Best 10 GPS Apps in 2026: A Feature Comparison

Google Maps is the best overall GPS app for most people. It covers driving, transit and live traffic on both iPhone and Android. This list covers 10 mobile apps across driving, offline use, transit, hiking and cycling.

Quick comparison of GPS apps

Details come from official listings, not hands-on testing. The listings we used don't state pricing, so check each store page before you download.

1. Google Maps

Best for: all-round daily navigation on any phone.

Google Maps gives you turn-by-turn directions, live traffic and transit info. It runs on iOS and Android, so it works whichever phone you own.

Standout feature: one app that handles both driving and transit.

2. Waze

Best for: commuters who want live road warnings.

Waze runs on community reports. Other drivers flag police, hazards and accidents, and you still get turn-by-turn directions.

Standout feature: crowd-sourced alerts.

3. Apple Maps

Best for: iPhone users who want a built-in option.

Apple Maps offers turn-by-turn directions and transit info. It's iOS-only, so Android users need to look elsewhere.

Standout feature: it comes preinstalled on iPhone, so there's nothing to download.

4. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Best for: drivers who want offline navigation with speed camera info.

Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps downloads maps for offline use. It also adds turn-by-turn voice guidance and traffic info.

Standout feature: speed camera alerts alongside offline maps.

5. CoPilot GPS

Best for: road trips and long-distance route planning.

CoPilot GPS combines offline maps with route planning aimed at longer drives. It runs on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: trip-focused route planning.

6. HERE WeGo

Best for: travelers who mix driving and public transit.

HERE WeGo puts driving and public transit directions in one app. Offline maps keep it useful when your signal drops.

Standout feature: offline maps combined with transit routing.

7. MAPS.ME

Best for: offline browsing and navigation while traveling.

MAPS.ME builds its maps from OpenStreetMap data. You get search and navigation, and the maps work offline.

Standout feature: a fully offline map built on OpenStreetMap data.

8. OsmAnd

Best for: people who want one offline app for driving, hiking and cycling.

OsmAnd is built on OpenStreetMap and works offline. It has three routing modes: hiking, cycling and driving.

Standout feature: multi-mode routing in a single offline app.

9. Garmin Drive

Best for: owners of Garmin navigation devices.

Garmin Drive is a companion app for traffic, weather and driver alerts. It works alongside Garmin hardware instead of acting as a standalone navigator, so it's no use without the device.

Standout feature: driver alerts and live info sent to the Garmin device.

10. Komoot

Best for: hikers and cyclists planning outdoor routes.

Komoot handles route planning and navigation for hiking and cycling. It isn't a car navigation app, so keep a driving app installed too.

Standout feature: outdoor routes built for hiking and cycling rather than roads.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free GPS app?

Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps are the usual free starting points. Pricing can change, so check the current store listings.

Which GPS apps work offline?

Sygic, CoPilot, HERE WeGo, MAPS.ME and OsmAnd all list offline maps.

What is the best GPS app for hiking or cycling?

Komoot and OsmAnd. Komoot focuses on outdoor route planning, while OsmAnd also covers driving.

Which is best for avoiding traffic?

Waze leans on live reports from other drivers. Google Maps combines live traffic with transit info. Pick Waze for commuting alerts and Google Maps for broader trips.

Our verdict on the best GPS app

Google Maps is the strongest overall pick, thanks to its mix of navigation, live traffic and transit on both platforms. Waze is the runner-up for commuters who want live community reports. For offline use, go with OsmAnd or HERE WeGo.

If you only use an iPhone, Apple Maps is fine. Outdoor users should try Komoot.