Augmented reality (AR) is transforming how we navigate complex indoor environments like malls, airports, and museums. By blending digital overlays with real-world environments, augmented reality wayfinding provides intuitive solutions to guide users seamlessly through intricate spaces.
This article ranks the top five AR navigation technologies of 2025, counting down from the least effective to the best, based on their utility for indoor navigation.
QR codes are a low-cost solution for implementing indoor navigation. These static codes are placed in key locations, allowing users to scan them with their smartphones to access AR overlays that display directions or contextual information.
While QR codes are simple and affordable, their static nature limits their utility for augmented reality navigation. Users must pause to scan codes at every checkpoint, disrupting the flow of navigation. While suitable for small-scale implementations, QR codes are less effective for seamless AR-based indoor wayfinding in larger venues.
Electromagnetic field-based navigation uses a building’s natural magnetic anomalies to create unique “fingerprints” that AR systems can use for positioning. This enables accurate indoor navigation, especially in areas where other technologies struggle.
While electromagnetic fields offer highly accurate indoor navigation, their adoption remains limited due to the need for detailed mapping and specific device capabilities. They excel in environments that demand precision but are less scalable compared to other augmented reality wayfinding solutions.
Bluetooth beacons are one of the most established technologies for indoor wayfinding. These small devices transmit signals to smartphones, enabling proximity-based augmented reality navigation that guides users through indoor spaces.
Bluetooth beacons are cost-effective and easy to deploy, making them a practical choice for large-scale indoor wayfinding. However, signal interference and ongoing maintenance requirements (e.g., battery replacement) are drawbacks. While functional, they lack the precision and dynamic interactivity required for the best augmented reality navigation experiences.
Wi-Fi Triangulation leverages existing Wi-Fi networks to calculate device locations by measuring the time it takes for signals to travel between devices. This results in accurate indoor navigation for AR applications.
Wi-Fi Triangulation is highly accurate and works well in environments with robust Wi-Fi infrastructure, making it a strong option for large venues. However, signal interference and high battery consumption on mobile devices limit its usability for seamless augmented reality wayfinding.
At the top of the list is Visual Positioning Systems (VPS), which use cameras and advanced computer vision to analyze the surrounding environment, identify visual markers, and provide highly accurate positioning. VPS enables immersive and precise augmented reality navigation experiences that far surpass other technologies.
VPS excels in every aspect of indoor wayfinding:
While VPS requires some investment, its benefits make it the definitive choice for businesses seeking future-proofed and state-of-the-art augmented reality wayfinding solutions.
When ranked from worst to best, these technologies highlight the varied approaches to AR-enabled indoor navigation:
Businesses investing in AR wayfinding would be wise to choose the option most likely to future-proof their infrastructure; that means a VPS solution.
The exact solution needed will depend on your specific context. For a tailored recommendation, take our quiz.