GPS Android apps help you get around almost anywhere. However, what happens when you’re in an area without a signal? You’re left with zero direction. Plus, you don’t always just need GPS when you’re driving. Thanks to the following offline GPS apps for Android, you’ll still know where you are and how to navigate when your connection is lost.

Apps offering online maps usually have all the same features as other GPS apps, such as turn-by-turn directions, speed warnings, and detailed maps. However, you won’t get real-time alerts since you’ll be offline. The top three apps will cover most every need you have.

1. Maps.Me – Highly Recommended

Maps.Me offers a great combination of standard navigation maps and off-road outdoor fun. Get full turn-by-turn directions while completely offline. You’ll even get points of interest included. Quickly find fun hiking trails as you explore new areas or find a great restaurant in a new city. The maps are optimized to use less space on your phone, so it’s good for devices with limited storage.

Maps.Me is my highest recommended offline GPS app because it’s a great combination of standard and off-road navigation. Downloadable travel guides are also a plus. With optimized maps, you have plenty of room on even older devices to store them and still take travel photos.

2. MapFactor Navigator – Best for Street Travel

MapFactor Navigator also uses OpenStreetMap data, and it’s completely free. It also includes free monthly map updates. Offline maps are available for over 200 countries. While there are optional premium features, like alternative routes and no ads, they’re not necessary. The app is designed mainly for street travel versus hiking.

MapFactor Navigator is my runner-up. The focus mainly on street travel puts it just behind Maps.Me. With support for over 200 countries, it’s a worthy competitor.

3. Polaris GPS – Best for Off-Road Navigation

Polaris GPS is made specifically for off-road navigation, such as boating, hiking, and driving in the middle of nowhere. You don’t need a special account or subscription. You won’t find maps for normal roads and cities. Instead, you’ll get details on backcountry roads, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fishing areas, hunting areas, and more.

If you’re looking for an off-road GPS app, Polaris GPS is the clear winner.

4. Magic Earth Navigation & Maps – Best for Privacy-Conscious People

Magic Earth Navigation & Maps is one of the more privacy-oriented GPS Android apps. Maps are powered by OpenStreetMaps, and you can download maps for 233 regions and countries. If your device has enough storage, you can even use the app as a dash camera if you don’t already have one. It’ll record the road ahead in the event of an accident or to safely take video of the scenery as you drive.

5. OsmAnd

Like all others above, OsmAnd uses OpenStreetMap data too. When you download maps, you get full turn-by-turn and visual directions. The free version is limited by how many maps you can download, but a subscription-based plan is available. The app also includes maps for hiking, cycling, and even skiing.

It’s worth noting that OsmAnd almost made the top of the list. However, the limited number of free maps puts it further down.

6. Offline GPS

Offline GPS provides everything you need to navigate when you’re offline. It’s also one of the more useful GPS Android apps, as it includes a heads-up display feature. Instead of looking at your phone, the map is projected onto your windshield for safer driving. While online features are available, the main focus here is offline availability.

7. Google Maps

Google Maps is included on many Android devices by default. You get all the turn-by-turn navigation and points of interest in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. However, a feature of this widely popular navigation app is offline maps. Simply download the map(s) you need in advance to ensure you don’t get lost if your signal suddenly disappears.

8. HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo focuses mainly on city travel. While you will need an Internet connection, you can book a taxi, check out the bus schedule, and find other modes of public transportation. To avoid getting lost while you’re exploring a new city, the app allows you to download maps for more than 100 countries around the world. Once downloaded, the maps work much like the online versions.

While you may have a signal when traveling in many places, you never know when you may not. It’s always a good idea to have an offline backup of your map just in case you need it. Plus, if you have a limited data plan, offline map apps save you from going over your plan when traveling.

Images credit: Wikimedia Commons / Lamacchiacosta, Wikimedia Commons / Eugene Lisovskiy

Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

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