed driving directions, live traffic updates, and information about points of interest along your route.

Launched in 1996 as one of the first commercial mapping services on the web, MapQuest has evolved over the years, now offering a wide range of features and integrations. This includes geocoding, routing and spatial analysis solutions for companies that want to harness the power of mapping and location in their business.

Downloads:
10M+
Assessment:
3.5
Operational systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
MapQuest

What is the most reliable GPS app?

One of the most common questions about GPS applications is the reliability of the data. Problems with outdated addresses or wrong directions are common, making a good choice essential.

Google Maps and Apple Maps are popular because they are native to operating systems and constantly updated. They use satellite geolocation and information from other users to indicate, for example, whether a road is congested.

Waze goes further, using data provided by the users themselves. It informs you about accidents, holes in the road, new radars and speed limits.

Data updating depends on the device and the quality of the internet connection. 5G networks, for example, are faster and more efficient. Choose an application with good features and ensure a good connection to optimize its use.

Do GPS apps consume a lot of data?

Thanks to direct communication technology with satellites, GPS applications consume little internet. Satellites provide geolocation, while the internet keeps data updated in real time.

When choosing a GPS app, it's important to evaluate your needs and preferences. If you need real-time traffic information, an app with user-generated updates could be ideal. If you prefer to use maps offline, look for an app that allows you to download maps and plot routes in advance.

There are options with route customization, integration with voice assistants and verbal guidance. Discover the available resources to find the application that best meets your needs.

With so many options available to make drivers' lives easier, it can be challenging to choose the best features. We hope this article provided the information you were looking for about GPS apps to download!

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