Modern mobile devices have quite wide possibilities - they can be used for traditional calls and sending short text messages, surfing the Internet, listening to music, watching video files of various lengths, including full-length films. In addition, they can be used as full-fledged navigators. For this, there are special applications that allow, within a matter of seconds, to determine where the device and its owner are located, to pave the way to the desired point.
There are a large number of specialized programs designed specifically for this. Choosing the right application from them is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. To make it easier for you to choose the right program, we decided to make a rating of the best navigators for Android 2019. Initially, let's figure out what functions these utilities can perform. Perhaps, we will begin with this.
Summary of the rating:
The main question that interests users is whether such a program is paid. We hasten to console: there are many absolutely free applications for which you will have to pay exclusively for the spent traffic. Paid versions exist, but most of them are still absolutely free. The developers of such products earn money by advertising in the application, so it makes no sense to charge additional funds also from users.
Be sure to pay attention to the functional part of the navigator. Many similar programs are equipped with 3D mode, they are able to guide the user along the route, choose the optimal road, taking into account traffic jams, accidents and other problems that may arise along the route. It is not necessary to be the owner of the car to use the navigator. Many programs have a walking function.
It is very important through which satellites the utility works. Almost all foreign developments operate due to the GPS system, however, domestic products also use the GLONASS system, which works exclusively in our country.
When choosing applications for inclusion in our rating of the best navigators for Android, we took into account all the factors considered, and also took into account the feedback of users who already have experience in using one or another program. We tried to collect the maximum amount of information for each navigator so that you can determine exactly which one will be optimal for you.
This development is a rather original application, which includes the most detailed maps with designated key points, which include stationary and mobile road service posts, the location of gas stations, hotels and other useful objects. The standard package contains road maps of 65 regions of the country, over 130 thousand settlements. In general, this application is quite popular among Russian users.There is support for OpenGL here - with this function you can speed up the drawing of a map several times, regardless of whether it is displayed in standard mode or displays objects in the form of 3D models. In general, there are a large number of original functions - you can use an intelligent system that takes into account traffic jams when laying the optimal route.
The program is free to download, but as a standard set you can get only a limited number of cards, you will have to pay extra for the rest. At the same time, it is possible to rent cards of any other states, if such a need arises. Application updates are also downloaded absolutely free. The system requirements here are very sparing - for the utility to work correctly, the Android version is sufficient, starting from 1.6 and up to the most modern, there is support for any screen resolution. The functionality is very wide - everything is provided here for the correct use of the application in any conditions.
Benefits:
- You can independently select a priority satellite, the signal from which will be as stable as possible;
- The orientation of the map can be changed if necessary;
- There is a quick access panel;
- There is a night mode of operation;
- Information on the distance traveled is displayed.
Disadvantages:
- Hiking trails will not succeed;
- For some points you will have to pay extra.
9. City Guide
The first application in our review of domestic production - St. Petersburg programmers were engaged in its development. The first version of the program appeared back in 2006. Since then, a large number of versions have been released, which from time to time have become better and better. The last option became available for download in 2013, after which only updates to it were released. However, this did not affect the functionality of the application. This program is available for download absolutely free, but it has a trial period of only 15 days, after which you will need to pay a certain amount to access the functional part of the application. The cheapest way is for residents of both capitals. For a package that includes both capitals and one region to choose from, you will need to pay more than 1000 rubles. It is this fact that often repels users from this rather useful program, which has a significant number of various functions.
The software itself does not weigh too much - only about 30 MB, but the cards will occupy much more free space on the hard drive of the mobile device: only two cards in the metropolitan regions will weigh about 350-400 MB. The system requirements here are quite sparing. The application does not create any serious problems for RAM or graphic type, it is able to work with operating systems from version 1.6 and higher. The interface is quite familiar to most similar utilities. All the main controls are at hand, if necessary, you can change the scale and tilt of the map, in 3D mode, houses and buildings display their real height. The program will not slow down even if installed on a phone that does not have a high level of performance.
Benefits:
- Maps are updated absolutely free;
- You can save the route and use it again if necessary;
- The navigation bar is very convenient;
- Stable communication with multiple satellites at once, which ensures high accuracy of positioning.
Disadvantages:
- You have to pay for a lot;
- Missing satellite overview screen.
8. Maps.Me
The program is easy to use, the user will have to spend literally two to three minutes in order to fully understand its functionality. The quality of the cards is on top: they are very detailed, loaded in a matter of seconds.Another indisputable advantage is that they take up little physical space in the memory of the mobile device. All cards here are absolutely free. To save free space on your phone, you can not download absolutely all the cards, but before installing, select the necessary countries and regions. The program can be used both online and without an Internet connection. In the latter case, the route will have to be laid without traffic jams and accidents, which is not always convenient, so it is best to establish a connection before turning on the application. The program menu is very simple. Another feature of the program is the ability to load additional cards, if they suddenly have a certain need.
Necessary and most important places on the map can be saved in bookmarks. In real time, the direct distance to the object is displayed, both directly and when plotting the path. Navigator will be very useful for pedestrians. Maps in rural areas are not well defined, but you can still see all the necessary objects if necessary. There is an additional option "Planet", which allows you to work with satellite images or topographic maps.
Benefits:
- The program is completely free;
- It can work without connecting to the Internet;
- High accuracy of the paved route;
- The path can be adjusted directly during the movement.
Disadvantages:
- Low level of map detail when traveling in rural areas.
7. Route 66
This program is an extremely high quality navigation product. When drawing objects and terrain, vector maps of the TomTom format are used here, which today are recognized by all developers of similar software as the highest quality. The application has a number of features: all fairly large objects differ in decent detail. All maps are current, when using online navigation, the user will be informed of the real data about the spent traffic. When this mode is activated, relevant information will be provided regarding traffic, the location of the road cameras (this applies not only to stationary, but also mobile - the so-called "tripods"). Another possibility is the pre-installed most modern navigation “Follow Me”.
All maps are drawn smoothly and at high speed, there are no jerks or unloaded areas. Installing the application is very simple. The optional Follow Me feature is original. A virtual car will be displayed on the smartphone’s screen, which will tell the driver about where to turn with turn signals and other signals.
Benefits:
- The presence of a number of original features;
- There is information about all the stationary cameras on the way, and the navigator receives data about tripods via satellite;
- All maps and objects on them are carefully drawn.
Disadvantages:
- For cards that are not included in the standard package, you will have to pay extra;
- Information about traffic jams along the route is not periodically displayed correctly.
A relatively new application, which became available for download only in March 2012. This is an absolutely free utility - additional maps can be downloaded absolutely free. By and large, the program is an analog of Yandex.Maps, which were simply optimized to work on mobile devices, but this did not make them any worse. Here, a guidance function is provided for a given route, a voice assistant is provided that will prompt the driver about the need to turn, the presence of surveillance cameras on the road, and so on.The application is completely not demanding in relation to the operating system, processor, built-in and RAM, and other resources of the mobile device. Regardless of the version of the operating system, it will not slow down; there are no additional requirements for display resolution.
The application interface is very simple, no serious differences from the browser version can be found here. However, the developers still came up with a number of additional features - you can return to the original location. There is a 3D mode, if necessary, you can change the angle of the map with respect to the horizon. The display mode is also customizable - standard layout, satellite view or international format. 3D mode in all functions approximately the same. There are not too many hot buttons here - you can change the scale, change the orientation of the map, put certain marks.
Benefits:
- The interface is practical, familiar and, therefore, quite convenient;
- Does not need serious system requirements;
- Easily paves even a difficult route.
Disadvantages:
- Weakly pronounced night colors.
5. HERE Maps
The navigator was developed by Nokia specialists. Users were able to appreciate the application. The only difficulty that a person who has downloaded the utility may encounter is the need to register at the first start. However, this point can be easily ignored if it is not planned to save routes and places. The main part of the application’s working window is a detailed map of the area where the person is located. In the corners you can see several buttons of small sizes. There are several navigation functions for a different way of moving to a selected point: by public transport, by car or on foot. The interface is intelligently clear and friendly, the map display style can be changed if necessary. The program has a function of voice prompts, and they can be voiced in Russian, however, for this you will have to download an additional extension.
If necessary, the application can also be used offline, which implies the lack of an Internet connection. But just for this you will have to pre-download a detailed map of the region, which will need a certain amount of free space in the memory of the mobile device. The information displayed on the card is quite detailed and up-to-date; by its functionality, it is quite capable of competing with such a widespread utility as Google.Maps.
Benefits:
- An interesting application with many diverse features;
- If necessary, you can choose a method of transportation;
- The ability to use offline;
- Intelligent interface, which does not have to be long to understand.
Disadvantages:
- On weak devices, the application slows down somewhat.
Completely free program, so many users prefer it instead of the standard navigators embedded in the mobile device. In fact, the application is a traditional navigator that works on the basis of data received via GPS satellites, additionally equipped with voice prompts. Products support many languages, including Russian. Maps are very detailed, they can be used both when connected to the Internet, and offline, but they will have to be downloaded to the phone’s memory. The resolution of the cards is very high, so the scaling and clarity of the image is very clear.
The application management is intuitive, the menu is carefully thought out, so the user will be given access to almost all the functions available in the program. The system requirements are quite loyal - it is enough that the phone is equipped with an Android operating system version of at least 2.3 or higher.There are no separate requirements regarding the operating system, processor clock speed. The minimum amount of free space in the device’s memory is 48 MB, downloaded maps will also need a certain place.
Benefits:
- Calculates a route to a given point within seconds;
- Can be used without internet connection;
- Several navigation modes, including pedestrian;
- Absolutely free application.
Disadvantages:
- Not compatible with some Android devices.
3. iGO
In third place in the ranking of the best navigators for the Android operating system is an application designed specifically for people who travel a lot around the world. There are detailed road maps here over a hundred countries, and the number of people downloading this application is currently approaching the millionth mark. The application has a significant number of useful features. In particular, it can be used to lay a route to the desired point in several ways. There is an expanded infrastructure base, which includes restaurants, cafes and other facilities that a person may need. The standard map can be switched to 3D format, thanks to which you can achieve optimal visualization of the terrain. Using the utility, you can review road junctions. If necessary, it can work completely offline.
You can download a special extension designed for truck drivers. Additional parameters of the car are laid in it, taking into account which the route will be compiled. The interface here is no different from similar programs. The upper and lower frames are quite wide, but the map is noticeable very well. The three-dimensional image is drawn quite high quality. The system requirements, as for most applications of our review, are minimal here. The only difference is the requirements for RAM (it should be at least 512 MB).
Benefits:
- The application takes up minimal space in the phone’s memory;
- Extended list of cards;
- Reliably works offline;
- Carefully thought out navigation on the program.
Disadvantages:
- Some cards will have to be purchased separately.
2. Waze
It downloads and installs just like any other application. Before the first launch, the user will be asked to read the license agreement and accept its terms, as well as register his phone number in the database. The program will automatically be able to determine the location of the user, so immediately an interactive map of the city in which the person is located will be displayed. For this to be done correctly, you must activate the geolocation function and access to data - you can do this in the settings of your gadget. Using the navigator is very simple - you need to set the end point of the route or several points in the required sequence. The most frequently used routes can be saved. The path is calculated in a few seconds. In this case, the program will coordinate the data with the satellite, taking into account the traffic situation, including all the difficulties encountered - traffic jams, accidents, work, and so on.
You can control the application by voice, there is also a voice assistant that will prompt you where to turn, and will also inform you of proximity to surveillance cameras and recording violations. The program contains data on all important objects such as shops, gas stations, various social institutions. When calculating the route, the user will be offered several options with an indication of the length and approximate time spent on the route.
Benefits:
- The application is absolutely free;
- Convenient navigation;
- Friendly interface
- Constant communication with the satellite;
- 3D mode is provided;
- Not demanding on system resources.
Disadvantages:
- The length of the alternative routes in some cases is not entirely accurate.
1. Google Maps
It is unlikely that any of our readers will be surprised to see this application in the leaders of our rating of the best navigators for Android. There is a huge number of useful functions, there is support for GPS navigation, which allows you to easily navigate in any city without fear of getting lost. In order for the program to work as correctly as possible, you should provide the device with stable access to the Internet so that all data is transmitted in real time. This will allow you to consider absolutely any place on the world map. No one is surprised by the built-in voice assistant. Its volume is adjustable, if desired, it can even be completely turned off. There are current maps not only for drivers, but also for pedestrians and even for cyclists. Constant communication with the satellite provides up-to-date information regarding the traffic situation. The route is laid optimal both in terms of the duration of the journey, and in length.
There is a panoramic street view function - so it will be much easier for the user to navigate the terrain. There is a schematic representation of various institutions - airports, hotels and hotels, shops, museums and so on. With this application, you can easily find a cafe or gas station. If you have access to the Internet, you can consider detailed maps of more than 220 countries. The user can easily navigate even in a completely unfamiliar city.
Benefits:
- Detailed roadmap of many countries;
- High-quality construction of the path, including alternative options;
- Very convenient interface;
- There is a night mode.
Disadvantages:
- Needs constant internet connection.
In conclusion, a useful video
So we examined all the useful features of navigators for the Android operating system. If you have any questions about this or that application, then do not hesitate to ask us in the comments to this article. We will try to quickly respond to your message and suggest the data you are interested in.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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