Tired of Google Maps? Try These Android Auto-Navigation Apps Instead

You may be accustomed to using Google Maps for navigation, as it pretty much comes standard with almost every Android smartphone. It allows users to enter locations such as restaurants, addresses, and businesses and direct them there to the best possible routes. Whether driving, walking, cycling or taking public transportation, the app is designed to work virtually anywhere in the world. Google Maps also works on Android Auto, bringing navigation tools directly to your car’s screen. However, this is not the only map app available, as there are other Android Auto navigation apps you can try.

Navigation apps including Here WeGo, Sygic, and Magic Earth are all good alternatives to Google Maps and provide almost the same details and features, while also supporting Android Auto. That said, some of these apps require a subscription to unlock their full features, including Android Auto support.

Sygic is an Android Auto navigation app with functions similar to Google Maps. It’s compatible with Android Auto, but there’s a catch. You will need to be a Sygic Premium+ subscriber to access Android Auto.

The Premium+ subscription costs $11.99 for three months while the annual plan costs $19.99. You also get real-time traffic alerts, mobile speed cameras, voice-guided navigation, and several other features that come standard on Google Maps.

The free version of Sygic is rather basic, offering only a handful of features such as offline maps, search functionality, and route planning. Even the voice-guided navigation and turn-by-turn directions are locked behind a paywall. Although its comprehensive feature set can make it an essential Android Auto app, you will have to shell out some money. Reviews on the official Sygic app page mention that not having a voice guide on the free version is a huge problem for many users.

Magic Earth is a navigation app recommended by many former Google Maps users. However, like Sygic, it connects to Android Auto, but only through a paid plan.

The free version of Magic Earth comes with basic navigation tools that include navigation, map styles, and access to standard maps. On the other hand, the paid version costs $21.76 per year and includes offline maps, Android Auto, real-time traffic and weather reports, and personalized voice directions. Additionally, the paid plan provides you with terrain and elevation information, live weather and traffic status, and cloud backups. You can also personalize your vehicle profile so that the map provides you with suggestions tailored to your vehicle type. That said, most of these features are also available on Google Maps, albeit for free.

Reviews on Magic Earth’s official App Store page show that while it helps users get around, the app has bugs and can crash randomly. Some users like the app’s user interface but complain that the app can be slow or inaccurate when searching for places.

Here, WeGo works similar to Google Maps and even has a familiar appearance. To start a trip, simply enter a departure address and an arrival point. Once you enter it, the GPS screen will show the routes you can take to reach your destination. It includes a rough estimate of how long it will take to arrive, just like Google Maps. You’ll also find shortcuts like restaurants and gas stations. You can choose to reveal them throughout your route. The best part is that it runs on Android Auto and is completely free.

Many reviews on the Here WeGo app page say that it is the best Google Maps replacement among the lot. While it’s easy to select addresses or even enter place names, reviews indicate that GPS is not 100% accurate and can be slightly off. If you’re tired of Google Maps, even with its new features, Here WeGo might be worth a try.