The Best Free GPS Apps for Your iPhone

 

#iphone #gps #freeApps
While standalone GPS devices remain popular, more and more people are turning to their iPhones for driving directions. GPS apps are more sophisticated than ever, with accurate maps, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, and features such as traffic and safety camera alerts. We tested many of the free (and paid) apps available for iOS devices to help determine which ones will get you to where you're going the fastest, and which ones aren't even worth the download.
Note that while all of the reviews here are of iOS apps, most are available in Android counterparts as well.


GPS Apps vs. GPS DevicesBefore we get to the apps, let's discuss why you'd still consider a standalone GPS in the first place. Physical devices offer some features that apps don't, but that list is quickly shrinking. Some GPS units have screens as large as seven inches, which you can't beat with a smartphone, unless you have an absolutely huge phablet, or use a tablet. Often you'll get more information on the screen, such as your current speed and the speed limit. And most GPS devices offer multi-segment routing (a trip with one or more stops along the way), while many apps only allow for one starting point and one destination.
Navigating also takes a heavy toll on your smartphone's battery life, since you have to have location services turned on and your device won't be able to go to sleep during long trips. In addition, it may be harder to hear voice prompts on a phone's smaller speaker, and you'll need to buy a separate mount to go hands-free. Nearly all standalone GPS units come with one or two auto mounts and a car charger.
On the other hand, smartphone apps offer some benefits. For instance, apps are more likely to receive regular updates and faster software upgrades. You'll have to connect your GPS device to your computer in order to receive updates, or at least hook it up to Wi-Fi, which is probably not available in your car.

Only on AppsUnique to mobile apps are integrated walking, cycling, and public transit navigation, which can be very useful when you're in a new city, or simply visiting a place you've never been. A few apps, including Google Maps, offer cycling directions and integrate bike-only routes into their maps. A handful of apps offer walking navigation, though some that do have limitations or errors.
Transit directions are another benefit of apps. Many people travel by a combination of driving, walking, and/or public transit, so having access to all three in one handy app makes sense. Our top picks offer accurate public transit directions with up-to-date schedules.
Apps are also usually easier to search for points of interest (POIs), and you can simply pull up your phone's Web browser and search for what you're looking for if you don't find what you need in the app; you can't do that on a standalone GPS. Smartphones also offer enhanced control over most GPS devices, like the ability to zoom in and out of map view, or tweak your route by dragging it across a touch screen.
Ultimately, if there's already a smartphone in your pocket, it can't hurt to give one of our top-rated GPS apps a try. All are free to download, so you can test a few to see which one works best for you.

Pecmag