Using a tablet as a car GPS is becoming more popular, thanks to large touchscreens, offline maps, and voice-assisted navigation. But which navigation app is best for your tablet?
We’ve tested the top navigation apps for Android and iOS tablets, so you can find the best option for road trips, daily commutes, and offline travel.
🚘 Why Use a Tablet for Car Navigation?
- Bigger screen than smartphones = better visibility
- Offline maps work without an internet connection
- Customizable apps (unlike built-in car systems)
- Great for long trips and navigation in rural areas
📍 Top Navigation Apps for Car Tablets (2025 Picks)
🥇 1. Google Maps – Best Overall for Navigation
✔️ Free | ✔️ Online & Offline Maps | ✔️ Real-time Traffic
- Pros: Most accurate live traffic updates, Google Assistant voice commands
- Cons: Offline mode lacks live traffic updates
- Best for: Everyday use, urban driving, real-time traffic
➡️ Download Google Maps For Android – For ios
🥈 2. Waze – Best for Real-Time Traffic & Alerts
✔️ Free | ✔️ Crowd-sourced Traffic | ✔️ Best for City Driving
- Pros: Real-time updates from drivers (accidents, speed traps, road closures)
- Cons: Requires internet for best functionality
- Best for: Commuters, city drivers, avoiding traffic
➡️ Download Waze For Android – For ios
🥉 3. HERE WeGo – Best Offline GPS App
✔️ Free | ✔️ Fully Offline Maps | ✔️ Voice Navigation
- Pros: Download full country maps for offline use
- Cons: Fewer real-time updates than Google Maps or Waze
- Best for: Traveling in areas with no signal, road trips abroad
➡️ Download HERE WeGo For android – for ios
🔄 4. Sygic GPS Navigation – Best for Advanced Features
✔️ Paid | ✔️ 3D Maps | ✔️ Dashcam Integration
- Pros: Turn-by-turn navigation, built-in dashcam recording
- Cons: Requires payment for premium features
- Best for: Premium offline navigation, frequent travelers
➡️ Download Sygic For android – for ios
🛣️ 5. TomTom GO Navigation – Best for Accuracy
✔️ Paid | ✔️ No Ads | ✔️ High-Precision Routes
- Pros: Ad-free experience, accurate routes even in rural areas
- Cons: Subscription required
- Best for: Professionals, road trip drivers
➡️ Download TomTom GO For android – for ios
🔋 How to Use Your Tablet as a Car GPS
1️⃣ Choose a good mount (dashboard or windshield)
2️⃣ Download offline maps for your area
3️⃣ Use a car charger to avoid battery drain
4️⃣ Connect to Bluetooth for voice navigation
📌 Want a guide to the best car tablet mounts?
👉 Read: How to Mount a Tablet in Your Car Without Damage
Best Tablets for Car Navigation
| Tablet | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | Best Budget Option | Buy on Amazon |
| iPad Mini (6th Gen) | Best for iOS Users | Buy on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | Best Premium Option | Buy on Amazon |
📌 Want more tablet recommendations?
👉 Read: Best Android Tablets for Car Use
❓ FAQs
Q: Do tablets have built-in GPS for navigation?
A: Yes, many tablets have GPS, but some Wi-Fi-only models require an internet connection or external GPS receiver.
Q: Can I use Google Maps or Waze offline?
A: Google Maps supports offline maps, but Waze requires an internet connection for real-time traffic updates.
Q: What’s the best way to mount a tablet for car navigation?
A: A dashboard suction mount is the safest option for visibility and easy access.
