I compared Google Maps and Waze on the same trip, and the differences went far beyond navigation

Google Maps is a powerful navigation tool, but it can be overwhelming with its cluttered interface and ads. I was searching for a streamlined app that focused only on navigation, leading me to Horizon Nav, an open source alternative. This app eschews ads and recommendations, simplifying the experience to just navigation. The map is the focal point, reminiscent of classic GPS devices, and the interface eschews unnecessary features for essentials like current position, upcoming turns, route information, and speed.

However, Horizon Nav doesn't skimp on customization. Users can switch between 2D and 3D views, adjust zoom levels, and choose between day and night modes. Even more unique are the granular adjustments like toggling 3D buildings and streetlights, and even a weather-based overlay. For practical needs, it provides speed limits and alerts for speed cameras.

Offline navigation is a strong suit, with the ability to cache regions by country or city for use without internet. Unlike Google Maps, Horizon Nav doesn't require accounts or serve ads, keeping all saved locations and trip logs on the device. Despite requiring a bit more setup, like obtaining API tokens from Mapbox or TomTom, the simplicity and focus of Horizon Nav make it a compelling choice for those seeking a distraction-free navigation experience.