5 Best GPS Navigation Apps for Android in 2024

Introduction

While walking through an unknown city or driving through busy roads, one can get lost sometimes. After all, some locations have an intricate network of roads, streets, and back lanes, and city planning in different localities is not always the same. In these situations, using the best GPS navigation apps are useful to get an accurate and proper understanding of your location.

You can also operate various functional features related to Live traffic tracking, road navigation, and even transit information through the apps. You need to choose the one best for your device and utilize it in different locations. Here, we provide a list of the top 5 versions active currently.

Top 5 GPS Navigation Apps Android Users Can Operate in 2024

People need the best GPS navigation apps for varying purposes, like moving through lanes to reach a destination or avoiding traffic-congested roads properly. In this context, there are multiple suitable GPS navigation apps for Android users to try out, with diverse features and usability. Here’s a list for reference.

1. Google Maps

One of the best GPS navigation apps for mobile-based users in any part of the world is Google Maps. Android users can download this app and visually navigate their local neighborhoods to trace movements, directions, and the closest points of interest.

In fact, many businesses, like hospitals, hotels, stores, etc., have their geo-location integrated into this software, making it simpler for people to find locally available amenities with proper route-based accuracy. The app also instantly analyses and provides real-time transit info, road closure notice, and other details.

Compatibility: Android 6.0 and newer

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5 (PCMag)

Size of software: 37 MB

Features:

• Indoor imagery and navigation are supported here for many big stadiums, malls, and airports.
• Street View features to navigate through different cities, towns, and other locations.
• Shortlist places to visit in groups and decide where to go via real-time voting.
• Get real-time updates on traffic information and ETAs.

Pros:

• Works with wearables of different brands.
• View maps offline in periods of bad network connection.
• Easily find places and businesses globally and leave reviews.

Cons:

• GPS connection needs to stay active non-stop, which wastes battery life.
• Not best for emergency or oversized vehicles in terms of navigation.

2. OsmAnd

OsmAnd is one of the top-rated offline apps allowing people to view the world map, making it possible to navigate various types of localities. With this open-source source, you can record the GPX tracks and securely plan your routes on the platform. Customization options are also available here for routes and transport modes so that you can plan your commuting track properly.

In the map view, users can view different locations, like places of attractions, cafes, nearest healthcare centers, and other such details. Plus, depending on your main activity, you can choose multiple map faces, like nautical, off-road, topographic, and other choices.

Compatibility: Android 6.0 and newer

Price: In-app costs start at USD 1.34

Ratings: 3.7 stars out of 5 (TrustPilot)

Size of software: 174 MB

Features:

• Set stop-by-stop routes with one or more navigation profiles.
• Manage multiple GPX tracks for showcasing imported and customized GPX tracks.
• Share your GPX tracks via OpenStreetMap.
• Get route-related information in a visual format, like distances and ascents/descents.

Pros:

• Update the map with one hour or lower frequency.
• The night theme is supported.
• Create video and audio notes as well as favorite stops.

Cons:

• The offline map is unavailable unless users pay a fee for downloading it.
• No 3D map view support here.

3. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

In terms of the best GPS navigation apps Android users can try out, Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is one of take note of. This allows users to handle straightforward GPS navigation functions offline through the phone. To note, the maps are relatively accurate, and users can get updates on the 3D maps many times each year.

Furthermore, you can utilize the voice-based GPS navigation feature on this app to say the street names into the app and get the right routes. The application also supplies users with the pedestrian type of GPS navigation mode, covering data like POI information and walking direction tips.

Compatibility: Android 5.0 and newer

Price: In-app purchases started at USD 0.99.

Ratings: 4.6 stars out of 5 (Justuseapp.com)

Size of software: 92 MB

Features:

• Smartcam support merges with multiple camera systems while operating this app.
• Head-up Display or HUD projects the navigation view on the car windshield for a modern and intuitive experience.
• Advanced safety functions are in place while traveling in unknown areas.
• Dynamic Lane Assistance calibrates the right routes and guides the user through the correct directions.

Pros:

• Control app-based navigations using buttons, knobs, and a touchscreen.
• Get wrong-direction warnings for your car and others.
• Instant speed limit warnings are available.

Cons:

• Traffic rerouting can sometimes show issues.
• Sometimes, setting addresses can get slightly difficult to track.

4. Circuit Route Planner

With Circuit, GPS navigation is much simpler to handle, mainly for people delivering packages. The courier service providers can access the app to find the correct route plan for carrying packages to the client’s location. In this case, the fastest delivery experience is possible since the app algorithms geo-track traffic-related information.

Then, it measures and offers the shortest possible route to the destinations and keeps calibrating in real-time with changes in transit conditions in the localities. Users can easily set the schedule for the delivery as well and set priority-based delivery stops.

Compatibility: Android 6.0 and newer

Price: In-app costs start at USD 3.49

Ratings: 4.8 stars out of 5 (Capterra)

Size of software: 36 MB

Features:

• The software instantly re-optimizes the course to avoid delays and traffic with real-time transit information tracking.
• Set priority-based schedules for package delivery with a time window.
•  Set many stops for the route, and even delete or reset stops midway.
• Find addresses quickly by voice search, ZIP code, and or adding the accurate address.

Pros:

• Get relatively accurate estimated arrival times for packages.
• It evaluates the shortest routes for drivers.
• Supports hands-free voice-based data updating functionality.

Cons:

• Rearranging the stops in multi-stop routes can get complex sometimes.
• The app lags for some users.

5. Polaris GPS: Hiking, Offroad

Polaris GPS is another high-grade GPS navigation app that Android mobile users find very simple to operate for safer travel experiences. This app, in particular, is best for hiking and trekking purposes, given the high-powered GPS navigation system it runs on.

The waypoint navigations here make it simple for users to find trails and locations in off-road sections and even use the app offline. Moreover, depending on your needs, you can set and use different GPS maps here, like trail, nautical, off-road, or hiking maps.

Compatibility: Android 4.4 and newer

Price: In-app costs start at USD 0.99  

Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Google Play Store)

Size of software: 20 MB

Features:

• Supports OSGB-36 DATUM/British OSGR and MGRS military coordinate finder.
• Use the trail navigation system for safe hiking and traveling.
• Get a dynamic type of waypoint-finding compass with proper estimations like distance left to reach the target, ETA, etc.
• Different maps are supported, like topographic maps, USGS Topo reports, NOAA Marine Charts, and more.

Pros:

• It includes interesting features like drag anchor or drift alert alarm systems.
• Get waypoint images with coordinates stamped on them.
• Easily share your location with other people.

Cons:

• Accuracy with real-time updates could use some improvement.
• Customer support only via email.

Conclusion

To sum up, multiple types of geo navigation apps for Android are currently available. Of course, not all apps give the same type of information and hold different geo-tracking and navigation features.

Go through the feature list of the app options available and select the best one that fits your primary needs to avoid any function issues later.