Navfree review
Based on community-updated OSM maps, Navfree features an appealing voice-guided GPS navigation mode that makes driving in a large city less stressful, but it still has some serious usability problems.
Pros
Works great offline: Navfree stands out from other navigation apps thanks to its fully-featured offline mode, which not only lets you view maps, but also search addresses and enjoy the benefits of the adroit fast routing feature. Its offline capabilities make this app great for frequent travelers who can't rely on a permanent Internet connection or who want to save money on their data roaming bill.
Useful voice directions: Reaching your destination in due time becomes a lot easier with the app's clear voice commands provided by Alyson and Ed, both of whom have rich, pleasant enough voices. What's more, there are paid upgrades for unlocking the famous voices of the Simpsons, Snoop Dogg, or Stephen Fry, which are great, judging by the samples we've tried.
Individual upgrades: Rather than forcing a subscription or a costly professional version, the developers feature a series of in-app purchases such as World Pro-Maps, celebrity voices, safety cameras, and live traffic. You can buy only the features you need.
Cons
Clumsy design and unresponsive maps: While testing this app we were often frustrated with the lack of a pinch-to-zoom feature (at least on certain maps), the occasional crazy gliding of the map under our finger, and the cluttered, unfriendly settings window.
Map sizes differ: Once you tap to download a map, you sometimes find out that the actual size of the map is greater than the listed size, which can add to your data roaming costs if you don't download them through Wi-Fi.
Dynamic onscreen ad: A small but distracting banner invades the map mode at all times, unless you pay to remove it.
Bottom Line
Navfree turns out to be neither as polished nor as responsive as alternatives like Google Maps, MapFactor, or MapQuest, but its ability to run offline, without a permanent connection for rerouting and voice-guided GPS navigation redeem it. Whether you need directions in your own city or while traveling, Navfree can help you out.
