Ranking updated
Best speed camera apps in 2026
For a speedometer with a speed camera map, speed limit warnings, CarPlay and Apple Watch, Speedster. For the widest range of camera types, offline detection and alerts in the background while another navigator runs, Radarbot. If you want full navigation that also knows the cameras, Waze or TomTom. Before you drive abroad, check the local rules: in Germany a driver may not use a function meant to show speed checks. Full breakdown below.
How we picked: we read each app’s own App Store and Google Play description for which cameras it warns about, whether it works in the background or offline, and CarPlay support. The German rule is quoted from the official text of the road traffic regulations.
A speedometer that knows the cameras
Speedster is a GPS speedometer with a map of speed cameras and radars that it keeps updated. It warns you early when a radar is near, tells you the maximum speed in the area, runs on a dynamic map that supports Apple CarPlay, works with Apple Watch and Apple Music, and can remind you to open it on the days and times you drive. Its developer describes it as a reminder to slow down in time, not a way to hide from enforcement.
Camera alerts next to your navigator
Radarbot focuses on alerts only. It warns before fixed speed cameras, speed trap hotspots, tunnel cameras, average speed cameras (showing your average speed), red light cameras and school zone cameras, and it works alongside other navigators or a music app, with alerts in the background or with the screen off. It has offline detection, a vibration mode for motorcyclists and custom warning distances.
Full navigation that also warns
Waze is a live map built on reports from other drivers, and it shows where police and red light and speed cameras are, along with speed limit changes. TomTom is a navigator with speed camera alerts, your current speed against the limit and CarPlay support. For more navigation apps, see car navigation apps.
Where these apps are not allowed
Rules differ by country, so check them before you drive abroad. In Germany, §23 (1c) of the road traffic regulations (StVO) says a driver may not operate or carry ready to use a technical device meant to show or disrupt traffic enforcement, and that on devices with other uses, such as a phone, the function that does this may not be used.
| App | What it is | Camera alerts | CarPlay or Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpeedsterCensuusApp StoreGoogle Play | speedometer with a speed camera map | radars and speed limits on your route | CarPlay and Apple Watch |
| RadarbotApp StoreGoogle Play | speed camera alert app | fixed, average speed, red light, tunnel and school zone cameras; offline detection | Apple Watch |
| WazeApp StoreGoogle Play | navigator with live driver reports | police, red light and speed cameras | not in its description |
| TomTomApp Store | navigator | speed camera alerts, current vs limit speed | CarPlay |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a speed camera app for CarPlay?
Speedster runs on a dynamic map that supports Apple CarPlay, and TomTom also supports CarPlay with speed camera alerts.
Which speed camera app works in the background with another navigator?
Radarbot says it keeps giving alerts in the background or with the screen off while you use another GPS navigator or a music app.
Are speed camera apps legal in Germany?
No, for drivers. §23 (1c) of the German road traffic regulations forbids a driver from using a device, or a function of a device such as a phone, that is meant to show traffic enforcement.
Does Waze show speed cameras?
Yes. Waze says it shows where police and red light and speed cameras are located, based on its live map and driver reports.