google maps

Google Maps has been and remains an undeniable travel companion for decades. Whether one chooses to travel alone or in a group, it is hard to picture a trip without someone navigating their destination on Google Maps.

However, with time and the demanding needs of the users, specific to local searches Google Maps seems to lag. With advertisers and companies keen on behavioral analysis it has even become challenging for navigation tools to keep the interest and data of their users secure. Therefore, it is high time as a user you turn your attention to alternatives to Google Maps that may serve your needs better while securing your data.

All hope is not lost. Local travelers and developers are working rigorously on a host of alternatives to Google Maps to let travelers enjoy a worry-less travel experience. Let’s list down the top 7 alternatives to Google Maps that are tried and tested and highly preferred by users.

7 Best Google Maps Alternatives

1. OsmAnd

OsmAnd or OSM Automated Navigation Directions is one of the best alternatives to Google Maps. It is an open-source navigation and mapping tool. It utilizes OpenStreetMap (OSM) data for both offline and online usage. It includes a navigation and routing feature along with voice and visual guidance. It helps users save money spent on roaming charges and maintains the privacy of their data. It is a free tool but also offers a premium version with additional optional features. It provides offline maps with information on hiking maps.

It emphasizes data privacy and encourages users to purchase gift cards if they do not want to share their credit card information on the app or do not want that information to be shared. It tracks non-personalized data and this way it is considered a safer app as compared to its competitors.

2. HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo is one of the free Google Maps alternatives. It makes it simple for users to find their way around while they travel. It is a great tool to have especially when users are exploring new places in unfamiliar cities. Its app can be used to pinpoint locations, navigate and return to the starting point of the trip or the journey. It includes GPS to find the current location along with turn-by-turn navigation support.

It is a free tool that offers offline maps. It offers real-time traffic updates and users can share their location with anyone and get updated information on public transportation. It deletes timestamps after usage. It has a robust interface and provides drag-and-drop functionality to its users. It uses behavioral advertising but users have the option to turn it off.

3. Bing Maps

Bing Maps is one of the best Google Maps alternatives for developers. It offers developers easy and quick access to a robust collection of high-resolution location data on its platform. Any business can rely on Bing Map’s data to scale up its offering with unique mapping insights. Its imagery has been captured using high-powered cameras on satellites and planes at a resolution of 60-30 cm/pixel. It provides businesses access to in-depth location data.

It has an updated and easy-to-use interface. Its maps are highly detailed offering multiple layers to its users. Users can easily save places in their personal library using tools that are situated at the edges of the map. Its bird eye view taps into a range of different vantage points using cameras to gather data at a 45-degree angle. It comes with free and paid versions.

4. OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap offers global map data in a unified tagging schema. Though there are some variations. Its data is available in every country worldwide with excellent quality. This is a free platform therefore its quality can always be improved. It does not provide data to advertisers. It is highly user-friendly and can be termed the best Google Map alternative.

This map is a result of the contribution of local experts. The map emphasizes using local knowledge and it empowers users across the globe to edit it. It is an open platform so it has a low entry barrier. Users can contribute in several ways and they do not need access to the most latest technology. Additional data groups include GPS Trace Data that are optional and available to the public. You can even request to remove your account when you want.

5. Maps.me

Maps.me, an alternative to Google Maps API, is an open-source software for offline maps. The quality of its map data on Maps.Me is at par with Google Maps, However, the universal nature of its map data can be picked up by any mobile device that requires detailed maps. Its code is available on GitHub. It has a community that works to improve the app. It includes traffic and subway layers. It lets users search nearby attractions and businesses.

It allows users to download maps offline. It provides turn-by-turn navigation and users can view directions without an Internet connection. It lets users access maps from anywhere in the world. It has a simple and intuitive interface and is very easy to use. Locations can be bookmarked and stored in the cloud.

6. Navmii

Navmii offers smart, world-class navigation. It can be considered one of the apps better than Google Maps. It offers premium live traffic intelligence, turn-by-turn voice-guided instruction with alternative route planning and global map solutions. It has a powerful Address Search with Street, City, Postcode or 3-word addresses. It offers in-pp reporting of road conditions such as hazards, accidents and traffic along the route. Users can enjoy online, offline or hybrid maps provided with regular updates.

Navmii is ideal for both professional and personal use. This is a great choice if users are looking for dedicated navigation tools. It does not share its user’s data with any third parties. It offers detailed maps that are suitable for commercial vehicle movement. It provides support to developers via its software developer kits or SDKs. It is more like a free, web mapping interface that also provides driver behavioral analysis to improve your driving.

7. Waze

Waze is a community-centric navigation alternative to Google Maps. It utilizes real-time data from its users to offer the best route planner for their destination. It takes into account accidents, traffic jams, speed traps, construction, and other obstacles that could slow down a driver. Users can easily compile a list of friends and save it so that they can keep track of each other on a trip or spot a listed friend nearby.

It updates its users on the go. It helps users avoid traffic snarls, finds other users on the road and receives recommendations about nearby restaurants and amenities. It fosters a social driving experience. It provides quick integration with music apps on the user’s phone. Helps to plan trips online and on mobile with scheduled departure timings.

Also read: Benefits of Low Code Tools and Platforms

How to select the Best Alternative to Google Maps?

Given the popularity of Google Maps, it stands out as an easy, go-to option for users. However, if you spend some time researching you would discover that there are a host of good alternatives to Google Maps that are secure and offer real-time data to ease any user’s navigation worries.

The best way to find which alternative will work best for you is to first know what your immediate needs are. As yourself what do you need the map for:

Is it for local search or you're traveling overseas?
How often do you travel?
Are you traveling to that destination for the first time or are you familiar with its local places?
What kind of trip are you planning?
Do you need to store the places you traveled to on your phone or elsewhere?
Are you looking for in-app recommendations to find new places?
Are you worried about your data privacy?
Are you willing to share your personal information like credit cards or route planner with third parties for better in-app suggestions?
Are you using the navigation tool just for yourself or are looking for a shared experience with known people?

These are some of the questions that will help you in your search of finding the right navigation alternative to get you places.

Checkout 7 Tried & Tested: Best Google Maps Alternatives

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