So there are lots of threads about these two apps and others and I had done a detailed comparison in one of those threads a few weeks ago. I have seen the chart comparisons but that only tells you so much. Now with Navigon 1.2 out and a few requests to make this a separate thread, I am doing so now. My only interest is providing as detailed a review as I can highlighting my preferences based on the apps to date. I have already updated some opinions as I have used each app more and more. Also note that if the new G-Map update proves a worthy competitor, I will add it to this review.
Enjoy.
UPDATED FOR NAVIGON 1.2
Just a quick FYI. I have a 3GS in a speck soft/hard case. I also have the kensington window mount which is how my phone was mounted for those curious. With either app, my GPS signal has been nothing short of excellent.
So i have G-Map, Navigon and TT. I have now compared all three.Never owned a GPS before so not partial to any one brand. G-Map, while significantly cheaper does not really compare to the other two. It works fine but the current version is just missing too many features and its clunky interface makes a distant third. Where i see a clear advantage i identify it below. I will also update this review as I use the apps and mark the changes in RED.
Load Time: Very similar. The new Navigon update has improved load times especially once in route and getting back in. I would now give edge to Navigon.
Initial GPS Acquisition: Both were pretty good, acquiring a signal very fast. Slight edge to TT here cause once it acquired it never lost the signal. Navigon did briefly once or twice but both are strong
Interface: Navigon has a simple interface. I found entering an address easy. I found adding favorites to be easier on the Navigon, less clicks. TT has a much more robust interface. Both let you plan future routes and add multiple route points but TT's implementation of this is better. TT also has more menu options from the home screen. Advantage TT.
Routing Interface: Navigon clearly had a nicer interface with Lane assist and reality view being very cool and helpful. The turn arrows on the Navigon are more helpful. The TT though is more compact having all data in the bottom bar. Its cleaner whereas Navigon's is nice but slightly more chaotic. TT also lets you change the colors for day and night but i do not find this very helpful. The street name displays for Navigon have been improved in 1.2 but they are still not as easy to read as TT, which is just better plain and simple.
Routing Accuracy (GPS LAG): Well, here is where i saw a difference that i didnt expect to see. Navigon was VERY accurate as far as identifying where I was on the map relative to where i actually was - when i was passing High street it was timed perfectly on the Navigon. When I made a turn, it had me doing so smoothly on the Navigon. However, with TT there is a clear lag. I tried a few different routes, reset the phone, but still same result. While the lag is not terrible its noticeable and really takes away from what otherwise is a great app. Its clear Navigon has adjusted for the crappy GPS in the iPhone and it shows. As an example, i had a wicked traffic circle i was maneuvering and they lag on the TT caused me to miss the proper turn. Even thought the voice prompts were delivered early, it required looking at that map and this is where the TT fell short. This is not an insignificant shortfall in my opinion and may bother a few people. Both apps got me where i needed to go using the same routes. I have now tested IQ routes a bunch and i would say it works better than the "Optimum" feature on Navigon. Most of the time i got similar routes but its a nice differentiator that seems to work well.
Routing Options: Here TT is the clear winner. TT has a VERY useful feature that allows you to identify a destination or starting point by clicking on it on the map (a magnifying glass pops up so you can get it exact) [UPDATE: I just found Navigon has this too by clicking on the Show Map you can pinpoint a location]. I am in up-State PA and alot of the areas we are visiting do not have addresses. This makes finding them and routing to and form the very easy. Entering addresses is very easy and I liked it better than the Navigon. Both use the apple keyboard so it is well integrated. Both allow you to avoid highways, ferrys, toll roads, HOV lanes, etc. Navigon does have a speed limit feature which can warn you with audible and visual cues. I think TT may have this as well but it works better on Navigon. But TT also has extensive other options like Find Alternative (if your not happy with your route, you can choose Avoid Roadblocks (and then choose which you want to avoid), Avoid Part of Route (very very cool. If you know part of your route before you start or while you've started is problematic, you can choose this option and then pick which part of the directions you want to avoid - it will reroute you from there), Route Demo (both have this but TT's is better), Instructions (This is a detailed list of the route which I am not sure why Navigon does not have but its very useful to see the overview). Hands down the TT routing options are superior.
POI databases: On Navigon, it is extensive but the search is finicky. Sometimes you have to really narrow down the location for the POI to show. I found TT's more extensive and less finicky but still not great. I really like the icon view for POI's on Navigon. Overall a tie.
Recalculation: Both do a good job of quickly recalculating you. Navigon's seemed slightly faster.
TTS: Navigon now has this and it is a WELCOMED addition. The voice is clear and the pronunciations are excellent (although sometimes robotic). This is a must for all devices and until TT updates their app, this is the killer feature that makes Navigon my choice over TT, for now. Note, one side affect of the TTS is that because Navigon alerts you often of an upcoming turn, the length of the alert by adding the street names means sometimes the alerts follow very quickly after each other which some may find annoying. Certainly it could be improved but you would be crazy to turn this off and better to deal with the annoyance.
Voice: TT gives you many options for the GPS voice. While its cool, they are not that different and Navigons is very pleasant. Both are loud although TT's is easier to adjust - simply by click on the left bottom of the screen while driving. Navigons you have to go into the menu and the adjustment is small. The Navigon voice has been improved an no longer sounds like "kathleen turner on cigarettes". It is clearer and more pleasant although TT still has the edge here.
Phone integration: Work exactly the same way. Phone call comes in, you can answer and talk. You can then, while still on the call, go back into the app and it picks up from where it left off. Navigon does so more quickly. Both also work while on the ipod. TT's cuts out completely whereas Navigon is more like a fade out so you can hear the directions, which is preferable in my opinion. Also in Navigon 1.2, iPod integration has been added directly into the app so you no longer have to close out when wanting to play or change songs. This is also an absolute must and again Navigon has distanced itself, for now. iPod integration is almost perfect. You cant browse your artists, playlists, etc in landscape mode which makes it a hassle if its mounted in portrait mode on your dash/windshield. However, once its playing you have access to all the ipod functions in landscape mode. One annoyance is that Apples implementation means you have to "Add" songs like a playlist when using this feature. So for example if you want to play a playlist you have to go through the added step of selecting a "Add all songs" button as opposed to just choosing your playlist and then hitting play. May actually be useful in some other circumstances so dont really see it as a problem. Also, one positive side affect of the iPOD integration is that if you are using this feature than than the volume buttons obviously work to control the volume. But by increasing and decreasing the volume of the music you are also able to do so for the navigation volume. I prefer this and its much easier than having to go into the options to change the volume (which you can still do).
Contact Integration: Both have this feature however TT is sorely lacking. I tried 10 different address types (with apts, normal, 2 street addresses, etc) and TT had issues with 8 of them and would not find them. Navigon found 8 of the 10. Navigon found both the ones TT found. Some more work needs to be done on TT's part. I would say it works well on Navigon, even finding an address without a ZIP (TT had trouble with this).
Battery: Too hard to tell which was better. But both eat battery.
Reality View/Lane Assist: As mentioned, Navigon has this and its a real nice feature. TT does not have this.
Overall, i liked the Navigon interface better but the TT route option planning better. TT has many more useful routing options and features that Navigon just does not have. While the Navigon interface is "prettier" i found the TT interface less chaotic and more of the screen is used for the maps (albeit a small amount). But the lane assist/reality view makes the Navigon overall superior. However, as I said the TTS and iPod integration are killer features that pull the Navigon clearly ahead in my opinion of the TT. But I will note that if TT adds these features, then the GPS lag it has will be offset by the TTS and I would probably find myself using the TT over the Navigon. It will be interesting to see who adds more features more quickly and if there is a cost to either to update the maps. Right now Navigon has already had 2 major updates although it came out a few months before so we will see. Also note that the expected new release of G-Maps (any day now), if it looks anything like the youtube video, may re-enter this race. Once its released I will test and if worthy, I will add it into this comparison.
Enjoy.
UPDATED FOR NAVIGON 1.2
Just a quick FYI. I have a 3GS in a speck soft/hard case. I also have the kensington window mount which is how my phone was mounted for those curious. With either app, my GPS signal has been nothing short of excellent.
So i have G-Map, Navigon and TT. I have now compared all three.Never owned a GPS before so not partial to any one brand. G-Map, while significantly cheaper does not really compare to the other two. It works fine but the current version is just missing too many features and its clunky interface makes a distant third. Where i see a clear advantage i identify it below. I will also update this review as I use the apps and mark the changes in RED.
Load Time: Very similar. The new Navigon update has improved load times especially once in route and getting back in. I would now give edge to Navigon.
Initial GPS Acquisition: Both were pretty good, acquiring a signal very fast. Slight edge to TT here cause once it acquired it never lost the signal. Navigon did briefly once or twice but both are strong
Interface: Navigon has a simple interface. I found entering an address easy. I found adding favorites to be easier on the Navigon, less clicks. TT has a much more robust interface. Both let you plan future routes and add multiple route points but TT's implementation of this is better. TT also has more menu options from the home screen. Advantage TT.
Routing Interface: Navigon clearly had a nicer interface with Lane assist and reality view being very cool and helpful. The turn arrows on the Navigon are more helpful. The TT though is more compact having all data in the bottom bar. Its cleaner whereas Navigon's is nice but slightly more chaotic. TT also lets you change the colors for day and night but i do not find this very helpful. The street name displays for Navigon have been improved in 1.2 but they are still not as easy to read as TT, which is just better plain and simple.
Routing Accuracy (GPS LAG): Well, here is where i saw a difference that i didnt expect to see. Navigon was VERY accurate as far as identifying where I was on the map relative to where i actually was - when i was passing High street it was timed perfectly on the Navigon. When I made a turn, it had me doing so smoothly on the Navigon. However, with TT there is a clear lag. I tried a few different routes, reset the phone, but still same result. While the lag is not terrible its noticeable and really takes away from what otherwise is a great app. Its clear Navigon has adjusted for the crappy GPS in the iPhone and it shows. As an example, i had a wicked traffic circle i was maneuvering and they lag on the TT caused me to miss the proper turn. Even thought the voice prompts were delivered early, it required looking at that map and this is where the TT fell short. This is not an insignificant shortfall in my opinion and may bother a few people. Both apps got me where i needed to go using the same routes. I have now tested IQ routes a bunch and i would say it works better than the "Optimum" feature on Navigon. Most of the time i got similar routes but its a nice differentiator that seems to work well.
Routing Options: Here TT is the clear winner. TT has a VERY useful feature that allows you to identify a destination or starting point by clicking on it on the map (a magnifying glass pops up so you can get it exact) [UPDATE: I just found Navigon has this too by clicking on the Show Map you can pinpoint a location]. I am in up-State PA and alot of the areas we are visiting do not have addresses. This makes finding them and routing to and form the very easy. Entering addresses is very easy and I liked it better than the Navigon. Both use the apple keyboard so it is well integrated. Both allow you to avoid highways, ferrys, toll roads, HOV lanes, etc. Navigon does have a speed limit feature which can warn you with audible and visual cues. I think TT may have this as well but it works better on Navigon. But TT also has extensive other options like Find Alternative (if your not happy with your route, you can choose Avoid Roadblocks (and then choose which you want to avoid), Avoid Part of Route (very very cool. If you know part of your route before you start or while you've started is problematic, you can choose this option and then pick which part of the directions you want to avoid - it will reroute you from there), Route Demo (both have this but TT's is better), Instructions (This is a detailed list of the route which I am not sure why Navigon does not have but its very useful to see the overview). Hands down the TT routing options are superior.
POI databases: On Navigon, it is extensive but the search is finicky. Sometimes you have to really narrow down the location for the POI to show. I found TT's more extensive and less finicky but still not great. I really like the icon view for POI's on Navigon. Overall a tie.
Recalculation: Both do a good job of quickly recalculating you. Navigon's seemed slightly faster.
TTS: Navigon now has this and it is a WELCOMED addition. The voice is clear and the pronunciations are excellent (although sometimes robotic). This is a must for all devices and until TT updates their app, this is the killer feature that makes Navigon my choice over TT, for now. Note, one side affect of the TTS is that because Navigon alerts you often of an upcoming turn, the length of the alert by adding the street names means sometimes the alerts follow very quickly after each other which some may find annoying. Certainly it could be improved but you would be crazy to turn this off and better to deal with the annoyance.
Voice: TT gives you many options for the GPS voice. While its cool, they are not that different and Navigons is very pleasant. Both are loud although TT's is easier to adjust - simply by click on the left bottom of the screen while driving. Navigons you have to go into the menu and the adjustment is small. The Navigon voice has been improved an no longer sounds like "kathleen turner on cigarettes". It is clearer and more pleasant although TT still has the edge here.
Phone integration: Work exactly the same way. Phone call comes in, you can answer and talk. You can then, while still on the call, go back into the app and it picks up from where it left off. Navigon does so more quickly. Both also work while on the ipod. TT's cuts out completely whereas Navigon is more like a fade out so you can hear the directions, which is preferable in my opinion. Also in Navigon 1.2, iPod integration has been added directly into the app so you no longer have to close out when wanting to play or change songs. This is also an absolute must and again Navigon has distanced itself, for now. iPod integration is almost perfect. You cant browse your artists, playlists, etc in landscape mode which makes it a hassle if its mounted in portrait mode on your dash/windshield. However, once its playing you have access to all the ipod functions in landscape mode. One annoyance is that Apples implementation means you have to "Add" songs like a playlist when using this feature. So for example if you want to play a playlist you have to go through the added step of selecting a "Add all songs" button as opposed to just choosing your playlist and then hitting play. May actually be useful in some other circumstances so dont really see it as a problem. Also, one positive side affect of the iPOD integration is that if you are using this feature than than the volume buttons obviously work to control the volume. But by increasing and decreasing the volume of the music you are also able to do so for the navigation volume. I prefer this and its much easier than having to go into the options to change the volume (which you can still do).
Contact Integration: Both have this feature however TT is sorely lacking. I tried 10 different address types (with apts, normal, 2 street addresses, etc) and TT had issues with 8 of them and would not find them. Navigon found 8 of the 10. Navigon found both the ones TT found. Some more work needs to be done on TT's part. I would say it works well on Navigon, even finding an address without a ZIP (TT had trouble with this).
Battery: Too hard to tell which was better. But both eat battery.
Reality View/Lane Assist: As mentioned, Navigon has this and its a real nice feature. TT does not have this.
Overall, i liked the Navigon interface better but the TT route option planning better. TT has many more useful routing options and features that Navigon just does not have. While the Navigon interface is "prettier" i found the TT interface less chaotic and more of the screen is used for the maps (albeit a small amount). But the lane assist/reality view makes the Navigon overall superior. However, as I said the TTS and iPod integration are killer features that pull the Navigon clearly ahead in my opinion of the TT. But I will note that if TT adds these features, then the GPS lag it has will be offset by the TTS and I would probably find myself using the TT over the Navigon. It will be interesting to see who adds more features more quickly and if there is a cost to either to update the maps. Right now Navigon has already had 2 major updates although it came out a few months before so we will see. Also note that the expected new release of G-Maps (any day now), if it looks anything like the youtube video, may re-enter this race. Once its released I will test and if worthy, I will add it into this comparison.
