A long road trip is subject to weather, closures, and peak traffic times.
Save time behind the wheel and check out these traffic apps that guide you quickly to your destination.
Tried and True Navigation: Google Maps
Saves frequent locations.
Getty Images: Nakhorn Yuangkratoke / EyeEm
Links to Google reviews for points of interest and recommendations.
Download maps for areas where you’re headed.
Projects what time you should leave locations to make your next appointment.
Sometimes unsure which direction the user is traveling.
It drains the battery.
Google Maps is one of the most prominent traffic navigation apps.
Google Maps isn’t limited to drivers.
Use the app to get walking, cycling, and public transit directions.
Street View shows panoramic images of most locations.
Withbillionsof downloads in the Google Play store, it’s a solid choice for your navigation.
If service is a concern, use the app to download offline maps.
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Proactive Navigation Exclusively for Apple Users: Maps
Attractive iOS-style interface.
Not available as an Android app.
Offline access requires at least iOS 17.
Apple now offers improved maps, satellite imagery, city guides, and cycling navigation.
Sygic
This traffic app recommends travel times and routes based on your frequent locations and calendar.
Maps also provides Yelp reviews and informational links for points of interest.
Best for Live Traffic Alerts: ETA
Beautiful user interface.
Estimates travel time for driving, walking, and transit.
Includes Apple Watch complication.
Not available for Android.
The app is not free, and additional features like calendar syncing costs extra.
Navigating Smarter With Friends: Waze
Voice controls for hands-free navigation and event reporting.
Alerts-only mode for heads up on road hazards and police without turn-by-turn directions.
Reports your ETA to friends and allows them to track your progress.
Music integration is neat but the widget can get in the way.
Cluttered maps can be confusing.
Battery drain higher than Google Maps.
Additionally, it takes the calendar integration one step further.
It can evencustomize your voice optionsby recording your voice to give directions.
Global Navigation With Real Views and Heads Up Display: Sygic
Sygic
Great turn-by-turn navigation.
Global user base and offline capabilities make this an excellent choice for navigation outside the U.S.
Automatic Premium+ trial.
Works as a dashcam app.
Lots of features hidden behind a monthly subscription.
Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity cost.
The base app is free, including offline options for downloading maps.
Choose from options like shortest distance or fastest in selecting your route.
Public transportation information, including fares.
Large, easy-to-see buttons.
Avoid U-turns, toll roads, unpaved roads, tunnels, and more.
Voices are a little robotic-sounding.
Does not automatically convert to your current location’s units of measure if you travel.
HERE WeGo is your go-to for city navigation, especially if you need access to maps offline.
Customize your vehicle icon.
Can display points of interest while you drive.
Map data is not as robust as Google-based options.
