What map app is the best on Apple Carplay and Android Auto?

Smartphones make for great co-pilots when you’re behind the wheel, but you don’t need to stick with their default navigation apps.

Whether you’re heading somewhere new or making your usual run, your phone’s sat-nav features can really come in handy when you need to get from A to B.

Even if you know the way, a sat-nav app riding shotgun can help with lane guidance as you approach a busy intersection. It can also warn you of dangers, as well as safety cameras, with the ability to quickly plan a new route to avoid traffic jams.

You can’t hold your phone while driving, but rather than just sit it in a hands-free cradle, you might be lucky enough to have a car entertainment system which supports Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto. This lets you connect your phone to your car and then control everything from the big screen in the dashboard.

By default, iPhones and Androids rely on Apple Maps and Google Maps respectively. Sticking with the default can offer some advantages in terms of advanced integration, but it’s easy to experiment with a few alternatives if you’re looking for a new navigator.

Waze

CarPlay and Android Auto

If you’re after the optimal route across town each day, Waze is a great free app for keeping an eye on ever-changing traffic conditions. It lets drivers report a wide range of hazards and delays in real-time, helping you avoid trouble while getting to your destination more quickly and displaying a more accurate ETA.

CarPlay and Android Auto

If you’re a fan of the clean TomTom sat-nav maps, TomTom GO Navigation brings a similar look and feel to your smartphone. The app is also less reliant on mobile data, offering real-time Live Traffic and Speed Camera Alerts but relying on offline maps which are updated weekly. You’ll need to pay for a subscription after the free trial.

CarPlay and Android Auto

Sygic GPS Navigation also uses TomTom maps for guiding you around town, but it offers a few extra benefits. The app can double as a dash cam and uses Augmented Reality to overlay driving directions over its view of the road. There’s a free version but you’ll need to pay for advanced features like step-by-step navigation and voice instructions.

Roadtrippers – Trip Planner

CarPlay only but app also available on Google

If you’re embarking on an epic road trip, Roadtrippers – Trip Planner offers pre-made trip guides for must-see stops and things to do. It’s your guide for discovering those hidden gems, from restaurants and accommodation to roadside attractions. The free version allows you to plan your route with up to seven waypoints, while Roadtrippers Plus allows up to 150 waypoints and unlocks other features.

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