The best navigation apps: free of charge, clever and better than TomTom!

The best navigation apps: free of charge, clever and better than TomTom!

Remszeitung, Deutschland - Today, navigation systems are an indispensable support for drivers who want to quickly and stress -free to the destination. The technology has developed over the years, whereby smartphone apps have now overtaken classic navigation devices. Loud Remszeitung the Stiftung Warentest from 2021 offers results that show that smartphone apps often not only work cheaper, but also more efficiently.

While TomTom navigation devices between 159 and 359 euros and Garmin navigation devices cost between 219 and 379 euros, many smartphone apps are free of charge or offer inexpensive subscriptions. The paid app TomTom GO costs EUR 3.99 per month or 19.99 euros annually. This app offers offline navigation, speed information and speed camera warnings. In comparison, the free version of Tomtom, TomTom Amigo, as well as Google Maps, Apple maps and here Wego are very popular.

most popular navigation apps

The popularity of different navigation apps is also reflected in the number of users. Google Maps, which is pre-installed on Android devices, offers both online and offline navigation and has integrated over 250 million special targets. Apple maps use real-time data from TomTom, but does not offer a download option. Here Wego has established itself as the strongest platform in the market, followed by Tomtom and Google Maps.

Various apps are available for special requirements. For example, commuters use Waze that has received mixed ratings in tests. There are also special apps for public transport, such as those of urban transport companies or Deutsche Bahn. In the meantime, Komoot is the app of choice for excursions, hikes and bike tours.

advantages and disadvantages: Navi devices vs. apps

Stiftung Warentest tests both navigation devices and navigation apps and concludes that both systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. While navigation devices score cards stored by large displays and offline, apps enable faster route calculation. They also offer flexible route tours for various types of locomotion such as cars, bicycles, pedestrians and public transport. Many navigation apps are also free of charge, whereas navigation devices usually cost over 100 euros.

Both systems, however, offer valuable support in everyday life. Navigation devices often have functions that do not need mobile phone connection, while apps rely on powerful cell phone processors and use traffic services via internet connections.

market development and future prospects

The global trends in the navigation system market show considerable growth potential. According to Mordor Intelligence , the market size in 2024 is expected to be $ 48.75 billion and increased to USD 77.94 billion, with an annual growth rate of 9.84%. The Asia-Pacific area is the fastest growing market, while North America has the greatest market penetration.

Interest in real -time information increases the demand for a wide range of navigation solutions, with governments investing in new technologies worldwide. Automation and intelligent infrastructure are essential trends that will determine the future of navigation technology.