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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Ride with GPS vs Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Ride with GPS 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Ride with GPS
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 4.6★ · Free + IAP 60

Ride with GPS is better for dedicated cycling navigation and route planning, while Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is a more general-purpose car navigation app, but both suffer from usability and subscription issues.

Full reviews: Ride with GPS · Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Ride with GPS excels in route planning and navigation for cycling, with many users praising its specific features for bikes. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is a general navigation app, valued for offline maps but criticized for outdated data and poor user experience, especially with subscriptions.

Head to head

Features & Specialization edge: Ride with GPSR11R23R24R26
Ride with GPS Ride with GPS is highly praised for its route planning, mapping, and navigation tools specifically for cycling, including gravel routes and adventure rides R23R26R54. Users appreciate finding rides at home or while traveling and its turn-by-turn directions R24. However, some users find its 'Explore' function for finding nearby routes to be awful R24 and note issues with climbs being mislabeled as descents R11.
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic is valued for its offline map capabilities, allowing navigation without a signal R71R83R89. It offers features like speed camera alerts and HUD display . However, it lacks crucial features like traffic light support , stop sign display , and the ability to input vehicle size/weight for truck routing . Some users also report that downloaded maps don't work offline R79.
Ease of Use & Interface tieR6R8R12R13
Ride with GPS Many users find Ride with GPS intuitive and easy to use, especially for creating quick routes R26. However, a significant number of reviews describe the app as clunky, not intuitive, and confusing, particularly the mobile app R8R13. Some complain about the outdated home screen design R6 and difficulties with editing route details R12 or ending a ride R13.
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic's interface is generally liked , and some find it easy to use . However, many users find it unintuitive, especially for managing saved locations or setting walking routes . The app is also criticized for constantly displaying subscription ads and having a robotic voice navigation .
Navigation & Accuracy edge: Ride with GPSR9R15R16R19
Ride with GPS Ride with GPS is praised for accurate tracking and reliable turn-by-turn directions R24. It helps users stay on track during rides . However, it has significant issues with navigation accuracy, including sending users in the wrong direction on figure-8 courses R9, late turn notifications R19, and taking users on dangerous or incorrect routes R15. Some routes are also reported as invalid or hazardous R16.
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic is generally considered accurate for directions . However, many users report issues with its navigation, including taking odd, longer, or unnecessary routes , failing to re-route when off course , and having outdated or incorrect map data . Speed limits are often wrong , and it struggles with lane guidance .
Reliability & Performance tieR1R3R7R10
Ride with GPS When Ride with GPS works, it's great , but many users report significant reliability issues. These include frequent freezing and unresponsiveness on iOS devices , failure to save ride progress R1R10, and problems syncing with external devices like Apple Watch R3 and Wahoo R7 or Garmin . Some users also experience slow performance and crashes, especially with longer routes .
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic has improved its stability over time . However, it is frequently criticized for being a battery hog, draining phone battery quickly, especially with CarPlay . Users also report issues with downloaded maps not being recognized offline R79 and the app not starting without an internet connection . Crashes are also mentioned .
Price & Value tieR6R25R28R34
Ride with GPS Ride with GPS offers a free tier that some users find sufficient , but core navigation features often require a paid subscription R34. Many users feel the cost is high for the features provided R6R25, and some are frustrated by 'dark patterns' that hide paid features R28. There are also complaints about being charged immediately despite a promised free trial R37.
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic offers a free tier but charges for many essential features like traffic data and voice guidance , and CarPlay connectivity . Users often feel the annual subscription (e.g., $20/year, ) is too much, especially compared to free alternatives like Google Maps . There are also complaints about being charged immediately despite a promised free trial R73, and constant upselling even after purchasing . Some users appreciate the option for single purchases for additional features rather than constant subscriptions .
Customer Support & Account Management edge: Ride with GPSR1R4R7R23
Ride with GPS Ride with GPS receives positive feedback for its customer service, with users reporting that support responds and helps solve problems R23. However, there are significant complaints about difficulties managing subscriptions and accounts within the app R1R4R7.
Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic's customer service is praised for being outstanding and quick to respond . Some users also report issues being corrected after feedback R71. However, there are complaints about receiving AI responses instead of human help and difficulties with account management, including unsubscribing and deleting saved addresses .
Pick Ride with GPS if

you are a cyclist looking for dedicated route planning and navigation tools, especially for complex or off-road routes, and value responsive customer support R23R54.

Pick Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps if

you need reliable offline maps for general car navigation, particularly when traveling to areas with poor signal, and appreciate features like speed camera alerts R71R83.

Evidence note: Reviews for Ride with GPS are heavily skewed towards cycling-specific use cases, while Sygic reviews are for general car navigation, making direct feature comparisons challenging. Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews regarding subscription models and usability friction for free users.

Frequently asked

Is Ride with GPS good for off-road cycling?
Ride with GPS is generally considered excellent for planning and navigating gravel routes and other real outdoor riding, with some users calling it the best routing software for complex situations R23R54. However, some users caution that posted off-road routes may not be valid or safe without a paid subscription to view hazards R16.
Does Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps work offline?
Yes, Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is highly valued for its offline map capabilities, allowing users to navigate without a signal R71R83R89. However, some users report issues with downloaded maps not being recognized or the app failing to start without an initial internet connection R79.
Are there free trials for these apps?
Both apps offer free trials, but users frequently report being charged immediately despite promises of a free trial period R37R73.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R11] Ride with GPS 4/5 · US Climbs are being added as descents: I like this app enough to purchase a year subscription. However, there is an issue that I am hoping can be resolved. Someone with Ride with GPS has escalated a ticket to developers but issue still not resolved. The Climb section isn’t showing climbs. Climbs appear to be added to descents. Curious if anyone else is experiencing this issue.
  2. [R23] Ride with GPS 5/5 · US Way better than Strava: Ride with GPS has been excellent. The route planning, mapping, and navigation tools are far better than what I’ve been able to do with Strava, especially for real outdoor riding, gravel routes, and planning bigger rides. The customer service has also been great. They actually respond and help solve problems, which makes a big difference. Dylan’s tutorials are excellent too
  3. [R24] Ride with GPS 3/5 · GB Could be excellent but has fundamental flaws: In general, and for very simple actions, this is a good app. It reliably tracks rides and provides good turn-by-turn route following instructions. BUT it has one major flaw, which renders it pretty much useless in my book. The problem lies in the ‘Explore’ function, where you search for nearby routes. This feature is downright awful. Let’s say you a
  4. [R26] Ride with GPS 5/5 · US So good: Wouldn’t leave my house with making a quick and easy route that avoids traffic and google map errors. Always make it an adventure taking the gravel and back alley routes.
  5. [R6] Ride with GPS 3/5 · US Needs Update: The Home Screen looks like it was designed a decade ago. The cost seems high for the features provided
  6. [R8] Ride with GPS 4/5 · US Lousy instructions: You people need serious help with intuitiveness
  7. [R12] Ride with GPS 3/5 · US Some good, some not so good: Was really excited to see the live view on lock screen come back, but now the edit details screen is much worse. The keyboard doesn't behave normally and the screen looks really strange. Not sure what drove those changes, but hopefully they'll revert.
  8. [R13] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Confusing: Confusing to end a ride even for my tech savvy son. If it starts OUT that way what other frustrating stuff have your IT folks put in it?
  9. [R9] Ride with GPS 3/5 · US Should have more Intelligence: Ride With GPS is my go to app for bike ride navigation. Generally works well. But it will send you in the wrong direction on a figure 8 course. The app doesn’t have built in intelligence to understand whether you are coming or going and it will send you on the return leg rather than sending you in the mapped ride direction. This should be an easy fix but this bug has
  10. [R15] Ride with GPS 3/5 · US Not recommended for navigation: So far it’s let me down three times, and you’re out! 👎
  11. [R16] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US USE CAUTION on off-road routes!: Just because a route is posted, doesn’t mean it is a valid route. Route hazards, water access, and trail conditions may not be visible unless you pay for a subscription. Routes posted without reviews or comments should be avoided.
  12. [R19] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Bad tracking and late notifications: App does not accurately map tracks and notifies you of turns after you pass the waypoint. Rode over and extra mile for difficult MTB trails due to bad tracking
  13. [R1] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US well - its not good: The app does not save my progress and I fear it will bill me even though I did not intend to give it that permission. Having trouble deleting my account now.
  14. [R3] Ride with GPS 3/5 · US Frequent Apple Watch issues: The app frequently failed to record heart rate data from my watch. This has been an ongoing issue for over a year..
  15. [R7] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Doesn’t actually sync with Wahoo: Doesn’t sync with My Elemnt. Keeps putting me in a loop appwise despite my signing up for a membership. Then online my membership is not showing. Terrible. PS my device DID ack connect new app RWGPS and STILL could not send route to device. WTF. Now I have to download GPX. What friggin year is this, 1999?
  16. [R10] Ride with GPS 2/5 · US Not what I would like!: The basic app is all I want or need. My biggest disappointment is that I can’t consistently save my rides! The app won’t see my home WiFi. As a result, the ride doesn’t get recorded. This seems to be happening more often. It’s happened twice this month.
  17. [R25] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Ouch $$$$$: Too expensive for me
  18. [R28] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Terrible UX: I hate that this app is a necessary evil. The UX is terrible. Dark patterns where you go to do something and find out you have to upgrade to get it.
  19. [R34] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Can’t navigate: Have always been able to follow navigation without having to pay. Got started on a sponsored race and found out I had to pay in order to use the navigation. This put me at risk and in danger in the middle of a ride to have to try to figure out how to pay or get lost or worse.
  20. [R4] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US Bad Account Support: There is no way to manage your subscription using the app
  21. [R54] Ride with GPS 5/5 · US Best routing software: RWGPS is incomparable. It is the best routing Software on the planet with the feature set that no one can match. The complete ecosystem of the app and the web-based routing tool, especially with a paid membership is indispensable for a serious route crafter. I’ve tried other tools, and none can compete, especially for complex routing situations.
  22. [R71] Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 5/5 · US Lifetime Membership Fixed: I posted recently about how I couldn’t download updated maps even with a lifetime membership but that has been corrected. All in all this is one of the best “Offline Map” navigation that exists. Thank you for your prompt response and resolution.
  23. [R79] Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 1/5 · US Constantly forgets my downloaded maps: Every time I go to the app, it says I have Washington state downloaded. Yet every time I try to use the map in the wilderness, it says I’ve never downloaded any maps. Completely unreliable.
  24. [R83] Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 5/5 · US This is what you use for those times you have no signal!: I have been there. Leaving a spot in the mountains that I had followed a family member to, I had no signal and no idea which way to go to get back to the interstate or at least a recognizable spot. I just had to drive in the direction I thought was toward the main highway until I got signal. I determined that would never happen again, and
  25. [R89] Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 5/5 · US Happy long-time user: I’ve been using Sygic GPS Navigation for a long time and they’ve added a lot of useful features. What keeps me using it, though, is the offline maps and being able to navigate with no signal or with a poor signal. The other major navigation apps either require you to be online, or their offline capability doesn’t work reliably when the signal is weak.
  26. [R37] Ride with GPS 1/5 · US promised free trial, but charged me immediately: The sign-up screen promised a seven day free trial, but then they immediately charged me.
  27. [R73] Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps 1/5 · US Account lied about FREE 7-Day Trial: Beware this app says that you could try it for free for seven days but there’s no where to cancel the subscription prior to the 7 day trial ending.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store