8 Best Driving Apps to Make Your Vacation Even More Fun

The suburbs don’t have to be that stressful, even if you’re driving alone. In fact, the best driving apps can help keep you safe, productive, and/or fun while you’re stuck in traffic. Ready to improve your week? Check out these driving apps for Android and iOS devices (listed in no particular order).

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Android Auto

What we like

Completely hands-free with Google Assistant.
Allows you to select the navigation application used for directions.
Connects to services such as your calendar and reminders.
Sends and receives messages.

What we don’t like

Only works with Android.

Growing concern is growing concern, so those who want to maintain safe driving while accessing smartphone tools will do well with the Android Auto app. The Android Auto app benefits users by offering a simplified interface and large buttons to easily switch between GPS navigation, media, and calls/messages.

What’s great about Android Auto is its compatibility with more than three dozen apps — you’re not stuck with a default choice. Use Google Maps or Waze for GPS directions. Listen to audio through Pandora, Spotify, Overdrive, Podcast Addict, jetAudio music player and more. Chat with others via SMS, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp Messenger, etc., which can be controlled with voice actions.

Available on: Android

Price: is free

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DailyRoads Voyager

What we like

Provides an easy to use interface.
Video recording constantly.
Allows you to set functions.
You can pay for extra features like no ads.

What we don’t like

Doesn’t work with iOS.

Surveillance cameras are more than just a passing fad to post videos on YouTube. These tools help drivers stay safe and keep themselves and other drivers on the road accountable (i.e. video footage of an accident can be critical when it comes to insurance claims/fraud). But if you need functionality without having to purchase another gadget, there are mobile applications that allow smartphones to double function as dash cams .

DailyRoads Voyager offers many important features in a simple interface: continuous video recording, timestamps and geotagging on videos/photos, screen brightness adjustment, built-in file manager/browser and more. The application also contains a list of settings for fine tuning and customization.

Available on: Android

Price: free (offers in-app purchases)

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MileIQ

What we like

Works with both iOS and Android.
The simple interface makes it easy to follow and understand.
You can pay to track an unlimited number of discs per month.

What we don’t like

There are problems of not catching every trip.
The free plan limits tracking to 40 rides per month.

For many, daily commuting goes hand in hand with business expenses (i.e. write-offs that are used for tax deductions and/or charities). But if you’ve had a busy and/or tiring day, it can be easy to forget to write down accurate notes on paper. Luckily, smartphones with apps like MileIQ can handle all of this work for you.

MileIQ uses your device’s system clock and GPS to automatically track and log each of your trips. It accurately records start/stop times as well as total miles traveled (up to a fraction of a mile). You can quickly categorize trips as business, personal or charitable, and data can be quickly exported as expense spreadsheets (IRS compliant).

Available on: Android , iOS

Price: free (offers in-app purchases)

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Gas Buddy

What we like

Works with iPhone and Android.
Supports filtering results.
Includes contests to win free gas.
It’s driven by the community.
Includes other features specific to your vehicle.

What we don’t like

Can drain your phone’s battery.

Refueling is an integral part when it comes to owning and driving a vehicle. Anyone who has spent enough time topping up tanks understands that even a few cents per gallon certainly makes a difference. And yet, after your tank is full, you see across the street, only to see another station offering cheaper gas. If you want to make sure you never overpay again, GasBuddy is your friend.

GasBuddy has been around for years thanks to a huge community of users reporting/updating local gas prices in real time. The app shows results filtered by price, brand, location, and amenities. Not only will you know if there’s a better deal right around the corner, but you can read user reviews (i.e. the extra savings may not be worth the messy bathroom or terrible service) to help you decide.

Available on: Android , iOS

Price: is free

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Citymapper Transit Navigation

What we like

It’s really easy to understand.
The app can run on iOS and Android.
Very responsive and smooth.
Works without internet connection (in some areas).

What we don’t like

Does not support every city.
Requires more space than similar applications.

Not all passengers are driving when driving to and from work. Many, especially in large cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and others, use public transportation and/or walk and/or bike. Some may do a combination of each! If this sounds familiar, then Citymapper Transit Navigation might be the best app on your smartphone.

Citymapper aggregates all local transit data (such as origins and stops) and calculates the fastest route to your destination. The app takes into account bus, subway, train and ferries, as well as taxis, car sharing, Uber/Lyft, biking and/or walking. You can get real-time alerts for transit line delays/outages, and offline maps let you navigate when you can’t get a consistent data signal.

Available on: Android , iOS

Price: is free