Off-roading is a fun and adventurous activity. However, the fun ends badly if you get lost in the wild without any support. Now, in this case, the riders are asked to install some navigation apps on their mobile phones to get the idea of their location and get back safely.
These apps are equipped to work offline, so having no internet service does not have much impact. This article covers the best of the 15 navigation apps that are perfect for off-roading.
- All-in-one Offline App
- Gaia Maps
- Trail Offroad
- Alpine Quest
- OsmAnd
- Avanza Maps
- Locus Maps
- BackCountry Navigator XE
- ExploreOz
- Hema 4×4
- Polaris GPS
- SpyGlass
- Komoot
- ViewRanger
- OnX
Key Features to Look for in an Off-Road GPS App
Before choosing an app, ensure it includes:
- Offline Maps: Critical in remote areas with no cell signal
- Trail Ratings: Helps you choose routes based on your vehicle and experience
- Waypoint Marking: To track campsites, hazards, or turnaround points
- 4WD Trail Maps: Many apps include OHV trail databases from public land sources
- Land Ownership Boundaries: Useful when riding near private land
Comparison Chart of Off-Road Mobile Apps:
Mobile App Name | Prominent Features | Availability on Platforms | Geographical Areas Covered | Does it Work on Ofline as well? |
All-in-one Offline App | Opacity Option | iOS & Android | Every trail map is availble | Yes |
Gaia App | Easy user interface, available search option for trails, point of interests’ option | iOS & Android | Across the world maps available | Yes |
Trail Offroad | Inclinometer, maps for beginners as well | iOS & Android | Majority of the major trails are covered | Yes |
Alpine Quest | Topographical, classical and satellite maps available | Android | Maps of all terrains are available for download | Yes |
OsmAnd | Contour Lines, shading hills ,tracking or routes, sharing of the maps | iOS & Android | Maps of all major terrains are available | Yes |
Avenza Maps | Store for Maps to be downloaded region wise | iOS & Android | Every trail map is available to be downloaded (Regularly Updated) | Yes |
Locus Maps | Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Beeline Connect Option, share, track and record of routes | iOS & Android | Cover ever major area of the world | Yes |
BackCountry Navigator XE | Cloud uploading feature, Map Overlaying | iOS & Android | Every trail map is available | Yes |
ExplorOz Traveller | Turn-to-Turn Navigation, sharing, locating of trails | iOS & Android | Regular updates of maps of across the world terrains | Yes |
Hema 4x4 | Over 100,000 points of interests | iOS & Android | Covers major areas of the world | Yes |
Polaris GPS | Accurate Compass | Andriod only | Around the world | Yes |
SpyGlass application | GPS, Gyrocompass, ViewFinder, Range Finder | iOS only | Universally applicable | Yes |
Komoot | Maps for hikers, travellers and off-roaders | iOS & Android | Major region covered | Yes |
View Ranger | Google Editor’s Choice | iOS & Android | 23 countries maps included | Yes |
Fat Map | 3d Maps of all locations | iOS & Android | Covers major regions | Yes |
I have created the infographic below that covers the 15 Best Off-Road Navigation Apps. (You are welcome to use and share but please credit us if you do so.)
1. All-in-One Offline App:
The number one on our list is All-In-One Offline App. The app includes all the major areas that are being explored for off-roading. So, the drivers can check the app regarding the active location of the track they are going.
Another feature that All-In-One navigation app offers to off-roaders is the availability of different kinds of maps. That includes classic maps, satellite maps, and topographical maps of almost all locations.
This helps riders to have a better understanding of the location with its respective features. Furthermore, the maps are available to download, which will help navigate offline.
Another noteworthy feature of this app is the opacity feature. You can pinpoint any location and get the details of this point. Its track, altitude, terrain, and many other details are given in this regard.
2. Gaia App:
Gaia GPS is a user-friendly off-road navigation app with clear map lines and an intuitive interface. It allows users to pinpoint locations, set waypoints, and highlight trails for easy exploration. The search feature helps quickly find trails, and maps can be downloaded for offline use, ensuring reliable navigation even without internet access.
3. Trails Offroad:
Trails Off-Road stands out with its inclinometer, alerting drivers if their vehicle reaches a dangerous tilt angle. It also tracks routes, saving them in .gpx format for easy sharing with friends. The app offers downloadable offline maps, making it a great tool for both amateurs and experienced off-roaders. Plus, it’s free to download.
4. Alpine Quest:
Alpine Quest offers highly accurate maps for off-road trekking, ensuring error-free navigation with classical, topographic, and satellite-based options. The app continuously updates with boundary, property, and lake maps, enhancing versatility. Before heading out, pack essentials like a power bank, food, fuel, and a reliable device for a smooth journey.
5. OsmAnd:
In our list, the next cool navigation application is OsmAnd. OsmAnd is available on both IOS and Android and free although some features included in this application require payment.
Talking about the functionality, OsmAnd provides accurate and effective maps that can be downloaded for offline use. The maps are free to use, and for drivers, they will not be a burden on their pocket.
Irrespective of this, some prominent features will surely help drivers go off-road.
But unfortunately, they are not free. One of these features includes the contour lines and shading hills that help describe the type and condition of the terrain.
The OsmAnd app has an awesome feature that is adding vehicle dimensions to the vehicle parameter option. The application will automatically assess the trail and tell the driver whether the vehicle can pass through the route or not.
This is beneficial for car-trailers, RVs, and big trucks. With this, some other features that OsmAnd gives are tracking the route, sharing the map, and some additional map formats.
6. Avenza Maps:
Avenza Maps is an online map store, providing high-quality maps that can be downloaded for free or at a cost. While it lacks active location tracking, users must manually place the cursor to navigate. Despite this, it offers great features like route tracking, photo plotting, location sharing, and distance measurement, making it useful for outdoor adventures.
7. Locus Maps:
Locus Maps is a multifunctional navigation app tailored for hiking, biking, riding, and off-roading. It allows users to track, record, share, and modify routes, with features like voice-guided navigation, alert buzzers for lost tracks, and imported route navigation. For added precision, it supports Beeline navigation device integration. With proper preparation, this app ensures a smooth adventure in any terrain.
BackCountry Navigator turns a smartphone into an active GPS, allowing users to overlay maps, including lake, trail, and property maps. All maps can be downloaded offline, ensuring global access with efficient storage. The app supports cloud uploading, enabling users to track, share, and review routes. With offline maps, staying on track without a signal becomes hassle-free.
9. ExplorOz Traveller:
ExplorOz is an Australian-based application that provides extensive information, maps, and trails for off-roaders in Australia. The application is equipped with highly accurate trail locations and the geographical features of the whole country. This makes it a perfect choice for off-roaders in Australia.
Other than this, the application is equipped with a turn-to-turn navigation option. That too, with a voiceover to keep on guiding you. Also, trip planning, mapping, and sharing of trips are features of this app.
The app functions online and offline both. But it is not free and requires payment for a subscription.
10. Hema 4×4 Explorer:
After ExplorOz, we have included the Hema 4×4 Explorer. It is a paid app that requires a payment of around $45.99. The application comes with exceptional features for off-roaders, campers, and trekkers.
The first and foremost feature of it is 690,000kms of maps that are available to be downloaded. Along with this, the application has an exclusive 45000kms of trail tracks that can be searched and are with pinpoint accuracy.
This is not the end. The application has regular features as well. Like, map guide, sharing of maps, caravan sites, and over 100,000 points of interest for visitors among different tracks.
Polaris GPS application is available on the Android platform, and it is famed for its accurate compass – which comes as an in-built feature. The application is designed for off-roaders, hikers, and campers.
The application has features of measuring latitude, longitude, height, sunset, and sunrise in its list. Although these features seem overwhelming for new users, the drivers become handy on all these details over time.
Other than this, there is a point to be taken care of, and that is that most of the features in the application run only with the internet.
12. SpyGlass Application:
The next best application that we brought for off-road navigation is the SpyGlass application. The application is for IOs users, and it has an augmented display for guiding the users. The application includes a speedometer, altimeter, active GPS tracking, gyrocompass, real-time viewfinder, and rangefinder.
The app functions are based on your mobile phone cameras and other devices and calibrate them. Furthermore, you can calculate the distance between two objects and can identify paths with the help of stars and moon locations.
The SpyGlass is a good navigation application, but its feature may become hectic for new drivers and users to put into use. The application functions after payment of around $6 as basic subscription fees.
13. Komoot:
Komoot is designed for hikers, travelers, and off-roaders, especially bikers, offering paved and unpaved trails to suit different preferences. It also highlights points of interest for better planning. The app is free to use, but region maps cost $3.99, while the whole world map is available for $29.99.
14. ViewRanger (Now Outdooractive):
ViewRanger is ideal for hikers, off-roaders, and trekkers, covering 23+ countries with exclusive terrain maps, satellite images, and street maps. With 180,000 marked trails, it’s a top choice for navigation. The OS Wear feature lets users view directions directly on their smartwatch, adding convenience to outdoor adventures.
15. OnX Map:
OnX Maps provides 3D trail maps with foot tracks, points of interest, and images for better route awareness. It includes topographic details, tracking snowfall, weather, and terrain conditions affecting your journey. Users can also explore National Parks, Ski Resorts, and public trails, making it a valuable tool for outdoor adventures.
Best Off-Road GPS Apps for Android
Perfect for serious off-roaders. Offers offline topo maps, GPX support, and land use overlays. Designed specifically for Android.
2. Gaia GPS
Popular with overlanders and trail riders. Includes topo, satellite, and public/private land maps with offline use and syncing.
3. Locus Map
Highly customizable with detailed offline maps, GPX tools, and live tracking. Great for advanced users who want control.
4. OsmAnd
Free and open-source with full offline routing. Uses OpenStreetMap data and supports terrain overlays and GPX navigation.
5. AlpineQuest
Lightweight and great for hiking or remote areas. Supports multiple map sources and offline use with solid waypoint tools.
Final Thoughts:
If you are looking for an off-road navigation app to help you get where you need to go, then check out the options we’ve listed here. Each of these apps has been designed specifically with outdoor adventures in mind, so they will be able to guide you through even the most difficult terrain.
And since they all come with different features and price points, there is sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly. So what are you waiting for? Get exploring!
Also Read:
Top 5 Best GPS for Off-Roading: Detailed Analysis
Frequenntly Asked Questions (FAQs):
Off-road navigation apps offer several benefits, including:
• Comprehensive and accurate maps – Many off-road navigation apps feature detailed maps specifically designed for off-road use. This can help you find your way through unfamiliar territory.
• Features designed for off-road navigation – Many off-road navigation apps include features specifically designed for off-road use, such as track logging and waypoint navigation. This can help you to stay on track while navigating through rough terrain.
When choosing an off-road navigation app, you should consider the following factors:
• Accuracy of maps – The accuracy of the maps is important, especially if you are using the app to navigate unfamiliar territory. Make sure to check the reviews to see how well the app performs in map accuracy.
• Features – The features offered by the app can be important, especially if you are looking for an app that has specific features designed for off-road navigation.
• Ease of use – The app should be easy to use, with a simple interface that is easy to navigate.
• Cost – The cost of the app can vary, so be sure to compare the prices of different apps before making a decision.
The usage of off-road navigation apps can vary depending on the app, but typically they work similarly.
You will need to enter the starting and ending points of your journey, and the app will provide directions and maps to help you get there. Some apps also include track logging and waypoint navigation, which can help navigate through rough terrain.
An off-road navigation app is unnecessary for every off-road trip, but it can be helpful to have one if you are travelling in unfamiliar territory. The app can provide you with accurate maps and directions, which can help you to stay on track while navigating through rough terrain.
This is Surya. I am an experienced off-roader. I have been off-roading for many years across several terrains. I am passionate about 4×4 driving and want to share my knowledge and experience with others.
My goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive and unbiased information about off-roading.
I curated this article through my personal experience and expertise, and I hope it helps you with what you are looking for.
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Paul
Wednesday 19th of July 2023
I mean no-road navigation, got corrected by the checker
Paul
Wednesday 19th of July 2023
The way the app gives instructions is crucial. You don't want to stop and take a look at the map, instructions should be visual and or spoken. How does the app tell you to change directions, as there are no roads, so no turns to take. Which app truly serves on-road navigation? Which app tells you were your GPX track is, and how to get back on track? I don't know of any app that guides you while following (running, biking, swimming, sailing, skiing, driving) a GPX track on the go, without having to check the map on the screen. The latter is often not possible, while skiing or sailing in rough weather.
Terry Elrod
Friday 17th of February 2023
Thank you, Surya, for your Very useful review of off-road navigation apps. It will help me choose an app that works for both iOS and Android. I do have one correction - Alpine Quest does not support iOS. (See https://alpinequest.net/) This is unfortunate because, as you note, it is one of the better apps.