There are tons of navigation apps available for Android. But only a fraction of it has offline functions. This is particularly annoying when the data volume has already been used up or you are in an area with no reception. Because an offline navigation app is particularly important "in the middle of nowhere". We have put together the best navigation apps for you, which can also be used conveniently offline. And best of all, they are all available for free.
Attention: There must be enough memory available on the smartphone, as the maps must be loaded onto the device in order to be available offline.
Google Maps
In addition to the apps of larger navigation manufacturers such as TomTom or Navigon, Google Maps is probably the best-known navigation app. Popular features from the browser version, such as route calculation or StreetView , are also available in the app. A big plus point: the app is completely free of charge despite the fact that it is free of advertising .
The menu can be used to set that the app can only access the Internet in WLAN . You can also download offline maps for Maps. You can then use this for navigation without using up any data volume.
As soon as your location is approved, you will automatically receive the traffic reports for your determined location. In the event of a traffic jam, for example, alternative routes can be determined as quickly as possible. You can also use Explore This Area to find nearby buildings, such as cafes, grocery stores or ATMs. If you have internet access, you can even access all public transport timetables . Additional views of the street maps can be obtained using Google Earth..
HERE WeGo
The HERE WeGo app , which usually only calls itself "Here" for short, has offline navigation and offline map downloads . Further functions include the creation of a collection of places with frequent destinations. In addition, a location can be set as " home " so that navigation to it can be done via quick access.
Otherwise, the app is not that different from Google Maps. The main difference is that the " Explore this area. " "is not available in Here. HERE WeGo has independently set up a large network of maps in the HEREmaps network. Nevertheless, there is one great advantage of the Here navigation app: It is independent of Google. How you can use Android without Google is explained we give you here.
Navmii GPS world
When you start this Android app, two things are positively noticeable: Before the app can even be used properly, a warning appears . The note basically states that the GPS routes are reasonably accurate, but you should not completely rely on the app. This warning is also known from good navigation devices. Navmii is the only app in this overview that has shown such a warning at all. Incidentally, this notice only appears when you start the app for the first time , so no need to worry about spam.
The second plus point is the direct download of cards. Before the app can be used properly, maps must first be downloaded. It is easy to see that Navmii is designed from the outset to be used as an offline navigation app .
All in all, Navmii makes a good impression. Worldwide maps can be downloaded free of charge. There are also in-app purchases , but these are not absolutely necessary for use with pure offline navigation. A warning of speed traps, no advertising or a speedometer can be purchased. The voice of the voice announcement for navigation can also be changed for a fee, for example to cartoon characters such as Homer Simpson, Wallace & Gromit or Stephen Fry from Futurama..
OsmAnd
OsmAnd is another popular map app that works offline. There is also an online mode for those times when you have a reliable data connection. You can download maps when you start the app.
The GPS part of the app has a number of important functions. These include voice guidance, lane guidance, real-time estimated arrival times, a day / night screen mode, spontaneous driving routes in case you turn wrong, and special bike routes.
In some countries , the offline card even has functions such as opening times and accepted means of payment in shops. This app is also particularly suitable for skiers. There is a paid plugin , which shows route maps for many of the world's most popular ski resorts.
MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME is a completely free GPS app. If you need offline navigation it is definitely worth a look. You can easily download offline maps via "Download maps ".
In offline mode you can use a full search function, voice navigation, detour calculation and public transport. It also shows you restaurants, ATMs and places of interest. When you're online, you can share your location with friends, add bookmarks, and even make hotel bookings without leaving the app. This makes the app a good Android app for traveling.
The maps are kept up to date by OpenStreetMap and are completely open source.
The developers behind the app have also made a promise. All maps and features will be free forever ; there are no plans to introduce a pricing structure. MAPS.ME is ad supported and you can pay to have them removed.
