3 map apps that are better than Google if you have multiple stops
When you get in the car for a trip, work meeting, or run an errand, it’s never as simple as traveling from Point A to Point B. Sometimes, there are also points C, D, E, F, and G. To make matters more complicated, the route you take could mean a massive difference in time and money.
Google Maps does this, but it isn’t easy to set up. As we’ve reported, there are issues with Google Maps, like fake listings and that it tracks your every move and collects data on you.
There are great apps for both Apple and Android to give commuters, travelers and everyday drivers a choice other than Google Maps. Check out these three that we’ve picked out for you.
Optimized routing for business and delivery drivers
To find the best route for multiple destinations, check out the Route4Me Route Planner app. All you need to do is enter an address or ZIP code to find the optimum route to all of your stops. You’ll save your sanity, valuable time and better yet, gas.
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See for yourself how it works.
The app is available for Android and Apple devices. Get the Route4Me app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The free app includes 10 routes per month, and you can purchase a monthly or annual plan for unlimited routes. Check your app store for the latest plan fees.
Find traffic-free routes
The RoadWarrior Route Planner helps you find the best traffic-free routes by prioritizing your route on time, traffic and schedule. Using the app is relatively easy. This isn’t a stand-alone navigation app. It works with Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze and others.
It’s a three-step process:
- Tap the address in the search bar and select Add Stop. Repeat as necessary.
- Once all the addresses are entered, click Optimize. Here, you will get a route summary that will tell you the fastest route based on distance, total travel time and more.
- When you’re ready to hit the road, click Navigate to go to your first destination. Here, either Google Maps or Apple Maps will launch and provide you with turn-by-turn GPS directions.
The app is free and offers in-app upgrades that include unlimited stops, spreadsheet uploading (great for delivery drivers), data reports and account management. Get RoadWarrior from Google Play for Android or download RoadWarrior from the Apple App Store for iOS.
Map app that works offline
The CoPilot GPS navigation app is the most expensive on our list, but it does offer a free two-week trial before the annual fee kicks in. It’s ideal for car, RV and truck drivers, and it offers pricing tiers for each. It’s $14.99 for a year of car navigation, $29.99 for a year of RV navigation and $119.99 per year for truck drivers.
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Why the difference? RV drivers get routes and turn-by-turn directions created for recreational vehicles, as well as campgrounds and RV-friendly places.
Truck drivers get navigation created for tractor-trailers, such as avoiding low bridges and truck-restricted routes. You can plan routes based on your vehicle and load.
The app works offline (store routes on your device), offers trip planning and multi-stop optimization, voice guidance and turn-by-turn instructions. Download CoPilot GPS from Google Play for Android or CoPilot GPS from Apple’s App Store.
Tags: Android, Apple, apps, car, Copilot, drivers, Google, Google Maps, navigation, navigation app, offline, routes, travel, truck