What Car? Says threestars
5. Apple Maps
Price Free |Buy from App store |In-app purchases?No
As its name suggests, Apple maps is only available on Apple devices, but it’s one of the best map apps if you’re an iPhone user. The map is really easy to follow, you get live traffic updates and (if you want it) the app gives you voice guidance. The routes it finds are reliably accurate, and it functions with Apple CarPlay. It is tricky to add multiple stops, though: points of interest – petrol stations, services etc – are easy to add to an existing route, but complex multi-stop routes are not as easy as on some rival apps.
What Car? Says threestars
6. ViaMichelin
Price Free |Buy from App store |In-app purchases? Yes
This is a good app for planning complex routes with multiple stops, and it integrates well with points of interest because it has Michelin’s Green Guide attractions built in. It also has advanced route options, and can even tailor the route to suit those towing a caravan, as well as showing fuel prices and offering voice guidance. It’s just a shame that it doesn’t work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and at times the map seemed slow to catch up with the car’s movements.
What Car? Says threestars
7. MapFactor Navigator
Price Free |Buy from App store |In-app purchases? Yes
This app requires you to download the maps of your relevant areas, removing any issues with data costs or poor signal. You have to pay £49.99 to get European ‘truck maps’, though, which also functions as a caravan or motorhome-friendly route finder. Full live traffic updates also cost either £1.79 per month, or £7.49 per year. It’s an effective navigator, and the maps are very detailed and are particularly good for walking trails as well as roads. However, for driving, you get better functionality with others that don’t require extra payment.
