Think about the last time you needed directions for a new coffee shop, a weekend getaway, or a store. Chances are, you pulled out your phone and opened Google Maps. It has become your trusted sidekick for finding the fastest route. So, why bother looking for other ‘map’ apps?
Google Maps is great, but sometimes you need different features that it does not provide, or maybe you are looking for something better out there, or you are worried about your privacy.
Why Consider A Google Maps Alternative?
1. Privacy Concerns – Who Is Watching Your Location?
Have you ever wondered how Google seems to know where you have been? That’s because it tracks your location and stores your searches. Some people are not comfortable with that. In fact, 73% of consumers are more concerned about their privacy now than they were a few years ago.
Luckily, there are map apps designed to collect less of your personal info and let you explore the world without worrying about who’s watching. Some even work offline.
2. Offline Mapping Needs
If you are in a new town or city, exploring the streets, and suddenly there is no internet! Your map may stop working, and you will have no idea where to go. But some apps can solve this problem by letting you download maps ahead of time so you can navigate without Wi-Fi, mobile data, and expensive roaming charges.
3. Specific Features
Some map apps are specific to a certain itinerary, such as –
- Hiking trip – detailed trail map.
- Big truck – map for truck drivers showing routes for larger vehicles.
- Simple map, no clutter – skip extra features and focus on navigation.
4. Avoiding ‘One Company’ Dependence
If Google Maps has an outage or the company suddenly changes its policies, you will have other options to avoid being stuck if anything goes wrong.
These are some of the biggest reasons why many are looking for mapping apps that don’t track them as much or offer offline navigation. The ‘good news’ is that there are tons of great mapping apps that can do amazing things, sometimes even better than Google Maps.
We have found these top 10 alternatives to Google Maps for you in 2025. By the end of this blog, you will learn which mapping apps offer –
- Better Privacy
- Works Offline
- Has Cool Features (that Google Maps does not have)
Top 10 Google Maps Alternatives You Can Use In 2025
Let’s explore the top 10 alternatives to Google Maps for 2025 that you can try –
1. Maps.me [Best Offline Navigation]
Active Users: About 60 million and 140 million downloads around the world.
What Is It? A popular offline map app [based on OpenStreetMap data]
Key Features:
- You can download the offline map for the entire world.
- It has tourist sites and healthcare facility location recommendations.
- You can find features like public transport and hiking trail mapping.
Good For: It is best for travelers (international travelers or backpackers) who need maps without data roaming.
Available On: Android and iOS
2. HERE WeGo [Ideal For City Navigation]
Active Users: Unknown
What Is It? It is a mapping service with a long history (formerly Nokia Maps, currently owned by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz) and is strong for offline users.
Key Features:
- It offers offline maps for over 100 countries.
- It has a ‘walk guidance’ with clear and concise directions to ensure you never lose your way on foot.
- It offers detailed transit (including public and cycling) routes in over 1900 cities worldwide.
- It gives you turn-by-turn voice guidance, real-time traffic updates, and alternative routes based on congestion.
Good For: It is suitable for city travelers, commuters, and public transport users.
Available On: Android and iOS
3. Waze [Best For Real-Time Road Alerts]
Active Users: About 180 million
What Is It? Waze map app is a community-driven app that was acquired by Google in 2013 for approximately $1.3 billion.
Key Features:
- It shows real-time traffic, hazards, speed traps, and road closures with fun voice navigation options.
- It also offers the fastest route suggestions, traffic incident reports, and driver collaboration.
Good For: It is suitable for daily commuters and drivers who want to avoid traffic jams and speed traps.
Available On: Android and iOS
4. MapQuest [Old Is Gold And Reliable]
Active Users: About 50 million worldwide.
What Is It? It is one of the first mapping services still going strong.
Key Features:
- It has an anonymous mode, so search history stays on your device only and clears automatically when you close the app.
- It offers live traffic updates, route planning for road trips, and turn-by-turn directions with voice-guided navigation for driving and walking.
- It has local weather updates, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and hotel and gas price comparisons.
Good For: It’s suitable for drivers who want classic, reliable navigation.
Available On: Android and iOS
5. OsmAnd [Best For Detailed Offline Maps]
Active Users: 20 million [based on OpenStreetMap data]
What Is It? It’s an open-source navigation with privacy-friendly maps [do not collect data without permission].
Key Features:
- It is ideal for privacy-conscious users.
- It provides high-quality vector maps that work without an internet connection.
- It offers maps with terrain details. You can overlay different map styles, including topography and nautical maps.
- You get turn-by-turn voice guidance and hiking and biking maps with elevation data.
Good For: It is good for hikers, cyclists, and off-road adventurers.
Available On: Android and iOS
6. Bing Maps | CoPilot GPS [Owned By Microsoft]
A. Bing Maps
Active Users: 30 million
What Is It? It is a mapping and navigation platform by Microsoft.
Key Features:
- It offers real-time traffic updates, route planning, and aerial imagery.
- It also provides business location services [nearby hotels, restaurants, etc.] and is widely used for web and mobile applications.
Good For: Daily drivers.
Available On: Android and iOS [via browser/ app]
B. CoPilot GPS
Active Users: Unknown
What Is It? A navigation app designed for offline use.
Key Features:
- It primarily focuses on drivers, truckers, and RV travelers.
- You can download an offline map with detailed turns.
- You get turn-by-turn voice guidance, route optimization, and hazard alerts.
- It offers custom routes for different vehicles.
Good For: Businesses and truck drivers.
Available On: Android and iOS [via browser/ app]
7. Apple Maps [Only Available For iPhone Users, Owned By Apple Inc.]
Active Users: About 100 million
What Is It? It is privacy–focused navigation built into the iPhone.
Key Features:
- It has 3D city views and real-time transit updates
- You get Siri integration for voice-controlled navigation.
- It is best for walking and cycling routes.
Good For: iPhone users who prioritize privacy.
Available On: iOS
8. Sygic GPS Navigation [Best For Advance Features]
Active Users: Over 200 million
What Is It? You get premium navigation with 3D maps and speed warnings.
Key Features:
- You get offline navigation with high-quality TomTom maps.
- It provides precise directions with spoken street names, real-time voice navigation, fuel price comparisons, and CarPlay and Android Auto support.
- You can customize trips with multiple destinations.
- It offers a head-up display [HUD] on the windshield for safer driving.
- It offers speed camera alerts and a head-up display.
- It offers points of interest [POI] with millions of locations [restaurants, gas stations, and attractions]
- You can integrate it with a dashcam for road safety.
Good For: Drivers who want professional-grade navigation.
Available On: Android and iOS
9. TomTom GO Navigation [Best For Accuracy]
Active Users: About 40 million
What Is It? It is highly trusted by businesses and fleet operators.
Key Features:
- It helps you stay in the correct lane to avoid missed turns.
- You get real-time updates on traffic jams, roadblocks, and construction zones.
- It warns about speed limits and fixed/ mobile speed cameras.
- You can download maps with monthly updates.
- You get ad-free navigation with no distractions and a clean and privacy-focused experience.
- It offers fuel and charging station finders, parking assistance, and route customization.
Good For: Drivers who need precision and up-to-date routes.
Available On: Android and iOS [seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support]
10 Citymapper [Best Public Transit Users]
Active Users: Over 50 Million worldwide
What Is It? It is best for navigating big cities with public transportation.
Key Features:
- It gives multi-modal route planning (combines buses, trains, subways, bikes, and walking routes for the fastest trip).
- It offers real-time transit departures and delays.
- You get ride-sharing and taxi integration.
- The Go Mode tracks your journey and gives live directions without unlocking your phone.
- It has smart notification alerts for when you leave, transfer, or exit a station.
- It provides an estimated fare comparison for different transportation systems.
Good For: It is suitable for urban travelers who rely on buses, trains, and subways.
Bonus#: Some Other Map Apps You Can Try Out
A. OpenStreetMap, OSM [Crowdsourced Mapping Platform]
Active Users: About 11 million as of 2024.
What Is It? It is a free, customizable, and user-driven map.
Key Features:
- It’s not owned by a corporate and is purely community-driven.
- It gives detailed geographic information (including roads, waterways, and hiking trails) from millions of contributors.
- You can customize maps for specific needs (cycling, hiking, or urban planning).
- Anyone can access, edit, and use OSM data without restrictions.
- You can also have offline access to maps.
- It supports turn-by-turn directions for walking, cycling, and driving.
Good For: Anyone who values open-source data, developers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Available On: Android and iOS [various apps use OSM]
NOTE: Other apps like Citymapper, Bing Maps, and CoPilot GPS might pull some OSM data, but they are not fully built on OpenStreetMap like Maps.me and OsmAnd.
B. GaiaGPS [Best For Outdoor Adventures]
Active Users: Unknown.
What Is It? It is great for topographic maps, wilderness routes, and advanced trail planning.
Key Features:
- It provides highly detailed topographic maps for backcountry navigation.
- You get satellite imagery and weather overlays for safe outdoor exploration.
- You can plan trails with elevation data for hiking, camping, or off-road travel.
- It also works offline, making it ideal for remote locations.
Good For: Hikers, campers, off-road travelers, and anyone exploring nature.
Available On: Android and iOS
Choosing The Right Google Map Alternative App
No ‘One Size Fits All’ – There is not one perfect map app for everyone. Some may want better privacy, while others may prefer offline maps.
Consider Your Priority – What kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you a daily commuter who needs real-time traffic updates? Do you like to travel where there is no internet, or is privacy your major concern?
| Privacy-Focused Apps | Data-Collecting Apps |
| Prioritize minimal tracking, offline features, and user privacy. | Prioritize minimal tracking, offline features, and user privacy. |
| These include OsmAnd, Maps.me, Apple Maps, OpenStreetMap, and CoPilot GPS. | Waze, Bing Maps, and Citymapper are some of the most data-heavy apps. |
Try New Apps – You can try a few apps before committing to one. Most of these mapping apps are free to download, so you can easily try and test out which one is the best fit for you.
Don’t Forget Your Device – Make sure to check if the apps work well on your phone. If an app is slow, laggy, and misses features you need the most, it might not be optimized for your device. So, choose a map app that works well on your phone.
Ditch Google Maps? Find The Best App For Your Needs!
Google Maps has been the powerhouse for decades. There is a whole world of other mapping apps out there to explore. Whether you want better privacy, offline adventures, or super-specific travel tools, these ‘Maps’ apps can give you more control over how you navigate.
So, are you ready to try something new, find the best fit for your needs, and travel smarter? Which one would you like to install?
