The information age has brought everything to our very fingertips and you can now get the answer to virtually anything in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, you can even get directions when we’re lost, so long as we have our iPhones with GPS apps.
The GPS market as a whole has shifted from bulky standalone devices, to mobile apps. Standalone devices are becoming obsolete these days, as people would rather by a car mount for their phone than have an additional device. The mobile apps are also easier to update, which on the old devices can be quite a technical process.
There are dozens of GPS apps on the iOS market but these next five have shown to be the most efficient. Google Maps didn’t make the list because the app has been less than stellar on the iOS store after performing so well on their own Google Play Store.
#5 Skobbler GPS Navigation 2
This is the closest app to Goggle Maps in appearance of the map itself. The map is also simple and easily understood just like the Google maps app. The best feature about Skobbler GPS 2 is the option of a map upgrade, which allows navigation without an internet connection. This feature could come in very handy should you find yourself lost without a signal. Skobbler has made quite a splash in the GPS market with over 2.5 million downloads of their various software’s. This is app is as reliable as any and the option to navigate without the internet makes it one of the best mobile apps in around.
#4 Garmin Street Pilot
Garmin has been a leader in the GPS market since the inception of the program. They cut their teeth developing in car navigation systems and have built up a solid reputation. Luckily they saw the need to move into app development. Their app supplies driving, walking and public transit directions with a simple, easily understood map. This app also gives detailed vocal directions just like the in car systems. This app has one of the most useful interfaces of any navigation app but the animation isn’t as sharp as it has been on the in car devices. You can still find your way to the general area fairly easily, and important spots like fueling stations are clearly labelled and easy to find as well.
#3 Tom Tom For iOS
This is another GPS giant which was made famous by their in car devices. In February of 2013, Tom Tom introduced a slight upgrade on the iOS app which gave it iCloud synchronization. This allows users to store their settings as well as points of interest and recent visits online. This is one of the best apps for finding random locations like coffee shops or pizza parlours and its map is easy to navigate. Tom Tom for iOS has a system known as IQ route, which utilizes crowd sourced data to deliver more practical arrival times. Tom Tom really delivered a quality app which rivals the performance of their in car devices.
#2 IGo Primo
This app has hands down the best mapping system available on the iPhone. Big, detailed, 3 dimensional images can be seen which make navigating by land mark a breeze. Everything on the IGo screen is simple to understand and the images of the buildings take a lot of the guess work out of pinpointing an exact location. Streets are clearly labelled in large, bold print and this is easily one of the best iPhone GPS apps. If this competition were based solely on which app had the most detailed maps, IGo Primo would win hands down. It also offers vocal directions in both a US and UK accent. Spanish and French directions are available as well.
#1 Magellan RoadMate
Magellan RoadMate mobile is a great service from a very reliable name. This app provides the user a very conspicuous, blue arrow for guidance. RoadMate displays large images of upcoming interstate mergers and clearly outlines the correct path in bright green. Magellan even displays the speed limit in the current stretch of road you’re driving. You can control the music playing on the iPhone from within the Magellan map which is why it’s one of the best overall mobile GPS apps. Magellan also has traffic updates and lane assistance. Nearly every detail you could want in a GPS can be found in the Magellan RoadMate app.
Any of the following apps are great for finding your way through a strange city or a new part of town. Each one has its strong suits and drawbacks so you should consider your own personal needs before investing a GPS system. A word of caution though, if you are heading toward an airport runway because you sat nav is telling you to… Don’t listen to it!
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