Free gps navigators for android with offline maps. The best navigation programs for the Google Navigator tablet: enable offline maps on Android

Even an experienced driver finds it difficult to plan a route, because there may be traffic jams, repairs and other unpredictable obstacles on his way. Why waste time looking for a solution to a problem when you've already encountered it? The task is easily solved if the tablet has a special one for the navigator.

Such troubles are encountered not only by motorists, but also by cyclists and tourists who have visited an unfamiliar city. And in everyday life for ordinary residents of settlements, the utility will serve faithfully when searching for cafes, libraries, schools, businesses and shops, but you never know what object the user is looking for - with the navigation program, he will even find an interesting object for photography.

A modern tablet is a super-compact and versatile support in everyday life. Thanks to him, you can always be fully equipped and even use it as a navigator. Many companies release their gadgets already with built-in GPS sensors that can be used without connecting to the Internet.

The GPS module connects to the satellite, which calculates the current location of the user or object, lays the best route. The device already has everything you need to work: maps of countries, a navigation program for Android and a sensor for communicating with the satellite.

The main condition for using the navigation functions is the GPS sensor, which is equipped with a significant number of gadgets. If there is no such module, then the service is possible only when connected to a mobile network. Naturally, the service will be paid, the cost is determined by the mobile operator. Many modern tablet models already have a built-in unlimited, besides, it is cheap.

If, for some reason, the user does not like the provided navigation utility or it is not provided at all, then the user can choose the program based on our statistics. By downloading the paid or free version, we get an excellent service that will work in any situation.

The preference for a GPS application for the Android mobile platform is varied, but I want to focus on the best. So what are the characteristics of a quality and feature rich navigation system?

Specifications of the navigation software

1. Multifunctionality: punctuality in the maps of almost any city (depending on the country), calculation of an acceptable route, taking into account the traffic situation.
2. Great speed and regularity of work, convenient control over the actions of the device.
3. A comfortable way to search for objects of various types: gas stations, cafes, pharmacies, service stations, and so on.
4. Support for the Russian language, voice guidance is also possible.

List of the best navigation utilities

Navitel

According to statistics, the best program for the navigator is Navitel, it is chosen by the predominant number of users of gadgets with the Android operating system. It was prepared by the Navitel Center for Navigation Technologies Corporation. To connect to it, there is no need for the Internet, only the presence of a GPS module is important. If the local network is available, then a number of other unpaid services are opened for the user: Navitel traffic jams, friends, events, SMS, weather and timely updates of the sights of settlements.

The Navitel utility is compatible with any version of the Android OS and a number of other mobile platforms. Free usage period - 30 days without any limit. The download requires a minimum of 45 mb of memory space, excluding maps. Let's say a map of Russia weighs about 1100 MB, Ukraine - 230 MB.

In addition to the navigator, Navitel for tablets recommends using the voice route guidance service, searching for the coordinates of friends on maps, and many other functions.

Possibilities:

• instant informing about the situation on the roadway thanks to the Traffic Jams service;
• malleable and customizable algorithm for finding ideal path directions;
• notification of the driver about the approach to the speed control system "SPEEDCAM";
• convenient search on maps of various objects, additionally a dynamic POI service.

OsmAnd

Of all the variety of navigators that support various versions of platforms starting from 1.6, it is worth highlighting OsmAnd. It does not require an Internet connection, although the system works in online and offline modes. Simply install the apk file and drop the city maps of any country into the program folder. The version is completely Russian-language, free, has a set of detailed maps available for free download with databases of many large Russian cities. Of the shortcomings, a smaller number of functions stand out compared to the classic Navitel GPS navigator.

Possibilities:

• voluminous and detailed maps of areas, they contain information on almost all objects: enterprises, shops, private houses, pharmacies, kiosks, etc.;
• data on the enterprises of the city are up-to-date and verified: addresses, phones, websites, their working hours, etc.;
• determination of the user's location on the map;
• the Taxi Navigator program is an ideal solution for automating the work of a taxi dispatcher;
• two- and three-dimensional visualization of maps from DoubleGIS - assistance was provided in choosing a route for public transport, information about the traffic situation is received, and so on.

MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is a free young service that boldly stood on a par with the leaders in this category. In the software application, you can find a map to any country in the world. The built-in GPS module determines the user's location. The utility is free, has a basic set of features, works offline. It is also important to take into account the significant minus of the program. Most features are only available online.

Possibilities:

• determines the location using GPS, as well as Wi-Fi access points and stations of mobile operators;
• shows a map of the city, takes satellite pictures of the area;
• paves the route, it is possible to automatically rebuild the path in case of various deviations;
• searches for information about city enterprises and organizations in databases;
• provides data on public transport and its routes.

iGO

The iGO utility belongs to high-quality navigation systems, developed under the motto "I go where I want." Actually, this is how iGO stands for - “I go my way”. This is a paid product of the Hungarian company NNG Global Service. The program accepts various editions of platforms, about 40 languages, has an extensive database of maps, but they should be downloaded separately. The utility is able to make new calculations of the route to the destination point at any time if there are deviations from the previously compiled route. The minus of the utility is obvious, its developers rarely update maps. In addition, some small cities in Russia are not on the list of proposed maps at all.

Possibilities:

• reliable calculation of the desired route, up to the indication of the building and the entrance;
• displaying the relief in three-dimensional visualization;
• clear and convenient user interface;
• simple search on POI maps and other objects;
• voice guidance is supported in 40 languages, including Russian;
• iGO Primo Truck - a special navigator function designed for large vehicles;
• flexibility in settings, high speed.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages and positive qualities of a gadget equipped with a navigation system are obvious. But it is also worth highlighting some imperfections. Tablets come in relatively large sizes, so they cannot be installed on the windshield, as the devices will restrict the view.

Another disadvantage is the high need for the navigation system in energy costs. If you plan to take the tablet on a long trip, where it will be impossible to charge the gadget in a timely manner, it is recommended to purchase an additional battery.

Conclusion

What is the most suitable OS navigation program? Each user will choose his own, but it is important to note that the ideal utility does not exist. Any GPS navigator has its advantages and disadvantages, but only the user will have to choose the ideal navigator. We advise you to personally experience each of the options, and not rely on third-party opinion.

There are many navigation apps for Android in the Google Play online market. Many of them require access to fast Internet, which even today not all users have and far from the entire territory of the country. Fortunately, there are so-called "offline navigators". In other words, these are standalone navigators that do not require an active smartphone or tablet. There are both paid and free options.

All that is required for offline navigation on Android is a special application and a map of the country you need. One of the best - Sygic GPS Navigation, CityGuide, Navfree, OsmAnd, MapFactor. I tested on a Nexus 7 2013 tablet (Wi-Fi version) only the first 3.

Sygic GPS Navigation

The most popular offline GPS navigation app with over 30 million downloads. Uses high quality maps from TomTom for work. It has great navigation functionality, has voice guidance. Maps of a particular country are installed in the folder of the program itself in the Maps section and are updated for free.

Sygic is the best offline navigator for Android devices. At least at the time of writing.

Peculiarities :

• High quality offline maps from TomTom and other providers.
• Sound accompaniment of a given course of movement.
• Building alternative routes.
• Optimized graphics for HD displays.

I liked this navigator more than others. I use them even now. Of the minuses - when testing several times, the program stopped working, but in principle there is nothing fatal in this.

cityguide

Quite a convenient and high-quality navigator, supported by free OSM maps from OpenStreetMaps, paid HERE maps from Nokia, as well as maps from national manufacturers. CityGuide stands out for its good quality of work and speed. Perfect for travel or business trips across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and other CIS countries.

Peculiarities :

• Smooth work.
• Unique algorithm for building routes.
• Clear and user-friendly interface.

The name speaks for itself. It's really completely free software that supports amazing HD maps. Guarantees accurate navigation anywhere in the world. Navfree is used by more than 15 million Android device owners.

Peculiarities :

• Detailed HD maps from OpenStreetMap for smartphone and tablet.
• Fast automatic route rebuilding.
• Full soundtrack and availability of the "Search" function.

The OsmAnd application, like the others described above, also has all the necessary tools and navigation functions. This is one of the best applications for Android as a navigator without the Internet. There are paid and free versions. Maps of any country can be downloaded through the appropriate section in the program menu. Depending on the country, files occupy memory from several tens to hundreds of megabytes.

OsmAnd and Navfree can be safely called brothers. They are in many ways similar to each other and have the right to exist.

Peculiarities :

• Search by address and places.
• Support for working with raster and vector maps.
• Operating modes: car, pedestrian, bicycle.

A fairly popular navigator that uses 2D and 3D maps from OpenStreetMaps. Suitable for both navigation in transport and for pedestrians, as it has the appropriate operating modes. If you use it in a car, it is possible to make settings for a specific model by entering the weight of the vehicle, its length, width, height, axle load and other parameters.

Peculiarities :

• Easy to use.
• Navigation in car, truck, pedestrian mode.
• Voice guidance in different languages, including Russian.
• Can be downloaded to SD card.

Conclusion

First of all, I would like to note that this is far from the entire existing navigation software for Android. But it is these applications that have proven themselves well and continue to find new users. Each does not require an active Internet connection.

The programs differ from each other in their interface, speed of work on different devices and some additional functions. Install, test and determine the best software specifically for you.

In today's article, we invite you to get acquainted with the best navigators for Android, because the times are gone when every driver must have a huge paper map so that the road does not lead into completely unfamiliar times. Technological progress has brought many useful gadgets that have made many areas of our lives easier. The brightest minds of mankind have not forgotten about navigation either, having developed special GPS systems, as well as devices that made it possible to track the location.

GPS navigators for Android - how it works

Initially, the functions of the navigator were assigned exclusively to individual devices with the same name. However, subsequently smartphones adopted the ability to track locations thanks to GPS modules, which have become an integral part of even the cheapest device. Smartphones have been good helpers for many users for many years, combining the functionality of several gadgets at once, therefore, the navigation functions in them have clearly not become superfluous.

Enough digressions, let's move on to the review of paid / free navigators for Android. We selected applications based on popularity, user reviews, functionality, offline mode and other characteristics, so each of them deserves attention.

Navitel Navigator

gps navigators: Navitel

One of the most popular navigation software for Android, known in many countries around the world. The application has managed to contain an entire navigation system with accurate maps of more than 64 states. But Navitel Navigator surprises not only with an abundance of maps, but also with a bunch of additional features that will not allow you to get stuck in a traffic jam or fall into an impenetrable fog.

• Distribution: free (first week);
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.1;
• Required version: 2.3 or higher;
• Installs: more than 20 million
• 3D mode: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: yes;
• Offline mode: yes.

Navitel Navigator is distributed absolutely free of charge, you can install it on your Android device from the Google Play application store. For the first 7 days, the developer provides a trial full version of the product, after which you will have to pay for the use of cards, depending on the choice of package (from 790 rubles). A very useful feature will be the offline mode, which does not require an Internet connection to plot a route.

You just need to download the necessary maps from the official website of the developer and put them on the memory card in the appropriate folder.

After that, you can make full use of Navitel Navigator for Android, laying routes or finding the necessary objects. But the rest of the functions, whether it's updates, "Navitel.Traffic" or "Navitel.Weather", will require a network connection.

By the way, about the additional features of the navigator from Navitel:

• Navitel. Traffic jams. In real time, the user receives information about traffic jams along the way.
• Navitel.Friends. An interesting feature that will help you get directions to meet a friend as soon as possible.
• Navitel.Weather. In a few clicks you can find out the weather anywhere in the world for the next three days.
• dynamic POIs. With this feature, you will always be up to date with fuel prices, movie theater schedules and other events.
• Navitel.Events. The navigator will notify you about repairs, accidents and other incidents on the road.
• Navitel.SMS. As a precaution, the creators of the application added the ability to exchange messages without closing the program.
• SpeedCam Warnings. You will also be aware of speed bumps, radars, and cameras.
• 3 D-mode. In three-dimensional mode and with high detail, you can see every fork and building.
• Voice prompts. The application will notify you of found satellites, battery level and other events.
• On-board computer. Tracking a variety of indicators: temperature, speed, etc.

As you can see, the list of features is quite extensive, besides, it is constantly updated with new features. The navigator from Navitel deservedly occupies high places in the tops of applications and definitely deserves the attention of motorists.

Pros:

1. routes to build quickly and easily;
2. Russian language;
3. 3D mode;
4. the ability to work without a permanent connection to the Internet;
5. a wide range of additional features;

Minuses:

1. only 7 days trial period.

Yandex.Navigator

The Russian search giant does not stand aside from the mobile application market, from time to time releasing high-quality programs for a variety of needs. Yandex.Navigator is a free GPS navigator for Android with accurate maps, fast route planning and lots of additional features.

• Distribution: free;
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.3;
• Installs: more than 10 million
• 3D mode: yes;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: yes;
• Offline mode: no.

Yandex.Navigator will build the shortest route to your destination while avoiding traffic jams, construction work, and accidents. The free navigator will offer several route options for the driver to choose from, notify you of toll sections and other events. In addition, the application notifies the user about many other things: speed, distance to the end of the route, etc.

You can install the navigator from Yandex on Android absolutely free of charge from Google Play, and the user immediately receives the full version with all the features. Note that the GPS-navigator constantly requires an Internet connection - this is also its main drawback.

You can manually install the desired maps by downloading them to your computer. So, the application will not have to load maps of the area during the movement, consuming traffic.

You should not leave Yandex.Navigator in the background, as the developers recommend - the application can significantly reduce battery life.

Yandex.Navigator also has a distinctive feature - voice control. It is enough to say "Listen, Yandex" and say the destination address or report an incident. The function for the driver is really useful and convenient.

Pros:

1. several types of map display;
2. the ability to load maps into the phone's memory manually;
3. night mode;
4. 3D mode;
5. voice assistant;
6. constant map updates;
7. free distribution.

Minuses:

1. a permanent internet connection is required.

Google Maps (Maps: transport and navigation)

An alternative navigation app for Android from Google. One of the best navigation apps that has earned a lot of positive user reviews. Google Maps includes maps of 220 countries, provides detailed descriptions of more than 100 million places and easily allows you to get the exact route.

• Distribution: free;
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.3;
• Required Android version: varies by device;
• Installs: more than 1 billion
• 3D mode: yes;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: yes;
• Offline mode: yes.

Google Maps is not just a navigation tool for Android devices, but also a source of information about traffic jams, gas stations and other places. Google's navigator relies on user feedback on traffic congestion to plot a route, and does so quite accurately. Contains timetables and information about public transport routes, so you are unlikely to miss the right train or bus. The navigator will even help you choose the right lane and tell you where you can drink coffee.

What made Google Maps popular to a greater extent is the offline mode support, in which the user can get directions without access to the network.

In the settings of the navigator, you can activate the ability to save sections of the map to the cache in order to plot a route on them in the future without connecting to the Internet.

Many will also like the voice assistant, which will voice important events, and will also allow you to get directions simply by saying the address. Google Maps is an almost perfect free GPS navigator for Android with all the features you need, but it lacks more intuitive controls and fixes for routing errors.

Pros:

1. free;
2. the presence of a lot of opportunities, including offline mode;
3. a huge number of available cards;
4. voice assistant;
5. information about many establishments with reviews and photos.

Minuses:

1. some users complain about not always correct routing.

A fairly well-known free GPS navigator for Android, a distinctive feature of which is the offline mode. The application received a free open source, is constantly being finalized and improved, has a lot of maps and various tourist information.

• Distribution: free (there are paid versions with additional features);
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.2;
• Required Android version: varies by device;
• Installs: more than 5 million
• 3D mode: no;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: no;
• Offline mode: yes.

As mentioned above, OsmAnd is designed for use without an Internet connection. The user can download maps from the open source OpenStreetMap for free (raster counterparts from many other navigators are also suitable) and save them to a memory card so that they do not have to wait for downloads later. In addition, you can save maps in the application itself by connecting, for example, to Wi-Fi.

OsmAnd will not only quickly create a route, but also find the nearest gas station or public transport stop. Supports several modes of operation, has a built-in voice assistant, and also received the function of notifying the driver about exceeding the permissible speed.

OsmAnd can rightfully be called one of the best navigators for Android, but with some reservations. The application has a slightly confusing control, besides it is not fully translated. Route planning errors are also possible.

Pros:

1. free version with a lot of features;
2. offline mode;
3. voice assistant support;
4. Russian localization;
5. regular updates.

Minuses:

1. there is no information about traffic jams and 3D mode;
2. errors occur in the program.

Waze

One of (if not the most) best GPS navigators for Android, which is confirmed by millions of positive user reviews. Waze is a unique navigation program that is based on the actions of each user (anyone can make changes, make notes and even communicate with other drivers).

• Distribution: free;
• Advertising: present;
• Google Play rating: 4.6;
• Required Android version: varies by device;
• Installs: over 100 million
• 3D mode: yes;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: yes;
• Offline mode: yes.

Before us is a navigator on Android, which fits maps of dozens of cities, knows where it is better to drive, is aware of traffic jams and repair work. Waze is integrated with the social network Facebook, which allows you to add users as friends. You will even have your own nickname, under which other drivers will see you. Let the app know about traffic, accidents, and points of interest you pass so that others are aware.

By downloading the Waze navigator to your phone, you will receive a database of constantly updated high-quality maps, a voice assistant that even pronounces street names, as well as information about gas stations and cafes with the lowest prices.

Pros:

1. quality implementation of the application;
2. information about traffic jams and other events;
3. 3D mode;
4. offline mode;
5. the ability to edit the map;
6. lots of unique features.

Minuses:

1. the navigator has some minor flaws in its work - there is room for improvement.

A popular free navigator for Android, which received the ability to work offline, as well as a convenient tiled interface. "7 Roads" has all the necessary functions, allows you to lay very long routes and will not leave the driver without an up-to-date map of the area.

• Distribution: free (there is paid content);
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.2;
• Required Android version: varies by device;
• Installs: more than 1 million
• 3D mode: yes;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: no;
• Offline mode: yes.

It’s worth starting with the fact that the navigator has received a clear and convenient interface, made in the style of tiles (like in Windows 8). And the theme can be changed. 7 Roads receives maps from the popular open base OpenStreetMaps. Maps can be downloaded directly in the application, which is very convenient. Thousands of cards are distributed for free, but there are paid solutions that offer more advanced plans.

GPS navigators: MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is a navigator that should be on the Android device of any traveler. The free app is crammed with free maps, which can also be used offline. With MAPS.ME you will not get lost even in the most remote corner of the planet!

• Distribution: free;
• Advertising: none;
• Rating in Google Play: 4.5;
• Required Android version: 4.0.3 and later;
• Installs: more than 10 million
• 3D mode: yes;
• Russian language support: yes;
• Shows traffic jams: no;
• Offline mode: yes.

The main features of the MAPS.ME navigator are completely free and offline mode, which does not require a permanent connection to the network. The driver can download thousands of maps offered by the open source library OpenStreetMap. Maps load at lightning speed, boast high accuracy and detail. The developers have not forgotten about the description of popular places, restaurants and cinemas.

MAPS.ME lacked the ideal support for information about traffic jams, which is important in large cities. Therefore, the navigator is preferable for drivers who love long journeys to the most remote places.

Pros:

1. free distribution;
2. offline mode;
3. a huge number of free maps with high detail;
4. Russian language;
5. information about sights, restaurants, cafes and other places.

Minuses:

1. there is no traffic information.

Conclusion

A good navigator is an indispensable companion for every driver. And not only car enthusiasts will be interested in these useful applications: the navigator will tell you when the right bus will arrive, lay out a route for a pedestrian or cyclist, help you find a cinema, and with a schedule of screenings. Today we told you about the 7 best navigators for Android and we hope that at least one will become your faithful assistant on the road.

Earlier we reviewed free gps navigators for Android. Today we will select a navigator, focusing on offline work - to work with maps without the Internet by activating the gps connection on your phone. Let's focus on the offline features of navigators and maps that come bundled with android apps.

Offline navigators - participants of the review:

Advantages of offline maps

By default, all mobile navigators are online and may become unstable without a direct Internet connection. In the absence of the Network, navigators do not display maps and do not build routes. All this can become a serious problem.

The problem can be easily fixed by downloading offline maps to your gadget. They will work offline: in Russia, neighboring countries and Europe. Offline maps are indispensable for navigation if you have expensive mobile data or you open the map in a place where there is no Internet access.

Waze is a free GPS navigator that works without internet

The Waze Android app doesn't have the obvious offline save feature of, say, Google Maps. The navigator from time to time requires an Internet connection for full operation. However, there are some workarounds for downloading offline offline maps.

How to save maps offline using the Waze app

In order to download an offline Waze map, you need to:

1. Pre-connect to the network;
2. Open the Waze app on your phone;
3. Enter the address you want to save for offline work;
4. After finding the specified location, Waze will store the data in the cache.

You can use the offline map when traveling in Europe or Russia. Please note that in offline mode, you will not be able to update the data until you connect your mobile device to the Internet. Traffic information will also not be available offline.

How to upload traffic information to Waze navigator

1. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the Internet;
2. Open Waze GPS Navigator and enter the location you want to go to;
3. Waze will calculate routes to your destination and display them in the app when navigating;
4. Click on the Waze icon to open the menu, find the "Settings" icon in the new pop-up window;
5. To save your current traffic information, go to Waze > Advanced settings > Data transfer > Download traffic information > Enable.

In addition to traffic information, Waze will display how much data has already been downloaded and cached by the app.

Google Navigator: enable offline maps on Android

Saving offline maps

1. Connect to a WiFi network, open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
2. Make sure you are signed in with your Google account in Google Maps.
3. Search the GPS navigator for the city or place you want to save as an offline map.
4. Click on the bottom bar of the Google Maps application - the name of the location will be displayed here.
5. In the upper right corner of Google Navigator, a menu will be available with the option to save an offline map.

Google Maps gps navigator allows you to download free offline maps (one of the best in detail)

Some features of offline Google Maps:

• You can pan and zoom the map before saving it. The largest offline map is about 30 square miles.
• You can save an offline map with any name. It is convenient to give a clear name so that you can delete the file or check if the desired city is in the list of saved maps.
• For each map, its expiration date is indicated: it is advisable to check the relevance and update the files as needed.
• Once the map is deleted, you won't be able to use it offline until you download/update again.

View saved offline maps in Google Navigator

1. Open Google Maps on Android with a previously used account;
2. Go to the main menu of the application through the sidebar by clicking on the button with horizontal stripes;
3. Go to the "Offline Maps" section;
4. Actions are available for each offline map: Download, View, Rename, Delete.

Yandex Navigator in offline mode (without internet connection)

Free vector maps can be downloaded through the main application settings. This option is available to owners of both Android and iOS versions of the navigator from Yandex. True, the list of offline maps is limited to the CIS countries and a number of adjacent territories. For most of Europe, alas, offline maps are not available.

Navitel is a popular navigator with offline function

Android Offline Maps transforms your phone into a complete GPS device. At the same time, you do not need to spend money on mobile traffic, which is most often very expensive.

Not all users want to spend time downloading individual locations (as described above). You can download a set of detailed maps for a specific country or region once. One such solution is Navitel Navigator. It is available for Android smartphones and tablets, iOS devices, car navigators.

In the "Buy" section on the developer's website, special packages of offline maps are posted. And not only for Russia, but also for neighboring countries, Europe, the USA, Latin America.

In terms of the quality of map detail, this is perhaps the best offline navigator for mobile devices.

Sygic is an offline navigator for Europe and the USA

Sygic is a GPS navigation app. Supports free 3D offline maps for Android, you can travel anywhere with them (at least it is > 200 countries). Offline maps display Points of Interest - gas stations, cafes, shops, attractions. All that is required to use the maps is to first download them to your mobile device.

Realtime functions work only in online mode. In particular, Sygic offers the most accurate traffic information based on data from 500 million users worldwide. Information is also provided by global car manufacturers, mobile operators, mapping and traffic information providers.

During the first 7 days, you can test all the features of the navigator (including those available with a Lifetime Premium subscription). After 7 days, Sygic leaves only basic features, but this is quite enough for full-fledged work.

Maps.me - GPS navigator for phone with OSM maps

Maps.me is a great free navigator for users looking for offline work and data savings.

Maps.me supports offline OpenStreetMap maps, which are well detailed. Regular users participate in the development of maps. Some maps are qualitatively better than Google Maps. It comes to the point that a shop or path can be marked on the Maps.me map, which are not in other navigators.

Working offline is convenient: in fact, you can get directions without an internet connection on your phone. For offline work, you must first download the map to your device through the menu of the Maps.me navigator.

Maps.me: detailed offline maps for Android

The second option is to go to the desired location and zoom in on it. The map fragment of interest will be loaded into the phone's cache. Offline maps take up only a few tens of megabytes.

What is the best offline navigator?

Let's summarize.

If openness and free maps are important, all offline navigators are good except for Navitela. If you are willing to pay about $30 for quality, Navitel Navigator is a great solution and will no doubt pay back the money invested. This gps program holds its own and is popular.

Navigation Google Maps works without an Internet connection, however, there is still a limitation for Android and iOS versions: you can save only certain sections of the map (one or several cities) for offline use, while motorists most often need more expanded sections of maps .

Waze is a promising navigator with a large community. But keep in mind: not all traffic information will be available offline, and maps are not always perfect in their detail.

Sygic: GPS Navigation displays 3D offline maps for 200+ countries. The application will be convenient when moving around Europe and the USA without the Internet.

Advice. Install not one, but two navigators on your phone. Download offline maps and test each option. Leave the app you like more.

Having a smartphone or tablet with GPS and GLONASS support, it would be strange not to use it for navigation. And in order for the device to learn how to lay routes for you, it is enough to equip it with a navigator application with maps of the area. There are quite a few applications of this kind, but not all of them are equally useful. We hope this article will help you choose a navigator for Android that will satisfy your needs in the most worthy way. The rating is based on the opinions of experienced drivers and travelers.

Waze

The developer positions Waze as a navigator, which is helped to develop by the Russian driving community. And, I must say, such collective support is good for the application: many drivers are switching to Waze from other navigators that they had been using for years before.

The program allows each participant in the movement to replenish it with information: report accidents, traffic jams, roadworks, traffic police ambushes, prices at gas stations and other things that may be useful to other users.

Features and functionality of Waze

Drivers appreciate Waze for up-to-date information, concise interface, stability in work and, of course, free of charge. A big plus is that the program does not lose routes when Internet access is lost and automatically stops accessing GPS when not used during stops. This reduces the battery's rate of discharge.

The disadvantages of Waze, some users attributed the lack of 3D mode and voice search not always working correctly.

Yandex.Navigator

Another free application that travelers have taken to the top navigators for mobile devices. Contains very detailed and detailed information, useful for both drivers and pedestrians who are in an unfamiliar area on the territory of Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Moldova and even Turkey (note to tourists).

Features of Yandex.Navigator

• Building up to three route options to a given object, taking into account traffic jams and other traffic events.
• Warning about toll roads and ferries.
• Displays the number of kilometers left to travel to the final destination, as well as the remaining time until arrival.
• Voice accompaniment of a trip with notification of maneuvers, speed limits, traffic events, radars and traffic police crews, etc. Displaying them as symbols on the map.
• Driver warning for speeding.
• Voice control. The option is worked out much better than in Waze. By activating the control of the "Listen, Yandex" command, you can request the construction of a route to the desired point or search for an object on the map.
• Message to the program of information about traffic events, including by voice.
• Storage of the history of trips and routes.
• Search for parking lots (all - only in Moscow within the Third Transport Ring; in other places of the capital and some large cities - St. Petersburg, Kazan, Kiev, Minsk, Nizhny Novgorod, etc., separate large parking lots are displayed).

The best thing that, according to users, Yandex.Navigator has is the coverage of a large territory (especially convenient for those who travel a lot around Russia and neighboring countries) and the ability to control it without hands. Disadvantages - not always up-to-date maps, especially those far from the center of regions and small towns. And also the fact that the program takes up too much space in the device's memory due to the inability to move cards to removable media.

Despite the fact that it is a paid application (the cost of content starts from 560 rubles), it was preferred by more than 20 million users around the world. After all, this is, in fact, the standard by which the developers of other programs for navigation are equal. Among analogues, it has, perhaps, the largest set of functions, and there is no such driver who would say that Navitel's capabilities are not enough for him.

A short list of functions and features of Navitel

If you install Navitel from the Google Play store, it will be linked to your Google account and not to your device. Thanks to this, you can use the program on different gadgets.

The strengths of Navitel, according to drivers, are rich functionality, always up-to-date information, a large selection of maps and technical support. The reasons for negative reviews are, as a rule, the limitations of the 7-day trial version, local failures, minor inaccuracies on the maps - the same as with all similar programs.

Maps.me

Maps.me is a free and open source Android navigator from Mail.Ru Group. It also functions without Internet access, if you download the necessary maps into it in advance. Not only for drivers: in addition to roads, Maps.me maps contain walking and cycling tourist routes in many countries around the world.

Key features of Maps.me

• Saving mobile Internet traffic and battery power. Important for cycling and walking, especially where there is no cellular connection (for example, in the forest).
• Itineraries are always up to date and very detailed. The maps include objects that are not available in other applications, since the latter are more focused on the needs of motorists, rather than pedestrians.
• On walking and cycling routes, the degrees of the slope of the terrain are indicated - downhill or uphill.
• Mapping involves users of the program, of which there are more than 65 million worldwide. And you can also join their community.
• In addition to creating routes, Maps.me helps you look for various objects on the ground. Search categories: catering points, hotels and hostels, ATMs, public transport stops, attractions. The search function is available both online and offline.
• Directly from the application, you can book a hotel room (only available online, through the Booking.com website).
• The program allows you to send messages to loved ones indicating your current location. For this, cellular communications (SMS), social networks and web messengers can be involved.

The main advantages of Maps.me, according to experienced travelers, are free access to all functions, a large selection of maps (the latter, by the way, are well optimized for mobile devices: with the same amount of content as in other programs, they take up much less space in gadget memory), as well as taking into account the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

There is, perhaps, only one significant drawback of the application. Since users are involved in mapping, the data often contains errors. In addition, some maps are designed better than others. This again is due to user engagement: where people are more active, the maps are more detailed and accurate. And vice versa.

Google maps, transport and navigation

is another free and ubiquitous navigation app for Android. Used and supported by perhaps the most impressive user community in the world. It helps to navigate in unfamiliar terrain and draw up a route of movement in almost any settlement on the globe.

Features of Google.Maps

• Quickly build routes, taking into account the situation on the road. When obstacles appear - traffic jams, accidents, etc., the route is automatically rebuilt. Automatic selection of the least loaded lane.
• dynamic POIs.
• The ability to quickly obtain information about objects of interest on the ground, for example, catering points. Information about the latter may include user ratings, interior photos, reviews, opening hours, prices, menus, etc.
• Possibility to leave reviews about visited places.
• Always up-to-date data on public transport routes.
• Unique feature: displaying the interior layouts of large public buildings: shopping malls, railway stations, airports and stadiums, which helps visitors not to get lost in them.
• Description of more than 100 million objects worldwide, as well as more than 220 regions and countries.

Travelers appreciate Google maps primarily for its simplicity, accessibility and convenience. And many called strange experiments of developers, such as integration into the Pac-Man game program, which only distracts the driver while driving and does not carry anything useful, as shortcomings, or rather, excesses.