Which Navigation App Actually Works Offline? We Tested All Three

Which Navigation App Actually Works Offline? We Tested All Three

Bikepacking routes take you places where cell service doesn’t exist. You need navigation that works completely offline—not “mostly offline” or “offline with limitations.” We took three popular cycling navigation apps into dead zones and tested what actually works when your phone shows “No Service.”

The Testing Protocol

We enabled airplane mode before leaving cell coverage and kept it enabled for the entire test. No WiFi, no cell data, no Bluetooth connections that might allow sneaky data transfer. Just the app, downloaded maps, and GPS satellites.

Route complexity: Each app received the same 60-mile test route including paved roads, gravel, singletrack, and one section requiring improvised navigation around a washed-out bridge.

Functions tested: Turn-by-turn directions, map display, current location tracking, route recalculation when off-course, search functionality, and access to route details like elevation and distance remaining.

Devices: iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Both phones had current app versions and maps downloaded the day before testing.

Ride With GPS. The Expected Leader

Pre-ride download process: The premium version ($50/year) allows downloading maps for offline use. We downloaded the route plus a corridor of surrounding area. The download was 180MB and took about 5 minutes on home WiFi.

What worked:

• Turn-by-turn navigation continued flawlessly
• Map displayed with reasonable detail
• Current position tracked accurately via GPS
• Elevation profile and distance remaining updated correctly
• Cue sheet accessible for all turns

What didn’t work:

• Search functionality returned no results
• Couldn’t access any routes not previously downloaded
• No ability to modify the route or create new waypoints
• Points of interest (water, food, services) not available

The detour test: When we needed to navigate around the washed-out bridge, Ride With GPS continued showing the original route. We couldn’t create a detour within the app. Manual navigation using the map and compass was required until we rejoined the planned route.

Verdict: For following a pre-planned route, Ride With GPS works exactly as advertised offline. For adapting to unexpected situations, you need backup navigation skills.

Komoot. The Voice Navigation Test

Pre-ride download process: Komoot uses a region-based download system. We purchased the relevant region ($4) and downloaded offline maps. The download included topographic detail and points of interest—about 250MB.

What worked:

• Voice navigation continued without internet connection
• Map detail was superior to Ride With GPS offline
• Turn-by-turn worked reliably
• Highlights (user-contributed points of interest) displayed on map
• Route statistics (elevation gained, time, distance) all functional

What didn’t work:

• Couldn’t search for new locations
• Unable to re-route to a different destination
• No access to full route library
• Weather and condition updates obviously unavailable

The detour test: Komoot handled the bridge detour better than expected. The offline maps included enough road detail that we could visually plan an alternative. The app couldn’t auto-route the detour, but the map provided the information needed to navigate manually.

Voice navigation reliability: Voice prompts continued throughout the test. The timing of prompts was accurate, and the app correctly announced off-course warnings when we intentionally deviated.

Verdict: Komoot’s offline functionality is genuinely useful, not just technically functional. The voice navigation alone makes it valuable for complex routes where you don’t want to constantly check your phone.

Gaia GPS. The Backcountry Standard

Pre-ride download process: Gaia ($40/year premium) allows downloading multiple map layers for offline use. We downloaded USGS topographic, satellite imagery, and OpenStreetMap layers. Total download: 620MB—significantly more than other apps.

What worked:

• All three map layers fully functional offline
• GPS tracking accurate and responsive
• Saved waypoints accessible
• Track recording continued normally
• Compass and location tools all functional
• Could create new waypoints and save them

What didn’t work:

• No turn-by-turn navigation (Gaia doesn’t really do this even online)
• Search limited to downloaded areas
• No route suggestions or auto-routing
• Sync to cloud unavailable until reconnection

The detour test: Gaia excelled here. With satellite imagery and topographic maps available offline, finding alternative routes was straightforward. We could see the terrain, identify rideable paths, and navigate around obstacles using actual map-reading skills supported by quality cartography.

The difference in philosophy: Gaia assumes you know how to read maps and navigate. It provides the best possible maps and lets you figure things out. For experienced navigators, this approach is liberating. For those depending on turn-by-turn directions, it’s intimidating.

Verdict: Gaia offers the most complete offline experience—but it’s a different experience than the others provide. If you’re comfortable with map-based navigation, it’s the most capable tool. If you need voice prompts telling you where to turn, look elsewhere.

Download Size vs. Functionality

The storage required for offline use varied dramatically:

The larger downloads provide more flexibility but consume significant storage. A multi-day trip across several regions could require gigabytes of downloads.

Battery Impact

Offline navigation should improve battery life by eliminating cell radio use. Our test confirmed this but with variations:

Ride With GPS: 8% battery per hour with screen on, GPS active, and airplane mode enabled. Better than typical connected use (12-15%).

Komoot: 10% per hour—voice navigation processing uses more power than silent turn-by-turn.

Gaia GPS: 7% per hour with screen on. The simplest interface and lack of voice processing helps efficiency.

What “Offline” Really Means

All three apps claim offline functionality, but the term means different things:

Ride With GPS “offline”: Follow downloaded routes. Maps display. Turn-by-turn works. Nothing else.

Komoot “offline”: Follow downloaded routes with voice navigation. View downloaded regional maps. See downloaded highlights. Limited adaptation ability.

Gaia “offline”: Full mapping capability with multiple layers. Create waypoints. Record tracks. Navigate by map skills. No automated routing.

The Hybrid Approach

Our testing confirmed what experienced bikepackers know: no single app handles all offline scenarios perfectly. The ideal setup combines tools:

Primary navigation: Komoot or Ride With GPS for turn-by-turn on the planned route.

Backup mapping: Gaia GPS with topographic maps for when plans change.

Ultimate backup: Paper maps or cue sheets for catastrophic phone failure.

Download maps generously beyond your planned route. The bridge detour reminded us that routes on the ground don’t always match routes on the map.

Recommendations by User Type

Follow the route, minimal navigation skills: Komoot. Voice navigation reduces the need to read maps or screens while riding.

Technical route, prepared for contingencies: Ride With GPS for primary navigation plus Gaia for backup mapping.

Confident navigator, values flexibility: Gaia GPS as primary tool, with any turn-by-turn app for efficiency on straightforward sections.

Budget-conscious: OsmAnd (not tested here) offers free offline maps with basic navigation. The interface is clunky but functional.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before your next bikepacking trip into offline territory:

• Download maps at home on WiFi, not the night before at a campground with weak signal
• Test offline functionality by enabling airplane mode before you leave
• Download more area than you think you need—at least 20 miles beyond your planned route in all directions
• Verify the downloaded route matches your current plan (some apps cache old versions)
• Ensure your phone has adequate storage—low storage can cause apps to purge offline data
• Carry a backup power source; offline navigation still requires battery

Offline navigation has become remarkably reliable, but it still requires preparation. Test your setup before your trip depends on it, and always have a backup plan for when technology fails entirely.