In the online market Google play there are many applications for navigation on Android. Many of them require access to high-speed Internet, which even today not all users have and not all over 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. At the same time, 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 to it. One of the best - Sygic GPS Navigation, CityGuide, Navfree, OsmAnd, MapFactor... I tested only the first 3 on Nexus 7 2013 (Wi-Fi version).
Sygic GPS Navigation
The most popular offline GPS navigation app with over 30 million downloads. For work uses high quality maps from TomTom. Has great navigation functionality, has voice guidance. Maps of a particular country are installed in the program folder in the Maps section and updated for free.
Sygic is the best offline navigator for Android devices. At least as of this writing.
Features:
- High quality offline maps from TomTom and other providers.
- Sound accompaniment of a given course of movement.
- Construction of alternative routes.
- Optimized graphics for HD displays.
I liked this navigator more than others. I still use it now. Of the minuses - during testing, the program stopped working several times, but in principle there is nothing fatal in this.
CityGuide
Quite convenient and high-quality navigator, supported by free OSM maps from OpenStreetMaps, paid HERE from Nokia, as well as maps from national manufacturers. CityGID 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.
Features:
- Smooth operation.
- Unique route building algorithm.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
The name speaks for itself. It is truly completely free software that supports great HD maps. Ensures accurate navigation anywhere in the world. Navfree is used by over 15 million Android device owners.
Features:
- Detailed HD maps from OpenStreetMap for smartphone and tablet.
- Fast automatic re-routing.
- 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 best apps on Android as a navigator without the Internet. There is a paid and free version... Maps of any country can be downloaded through the corresponding section in the program menu. Depending on the country, files take up memory from several tens to hundreds of megabytes.
OsmAnd and Navfree can be called brothers. They are in many ways similar to each other and have a right to exist.
Features:
- Search by address and places.
- Support for working with raster and vector maps.
- Operating modes: car, pedestrian, bicycle.
Quite a popular navigator using 2D and 3D maps from OpenStreetMaps. Suitable for navigation in transport and for pedestrians, since it has the appropriate operating modes. If you use it in a car, it is possible to make adjustments for a specific model by entering the weight of the vehicle, its length, width, height, axle load and other parameters.
Features:
- Easy to use.
- Navigation in car, truck, pedestrian mode.
- Voice guidance in different languages, including Russian.
- Can be loaded to SD memory card.
Output
First of all, I would like to note that this is not all the existing navigation software for Android today. But it is these applications that have proven themselves well and continue to find new users. Each does not require an active internet connection.
Programs differ from each other in their interface, speed of work on different devices and some additional features. Install, test and determine the best software specifically for yourself.
The GPS navigator turns out to be useful not only when traveling to unfamiliar cities and neighboring countries, but also during daily use. Voice prompts, warnings about approaching objects, choosing the best route and saving time on the road are its main tasks. Separate devices are intended for navigation, but it is much more convenient to download a special application to a phone or tablet. You can choose the best of them only by direct comparison, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each. Our review presents the top five best navigators for Android with maps without the Internet, which you can download for free from our website.
Application screenshots
What is the app about
Multifunctional navigator created in Slovenia, which will delight you with stable operation and intuitive control. The program interface has been translated into more than 30 languages, including Russian.
Sygic GPS Navigation is a high quality Android navigation app with detailed 3D maps, voice prompts and many additional features. A feature of the navigator is to work in offline mode, you just need to download a map of the desired city in advance and follow its updates. In addition, the app boasts a nice interface, pedestrian navigation and Glympse service, thanks to which you can share your route with friends.
Advantages and disadvantages
Sygic GPS Navigation will become an indispensable assistant for taxi drivers, travelers and simple trips around the city. Its main advantages are:
- Detailed maps of all continents.
- Work without internet connection.
- Free map updates several times a year.
- Turn-by-turn navigation with the ability to choose the best route.
- Alerts for speed cameras, tight corners, and level crossings.
The disadvantages are the following:
- There is no route for trains. What would be helpful when traveling by this type of transport: which station to go to, navigate exactly at the place of arrival, etc.
- Strong battery discharge.
- Sometimes problems arise in the algorithms for building routes on difficult sections of road junctions.
On the whole, Sygic is a good free navigator that will be the best choice in most cases.
Download
Navfree Free GPS
Application screenshots
What is the app about
Travel around the world with Navfree Free GPS. It is completely free offline navigator with voice prompts and no hidden fees.
For navigation, the program uses map data received by millions of users around the world. Thus, you yourself work on the quality of maps, making edits to an existing service. Feedback from users and open access to editing downloadable content are not the only features of this Android application. The navigation system works great both with and without the Internet. A user-friendly interface makes working with the program as comfortable as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages
The strengths of the navigator include the following points:
- Free maps updated daily.
- Ability to make edits using built-in tools.
- Full voice navigation.
- Almost instant route building without an internet connection.
The disadvantages of the program lie in the flaw in the maps, which is due to the fact that they are made by the users themselves. Also, you cannot find the address here by simply clicking on the selected area of \u200b\u200bthe map. Otherwise, this free navigator, which can be downloaded in Russian, does a good job with the responsibilities assigned to it.
Download
MapsWithMe Pro
Application screenshots
What is the app about
If you want to have the best offline maps and navigation on your smartphone, then feel free to download the MapsWithMe Pro program. This application has a record high level of map detail and works on all continents of the world.
- MapsWithMe Pro provides users with detailed offline maps of all countries in the world that can be used offline.
- The information base of the application contains more than a million points of interest (POI): restaurants, gas stations and other organizations. In order not to search again every time, they can be saved in the bookmark list.
- You can also download created bookmarks from other maps.
- In addition, the application can be used as a navigator.
Advantages and disadvantages
MapsWithMe Pro can be called without exaggeration one of the best offline navigators of 2016. It has a lot of advantages, the main of which are:
- Actual and highly detailed maps of all countries of the world.
- An innovative method of compressing cards, as a result of which they take up a small amount of memory on the device.
- The ability to quickly search for points of interest (POI).
The application has no significant drawbacks. Minor disadvantages include the inability to plan a route by public transport.
Download
Maverick Pro GPS
Application screenshots
What is the app about
An easy-to-use service for tourism, navigation in the city and outside it, working on almost all mobile devices under the Android OS.
The program is designed to work with maps in offline mode, which can be previously downloaded for Android for free. Geotracking is supported, with the ability to record a track in one click. In the future, they can be viewed in Google Earth and other applications, as well as sent by e-mail... You can download the navigator and use the navigation for free, but the full capabilities of the program are available only in the Pro version.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Maverick Pro GPS are:
- Ability to convert maps from other formats.
- Geotracking.
- On-board computer that shows speed, altitude and many other information.
The disadvantages include:
What is the app about
Last on our list is a free offline navigation software with some unique features.
The downloaded OsmAnd navigator on your device is not only car, but also pedestrian and bicycle navigation in your city.
- Detailed maps of the area showing streets, lanes and intersections are available for almost all countries of the world.
- Use the night mode, which is ideal for reading information at night.
- OsmAnd will allow you to freely navigate in unfamiliar terrain, allowing you to save the path you have traveled in the memory of your smartphone.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of OsmAnd are:
- High-quality, auto, bicycle and pedestrian navigation.
- View stops and public transport routes.
- Flexible interface customization.
Minuses include the inability to find the specified address on the map by tapping on it in the contacts. Also, sometimes there are problems with the work of voice prompts.
Download
The top five offline navigation apps reviewed do their job well, offering users unique features. Which navigator of 2016 is the best is not possible to determine unambiguously, the input is personal preference. It can only be noted that the most detailed maps are provided by the MapsWithMe Pro program.
Mobile devices with access to the worldwide network make life much easier for people who prefer to travel far from civilization. However, when setting off on the road, you cannot always be sure that there will be a stable connection to the Internet throughout your journey.
Fortunately, there are many GPS navigators available for Android that can work offline. By downloading one of these programs to your gadget, you can choose the safest route and not get lost among unfamiliar streets and highways.
For a while, it was difficult to rank among the best navigation apps. But thanks to numerous improvements and free updates, it has become one of the most reliable and user-friendly programs for Android OS.
Once you've downloaded MapFactor to your device, there is no need for an Internet connection. You only need to update the app once a month to include new items.
A speech navigation system available in various languages \u200b\u200bhas been integrated, and there is also the possibility of preliminary route development. By switching modes, you can see both detailed and simplified maps in 2D and 3D planes.
When traveling on intercity routes, it is more convenient to use simplified schemes, since here you only need to follow the direction of movement. In settlements, it is more expedient to switch to detailed maps, which indicate gas stations, cafes, restaurants, parks and other landmarks.
Sygic
Sygic is one of the most popular apps in various countries. However, with its long-term use, it turned out that the information given out does not differ in absolute reliability. It is possible that some regions of our planet have ceased to be supported.
Despite minor glitches, Sygic remains one of the undisputed leaders among mobile offline navigators. It has a pretty good interface that doesn't tire the eyes and is finger-friendly. The application can only work with GPS, which eliminates the need for a permanent internet connection. Free updates bases and terrain maps are available in most countries.
Overall, Sygic is an excellent choice for those who spend a lot of time on the road. Even if you don't use navigation, locally saved maps will be a great help on the road. For additional features such as voice guidance and detailed instructions, you need to purchase the premium version.
The application has not yet become widespread, although it undoubtedly deserves it. We tested OsmAnd a few years ago and it worked pretty well both online and offline. Its performance, especially when used locally, is relatively slow, but its interface is one of the best among other similar programs.
It would be logical to expect that the download speed of maps will be slower when navigating online, but here the opposite is true. The main functions are implemented at a fairly good level. But the synthesized mechanical voice annoys the ear.
Navmii
When the Navmii app became available for download, high expectations were pinned on it thanks to its beautiful design combined with a range of useful options. Quite a long time has passed, but the functionality has not expanded one iota.
Of course, the navigator works well (if he himself wants to), but the expectations of something unusual, to put it mildly, did not come true. This is a classic case of unrealized potential. When tested on galaxy smartphone S3 had an unstable GPS connection for unknown reasons.
One would assume that Navfree is incompatible with Samsung gadgets, but many people who use it on devices of this brand speak of it very positively. In general, if Navmii works as it should, then there are usually no complaints. Great voice assistant, clear instructions, detailed maps - everything is regularly updated and kept up to date.
Google maps
Continuously improving over the past ten years, Google Maps has acquired a solid set of features. Therefore, many are quite satisfied with this application installed on the Android platform by default.
Along with the option of defining multiple route options and live traffic updates, you will receive complete information about the terrain to be crossed and other necessary nuances that a reputable navigation application can offer.
However, when using it offline, you must first download the part of the map that you need on the way. If this is not done in advance, then you will have to connect to the Internet to plot the route. More recently, there have been several new features, such as the ability to load a large number of maps and store them on an external SD drive. You can also turn on the mode in which online access is carried out only through a Wi-Fi network.
If you are not driving, Google Maps will suggest the best walking or cycling route, tell you how to get to your destination by public transport, and tell you the addresses of local taxi fleets.
Why are navigators needed?
Going astray is not a pleasant pleasure, especially when you need to arrive at the right point by the appointed time. Of course, finding yourself in a similar situation, you can wait for a random passer-by or call someone from your family and friends to clarify the direction of movement. But it's much easier to take your smartphone.
Lack of internet connection is one of the annoying circumstances that adventure seekers have to deal with. In any country, there are areas of terrain that are not covered by cellular networks... In such circumstances, online navigation applications become completely useless.
It should be noted that during testing it was not possible to find one that would give out one hundred percent accurate information. Unfortunately, this disadvantage affects not only offline GPS navigators, but also programs that need a constant connection to the Internet.
You cannot rely on the capabilities of any one application to ensure consistent results. Some of them work great in certain, rather large, territories, but show depressing performance in other regions. Before entrusting a serious route to an offline navigator, try several options to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Earlier we reviewed free gps navigators for Android. Today we will select a navigator, focusing on autonomous work - to work with maps without the Internet, by activating the gps connection on the phone. Let's focus on offline navigation functions and maps that come with android applications.
Offline navigators - review participants:
Benefits 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 of this can be a serious problem.
The problem can be easily eliminated by downloading offline maps to the gadget. They will work offline: in Russia, neighboring countries and Europe. Offline maps are indispensable for navigation if you have expensive mobile traffic or 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 an obvious offline save feature like Google Maps does. The navigator requires an internet connection from time to time to function properly. However, there are some workarounds for downloading offline offline maps.
How to save maps offline via the Waze app
To download the offline Waze map, you need to:
- Pre-connect to the Network;
- Open the Waze app on your phone;
- Enter the address that you want to save for offline work;
- 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 offline you cannot update data until you connect your mobile device to the Internet. Traffic information will also not be available offline.
How to upload traffic information to your Waze navigator
- Make sure your mobile device is connected to the Internet;
- Open the gps-navigator Waze and enter the location you want to go to;
- Waze will calculate routes to your destination and display in the app when navigating;
- Click on the Waze icon to open the menu, find the "Settings" icon in the new pop-up window;
- To save current traffic information, go to Waze\u003e Advanced Settings\u003e Data Transfer\u003e Load Traffic Information\u003e 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 for Android
Saving offline maps
- Connect to a WiFi network, open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
- Make sure to sign in to your account Google to Google Maps.
- Find the city or place in your gps navigator that you want to save as an offline map.
- Click on the bottom bar of the Google Maps application - the name of the location will be displayed here.
- In the upper right corner of Google Navigator, a menu will be available with the option to save the offline map.
Some features of offline google maps:
- You can pan and zoom the map before saving it. The largest offline map size is about 30 square miles.
- You can save the offline map with any name. It is convenient to give a clear name so that you can delete a file or check if the desired city is in the list of saved maps.
- For each card, the expiration date is indicated: it is advisable to check the relevance and update the files as needed.
- After removing the map, you will not be able to use it without the Internet until you download / update it again.
Viewing saved offline maps in Google Navigator
- Open Google Maps on Android with a previously used account;
- Go to the main application menu through the sidebar by clicking on the button with horizontal stripes;
- Go to the "Offline Maps" section;
- For each offline map the following actions are available: Download, View, Rename, Delete.
Yandex Navigator in offline mode (without an Internet connection)
Free vector maps can be downloaded through the main settings of the application. 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
Autonomous android maps transform your phone into a full-fledged GPS device. At the same time, you do not need to spend money on mobile traffic, which is often quite expensive.
Not all users want to waste time downloading individual locations (as described above). You can download a set of detailed maps for a specific country or region once. One of such solutions is Navitel Navigator. It is available for smartphones and android tablets, iOS devices, car navigators.
In the "Buy" section of the developer's website, there are special packages of offline maps. And not only for Russia, but also for neighboring countries, Europe, USA, Latin America.
In terms of the quality of map detail, this is perhaps the best offline navigator for mobile devices.
Sygic - offline navigator for Europe and the USA
Sygic is a gps navigation app. Supports free 3D offline maps for Android, you can travel with them anywhere (at least, these are\u003e 200 countries). Points of Interest are displayed on offline maps - gas stations, cafes, shops, attractions. All that is required to use the maps is to download them to your mobile device.
Realtime functions only work online. In particular, Sygic offers the most accurate traffic information based on data from 500 million users around the world. It is also provided by global car manufacturers, mobile operators, mapping information providers and road traffic providers.
During the first 7 days, you can test all the functions 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 a full-fledged work.
Maps.me - gps navigator for phone with OSM maps
Maps.me is a great free navigator for users who need autonomous work and traffic savings.
Maps.me supports offline OpenStreetMap, which is highly detailed. Regular users participate in the development of maps. Some maps are qualitatively better than Google Maps. It comes to the point that on the Maps.me map a shop or path can be marked, which is not in other navigators.
Working offline is convenient: in fact, you can get directions without having an internet connection on your phone. For offline work, you must first download the map to your device via the Maps.me navigator menu.
Maps.me: detailed offline maps for Android
The second option is to go to the desired location and bring it closer. The map fragment of interest will be loaded into the phone's cache. Offline maps take 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 Navitela... If you are willing to pay about $ 30 for quality, Navitel Navigator will be an excellent solution and, no doubt, will pay off the money invested. This gps software keeps its brand 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 parts of the map (one or several cities) for offline use, while motorists, most often, need more detailed map parts ...
WazeIs 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 terms of 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 application you like more.
