Best 8 Sat Navs in 2026: Feature Comparison

Google Maps is the best overall sat nav app, going by its verified listing: turn-by-turn directions, live traffic, and availability on both iOS and Android. This list covers 8 mobile apps, from live-traffic navigators to offline-capable options.

Quick comparison table

Comparisons rely on store listings, not hands-on testing.

1. Google Maps

Best for: An all-round sat nav on any phone.

Google Maps gives you turn-by-turn directions and live traffic on both Android and iOS. It's listed as a top sat nav app on both platforms, so it's the safest default if you just want something that works.

Standout feature: Live traffic.

2. Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

Best for: Drivers who want community-reported road conditions.

Waze is community-driven. It pairs live traffic with route alerts from other users. It runs on Android and iOS and supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, so it works on a dashboard screen too.

Standout feature: Community route alerts.

3. TomTom GO Navigation

Best for: Drivers who want a dedicated sat nav brand on their phone.

TomTom offers turn-by-turn routing on Android and iOS. We only have limited information, so check the store listing for pricing and feature details before you commit.

Standout feature: Turn-by-turn routing from an established sat nav maker.

4. HERE WeGo

Best for: City travel on a free app.

HERE WeGo is free and listed as strong for city travel, on both Android and iOS. Treat it as a free alternative to Google Maps for urban trips. We haven't tested how the two compare in practice.

Standout feature: City-travel strength at no cost.

5. ViaMichelin

Best for: Drivers who want route planning alongside navigation.

ViaMichelin is a route planner and sat nav app from Michelin, available on Android and iOS. Its route-planning focus fits people who like to map a trip before they set off.

Standout feature: Route planning.

6. Apple Maps

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

Apple Maps is Apple's own navigation app, with turn-by-turn directions. It's iOS only, so Android users can skip it.

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

7. Navmii GPS

Best for: Drivers who need navigation without a data connection.

Navmii GPS is an offline-capable GPS navigation app, listed for Android and iOS. Check the store listing for map download details. You'll need the maps on your phone before you lose signal.

Standout feature: Offline capability.

8. MAPS.ME

Best for: Travelers who want offline maps.

MAPS.ME is an offline maps and GPS navigation app on Android and iOS. It's the other offline-focused pick next to Navmii GPS, so compare the two listings if signal is your main worry.

Standout feature: Offline maps.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free sat nav app?

Google Maps, Waze, and HERE WeGo are the free-leaning picks on this list, per their listings. Check each store listing for current pricing.

Which sat nav apps work offline?

Navmii GPS and MAPS.ME are the offline-capable options. Download your maps before a trip, not at the roadside.

Do these apps work with CarPlay or Android Auto?

Waze supports both, per its listing. Check the other listings for car-display support.

Is there a sat nav app built into iPhone?

Yes. Apple Maps is built in and gives turn-by-turn directions. Android users need one of the other seven apps.

The verdict

Google Maps is the strongest overall pick, with turn-by-turn directions, live traffic, and availability on both platforms. Waze is the runner-up for drivers who want community alerts and CarPlay or Android Auto support. HERE WeGo is a second runner-up for free city navigation.

Navmii GPS and MAPS.ME suit offline needs. Rankings come from verified listings, not hands-on testing.