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Classic navigation device (symbol image)
Photo: Creativ Studio Heinemann / Westend61 / Getty Images
It doesn't always have to be Google Maps - this is the conclusion reached by Stiftung Warentest, which compared navigation services and apps.
Two classic devices from Garmin and Tomtom are ahead of the test (grade 1.8 each).
Smartphone applications rank just behind.
The Tomtom device Go Discover 7 (price: approx. 300 euros) scored with the best navigation.
Announcements, displays, route guidance and how long it takes for the service to be operational were evaluated.
The Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Digital Traffic instrument (price: approx. 250 euros) is said to be particularly easy to use and cuts a particularly good figure when making calls - it has a hands-free device for the mobile phone.
Some apps, some of which are free, offer almost as much.
On Android, the Tomtom service (13 euros / year, best traffic information) is ahead of Google Maps, on the iPhone, ironically, Google is just ahead of Apple Maps.
It was also important for the evaluation how much data volume the apps consume.
Maps cannot be downloaded for every application, which helps save money.
There are also differences in the choice of means of transport. Most apps focus on the car, some are also for pedestrians and cyclists. Apple and Google also show public transport connections. Offers from Sygic, Waze, Osmand and NNG were also examined.
