Top 12 Google Maps Alternatives for Privacy and Efficient Navigation (Updated List- 2024)

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘’navigation app”? 

Google Maps, right? It’s absolutely a no-brainer!

Simplicity and convenience have transformed Google Maps into the go-to choice for navigation today.

In fact, “Google Maps boasts over 1 billion monthly users globally and was the most downloaded map and navigation app in the United States in 2023.”

However, popularity doesn’t always equate to perfection.

While Google Maps is undeniably popular, have you ever been concerned about how it uses your private location data? Or were you left clueless in poor network areas while using it? 

If YES, it’s time you started looking for Google Maps alternatives. 

But what’s better than Google Maps?

This blog walks you through navigation options better than Google Maps, which offers enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and privacy. But first, let’s explore why seeking alternatives to Google Maps might be the right choice for you.

4 Primary Reasons Why You Should Consider Alternatives to Google Maps

As we rely more on mapping technology, we must be aware of potential drawbacks. Google Maps, while widely used and trusted, has several limitations that make considering alternatives essential:

1. Privacy Concerns

Google Maps’ convenience comes at a cost—user privacy. Google’s data collection practices, including location tracking on the Google Maps Timeline, have raised significant concerns among users and regulatory authorities.

2. Lack of route optimization and customization features

Google Maps imposes limitations on route planning, such as a maximum of 10 stops and a lack of built-in route optimization for multi-stop journeys.

Other navigation apps like Google Maps offer enhanced route optimization and customization options for setting priority stops, time windows, and other time and distance-related constraints.

3. Offline use unreliability

When you download offline maps using Google Maps, they can be unreliable, especially in remote areas. This can be a problem for users who need navigation without a stable internet connection.

4. Navigation issues

Some users have reported inaccuracies in turn-by-turn directions, particularly in complex urban environments. 

Additionally, Google Maps might not be suitable for planning outdoor activities like hikes or bike rides. Users have been reported to encounter inaccuracies or nonexistent trails.

Understanding these issues, we have taken a deep dive into evaluating your best alternatives.

How Did We Select and Evaluate Each Google Maps Alternative?

We conducted extensive research to ensure we provided the best alternatives to Google Maps. We scoured the internet and delved into public forums like Reddit and Quora. We aimed to understand the common pain points that drive users to seek alternatives to Google Maps.

This research identified key issues such as privacy concerns, high data usage, the need for route optimization and customizable features, and performance issues. 

Armed with these insights, we curated a list of potential alternatives and rigorously evaluated each app based on the following criteria:

• User experience: We assessed the overall user interface and ease of use.
• Accuracy: We tested the reliability of maps and navigation features.
• Features: We compared the availability of essential and unique features.
• Performance: We evaluated the app’s speed and responsiveness.
• Offline functionality: We checked the availability and usability of offline maps.
• Privacy: We considered the privacy policies and data handling practices.

In addition to our evaluations, we considered user reviews from trusted websites like Capterra and G2 and feedback from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

This comprehensive approach allowed us to provide reliable Google Maps alternatives that address your pain points, ensuring a smoother and more personalized navigation experience.

Now, let’s dive into the top 12 Google Maps alternatives we’ve found for you.

Best Google Maps Alternatives that are Privacy-focused

1. Apple Maps

Star rating: 2.7/5 (24.6K)

Apple Inc. released Apple Maps on September 19, 2012, making it the default map system for iOS or MacOS users. This web mapping service provides a clean and intuitive user interface for navigation and works smoothly across all Apple devices. 

The best part is that it provides turn-by-turn navigation guidance based on real-time traffic data and suggests a detour in case of heavy congestion. 

Another USP is its high level of privacy, which is better than Google Maps, as it doesn’t require a sign-in using your Apple ID. Hence, it doesn’t keep a history of where you visited.

As part of its advanced features, Apple Maps offers:

•  Accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) based on  the estimated traffic
• Real-time information about public transport vehicles like buses or trains
• Advanced search capabilities with specific filters to find places nearby.

Pros

• Advanced navigation support for driving, walking, cycling, and public transit
• Interactive place cards containing details like address, hours, website, and contact number
• Immersive 3-D views of major cities through the Flyover feature

Cons

• Requires a special JavaScript API (MapKit JS) to integrate into your website
• Not available for Android users
• Route planning is available for only up to 15 stops in one go

2. Open Street Map

Star rating: 4.7/5 (3)

Open Street Map (OSM) is an open-source alternative to Google Maps. It is a free and collaborative platform maintained and updated regularly by a community of volunteers. 

These volunteers leverage data they collect from surveys, aerial imagery, and licensed geodata sources to maintain up-to-date geographic databases in maps. 

They also provide exhaustive details on landmarks like parks, trails, or rivers. OSM Maps stores geographical features through its topology and exports them in different Geographic Information Systems (GIS) file formats. 

Open Street Map is among the best Google Maps alternatives that don’t share or track data. It doesn’t require you to sign up or log in to access its interactive features, making it safer.

Pros

• Free and up-to-date due to being open-source
• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Highly customizable

Cons

• There is no centralized technical support, unlike other Google Maps competitors
• Lack of Points of Interest (PoI) like hotels and restaurants
• Unintuitive navigation interface

Best Alternatives to Google Maps for Offline Navigation

1. OsmAnd

Best for: 4.4/5 (173k)

OsmAnd, an offline world map application based on OpenStreetMap (OSM), enables you to navigate roads based on preferred roads and vehicle dimensions. You can also take into account inclines and slopes to plan routes accordingly. 

Being an open-source app, it doesn’t require your email address to sign in and lets you control the data you want to provide access to. 

Further, it supports map styles tailored to activities, including touring view, nautical map, desert, or off-roading. 

Additionally, OsmAnd offers a GPS navigation system for various modes of transport, routing and recording features for multi-stop routes, and easy search by category to find places and plan routes effectively.

Pros

• Free to use and allows you to download map data
• Offers frequent updates
• Street-level imagery and radius ruler to look distances swiftly

Cons

• Poor route recalculation capabilities
• Sharing of routes is not possible
• Not as intuitive as other mapping services

2. HERE WeGo

Star rating: 3.3/5 (499K)

HERE WeGo Maps is a reliable navigation app suitable for local and international commutes. 

It offers interactive guidance for various modes of transportation, including walking, driving, and public transit. You can add waypoints to optimize your route along your journey. 

HERE WeGo Maps also informs you about real-time traffic conditions, ensuring fuel-efficient and time-saving trips. 

An essential feature is its offline access capability, allowing you to download map data for regions, countries, or even entire continents, ensuring uninterrupted navigation even without an internet connection.

Pros

• Google Maps alternative, free to use
• Easy saving and sharing of location data
• Multi-stop route planning

Cons

• Limited offline customization functionality
• Missing active rerouting and compass functions for pedestrians
• Inadequate support for third-party app integrations

3. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps

Star rating: 4.2/5  (1.76M)

Sygic is amongst the most popular route planner apps, like Google Maps. It provides high-resolution 3-D offline maps for countries worldwide and precise information on speed camera alerts and live traffic situations. 

With a database of millions of Points of Interest (PoI), Sygic Maps also lets you look up your intended destination in the satellite view. Its voice-guided navigation directions make it easy to get around new places. 

You can also save on your roaming charges by leveraging the detailed offline maps Sygic offers. 

Pros

• High-quality 3-D maps
• Regular map updates to avoid obsolescence
• Premium customer support

Cons

• Limited functionalities in its free version
• No cycling or public transit guidance
• No unwanted ads in search results

4. Maps.Me

Star rating: 4.1/5 (1.18M)

Trusted by over 140 million travelers globally, this mapping app maintains current maps by using data crowdsourced by OpenStreet contributors. 

Equipped with routing guidance for driving, walking, and cycling, it partners with content creators to provide travel guidance to hundreds of destinations globally. 

It even displays points of interest, hiking trails, and unique places to visit on the way, making it one of the best free road trip planner apps.

Not only that, but Maps.me offers detailed maps even in offline mode, saving your memory and data while ensuring uninterrupted navigation in poor network areas. 

It also lets you bookmark and share your favorite locations with your friends for group trips.

Pros

• Free to use
• Offline category search capabilities
• Intuitive map styles

Cons

• High battery consumption
• Absence of the web version
• Lack of satellite or aerial imagery

Best Google Maps Alternatives for Route Planning and Optimization

1. Upper

Star rating: 4.3/5 (287)

Upper is your ultimate route planning and optimization solution, offering an intuitive alternative to conventional mapping services like Google Maps. 

With Upper, you gain the power to effortlessly create routes with unlimited stops using advanced tools for routing. It ensures seamless navigation without any constraints.

• Our platform’s advanced route optimization capabilities enable you to save valuable time and fuel on multi-stop trips, a feature notably absent in traditional mapping tools.
• One of our key advantages lies in our respect for data privacy. Unlike Google Maps, Upper refrains from extensive data collection practices, providing enhanced privacy control. 
• Moreover, Upper empowers you with extensive customization options. You can set priority stops, vehicle capacity constraints, time windows, and other distance- and time-based constraints, ensuring on-time deliveries tailored to your needs.

By choosing Upper as an online alternative to Google Maps, you break free from the dependency on the Google ecosystem. You can enjoy route planning and optimization without being tied to associated Google services or products. It offers you greater independence and flexibility in managing your delivery routes effectively.

Pros

• Generation of optimized routes for multiple vehicles simultaneously
• Precise ETAs for better customer communication
• Export of routes to GPS devices for driver guidance
• Proof of delivery with photos, notes, and e-signatures
• Automated customer notifications via email or text
• Last-minute changes and updates to routes on the go
• In-depth reports and analytics for route performance
• Hassle-free swapping of routes between drivers
• Seamless API integration with third-party platforms and software
• Load planning to schedule vehicles on the routes that enable their maximum utilization in terms of space and capacity

Cons

• Optimal functioning may vary based on internet connectivity
• Limited functionalities in the free version

For a detailed comparison between Google app and Upper, refer to the following table:

Features
Maximum Stops	Up to 10 stops per route	Unlimited stops
Route Optimization
Data Privacy
Customization	Limited customization features	Extensive customization options
Multi-Vehicle Routing
Time Windows & Service Times
Accurate ETAs
Proof of Delivery (POD)
Last-Minute Changes
Reverse Route Option
Drag & Drop Editing
Reports & Analytics

• Features Google Maps Upper

• Maximum Stops

  Up to 10 stops per route

  Unlimited stops

• Route Optimization

  

  

• Data Privacy

  

  

• Customization

  Limited customization features

  Extensive customization options

• Multi-Vehicle Routing

  

  

• Time Windows & Service Times

  

  

• Accurate ETAs

  

  

• Proof of Delivery (POD)

  

  

• Last-Minute Changes

  

  

• Reverse Route Option

  

  

• Drag & Drop Editing

  

  

• Reports & Analytics

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

2. MileMaker by RandMcNally

Star rating: 0/5 (0)

Having already carved a niche in the traditional paper maps industry, RandMcNally has evolved to compete with today’s emerging online mapping tools. 

Using it, you can plan the most efficient route for your drivers based on traffic constraints, load types, or transit distances.  

It is specifically beneficial if you are a truck fleet dispatcher. It lets you ensure your drivers’ safety by avoiding routes with specific weight or height constraints. 

Besides, MileMaker offers traffic-enabled routing to ensure accurate ETAs and enhance customer experience.

Pros

• User-friendly web-mapping interface
• Detailed fuel usage insights to improve mileage
• Enhanced door-to-door driving directions and batch routing

Cons

• No offline mobile map app, unlike the Google Maps app
• Lack of routing for pedestrians and cyclists
• Reported poor customer service response

3. MapQuest

Star rating: 4.2/5 (62.9k)

Launched in 1966, MapQuest is the trailblazer of web-based mapping services and a great turn-by-turn GPS navigation app.

It serves as a multi-stop route planner, allowing you to optimize routes based on traffic constraints and reduce your driving distance, time, and fuel costs.

It also features a speedometer that lets you compare your actual speed against the maximum legal speed along your route to ensure compliance. 

This online map tool also facilitates comparing prices at nearby gas or fuel pumps to help choose the most cost-effective station.

Pros

• Up-to-date satellite view, enhancing your user experience
• Local weather information to help plan your trip accordingly
• Hands-free navigation and custom icons

Cons

• Route planning is available for only up to 26 stops
• User-reported issues with driver-tracking search functionalities
• Lack of industry-specific features

Best Google Maps Alternatives for Urban Mobility & Transit

1. CityMapper

Star rating: 4.8/5 (268K)

CityMapper, a seasoned urban mobility solution, stands out for its ability to compare travel options and transit modes in real-time. This feature enables users to make informed decisions about their journeys. 

Moreover, CityMapper provides turn-by-turn instructions suitable for driving, walking, or cycling.

An essential aspect of CityMapper is its exhaustive routing guidance, offering three map views and step-by-step instructions tailored to your chosen mode of travel.

Additionally, CityMapper acts as a one-stop mobility platform by partnering with major cab and bike-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, JUMP, and Scoot. This collaboration allows users to compare fares, book cabs, or locate nearby e-scooters through the app.

Pros

• Interactive navigation interface
• Accurate public transportation data
• More route alternatives

Cons

• Currently limited to only major cities worldwide
• Offline access constraints
• No support for third-party app integrations

2. Bing Maps

Star rating: 4.4/5 (209)

Bing Maps, formerly known as Live Search Maps or Windows Live Maps, is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft’s Bing. It provides standard road map styles, including aerial, bird’s eye, grayscale, and canvas dark.

Bing Maps auto-suggests real-world locations as you type the first few characters of your intended address, expediting your search. 

It even provides density maps (or heat maps) that help you visualize your data points when they are large to assess their density easily. 

Additionally, the navigation app shows real-time traffic information and incidents on your map. 

Pros

• Detailed maps with different interactive styles
• Modular structure to allow adding only desired functionalities
• Enterprise-level customer service

Cons

• Privacy concerns
• No advanced route planning capabilities
• Not-so-accurate ETAs at times

Best Google Maps Alternatives for Community-Driven Real-Time Updates

1. Waze

Star rating: 4.1/5 (8.45M)

Waze is among the most popular community-driven navigation apps. It provides real-time traffic alerts based on continuous input from drivers. 

These alerts can include information on traffic congestion, construction, accidents, police, or speed cameras. You can use them to pick the fastest and safest driving route while ensuring legal compliance. 

It further considers weather, live traffic information, and roadblocks to provide accurate ETAs and schedule your journey accordingly. 

It even shows all nearby gas stations and their prices to help you choose the most cost-effective option.

Pros

• Sync with your car’s built-in display to enable hands-free driving
• There is no need to switch between apps to listen to music
• Highly accurate traffic situations through drivers’ real-time updates

Cons

• Unsuitable for oversized or emergency vehicles
• High battery consumption due to continuous data reporting
• Lack of offline mode

Go Beyond Google Maps to Redefine Your Navigation Capabilities

In general, Google Maps can arguably be the undisputed champion in the mapping and navigation app industry. However, it falls short of the desired functionalities when meeting specific navigation requirements for different audiences, like bikers, hikers, or truckers. Therefore, it’s time to evaluate and list your navigation needs and pick the best Google Maps alternative that matches your expectations from a navigation map.