Best Navigation Apps On the Market
The only thing more frustrating than using a navigation app is finding the best one for you. We did some searching and narrowed it down to the top three picks:
1) Google Maps
Google Maps is a classic. The intuitive platform and wealth of information have made this app one of the top competitors in the navigation app and GPS app space. Features include turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates, public transit schedules (where available), and download maps for temporary offline use. Plus, the app contains information about virtually every business known to man based on location- you can even download Google Street View to get even closer looks at destinations, businesses, and restaurants. It’s difficult to find a replacement for all of its features and it’s totally free.
2) Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default map system of iPhones and provides directions and estimated times of arrival for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation navigation. Apple Maps has a very simple interface that keeps everything in one place for ease of use— recent search history, saved locations, and information about businesses and places can be found when you expand the search bar. Apple Maps also has a more minimalist approach to its map display which makes it much more user-friendly.
That said, Apple Maps is only available for iPhone users which is a huge drawback to its service.
3) Waze
Waze is one of the hottest navigation apps in the Android and Apple stores. Acquired by Google in 2013, the app shares a few features with Google Maps but has developed many unique features. It’s one of the first apps to successfully use crowdsourced information to provide live traffic updates. Reports from other drivers allow you to avoid everything from jams and accidents to construction and roadkill. It also shows you where police have been spotted, monitors your speed, and alerts you when you go over the limit. Waze is entirely free with no in-app purchases. It’s by far one of the best.
At V&F
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Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has been providing top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield, and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.
This article was originally published in 2017 and is updated annually to reflect the new technology available.