Why pay for TomTom and Sygic subscriptions when there are currently very reliable free GPS software options? Able to work with or without internet access, some tools don’t even require installation. Michelin Route: a navigation tool that doesn’t require installation If you don’t have a factory-installed car radio with GPS or an Android radio,
Michelin Route might be the tool that best suits your needs. Completely free, it’s accessible from any web browser. Offering fairly accurate route calculation, Michelin Route also allows you to calculate the cost of a trip. Just like
Mappy Route, this online navigation software also lets you search for points of interest (restaurants, hotels, parking lots, shopping centers, etc.). Waze: the ultimate free GPS software If you have an Android GPS car radio or a Pioneer Smart Sync radio, you absolutely must try the Waze navigation tool. Used by over 130 million users (nearly 20 million in France), this GPS software offers a highly sophisticated map. In addition to detecting speed cameras and danger zones, Waze’s main strength lies in the quality of its traffic information. Thanks to data shared by other users, it’s easy to quickly anticipate traffic jams and congestion in cities, on highways, and on national roads. It can also meet professional needs, as the software can recognize a precise address, which could be extremely helpful during a delivery route. Here we Go, a good alternative to Waze. Free mapping software, Here We Go remains the best alternative to Waze. Available for iOS and Android, this navigation tool makes calculating a GPS route incredibly easy. Featuring voice guidance in several languages, Here We Go’s greatest strength is that, in addition to car journeys, it can also be used while cycling or motorcycling. Furthermore, to enhance your user experience, the tool offers a 3D mode.
Google Maps: a GPS that can be used without an internet connection
Google Maps is undoubtedly the most famous mapping tool in the world. While it can function as a GPS, what makes this Google tool unique today is its offline functionality. However, in this mode, you cannot calculate a route because, without an internet connection, it cannot provide traffic information.
So far, we’ve talked about free GPS apps for smartphones to help you find your way when you’re on foot or in a car. This is a great alternative to portable or in-vehicle GPS devices. But there’s another use for GPS technology: real-time tracking with GPS trackers. Most often, these are used to geolocate items you want to protect from theft, like a car or a motorcycle. If there’s suspicious movement, you receive an alert directly on your smartphone. And if the vehicle is stolen, it’s easy to trace it. But these trackers also let you keep an eye on your pets. A GPS for dogs
For example, it allows you to track your faithful companion in real time, thanks to a free app available on the Google Play Store or the App Store. This is very practical, as it allows you to walk your dog off-leash safely, for example, during a walk in the forest or countryside. It also allows you to quickly find your dog if it escapes from home. The catch is that most GPS trackers require a monthly or annual subscription. There is one exception: Invoxia brand trackers. To remain free to use (you still have to buy the tracker), Invoxia uses the LoRa network, a free community-based network, while competing GPS dog trackers use traditional cellular networks that require a SIM card and a subscription.
