5 Best Navigation Apps for Android (According to Users)

We rely a lot on technology these days, especially for finding our way around. Remember those old paper maps? 

Now, it's all about GPS navigation, especially for delivery drivers. They've got to be quick and accurate. 

But it's not just about finding the right street anymore.

Drivers need to know about traffic jams and other changes in real time.

So, if you're part of a delivery team, you need a top-notch navigation app for your Android phone. 

This article will show you the best ones out there, specifically for last-mile delivery.

Important things to check in a GPS navigation app

Choosing the right GPS navigation app for last-mile delivery means finding specific features that make a real difference in how well it works:

1. Real-time traffic updates. Getting the latest info on traffic jams and conditions helps drivers avoid delays by finding alternative routes.
2. Offline map access. Being able to download maps for offline use is crucial for areas with poor or no internet connection, ensuring navigation even in dead zones.
3. Accurate route planning. Look for apps that can plan precise routes, including many stops, in the most efficient order. This saves time, and fuel, and boosts customer satisfaction by getting deliveries done faster.
4. Turn-by-turn navigation. Drivers need to get voice-guided directions so they can focus on driving safely. That is especially true in new areas where they might miss turns or delivery spots if they're staring at a screen.
5. Automatic rerouting. When roads unexpectedly close or traffic gets heavy, the app should suggest different routes to keep deliveries on time. This flexibility is crucial for staying punctual and efficient.
6. Speed limit alerts. To drive safely and avoid speeding tickets, drivers need to know the speed limits, especially in places they're not familiar with.
7. Integration with other apps. Connecting with other software, like Android Auto or delivery management platforms like eLogii, makes the navigation app even more useful. It streamlines tasks like package tracking and customer notifications.
8. User-friendly interface. A simple, easy-to-use interface helps drivers navigate the app quickly, so they can focus more on making deliveries and less on figuring out how the app works.
9. Frequent updates. Regular updates keep the app fresh and equipped with the latest features to handle evolving routing demands.

5 Best Navigation Apps for Android

Sorting through the multitude of navigation apps can be overwhelming, especially when you're seeking the perfect fit for last-mile delivery. To simplify your search, we've compiled a list of the best navigation apps tailored for Android users.

Best Navigation App #1: Google Maps 

Google Maps stands out as one of the most commonly used navigation apps. It is praised for its extensive features and easy-to-navigate interface.

Key Features:

1. Offline maps: You can download maps of specific areas to use offline, reducing the need for mobile data while navigating.
2. Street view: Provides detailed street imagery to help plan routes, navigate crossings, and locate parking spots.
3. Multiple locations: Allows adding multiple stops along your route, optimizing trip planning.
4. Save parking spots: This lets you save the location of your parked vehicle for easy retrieval later on.
5. Directions: Offers precise directions to destinations and points of interest, utilizing GPS, user input, and traffic data.
6. Real-time traffic alerts: Provides updates on traffic conditions like jams, accidents, and road closures to suggest the fastest routes.
7. Hands-free help: Integrates with Google Assistant for voice-controlled navigation, ensuring hands-free operation.
8. Real-time public transportation updates: Keeps you informed about public transportation schedules and changes as they happen.

Pricing: Google Maps is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Best Navigation App #2: Waze 

Waze stands out as a GPS navigation app driven by its community, renowned for its real-time traffic updates and intuitive features.

Key Features:

1. Real-time traffic reports. Waze provides up-to-the-minute traffic updates. That includes information on travel times, accidents, congestion, and road closures, sourced from its community of users.
2. Spoken turn-by-turn directions. The app offers voice-guided navigation with spoken street names, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
3. Offline maps. While primarily designed for online use, Waze does offer limited offline map functionality. However, these offline maps do not include real-time traffic data.
4. Gas prices and gas station locator. Waze displays real-time gas prices and helps users locate nearby gas stations, enabling drivers to find the best fuel options along their route.
5. Customizable routes and alerts. Users can plan routes, add many stops, and tailor their journey. Waze also features a speedometer function to alert drivers if they exceed speed limits in certain areas.
6. Vehicle-specific modes. Waze supports various vehicle types, including cars, taxis, and motorcycles, offering route optimization and estimated arrival times for each vehicle type.

Pricing: Waze is a free app available for download on the Google Play Store.

Best Navigation App #3: Sygic GPS Navigation

Sygic GPS Navigation is recognized as a sophisticated GPS navigation app, celebrated for its offline capabilities.

Key Features:

1. Offline navigation. Sygic provides offline 3D maps from providers like TomTom, stored on Android phones for GPS navigation without an internet connection.
2. Real-time traffic information. The app offers live traffic data to help drivers avoid congestion and choose the most efficient routes.
3. Speed limit warnings. Sygic displays current and upcoming speed limits, issuing visual and voice alerts if drivers exceed them.
4. Dash cam. Sygic includes a dash cam feature that records the road ahead during navigation, automatically saving the video in case of an incident.
5. Real view navigation. An augmented reality feature overlays navigation instructions onto the live view from the vehicle’s camera.
6. Parking and fuel price information. Sygic provides parking suggestions with live pricing and availability info, as well as live fuel prices to assist drivers in finding the best options.
7. Satellite maps and customization. The app offers satellite maps and allows users to customize the navigation arrow for a personalized experience.

Pricing: Sygic offers a free version with offline maps only. The Premium+ subscription, priced at $19.99 annually, includes all features and live services. Available on the Google Play Store.

Best Navigation App #4: HERE WeGo 

Here WeGo is a versatile navigation app crafted to meet a range of user requirements. That spans from everyday commuting to intricate travel arrangements.

Key Features:

1. Offline maps. Users can download maps to their devices for offline navigation without an internet connection.
2. Real-time traffic information. Here WeGo provides real-time traffic updates, requiring an internet connection and possibly incurring data charges if used while roaming.
3. Speed alerts. The app provides visual and audible alerts if drivers exceed the speed limit, with customizable tolerance settings for different speed zones.
4. Public transport schedules. Here WeGo offers information on public transport schedules, including departure times and various line options, particularly useful in cities with well-developed public transport networks.
5. Satellite view and traffic layer. Users can switch to satellite view for detailed imagery and view real-time traffic conditions on roads. The traffic layer indicates congestion levels, but both features need a data connection.
6. Landmarks and 3D building display. The app allows users to toggle landmarks and view 3D buildings in select cities.

Pricing: HERE WeGo is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Best Navigation App #5: TomTom GO Navigation

TomTom GO Navigation provides a blend of live updates, offline capabilities, and user-friendly features.

Key Features:

1. Clear lane guidance. Provides lane-level guidance to help drivers avoid missed exits or last-minute maneuvers.
2. Live traffic information. It offers real-time updates on traffic jams, incidents, and blocked lanes for proactive route adjustments.
3. Speed information. It keeps drivers informed about current speed, speed limits, and alerts for safety cameras.
4. Ad-free navigation. The premium feature removes ads for an uninterrupted driving experience.
5. Offline maps. It allows users to download and use maps offline, saving mobile data and ensuring navigation without an internet connection.
6. Customizable routes and alerts. It includes features like precise ETA calculations, search, and alternative routes, and the ability to save and sync favorite routes and destinations.

Pricing: TomTom GO Navigation offers a monthly plan for $4.99 and a yearly plan for $29.99. Available on the Google Play Store.

Alternative Navigation App Suggestions

Besides the well-known names such as Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom GO, there are several other noteworthy apps with unique features worth exploring. These apps cater to specific preferences and requirements, offering a range of services from detailed offline maps to specialized routing for larger vehicles:

• OsmAnd. Utilizes OpenStreetMap data to provide comprehensive offline maps and navigation, emphasizing privacy and customization options.
• CoPilot GPS Navigation. Offers reliable offline navigation and routing tailored for larger vehicles such as RVs and trucks.
• MapFactor Navigator. Distinguishes itself with its postcode search feature and detailed turn-by-turn instructions, ideal for efficient route planning in European and North American regions.
• Maps.me. Recognized for its detailed offline maps and user-friendly interface.

Enhance your navigation app's capabilities with eLogii

While a map app can direct your drivers to their destinations, you can boost its effectiveness by integrating it with a powerful route planner like eLogii. This partnership is particularly vital for last-mile delivery, where accuracy and efficiency are paramount.

eLogii is crafted to complement your preferred GPS app for Android, providing a range of features customized for delivery management.

When it comes to navigation, drivers can choose among Google Maps, Waze, and Here.

To pick the right navigation software, simply click on "Open Next Task" ➡️ "Start" ➡️ "Navigate."

Here, you have the freedom to select the provider that suits your needs best.

 The app will seamlessly redirect you to an external mapping service, where drivers can then decide which navigation tool to use for their journey. 

Here’s how eLogii elevates route planning:

• Streamlined route planning. Automatically computes the fastest and most effective routes, cutting down on time and fuel expenses.
• Live tracking. Allows for real-time monitoring of delivery progress, ensuring transparency and providing current information.
• Effortless rescheduling. Simplifies route and schedule adjustments, seamlessly accommodating unexpected changes.

Delivery confirmation. Provides various methods for capturing electronic proof of delivery, enhancing reliability and accountability.