The 7 Best Navigation apps in 2024

Zoe Williams

Zoe Williams

Published on October 10, 2023

Welcome to the digital crossroads of 2024, where your smartphone isn't just a gadget – it's your trusty co-pilot on the roads of life! Navigating through the labyrinth of city streets, quiet backroads and everything in-between has never been easier, thanks to a range of navigation apps at your fingertips. But here's the million-dollar question: with so many options competing for a spot on your home screen, which ones truly deserve the honor? Fear not, dear reader, because we've scoured the digital highways and byways to bring you the definitive list of the 7 Best Navigation Apps of 2024. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through app excellence that will not only guide you to your destination but might just make the journey more fun than the arrival!

Komoot app main image
7
Komoot

Komoot

Outdoor activities apps

4.6

Komoot
Open

Komoot

Let's kick things off with Komoot, your adventure-loving companion that whispers in your ear with non-intrusive directions, whether you're hiking up a mountain, cycling through winding trails or just enjoying a leisurely run. Picture this: you're deep in the wilderness and your data signal is as lost as a city slicker on a goat trail. No worries! Komoot's offline maps have got your back, ensuring you're always on track without chipping away at your data plan. It's like having a knowledgeable guide who doesn't mind if you stop for a selfie or two!

Tomtom go navigation app main image
6
TomTom GO Navigation

TomTom GO Navigation

GPS Navigation Apps

3.5

TomTom GO Navigation
Open

TomTom Go

In the number six spot, TomTom Go zooms in with a promise to make your drive as smooth as your favorite jazz track. This app is like a sixth sense for drivers, alerting you to traffic jams, pesky road accidents and those sneaky speed cameras hiding behind billboards. And for the cherry on top? It points you to the cheapest gas station along your route. Imagine saving some bucks while avoiding traffic snarls – that's TomTom Go turning every trip into a joyride.

Alltrails app main image
5
AllTrails

AllTrails

Outdoor activities apps

4.8

AllTrails
Open

AllTrails

Calling all trailblazers and nature lovers! Sliding into the fifth spot is AllTrails, your go-to digital guide for outdoor escapades. Whether you're a hiker, biker or just a nature enthusiast, AllTrails is like your personal scout, offering thousands of trails and paths to explore. It's like having a treasure map in your pocket, but instead of X marking the spot, it's a breathtaking viewpoint or a serene lakeside picnic area. Get ready to lace up those boots and embark on a journey where every trail tells a story!

Osmand app main image
4
OsmAnd

OsmAnd

Maps and direction apps

4.4

OsmAnd
Open

OsmAnd

Cruising in at number four is OsmAnd, a navigator that’s as adaptable as it is insightful. This app is more than just a map; it's your personal guide through the world's streets and alleys. Picture OsmAnd as your own cartographer, offering you the power to filter maps to your heart's content. Whether you’re on the hunt for a quick snack at a nearby convenience store or seeking out a hidden gem of a local attraction, OsmAnd is there to light the way. It’s like having an expert local guiding you, ready to reveal the best-kept secrets of any locale, from the busiest metropolitan hubs to the quietest hamlets.

  

And let's not forget, OsmAnd is your go-to travel buddy, especially when you're off the grid. Those downloadable maps mean you're never really lost, even when you're away from civilization. It's like having a compass, a tour guide and a local expert, all rolled into one. 

Sygic gps navigation and maps app main image
3
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

GPS Navigation Apps

4.2

Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps
Open

Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Stepping onto the podium at number three is Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps, a globetrotter's dream come true. This app doesn’t just give you maps; it gives you the world in your hands, with regularly updated maps of every nook and cranny globally. Off to Paris, Tokyo or just a road trip to the next state? Sygic’s got your back, both on and off the beaten path. Imagine wandering through foreign streets with the confidence of a local or finding that hidden beach spot without a hitch. Whether you're a city slicker or an off-road adventurer, Sygic is like having a savvy local friend in every corner of the globe.

Google maps app main image
2
Google Maps

Google Maps

Maps and direction apps

4

Google Maps
Open

Google Maps

Sitting proudly at number two is the ever-familiar Google Maps. It's the go-to navigator for just about everyone with a smartphone. Wherever you're headed – be it navigating the twists and turns of a big city or finding a cozy little spot in a sleepy town – Google Maps is your trusty companion. This app has been downloaded more times than there are stars in the night sky and it’s easy to see why. It's a comprehensive guide to the world's roads, constantly refined by a global community of users. With Google Maps, you're always just a few taps away from discovering your next  great adventure or the quickest route to your destination.

Waze app main image
1
Waze

Waze

Transportation and Navigation Apps

3.7

Waze
Open

Waze

Drumroll, please! Claiming the top spot is Waze, the app that turns every drive into a smooth-sailing adventure. Waze isn’t just about getting you from point A to point B; it’s about upgrading your entire driving experience. One killer feature? Streaming your favorite tunes or podcasts right through the app. No more awkward GPS interruptions mid-chorus of your favorite song! Waz e understands that your journey is as important as your destination. It's like having a friend in the passenger seat, giving you the lowdown on traffic, police and hazards. 

 

Plus, its friendly competition with Google Maps keeps things interesting, ensuring that Waze is always revving up new features to keep you cruising happily a long.If Google Maps is the encyclopedia of navigation, Waze is the street-smart guide that knows all the shortcuts. A true competitor in the digital navigation arena, it keeps things fresh and fun on the road. 

If You Like to Navigate, You Will also Love These Travel apps

Planning a trip to new places? The excellent navigation apps we just explored are your reliable guides, even in unfamiliar territories, making sure you don't overlook any turns or hidden spots. However, as experienced travelers understand, a seamless journey involves more than just a reliable map. It's a combination of carefully selected apps that transform your journey from a simple excursion into an extraordinary adventure.

 

First up, let's talk about PackPoint. It's like having a personal packing assistant. You tell it your destination, the length of your trip and the activities you've got planned and voila! It generates a custom packing list, ensuring you never forget your swim trunks for a beach getaway or that fancy dinner outfit for a night out in Paris. Next, there's XE Currency Converter. Picture this: you're in a bustling market, eyeing a souvenir. But wait, how much does it actually cost in your currency? XE to the rescue! Real-time conversion rates at your fingertips mean you're always in the know, saving you from those "lost in translation" moments with money. 

  

And for those moments when hunger strikes in a foreign land, Yelp becomes your culinary guide. It's like having a local foodie in your pocket, directing you to the best eateries, from hole-in-the-wall wonders to five-star dining experiences. Yelp doesn't just find you a place to eat; it connects you with the heart and soul of the local cuisine. With these apps in your arsenal, every journey transforms into a seamless, exhilarating experience, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the wonders of the world. Bon voyage!

Conclusion

As we wrap up our digital journey through the best navigation and travel apps of 2024, it's clear that the way we explore the world has been revolutionized. From navigating serene hiking trails with Komoot to finding the perfect dining spot with Yelp, these apps are not just tools; they are gateways to new experiences and adventures. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a weekend road tripper, these apps promise to enhance your journeys, making them more convenient, enjoyable and memorable. So, as you pack your bags and set your sights on new horizons, remember that the world is just a tap away. Happy travels and may your adventures be as limitless as the apps at your fingertips!  

My Personal Recommendation

“I've got to give a personal shoutout to Waze. There's something about seamlessly blending my road trips with my favorite tunes and podcasts that transforms every journey into a joyride. Whether I'm grooving to classic rock anthems or catching up on the latest true crime episodes, Waze ensures I never miss a beat or a turn. It's more than just a navigation tool for me; it's a travel companion that sings along, tells stories and keeps the vibes high, mile after mile. For anyone who loves their soundtrack as much as their destination, Waze is a game-changer.”

Zoe Williams

Zoe Williams

Verified Reviewer

Verified Reviewer

Zoe Williams writes with a big curiosity in music and the entertainment industry. She loves games and social media and has always dreamed about becoming her own Lara Croft. Her favorite apps? Last Day on Earth (game) and Disney+.

Writer for since October 2023

X
Zoe Williams

Zoe Williams

Verified Reviewer

Verified Reviewer

Zoe Williams writes with a big curiosity in music and the entertainment industry. She loves games and social media and has always dreamed about becoming her own Lara Croft. Her favorite apps? Last Day on Earth (game) and Disney+.

Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023

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