Comparison of GPS applications for motorcycles 2024

With the arrival of 68° on the motorcycle GPS applications market, it has become relevant to compare the main applications available today. This comparison aims to answer the questions most frequently asked by motorcyclists:

• Are general GPS applications enough for bikers?
• Is it really necessary to use a specialized application?
• Is it still worth paying for a GPS application?

Comparison of the main motorcycle GPS apps – a recap

Which applications are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Although most GPS apps are available on both Android and iOS, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remains a different matter. These two systems, which have been popular with motorists for almost a decade, are rapidly gaining ground in the motorcycle world, both as original equipment and as accessories (such as Carpuride and others). This is hardly surprising, since these systems offer far greater convenience and safety than using a conventional smartphone.

At present, only Waze and Google Maps, the two generalist giants in the sector, are fully compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. Calimoto also offers a simplified version of its app, but only for Apple Car Play and Kurviger for Android Auto. We look forward to the release of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto versions of 68° scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. For other motorcycle GPS app publishers, no information has yet been released.

What’s the best Web version for planning motorcycle routes?

While all the motorcycle applications in our comparison offer web versions, they differ widely in terms of functionality and ease of use. The web versions of Waze and Google Maps, for example, are rather limited and offer little more than their smartphone versions.

The Web version of Liberty Rider, on the other hand, makes do with the bare minimum. You can add stages, but forget about the possibility of adding specific addresses, points of interest (POIs), or choosing different types of routes.

On the other hand, Kurviger and Calimoto stand out for their ability to create effective motorcycle itineraries. Although both applications fulfil their role, they both lack relevant Points of Interest management.

The real champion in this field is undoubtedly the Web version of 68°. It offers everything a biker could want to plan a great ride or road trip: stages, waypoints, different types of roads, places to visit, accommodation, and much more. Perhaps that’s why the Web version is the only paying part of 68°!

Which motorcycle GPS application should you choose to create exceptional itineraries?

A motorcycle itinerary isn’t just a quick or economical trip from point A to point B. It’s an adventure, a quest for pleasure and thrills. It’s an adventure, a quest for pleasure and thrills. This means winding roads, mountain passes, scenic landscapes and, of course, lots of twists and turns. This is where general GPS applications show their limitations.

Although Waze is slightly better suited than Google Maps to the needs of motorcyclists, these two applications can’t compete with motorcycle GPS specialists such as Calimoto, Kurviger, Liberty Rider, or 68°. These four leaders clearly stand out when it comes to creating routes tailored to motorcycle enthusiasts.

There is, however, a difference in approach between these applications. Calimoto and Liberty Rider focus on more technical rides. For their part, Kurviger and 68° offer a better compromise between pleasure and technicality, a perfect solution for unforgettable rides and roadtrips.

There’s no absolute winner between these applications; it all depends on what you’re looking for. It’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your desire for freedom and adventure!

Which motorcycle GPS app should you choose to plan an unforgettable roadtrip?

When you plan a motorcycle roadtrip, you enter a new dimension of travel. Road types remain important, but you’ll quickly come up against technical limitations. With applications such as Waze, Google Maps, Calimoto or Liberty Rider, forget long roadtrips: they often limit the number of kilometers or stages, which can be frustrating for adventure lovers.

For a successful roadtrip, you’ll need a robust Web version, such as those offered by Kurviger or 68°, which enable more advanced planning. And above all, you’ll need access to services specially designed for Roadtrips. These include the ability to easily discover tourist attractions along your route, book your visits, and integrate them into your itinerary.

More importantly, finding and booking accommodation close to your route, even in remote countries, is essential, not to mention food and beverage outlets and gas stations. On this last point, the 68° application far outstrips its competitors thanks to its comprehensive, high-quality Points of Interest (POIs) management, including places to see, accommodation, restaurants and petrol stations.

Which motorcycle GPS application offers the best GPS guidance?

All these motorcycle GPS apps also include route guidance functions. When it comes to the quality of this guidance (up-to-date mapping, information on traffic conditions, detours), the two leading generalists, Waze and Google Maps, clearly stand out. Their success is due to the fact that they have their own cartography and vast financial and technological resources at their disposal. In contrast, specialized players rely mainly on free and open source technologies. Although these are sometimes less accurate and powerful, they generally perform their task well.

When it comes to announcing dangers such as speed cameras and accidents, Waze remains the benchmark. However, other applications are making considerable efforts to integrate this information effectively.

Which applications require no personal data?

At a time when privacy is a growing concern, many users are reluctant to provide their personal information. Of the six applications examined in this comparison, only four offer a registration-free version. On the other hand, Calimoto and Liberty Rider systematically require users to create an account in order to use them.

Which applications are free?

While generalist applications such as Waze and Google Maps are completely free of charge, the majority of specialist applications are chargeable, with the exception of 68°. In fact, 68° is the only specialized application on the smartphone that’s entirely free. This is made possible by an innovative business model, based on strategic partnerships with companies such as Booking, GetYourGuide and Amazon. What’s more, app users can make donations according to their financial means and level of satisfaction.

The last word

If you’re looking for a GPS application for your daily commute, such as getting from home to work, Waze and Google Maps are undoubtedly the best choices. Their high-quality mapping, accurate real-time information (traffic jams, speed cameras, accidents, etc.) and free pricing make them a must-have option.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid motorcycle rider and want to enjoy more scenic routes, Calimoto, Liberty Rider, Kurviger, and 68° are the apps to choose. Unlike Waze and Google Maps, these specialized apps offer essential features for motorcyclists, such as planning winding routes and stages. Each of these four applications offers additional functionalities, but none of them clearly stands out from the rest, with the exception of 68°, which is the only one that is completely free.

Finally, if you’re planning a motorcycle road trip, only two motorcycle GPS applications will fully meet your needs: Kurviger and 68°. The others have limitations in terms of number of stages or route length. Although 68° is free on smartphones, you might prefer to plan your road trip via its web version, which is more comfortable, but does cost €30 per year, which puts it at the same price as Kurviger. However, 68° stands out for its rich database of places to visit, accommodation and restaurants, adding significant value to your adventure.