Top 10 Google Maps Alternatives to Try in 2024

September 24, 2024 By Christine Margret No Comments 7 minutes

The most common perception about navigation apps is that they store location information and data. To some extent, this is true because the biggest navigation app, Google Maps, tracks location and data. Despite that, there are better navigation apps that care for your privacy. In this blog, I will show you the best Google Maps alternatives that are safe and private to use. 

Why Consider Alternatives to Google Maps?

Due to the various limitations and drawbacks of the platform, many users need to look for alternatives to Google Maps. According to my research, the main shortcoming that encouraged users to look for other Google Maps alternatives is its privacy-invasive nature. Google Maps tracks and stores users’ location even when your GPS is turned off. If you don’t want your location to be tracked or shared with third parties, it’s time to switch your navigation app and say goodbye to Google Maps.

Also, read How to Limit App Permissions on Android and iOS.

The Best Google Maps Alternatives 

Take a look at these Google Maps alternatives. Discover features to see which mapping app is the best fit for you.

1. Waze

• Crowd-sourced information
• Route sharing and carpooling social features
• Real-time traffic updates are available
• Previous security vulnerabilities

Waze can be a great alternative to Google Maps. It allows users to report accidents, traffic jams, and speed traps with other drivers in real time. It also offers a moderation system, which verifies reported hazards and reduces the chances of false alerts.

The best thing is that with Waze, you can leverage voice-guided directions, place searches, and save favorite locations for quick access. You can find this app on both Android and iOS. It also works well on desktop computers.

2. MapQuest

• Criticized by some as a declining or outdated map app
• Long-established mapping service
• Provides distinct features that set it apart from Google Maps
• Limited transparency regarding privacy practices and reputation
• Excessive ads

MapQuest has existed since the early 1990s, but it may be a different choice. It has an outdated interface, but the advanced search feature allows one to search for addresses, points of interest, and specific businesses. A good thing about this app is its extensive coverage. It helps you get detailed information about your points of interest worldwide. Due to this feature, it can be a great app for planning trips or locating businesses and services in unfamiliar locations.

3. CityMapper

• City Transportation planning tool
• Up-to-date information 
• Third-party transportation service integration
• Doesn’t support all cities 
• Share data with third parties.

CityMapper is a good alternative to Google Maps, particularly for comparing different transportation options in real-time. The app’s sleek, uncluttered interface lets you easily view different routes as you explore your options.

CityMapper offers turn-by-turn navigation for public transit, cycling, walking, and even scooter rides. With live wait times and ETAs, you won’t miss a bus or train again. You can also access some public transit maps offline. The best thing is its compatibility. This app is compatible with all mobile devices.

4. Here WeGo

• Extensive database of points of interest
• Offers offline maps for 200 countries, available for download on your device
• Delivers real-time traffic information
• Deletes navigation timestamps after each session
• Adheres to GDPR rules and regulations
• Less frequently updated compared to Google Maps

HERE WeGo, owned by HERE Technologies, is now utilized by brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Android, iOS, and Huawei users can easily use this app. While using Here WeGo, you can leverage detailed maps that also work offline. Moreover, this app doesn’t link your personal data. Despite that, the app will use your local location data to display ads related to your weather conditions.

HERE WeGo is a strong, well-rounded alternative to Google Maps, though the company does reserve the right to share non-personal data in the future.

5. OpenStreetMap

• User-friendly and simple to navigate
• Map data comes from a global network of volunteers
• No behavioral advertisements
• Supports offline mode
• Prohibits anonymous map contributions
• Complies with GDPR regulations

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source mapping and navigation app powered by a global community of volunteers. Just like other Google Maps alternatives, OSM also offers top-notch features, including detailed information on roads, buildings, parks, and other points of interest that you won’t find on Google Maps. This app will be a great option for users who are often involved in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling and love to explore new areas.

6. Sygic Maps

• location-specific Travel Guides
•  TripAdvisor Offers
• Advanced navigation tools
• Compatible with GDPR regulations

The next best Google Maps alternative is Sygic. This app dedicatedly offers 3D maps that don’t have an internet connection to work, which means you can use it on the go without the internet. Moreover, this app’s interface is also simple and helps you discover new locations with many points of interest integrated. The app is available on both Android and iOS, offering Offline maps, Voice-guided navigation, and Alerts for speed limit changes.

While a premium version is available, most of Sygic’s 200 million users stick with the free version. Both versions offer offline maps, but the free version lacks advanced features like speed limit and mobile speed camera alerts, lane assistance, HUD, and more.

7. OsmAnd

• Utilizes map data from OpenStreetMaps
• Strong privacy policies and a business model that avoids data sharing
• Offers excellent features, including offline mode
• Adheres to GDPR regulations
• Users occasionally report slow performance and long load times with the free version.

OsmAnd appears as another privacy-focused alternative to Google Maps, offering several appealing features. The best functionality is the map’s offline availability. It allows you to download map data for specific areas while being offline. You can get assistance using this app even in remote locations. In addition to the features, this app uses OpenStreetMaps. These maps are continuously updated by users. This app is privacy-friendly and offers a freemium model. You can also try out their advanced, feature-rich version for a fee.

8. Maps. Me

• Offline mode 
• Coverage 345 countries
• Hiking trails sharing 
• Easy to navigate
• Open-source platform 
• Displays location-based ads

This Google Maps alternative is my personal favorite; it also offers robust offline map function. It has a seamless coverage in 345 countries, including the islands. Some of its core features that you will like are hiking trail maps, location sharing, and bookmarking.

Its online version is even great and compatible with traffic info, public transport, and cycling navigation. Moreover, its security is also reliable because it is an open-source platform that leverages community-driven security improvements. One important thing that I would want to share is that the app uses location data to target ads, but it does not share your information with third parties. 

9. AppleMaps

• Platform-specific 
• Intuitive design 
• Advanced features
• Privacy-centric functionality

On iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, this application comes pre-installed. I have checked its navigation experience, and it was simple and easy to understand. 

It also helped me in searching for addresses. What’s more? You can add a favorite place. This feature actually enables you to get quick access to your favorite places.

One thing that I found most amazing about this app is that it allows users to explore 3D views of an expanding selection of cities. It’s a great navigation app, especially for Apple users.

10. TomTomMaps

• Voice maps
• Map visualization
• Address verification
• Real-time map data
• limited offline functionality

It’s a flagship navigation app and a good Google Maps alternative. You can get clear turn-by-turn directions with this app. It has precise traffic updates to optimize your routes daily. It also offers some other great features like speed alerts, information on road closures, and advanced route planning that significantly enhance your road safety.

Another great thing is this app offers both street and satellite views. You can also get indoor mapping for locations like airports and shopping malls. Moreover, it has a user-friendly interface that makes it suitable for everyone. TomTom GO Navigation is available on Android, iOS, and other platforms.

Conclusion

That is my final verdict on alternatives to Google Maps. If you are a privacy-focused user, you must check other Google Maps alternatives. It is because Google Maps is no longer safe for your privacy. They openly share and store user information. So, if you want a new navigation map, you can check my guide on the best Google Maps alternatives for 2024 and pick anyone that suits you the best.

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