Top 10 Best Navigation Apps Available: Free for Android & iOS in 2024

When it comes to finding our way around the world our once trusted sat navs have taken a back seat and smartphones are now leading the way with app stores bursting with comprehensive navigation apps. Despite even having built-in sat nav systems in cars, it still seems the handy mobile phone is our go-to for directions instead. When looking for the best navigation apps available on the market in 2024, it's important to consider which one is worth taking up your phone's storage space.

Whether the app is free to download, available on Android or iPhone or has the integrated features you're after, check out our list of the top 10 navigation apps available and see which one is right for you. Along with providing the latest up-to-date travel advice, we've hand-picked navigation apps that'll take the hassle out of navigation so you don't have to. Even if you're feeling lost right now, these apps will soon point you in the right direction!

1. Google Maps

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Google Maps is possibly one of the most recognised GPS navigation available. With Google Maps you can search for directions to anywhere in the world and, along with driving, this app has support for public transportation, walking and cycling. You can download maps ahead of time and access these offline which is ideal if you're travelling to an area with uncertain internet connection. Not only will Google Maps help you to travel the world faster but there's also information available for your destination too, including descriptions of places of interest on the way.

Rated: 4.0/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Free

2. Waze

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Waze is a route planner app that's main goal is to get you to your destination as quickly as possible by finding you the most suitable routes before you set off. Waze is a community-based navigation app in the UK and worldwide, that'll help you avoid the stress of being stuck in a traffic jam or meeting unexpected road hazards along the way. Waze consistently seeks out the best roads and optimises your route using real-time traffic data. You'll receive alerts about traffic, police, hazards, speed cameras, nearest petrol stations and more. Waze is free to download, though your phone data rates would still apply.

Rated: 4.9/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Free

3. Apple Maps

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Enjoy detailed city maps displays with 3D views to help you navigate complex locations with ease. Giving step-by-step instructions for navigating whilst driving, cycling or walking, Apple Maps is the perfect app to help you explore the world in the best way possible. With real-time traffic alerts and directions via subways, buses, trains and ferries, Apple Maps is a comprehensive guide to helping you get about. There are even details for places to visit too including photos, ratings and reviews of the best places to eat and drink on the way. Apple Maps comes pre-installed and is available on every iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Rated: 2.7/5
Download on: App Store
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Apple CarPlay only
Price: Free

4. Karta GPS - Maps & CarPlay

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Beat the traffic with Karta GPS's efficient turn-by-turn GPS navigation that finds the faster routes by avoiding stressful traffic jams. With automatic rerouting as traffic conditions change on the road, this free app generates no cost, along with no worries. You can download maps in advance and travel anywhere around the world without having to depend on an internet connection, as the content-rich maps are usable offline.

Rated: 4.5/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Free

5. TomTom GO Navigation

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Available on Android, IOS or Huawei, the TomTom Go Navigation App is free to download but usage requires you to sign-up for a subscription plan. You can save planned journeys to your account using TomTom MyDrive Route Planner once you've signed up. Additionally, you can sync maps to your navigation device if you have one. TomTom Go will select the fastest and most efficient route to your destination, with as many additional stops as you'd like on the way too.

Rated: 4.0/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: £7.99 p/m or £19.99 p/y, or £29.99 p/y for Family Plan of up to 5 family members

6. ViaMichelin GPS Route Planner

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

One of the best driving apps available in 2024, ViaMichelin provides Michelin maps, routes with real-time traffic and 3D mapping GPS navigation with voice guidance. With multiple routes available, you can select the journey that works for you and optimise your journey based on the traffic conditions that day. Choose between the shortest, the quickest, or even the cheapest route. An added bonus feature is that you can calculate the cost of your trip in advance by selecting the model of your car and the type of fuel you use. The ViaMichelin route planner on desktop allows you to download and save routes in advance as well.

Rated: 4.6/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: No
Price: Free

7. HERE WeGo: Maps & Navigation

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

A free navigation app, available on both Android and iOS, HERE WeGo uses GPS targeted towards city navigation. Traverse the streets with ease and enjoy a carefree journey to your destination. Simply get there on foot with easy-to-follow walk guidelines, take public transport in more than 1,900 cities around the world or enjoy voice guidance with turn-by-turn accurate driving directions, if you're travelling by car. Available offline, you can save your mobile data and stay on course without an internet connection by downloading a map of a region, country or continent beforehand.

Rated: 3.6/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Free

8. MAPS.ME

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Save money on mobile data with the Maps.me app that's available entirely offline worldwide. The No.1 for travel maps, you can download a map in advance and, similarly to Google Maps, this app provides navigation advice for different types of transport. You can conveniently book a hotel-stay from the app too. The exciting travel guides within Maps.me also provide detailed descriptions and photos of places to visit once you've arrived at your destination, so you can make the most of your holiday.

Rated: 4.7/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Free

9. MyRoute-App Navigation

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Providing the ultimate in navigational experience, MyRoute-App app consists of an award-winning route editor that is initially free for everyone and easy to use. This navigation assistant is suitable for Android, iPhone, Tablets, iPads and Windows Phone. With MyRoute-App you'll be able to confidently travel to every corner of the globe and know an efficient way of getting there! Packed full of premium features, download the app today and enjoy a free trial to decide if this is the best app for you.

Rated: 3.5/5
Download on: The App Store |
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Available soon on Apple CarPlay
Price: Free trial/ Subscription Fee

10. Roadtrippers - Trip Planner

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

As the name suggests this is the perfect navigation app for planning a road trip! The app provides information on exciting places to visit, from restaurants and hotels to national parks and interesting roadside attractions. The No.1 best driving app for planning your next summer road trip, you can build your route in the app and use turn-by-turn navigation to lead you there. Along with places of interest, Roadtrippers will highlight scenic viewpoints too.

Rated: 4.7/5
Download on: App Store | Google Play
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto: Both
Price: Roadtrippers Plus Premium p/y