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Apple Maps
3D Look Around feature.
Effective lane guidance and speed limit display.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Navigation screen is free of distractions.
Doesn’t offer map downloads for offline use.
Doesn’t warn drivers of speed traps or roadway obstructions.
It gives an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limit.
On flights, get indoor maps of airport terminals, including the locations of restaurants and restrooms.
Add favorites and favorite locations, and enjoy proactive suggestions.
Google Maps
Convenient voice search.
Highly accurate directions to destinations.
Street views for 99 percent of U.S. public roads.
Requires an internet connection for most features.
Doesn’t run in the background.
Drains the battery faster than similar apps.
Downloadable maps are hundreds of megabytes.
Google’s years of prioritizing Google Maps has resulted in a highly accurate map and points-of-interest database.
Traffic is powered by Waze, which Google owns.
It calculates a way around traffic problems, if possible.
Color-coding indicates the amount of traffic.
The Google Maps feature list includes address and points-of-interest search using the Google Local Search utility.
It offers ratings and local reviews.
It also syncs searches and favorites (with a Google login).
you might also play voice prompts over Bluetooth to use your car speakers.
Waze
Live, community-based traffic information.
Dynamic route adjustments to avoid traffic hazards.
Ads on the screen.
Only useful for drivers.
Not much location information.
Wazeis the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app.
Add a photo to road reports or integrate with social media.
TomTom GO Navigation
A la carte downloadable maps with weekly updates.
Free app includes 50 miles of navigation per month.
After free trial, a subscription is needed for most users.
The iPhone route bar isn’t available on CarPlay.
With the TomTom Traffic feature, you always know where delays are and whether a faster route is available.
Lane guidance is a standout feature of TomTom GO Navigation.
Never miss a turn again because you’re in the wrong lane.
The app is also preloaded with valuable points of interest.
Find destinations faster with Quick Search, which finds locations as you start typing.
Or, tap your favorite destination on the map, and you’re on your way.
TomTomGO Navigation is available for the iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 15 or later.
Gaia GPS
Searchable trail database.
Download topographic and satellite maps to use offline.
Measures distance, altitude, and elevation changes.
Free level limited to the default map service.
Best features and maps require subscriptions.
Although Gaia GPS started life as abackpacking app, it expanded to all outdoor recreational activities.
Wherever you are, use the app’s Discover tab to find hikes and nearby trails.
Skiers find powder and avoid avalanche terrain with Gaia GPS.
