Engadget Lists Five CarPlay Navigation Alternatives to Apple Maps

According to Engadget, Google Maps is the most obvious alternative and remains a strong one. Many users prefer it for traffic data and business listings, which tend to be updated more frequently and include more reviews. Google Maps generally has broader coverage outside the United States, though its CarPlay interface may not look as polished as Apple Maps. Apple makes it difficult to use Google Maps as the preferred navigation app in most parts of the world, the report said, and Siri users must say "on Google Maps" at the end of requests. Starting a route on Google Maps can lead CarPlay to remember the preference on the Dashboard.

Engadget said Waze is suited to drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic. Its main selling point is real-time alerts from other drivers about heavy traffic, speed cameras, accidents and other road hazards. Waze is owned by Google and includes Gemini-powered features such as Conversational Reporting, which lets users report an incident by speaking naturally without touching the screen. The app does not have an offline navigation mode because it relies on real-time alerts, and its layout may appear cluttered, but the interface is highly customizable and can run on CarPlay's Dashboard in a smaller panel alongside music or other supported apps.

TomTom GO offers what Engadget described as a classic dedicated GPS experience. It focuses on distraction-free directions, with maps that often look cleaner than Apple Maps, and a straightforward interface with few buttons beyond a search icon and zoom controls. TomTom is also known for highly accurate navigation, the report said. Users cannot download offline maps for navigation without an internet connection, but TomTom regularly updates maps with the latest speed cameras, roadblocks and lane guidance. TomTom GO used to be a paid app but is now completely free; TomTom GO Expert, aimed at truck drivers, supports offline navigation and requires a paid subscription.

Magic Earth is powered by OpenStreetMap and built with privacy in mind, according to Engadget. The app promises an ad-free experience in which user data is not sold to third parties, and it does not track users or create a profile based on routes. On CarPlay, it offers 2D and 3D navigation in a clean interface, and users can add or remove waypoints without picking up their phone. It works in most countries and supports offline maps. Magic Earth now operates on a freemium model: basic navigation on iPhone is free, but advanced features such as real-time traffic information and the CarPlay app require a paid subscription. After a 30-day free trial, the subscription costs $19.99 per year. Because OpenStreetMap maps are community-made, accuracy varies by region, and Engadget advised using the free trial on usual routes before paying.

Drive Weather is not a full replacement for navigation tools such as Apple Maps, Engadget said, but it shows the weather drivers will encounter along a route and when to expect it. The CarPlay version can split the screen between turn-by-turn navigation and weather conditions. Engadget said it is best for people planning long road trips because it includes live weather radar and suggests routes that avoid poor weather conditions such as strong winds or snow.