From Engadget · Filipe Espósito · · 2m
Five CarPlay apps better than Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default, but Google Maps, Waze, TomTom GO, Magic Earth and Drive Weather each excel at different things.
In brief
Apple Maps is the default, but Google Maps, Waze, TomTom GO, Magic Earth and Drive Weather each excel at different things. Five navigation apps offer distinct advantages over Apple Maps on CarPlay, from real-time traffic alerts to offline maps and weather forecasting. Originally reported by Engadget.
Apple Maps is the default
Apple Maps is the default navigation option in CarPlay. When you ask Siri for directions, you'll use Apple Maps unless you specify another option, though EU users can set a different default.
Google Maps for traffic and reviews
Google Maps is the most obvious alternative. Many prefer it for traffic data and business listings, which are updated more frequently and include more reviews. It has broader coverage outside the US.
Waze for real-time traffic alerts
Waze provides real-time alerts from other drivers about heavy traffic, speed cameras, accidents and road hazards. It's owned by Google and includes Gemini-powered Conversational Reporting for hands-free incident reports.
Waze's trade-off: no offline mode
Waze relies on real-time alerts, so it has no offline navigation mode for spotty internet. The interface can feel cluttered with frequent alerts, but it's highly customizable for vehicle icons and voice.
TomTom GO for clean, accurate maps
TomTom GO delivers a classic dedicated GPS experience with distraction-free directions and clean maps. It's known for highly accurate navigation and regularly updates maps with speed cameras, roadblocks and lane guidance.
Magic Earth: privacy-first navigation
Magic Earth is powered by OpenStreetMap and built with privacy in mind. It offers an ad-free experience, doesn't track you or sell data, and supports offline maps. It now operates on a freemium model.
Magic Earth pricing and accuracy
Basic iPhone navigation is free, but real-time traffic and the CarPlay app require a paid subscription. After a thirty-day free trial, you pay nineteen dollars ninety-nine per year. Accuracy varies by region.
Drive Weather for long road trips
Drive Weather shows weather along your route and when to expect it. The CarPlay version splits the screen between turn-by-turn navigation and weather conditions. It includes live radar and suggests routes avoiding poor weather.
Try each app on your usual routes
It's worth trying each app on the routes you usually take to see which suits your needs. You might use Waze for daily city driving while reserving Drive Weather for cross-country trips.
In short
Five navigation apps offer distinct advantages over Apple Maps on CarPlay, from real-time traffic alerts to offline maps and weather forecasting.
