GPS navigation is used by most Android and iOS smartphone users to roam around different places and locations, it is an essential feature which even comes pre-installed such as Google Maps app. Such Apps helps you in knowing where to go as you are driving, walking, on a plane, or cycling. Google Map app needs a Mobile Internet connection to work perfectly and this will not be handy especially if you are out of data, so I have selected only a few of the best offline map apps based on the reviews online by users on Google Play and Apple store.
These Map applications work offline for free (without internet) and are very helpful when you are in a region where internet connectivity is not available and free Wi-Fi availability is unavailable.
By getting a good offline map app, you can never get lost as you navigate till your city destination has been reached, and most importantly, it is accurate. When listing the best, Google Maps is always the top because they allow you to save map locations to be used offline. This will have to be bookmarked in advance so it can be displayed at your request, also the online map works in real-time, you get to see where there are traffics if you are driving and this can help you the chance route to find a less traffic road.
When you choose a location as your target, Google Map will keep guiding you with audios such as “turn left”, “turn right” etc, and when you reached your destination, you will be notified that “you have arrived”. Though you can get the offline map from google server, some features will not be available for use but it will surely help you if you are new to the location and there are no strong internet connections, those staying longer will benefit from this.
Best Offline GPS Map Apps For iOS & Android
So below are the best maps that work offline. I arranged the list not based on their unique features, but rather because they are worth being mention.
#1. MAPS.ME – Offline Map App
Many people have this app positive reviews, it has over 50 million installs on Google Play, while on Apple Store it has 15.8K Ratings. MAPS ME is one of the best offline map apps for navigation that doesn’t need an internet connection to download a map that can be viewed offline. It also supports the use of driving, walking, and cycle navigation feature for any country. The app maps are regularly updated by millions of OpenStreetMap contributors daily which makes it possible to offer offline search, GPS navigation, and sharing of offline maps to friends around the world. The is 87MB for Android users, while the app on Apple Store is 201.8 MB.
#2. HERE WeGo – City Navigation
Here WeGo is also an offline GPS Navigation app, but it can be installed on iOS and Android. The app keeps working when there is no internet connection, the map can be downloaded for offline use. Other unique features to look for include the ability to locate and book a taxi with a simple user interface, there is also a turn-by-turn guide which helps you get our way around a city easily. Furthermore, the app shows you what is important concerning your journey before you head out, also the cost of public transport tickets and other means of transportation. Most importantly when the app has been connected to the internet, it shows Live traffic stats.
#3. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps
The Sygic offline map app offers lots of navigation features for both iOS and Android users. Its special feature is that it has appealing 3D offline maps when downloaded offline. The app is also free on Apple Store which is another reason it has more users and positive reviews. Their offline GPS app supports many countries around the world, also there are constant checks for updates on a map in case of newly added buildings or constructions. If you want to know exactly where you are without having to regularly check Sygic, then you can enable the voice-guided GPS navigation which speaks the directions and street names.
#4. OsmAnd — Offline Maps & Navigation
OsmAnd is an offline navigation application that is free to access worldwide, also it offers clear high-quality offline maps when saved offline. Voice and visual offline navigation are also added, you can also choose between car navigation, cycle navigation or directions in the pedestrian mode, OSM editing, and much more. This offline map app can be gotten on iOS and Android stores, it is free and offers premium features for free such as voice guidance, destination searches, car speed limit timer, and reminders, GPX track recording, display points of interest, e.t.c. The developers are not lazy, the Android version got updated just yesterday (May 21st) 2021 with 9 features that support Android 4.0.3 and up.
#5. CityMaps2Go – GPS Apps
This GPS navigation app is best used by mountain bikers, hikers, and travelers who want to be prepared and full a full concept of the region before moving there. Experts say it is an essential app for travelers, one of the best offline maps apps and it doesn’t rack up roaming costs. The app also shows remote areas and national parks maps which can be accessed offline. This app has a rear feature which is the featured photos and comprehensive information for millions of places around the world. Tours can also be planned with lists, you can save all locations that are of interest to you and it can be accessed even offline.
#6. TrailLink: Trail Maps & Guide
Here is the 6th best offline map app for easy navigation in 2021, this application can be installed on iOS and Android operating systems. What makes it stand out from some apps is RTC’s detailed offline bike trail maps, walking trails, running trails, and other outdoor activities. Maps can be saved for offline use without an internet connection. The app is focused on Trail which is usually a path, track, or unpaved lane or road and that is why you can search for it on the map, save your favorite, see your current live location, easily find restrooms, and parking on the map. The Android version supports 4.1 and up, while the compatibility for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad in iOS 12.0.
#7. Locus Map Free
The search for locus map alternatives on iPhone keeps on rising because the app is very popular on Android and yet to make a debut for the iOS users. This is one of the best offline map apps because it lets you create, plan, edit, record, save or share your trips, keep the memories, track your performance, and much more. The app is known for being used for hiking, running, cycling, and other outdoor activities. The GPS navigation map feature also allows the saving of map and it can be used without the internet, it contains every hiking path, even the unmarked ones. Pretty accurate GPS position, very detailed map, great overall quality. The app supports OS version 5.0 and up.
#8. Pocket Earth Maps
Pocket Earth Navigation Map app is only on Apple Store, so here iOS has an edge on this offline map app over Android phone users. The app consumes less data for its features but continuous usage has been warned by the developer that it increases battery consumption, so to monitor your data usage, use the best internet speed meter apps. Pocket Earth lets you select the cities or a country’s map you want to download and it can be used offline, the information will be complete and it contains the POIs feature. The app works small towns and isolated areas with no roaming cost. It is free and old iOS 9.0 iPad devices can use it.
#9. Guru Maps
Here comes another of the best offline map apps that can be used on both the iOS and Android platforms. It has offline maps that have well-detailed information across the world, monthly some updates improve the data. Incredibly, you can search for cities or locations offline, either by name, category, or even GPS coordinates. It directs you via voice audio and it supports 9 languages, also it has routes for Driving/Cycling/Walking/Shortest Distance. Also if you use both OS, you can sync your saved data and it will be accessible on both.
#10. GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities
GPSmyCity GPS App can be used as a personal tour guide using its built-in GPS functions. It has an offline map feature that displays over 1k cities around the world. It can be used for travel, and there are well-written guides that will show you landmarks, historical sites, museums, restaurants, nightlife venues, and other interesting spots in over 1,000 cities worldwide. The app find me feature displays and tracks your current location making it our top best offline map app for iOS and Android in 2021.
Conclusion
Offline GPS navigation apps still get useful, though it might not be used often now due to the world facing a pandemic, one’s things normalize such apps will be of higher demand, so you can check them out in advance. They are the best offline map apps you can install on both iOS or Android phones, they are free and offers lots of free features. Make sure you share, bookmark, and check out our other interesting articles.
