10 Alternatives to Apple iOS 6 Maps for the iPhone 5

Now that we all know Apple's new Maps app in is, shall we say, , the next question is whether there are worthy alternatives. Fortunately, there are—and we've got a complete rundown of the best ones, including Google's own, long-awaited replacement.

Some of these apps specialize in getting around on foot, while others focus more on the driving experience, with voice-enabled, turn-by-turn navigation. Almost all of them do both, but with varying emphasis on different tasks; we've tested almost all of them. Some of these are free, too, so download several and give 'em a whirl.

Google Maps (Free)
Google to the rescue! The company's new, standalone Google Maps app is actually significantly better than the one Apple forcibly removed from iOS. The new app features vector-based maps that are smoother and faster than before. In addition to voice-enabled navigation, you also get bike routes, Zagat reviews, and offline map caching for use in areas with poor cellular signal. Everything else that was great about Google Maps returns, including Street Views, satellite map data, and Google's vast, continuously updated point-of-interest database. .

Bing 3.03 (Free)
Bing is more of a general search app than the others, but it also delivers solid maps and navigation. It has a comprehensive POI database, and delivers walking, transit, and driving directions (at least without voice prompts, like the old Google Maps app). It also includes traffic conditions, movie showtimes, and robust Facebook integration. .

Garmin U.S.A. 2.1 ($49.99)
Garmin's iOS lineup has been a little confusing, and somewhat behind the times in functionality. But the latest version is much better, as it features Garmin's trademark interface, voice-based navigation, and stellar POI search capabilities with integrated Google Local Search. It also includes 3D buildings, on-screen speed limit signs for the current road, and photorealistic lane assistance. .

Magellan RoadMate U.S.A. 2.2.1 ($49.99)
Magellan has been a steady, solid performer in our reviews of the company's standalone devices. The iOS app (pictured right) is even better, as it displays road speed limits, red light and speed camera alerts, and live camera feeds. It also offers accurate directions, a pedestrian mode, and a clear interface with a One Touch menu for fast navigation to favorite destinations. .

MapQuest 3.0.3 (Free) 
We didn't like MapQuest's driving directions in our review, as it felt grafted on and in some cases was vague enough to be dangerous. But on foot it's excellent, and is a great option if you're looking for a pure Google Maps replacement with a moving, overhead 2D view. The latest version features live traffic cameras and gas prices in addition to walking and driving directions. .

Continue Reading: Navigon, TomTom, and More>

Navigon North America 2.2 ($49.99)
Navigon's MobileNavigator has been a longtime favorite for driving navigation on the iPhone, and remains so even after . The company just added iOS 6 and iPhone 5 support, plus a new urban guidance mode that includes public transit options and "last mile" navigation for once you park your car but still have to walk to your final destination. .

TomTom U.S.A. 1.11 ($39.99) 
TomTom is a veteran in standalone portable navigation devices as well as on the iPhone, where it has had an app available for several years now. Even though TomTom powers part of the data for Apple's unreliable Maps app, trust me; it's not TomTom's fault. Its app offers accurate routing, clear voice prompts, and a robust POI database, plus a $19.99-per-year HD Traffic plug-in that delivers the best traffic reporting in the business. .

Waze 3.2.2 (Free)
Waze (pictured right) delivers free, crowd-sourced GPS navigation with strong social networking and community tie-ins that deliver unusually accurate, real-time ETAs and optimized routes. It also alerts you to upcoming police speed traps, and with proper voice-guided navigation, it's a great stand-in for a portable navigation device, even though it doesn't always deliver the most sensible routes overall. It's getting better and better at that, though—by design. .

Hopstop for iPhone 2.0 (Free)
The public transit-focused HopStop gives you GPS-enabled directions, transit schedules, and maps that include subway and bus stops for 62 cities across the U.S. You can set it to prefer a certain kind of public transportation, such as to take the subway whenever possible. It also estimates taxi travel times and cost and lets you call for one, and it can deliver biking directions in four major cities as well as wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly routes.

TeleNav Scout 1.2.1 (Free)
TeleNav has a variety of iOS apps already out there, but Scout, its latest one, is the most compelling. It offers free visual directions, point-of-interest search, and a nicely laid out dashboard UI with traffic, weather, and commuting times. It also accepts voice input for navigation commands. A $9.99 per year in-app purchase adds voice prompt-based navigation (for while driving), offline maps that work without cell coverage, automatic traffic-based rerouting, speed and camera trap alerts, and lane assistance.

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For more from Jamie, follow him on Twitter @jlendino.