What is the best navigation app for the iphone? Its the holidays and I want to buy it for someone but i need to make sure i get the best of the best. Is it the navigon? Tom tom? or magellan? or others? Does the tom tom app have the reality review pro? Also i need something that has the most and best features and also something thats simple to use. I dont care about the price so yeah. Does the tom tom have traffic information or is that still suppose to come as a app feature. Thank you for the help
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The Best iPhone Navigation App
- Thread starter youngsunnz
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I only own Navigon, but from what I've gathered it's the most full-featured app available right now.
I have Navigon and TomTom. I have been using Navigon since it came out and it's been perfect. Can't say the same thing about TomTom (But the new update has made it a lot better I admit).
Both are good but Navigon is a better choice since it's more functional in my opinion.
Both are good but Navigon is a better choice since it's more functional in my opinion.
I've been using Navigon since early August. I haven't had any problems with it, it all locks onto a strong signal quickly and for me was completely worth the price. I also got the Live traffic in-app purchase and although not exactly what I expected but it works very well. Was able to navigate me around traffic to and from San Diego and Las Vegas on a couple of road trips. I would recommend it to anyone that needs a good GPS application. The reality view pro and lane view pro are extremely helpful. The only thing that it is lacking right now is a route list of actually directions that are to come, but there is a route simulation which I find helpful at times.
Hope that helps in your choice.
Hope that helps in your choice.
The route list is now available in v1.4. This version has been available in the European app stores since last week but hasn't made it to the US App Store yet.
I like Navigon too. I also own TomTom and Garmin Mobile XT for Windows Mobile phones and Navigon is significantly better. TomTom for the iPhone is OK, but Navigon seems to be a step ahead.
I like Navigon too. I also own TomTom and Garmin Mobile XT for Windows Mobile phones and Navigon is significantly better. TomTom for the iPhone is OK, but Navigon seems to be a step ahead.
Navigon has many advantages:
Much prettier maps
Live traffic that is out now and totally free after the one paid stop (tomtom may very well be a subscription thing based on their PND's)
Google Search integrated into the main program
TomTom has one HUGE advantage though:
IQRoutes
People play it down but in my experience it makes a huge difference. Comparing the routes Navigon gives me verses the TomTom for routes that I know well (things around my house) the TomTom is ALWAYS the way I would personally go, while Navigon sometimes takes me in awkward directions.
Navigon is the better program but in terms of actual Navigation I need to go with TomTom.
Much prettier maps
Live traffic that is out now and totally free after the one paid stop (tomtom may very well be a subscription thing based on their PND's)
Google Search integrated into the main program
TomTom has one HUGE advantage though:
IQRoutes
People play it down but in my experience it makes a huge difference. Comparing the routes Navigon gives me verses the TomTom for routes that I know well (things around my house) the TomTom is ALWAYS the way I would personally go, while Navigon sometimes takes me in awkward directions.
Navigon is the better program but in terms of actual Navigation I need to go with TomTom.
Although I've used many stand alone GPS units, I haven't used Navigon or Tom Tom. Having said that, I have used Motion X GPS Drive and I've found it to be an excellent (and inexpensive) streaming GPS application. It's constantly updated and has strong customer service and support.Motion X Drive
If you are not sure which GPS app to purchase, or if you are waiting for prices to fall etc (or for the possible Google gps app), I would certainly recommend giving Motion X's GPS app a try.
Here's my problem with MotionX. Someone please tell me if I'm missing something.
As the maps are continually downloaded and not stored on the phone, and since I want to use this when travelling (ie: when ROAMING is an issue), isn't this insanely expensive? Wouldn't the roaming charges be huge?
Or am I missing something? I hear people say that for $2.99 MotionX is cheap. But for the voice function it is $3 per month or $25 prepaid per year. In 2 years you're up to $53 which is close to the sale price of Navigon (it was as low as $69 and may be by Christmas), is more expensive than TomTom right now and you have to pay for roaming.
So, what's the big deal about MotionX?
I'm serious, I just want to know if I'm missing something here.
Navigon 1.4 in the UK has a search function and its coming very soon to all versions. Works great!
CoPilot for me in the UK.
I also own Navigon (British Isles) and after the fiasco with the sub-standard postcode search add-on, and the lack of traffic that was promised before the launch of v1.3 I decided to jump ship to CoPilot.
I honestly prefer CoPilot.
Like the large buttons, more colourful maps, totally configurable settings, working traffic (LIVE), petrol price search (LIVE), FULLY functional postcode navigation, ability to avoid certain sections of the route and many more.
The downside is that the LIVE services carry a £19.95 a year fee.
Apart from this I can't think of anything that I like better in Navigon.
I also own Navigon (British Isles) and after the fiasco with the sub-standard postcode search add-on, and the lack of traffic that was promised before the launch of v1.3 I decided to jump ship to CoPilot.
I honestly prefer CoPilot.
Like the large buttons, more colourful maps, totally configurable settings, working traffic (LIVE), petrol price search (LIVE), FULLY functional postcode navigation, ability to avoid certain sections of the route and many more.
The downside is that the LIVE services carry a £19.95 a year fee.
Apart from this I can't think of anything that I like better in Navigon.
I use both Navigon and tomtom.
Speed:
If you have an old iPhone 3G then get TomTom because Navigon is just so sluggish on the 3G that it makes you want to toss the phone out the window.
On my new 3GS both apps run great with Tomtom still being slightly faster, but there really is no perceptible difference day to day.
Interface:
Navigon's interface is much nicer IMO. The maps look nicer, they go from night to day automatically, the reality view for the highway intersections works better etc. However, TomTom also has some benefits here.
TomTom allows you to not only see a listing of turns on the route, but you can choose which parts of the route to avoid. For example, if you hate driving on a particular road because of traffic, construction, cops etc... hit avoid and you are routed differently. No such option on the Navigon short of awkwardly inserting waypoints along the way.
Traffic:
Navigon's traffic option wins hands down. Currently they have live traffic whereas TomTom only has historical traffic data. Obviously I'd love a mix of both.
Maps: Depends on where you live. Both maps have errors.
POI: Finding POIs in Navigon 1.3 is retarded.
Nearby search is very limited range
Searching for a POI in a city means you must know the exact city name that is entered. So if you aren't familiar with all the suburb names you won't find your POI. Your friend lives in Cleveland? You won't find the hotel in his area unless you specify the suburb city's name.
Statewide search is only for major attractions like airports and parks.
TomTom's search works a bit better because it searches a much wider area. All this will change of course with Navigon 1.4's google search.
Conclusion: To me, the selective route blocking is the most important feature I can't live without. Even many Garmin standalone units don't offer this, which is why I can't stand using Garmins. They can only avoid the "next" turn.
Why?
Well a few years ago I'm driving along in Tucson and a highway was closed. Garmin kept insisting on routing me back on the same damn closed highway for the next 30 miles. On a TomTom unit a simple press of the avoid (and that highway name) would have worked.
For me all this means that if I need to go on a long trip I'll prefer to use Navigon with live traffic, but I'll have TomTom with me in case things get hairy so I can switch to the app that gives me better route control.
Speed:
If you have an old iPhone 3G then get TomTom because Navigon is just so sluggish on the 3G that it makes you want to toss the phone out the window.
On my new 3GS both apps run great with Tomtom still being slightly faster, but there really is no perceptible difference day to day.
Interface:
Navigon's interface is much nicer IMO. The maps look nicer, they go from night to day automatically, the reality view for the highway intersections works better etc. However, TomTom also has some benefits here.
TomTom allows you to not only see a listing of turns on the route, but you can choose which parts of the route to avoid. For example, if you hate driving on a particular road because of traffic, construction, cops etc... hit avoid and you are routed differently. No such option on the Navigon short of awkwardly inserting waypoints along the way.
Traffic:
Navigon's traffic option wins hands down. Currently they have live traffic whereas TomTom only has historical traffic data. Obviously I'd love a mix of both.
Maps: Depends on where you live. Both maps have errors.
POI: Finding POIs in Navigon 1.3 is retarded.
Nearby search is very limited range
Searching for a POI in a city means you must know the exact city name that is entered. So if you aren't familiar with all the suburb names you won't find your POI. Your friend lives in Cleveland? You won't find the hotel in his area unless you specify the suburb city's name.
Statewide search is only for major attractions like airports and parks.
TomTom's search works a bit better because it searches a much wider area. All this will change of course with Navigon 1.4's google search.
Conclusion: To me, the selective route blocking is the most important feature I can't live without. Even many Garmin standalone units don't offer this, which is why I can't stand using Garmins. They can only avoid the "next" turn.
Why?
Well a few years ago I'm driving along in Tucson and a highway was closed. Garmin kept insisting on routing me back on the same damn closed highway for the next 30 miles. On a TomTom unit a simple press of the avoid (and that highway name) would have worked.
For me all this means that if I need to go on a long trip I'll prefer to use Navigon with live traffic, but I'll have TomTom with me in case things get hairy so I can switch to the app that gives me better route control.
dont get navigon unless you have a 3GS.
Agreed. It's slow to the point of being nearly unusable on the 3G.
... v1.4 supposedly has performance enhancements ... be interested to know whether any improvement for 3G.
is there someone from UK who is using v1.4 on 3G who can comment?
I'm glad that I've waited so far to see how this works out because there has been a lot of price cuts and upgrades.
As of right now I'm leaning towards TomTom. I'm a sucker for a slick UI, but from reading many posts on this forum, it seems as if TomTom is better when it actually comes to navigation which is still the most important feature.
Is there a concensus, for those who have both, if TomTom is better at navigation?
As of right now I'm leaning towards TomTom. I'm a sucker for a slick UI, but from reading many posts on this forum, it seems as if TomTom is better when it actually comes to navigation which is still the most important feature.
Is there a concensus, for those who have both, if TomTom is better at navigation?
Then it is not the choice for you.
Once again, I don't need voice commands to get where I need to go so it is a great choice for me and I don't have to worry about map updates as they are pulled from the intezweb... In two years Navigon will likely charge you for map updates at the great price of 60 plus dollars where the 2.99 app will still be free. Then, if I decide I need voice I can simply add it for a month if needed (visiting a new city or something). I have been using it for a few weeks now and toss my old Navigon off to the side as it provides great routing for me.
It all comes down to preference, but Motion X at 2.99 is a great buy and will suit most of the needs of many people.
Im in the same boat..... But the traffic is a real kicker for me.. but I'm afraid the Navigon traffic reports wont work in Tulsa, OK
Download INRIX Traffic for free and check ...
Navigon uses INRIX traffic as it's data source. I find it to be very accurate. More accurate than TMC, Navteq or Google traffic ... and with fixed cost ($14.95 last month) INRIX traffic integrated into routing decisions was my final deciding factor for Navigon. It gives alternate routing options if avail to choose from. And while there is some work to be done on useability, in general it works great.