The 6 Best GPS Apps for iPhone of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > iPhone & iOS
The 6 Best GPS Apps for iPhone of 2022
These navigation apps work on your iPad, too
By Fred Zahradnik Fred Zahradnik Freelance Contributor Pennsylvania State University Former Lifewire writer Fred Zahradnik has a long history as a writer and is considered an expert on all things related to GPS products and software.
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lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by
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lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by
Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPhone & iOS Switching from Android GPS navigation apps provide mapping, search, turn-by-turn navigation, and off-road navigation features. Navigation apps for iOS fall into two categories: those that download maps and those that access maps on the fly. Some GPS apps download a map and points-of-interest database to your device, which saves mobile data and battery life. Other apps download maps as you drive, bike, hike, or ski.
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Sofia Garcia 6 minutes ago
These on-the-fly maps take up less memory on the iPhone and are easier to update. However, continuou...
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Alexander Wang 4 minutes ago
Traffic navigation apps include highway maps, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest for dr...
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David Cohen Member
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12 minutes ago
These on-the-fly maps take up less memory on the iPhone and are easier to update. However, continuous GPS usage decreases battery life. GPS navigation apps are either traffic-specific navigation apps or recreational activity apps.
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Noah Davis 1 minutes ago
Traffic navigation apps include highway maps, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest for dr...
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Chloe Santos Moderator
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Traffic navigation apps include highway maps, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest for drivers, walkers, transit riders, and bikers. Recreational activity GPS apps specialize in off-road uses, including hiking, biking, and sailing. 01
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Google Maps
What We Like Convenient voice search.
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Lucas Martinez 5 minutes ago
No typing required. Highly accurate directions to destinations. Street views for 99% of U.S....
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Ryan Garcia Member
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6 minutes ago
No typing required. Highly accurate directions to destinations. Street views for 99% of U.S.
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David Cohen 2 minutes ago
public roads. What We Don't Like Requires an internet connection for most features....
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Henry Schmidt 6 minutes ago
Doesn't run in the background. Drains the battery faster than similar apps. Downloadable maps ar...
Read Our Review of Google Maps Google's years of making Google Maps a priority resulted in an extremely accurate map and points-of-interest database. Traffic is powered by Waze, which Google owns. It calculates a way around traffic problems, if possible.
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Thomas Anderson 13 minutes ago
Google Maps displays icons for construction, incidents (such as car crashes and potholes), and polic...
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Lily Watson Moderator
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20 minutes ago
Google Maps displays icons for construction, incidents (such as car crashes and potholes), and police presence. Color-coding indicates the amount of traffic.
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Zoe Mueller 9 minutes ago
The Google Maps feature list includes address and points-of-interest search using the Google Local S...
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Sebastian Silva Member
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44 minutes ago
The Google Maps feature list includes address and points-of-interest search using the Google Local Search utility. It offers ratings and local reviews.
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Christopher Lee 40 minutes ago
It also syncs searches and favorites (with a Google login). Choose from several map views: traffic...
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Isaac Schmidt 25 minutes ago
You can also play voice prompts over Bluetooth if you want to use your car speakers. Google Maps is ...
It also syncs searches and favorites (with a Google login). Choose from several map views: traffic, public transit, biking, satellite, terrain, or Google Earth. Many languages are available, and you can adjust the voice guidance volume separately: softer, normal, or louder.
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Julia Zhang 3 minutes ago
You can also play voice prompts over Bluetooth if you want to use your car speakers. Google Maps is ...
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Lucas Martinez 3 minutes ago
Effective lane guidance and speed limit display. Navigation screen is free of distractions....
You can also play voice prompts over Bluetooth if you want to use your car speakers. Google Maps is free and available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 10 or later. Download Google Maps 02
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Apple Maps
What We Like 3D Look Around feature.
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Jack Thompson 10 minutes ago
Effective lane guidance and speed limit display. Navigation screen is free of distractions....
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Andrew Wilson 5 minutes ago
What We Don't Like Doesn't offer map downloads for offline use. Doesn't warn drivers of spee...
Effective lane guidance and speed limit display. Navigation screen is free of distractions.
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Ethan Thomas Member
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45 minutes ago
What We Don't Like Doesn't offer map downloads for offline use. Doesn't warn drivers of speed traps or roadway obstructions.
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Isaac Schmidt 14 minutes ago
After a rocky launch in 2012 as part of iOS 6, Apple continued to refine its Maps app until it becam...
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Kevin Wang 42 minutes ago
It provides an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limi...
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Brandon Kumar Member
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32 minutes ago
After a rocky launch in 2012 as part of iOS 6, Apple continued to refine its Maps app until it became a worthy competitor of Google Maps on iOS devices. It ships as part of the operating system on iOS, so it's free and instantly available to users. The app's attractive design provides an intuitive user interface that guides drivers, walkers, and cyclists with turn-by-turn spoken directions.
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Audrey Mueller 1 minutes ago
It provides an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limi...
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Joseph Kim Member
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17 minutes ago
It provides an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limit. Commuters can access real-time transit information in many cities with live arrival and departure times of the user's bus or train.
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Aria Nguyen 9 minutes ago
On flights, get indoor maps of airport terminals, including the locations of restaurants and restroo...
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Victoria Lopez 1 minutes ago
Add favorites, favorite locations, and enjoy proactive suggestions. Enhancements made in the iOS 14....
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Audrey Mueller Member
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72 minutes ago
On flights, get indoor maps of airport terminals, including the locations of restaurants and restrooms. The app's Flyover Mode and 3D city views give a Google Earth-like experience: a 3D city image to explore virtually before a trip.
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Luna Park Member
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19 minutes ago
Add favorites, favorite locations, and enjoy proactive suggestions. Enhancements made in the iOS 14.5 upgrade include a way to share your ETA when walking or riding a bike and, via CarPlay, to share your ETA using Siri.
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Evelyn Zhang 2 minutes ago
In addition, safely report a traffic incident hands-free using Siri or CarPlay (in the U.S. and Chin...
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Sebastian Silva Member
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60 minutes ago
In addition, safely report a traffic incident hands-free using Siri or CarPlay (in the U.S. and China). Say something like, "Siri, there's a crash up ahead," to report the incident without using your phone.
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Mia Anderson Member
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105 minutes ago
You can also manually report an incident or a cleared incident using the Apple Maps Report an Incident screen. Apple Maps is free and available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 6 or later or iPadOS 13 or later.
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Lily Watson Moderator
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110 minutes ago
Download Apple Maps 03
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TomTom GO Navigation
What We Like A la carte downloadable maps with weekly updates. Excellent lane guidance.
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Scarlett Brown Member
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23 minutes ago
Speed camera alerts. Apple CarPlay compatibility.
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Chloe Santos 16 minutes ago
What We Don't Like Free app includes 50 miles of navigation per month. After free trial, a subscript...
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Alexander Wang 16 minutes ago
The TomTom GO Navigation app is a sleek combination of the latest TomTom car navigation technology a...
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Joseph Kim Member
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96 minutes ago
What We Don't Like Free app includes 50 miles of navigation per month. After free trial, a subscription is needed for most users. The iPhone route bar isn't available on CarPlay.
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Sophie Martin 90 minutes ago
The TomTom GO Navigation app is a sleek combination of the latest TomTom car navigation technology a...
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Brandon Kumar 75 minutes ago
Never miss a turn again because you're in the wrong lane. Relax while the app's speed camera...
The TomTom GO Navigation app is a sleek combination of the latest TomTom car navigation technology and world-class traffic information. The app displays the best route available based on accurate, real-time traffic information that gets you to your destination quickly. With the TomTom Traffic feature, you always know where delays are and whether a faster route is available. Lane guidance is a standout feature of TomTom GO Navigation.
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Andrew Wilson 92 minutes ago
Never miss a turn again because you're in the wrong lane. Relax while the app's speed camera...
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Grace Liu Member
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78 minutes ago
Never miss a turn again because you're in the wrong lane. Relax while the app's speed camera monitors posted speeds and alerts you to fixed and mobile speed cameras (requires an internet connection). Choose from a selection of offline maps for your region for those times when you don't have internet access or data roaming to plan a route.
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Aria Nguyen 57 minutes ago
The app is preloaded with useful points of interest. Find destinations faster with Quick Search, whi...
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Ryan Garcia 64 minutes ago
Or, tap your favorite destination on the map, and you're on your way. TomTomGO Navigation is ava...
The app is preloaded with useful points of interest. Find destinations faster with Quick Search, which finds locations as you start typing. You can also select locations you find on websites or other apps by copying the URL and pasting it into Quick Search.
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Liam Wilson 59 minutes ago
Or, tap your favorite destination on the map, and you're on your way. TomTomGO Navigation is ava...
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Zoe Mueller Member
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56 minutes ago
Or, tap your favorite destination on the map, and you're on your way. TomTomGO Navigation is available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 11 or later. It's a free app download with 50 free miles per month or a free trial period followed by a 1-month ($1.99), 3-month ($4.99), or 6-month ($8.99) subscription.
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Victoria Lopez 1 minutes ago
Download TomTom GO Mobile 04
of 06
Waze
What We Like Live, community-based traffic info...
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Evelyn Zhang Member
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29 minutes ago
Download TomTom GO Mobile 04
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Waze
What We Like Live, community-based traffic information. Apple CarPlay compatibility. Dynamic route adjustments to avoid traffic hazards.
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Dylan Patel Member
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60 minutes ago
What We Don't Like Ads on the screen. Only useful for drivers.
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Henry Schmidt 8 minutes ago
Not much location information. Waze is the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation ap...
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Christopher Lee 24 minutes ago
Join other drivers in your area who share real-time traffic and road information, saving everyone ti...
Not much location information. Waze is the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app.
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Ava White Moderator
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160 minutes ago
Join other drivers in your area who share real-time traffic and road information, saving everyone time and gas money on their daily commute. The app's social layer lets users contribute traffic jam, road hazard, speed trap, and similar information to the overall database. If you opt-in, Waze detects when you are traveling below the speed limit, contributing to real-time traffic data for all users.
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Isabella Johnson 57 minutes ago
The app uses on-the-fly maps, so an internet connection is needed to navigate and communicate with o...
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David Cohen Member
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33 minutes ago
The app uses on-the-fly maps, so an internet connection is needed to navigate and communicate with other Waze users to share reported road hazards. Add a photo to road reports or integrate with FourSquare, Twitter, or Facebook.
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Zoe Mueller 28 minutes ago
Waze is free with advertisements and available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with iOS 10 or later...
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Christopher Lee 5 minutes ago
Simulated views of major interchanges and exits. What We Don't Like Monthly fee does not include dat...
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Mason Rodriguez Member
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170 minutes ago
Waze is free with advertisements and available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with iOS 10 or later. Download Waze 05
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Verizon VZ Navigator
What We Like Roadside assistance based on GPS position. Day/night mode.
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Zoe Mueller 35 minutes ago
Simulated views of major interchanges and exits. What We Don't Like Monthly fee does not include dat...
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Lucas Martinez 165 minutes ago
The Verizon VZ Navigator, available only to those with Verizon as their carrier, is available with a...
Simulated views of major interchanges and exits. What We Don't Like Monthly fee does not include data. Constant use of GPS drains the battery.
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Liam Wilson Member
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The Verizon VZ Navigator, available only to those with Verizon as their carrier, is available with a monthly $4.99 subscription fee that is billed to the Verizon account. The VZ Navigator traffic app is known for its extensive 3D imagery that includes 3D maps of major U.S. cities.
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Chloe Santos 2 minutes ago
It also features audible traffic alerts and real-time traffic updates. Its SmartView feature lets yo...
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Kevin Wang Member
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111 minutes ago
It also features audible traffic alerts and real-time traffic updates. Its SmartView feature lets you select from multiple views, including list, dashboard, 3D, virtual city, and sky views. VA Navigator recognizes voice address input and integrates with Facebook.
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It offers gas price search information and supports messaging to share your location. The app suppor...
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Chloe Santos 101 minutes ago
VZ Navigator is available for Phone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 8 or later. It includes a free 30...
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Isabella Johnson Member
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76 minutes ago
It offers gas price search information and supports messaging to share your location. The app supports Spanish as well as English.
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VZ Navigator is available for Phone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 8 or later. It includes a free 30-day trial followed by a $4.99 monthly subscription.
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Harper Kim 30 minutes ago
Download VZ Navigator 06
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Gaia GPS
What We Like Searchable trail database. Downloa...
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Sophie Martin 46 minutes ago
Up-to-date weather forecasts. What We Don't Like Free level limited to the default map service. Subs...
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Daniel Kumar Member
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40 minutes ago
Download VZ Navigator 06
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Gaia GPS
What We Like Searchable trail database. Download topographic and satellite maps for offline use. Measures distance, altitude, and elevation changes.
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Lily Watson 35 minutes ago
Up-to-date weather forecasts. What We Don't Like Free level limited to the default map service. Subs...
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Isabella Johnson 7 minutes ago
Best features and maps require subscriptions. Although Gaia GPS started life as a backpacking app, i...
Up-to-date weather forecasts. What We Don't Like Free level limited to the default map service. Subscriptions are costly.
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Best features and maps require subscriptions. Although Gaia GPS started life as a backpacking app, i...
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Zoe Mueller 18 minutes ago
Whether you're into hiking, hunting, skiing, camping, or mountain biking, Gaia can be customized to ...
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Thomas Anderson Member
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210 minutes ago
Best features and maps require subscriptions. Although Gaia GPS started life as a backpacking app, it expanded to all types of outdoor recreational activities.
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Whether you're into hiking, hunting, skiing, camping, or mountain biking, Gaia can be customized to ...
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Luna Park 44 minutes ago
Bikers can mount Gaia GPS to the handlebars for hands-free navigation, and hunters can distinguish b...
Whether you're into hiking, hunting, skiing, camping, or mountain biking, Gaia can be customized to your interests. Wherever you are, use the app's Discover tab to find hikes and nearby trails.
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Lucas Martinez 2 minutes ago
Bikers can mount Gaia GPS to the handlebars for hands-free navigation, and hunters can distinguish b...
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Sebastian Silva 20 minutes ago
This app is so robust, it is used by firefighters, land managers, and search and rescue teams. Gaia ...
Bikers can mount Gaia GPS to the handlebars for hands-free navigation, and hunters can distinguish between public and private land with state-by-state hunting information. Skiers find powder and avoid avalanche terrain with Gaia GPS.
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James Smith 134 minutes ago
This app is so robust, it is used by firefighters, land managers, and search and rescue teams. Gaia ...
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Mason Rodriguez 14 minutes ago
It includes a free level, a Member level for $19.99, and a Premium level for $39.95. Download Gaia G...
This app is so robust, it is used by firefighters, land managers, and search and rescue teams. Gaia GPS is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 10 or later.
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It includes a free level, a Member level for $19.99, and a Premium level for $39.95. Download Gaia G...
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Madison Singh 83 minutes ago
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It includes a free level, a Member level for $19.99, and a Premium level for $39.95. Download Gaia GPS Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
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The 6 Best GPS Apps for iPhone of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mob...
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lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by
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