Google Maps is the world’s most popular mapping app, with 24+ million downloads in the United States alone. There’s a good chance that you’ve tried Google’s navigation app yourself — but is it the best mapping service?
Not always. We rank it as the best for individual drivers in our article 7 Best Free Route Planners, but there are downsides. Privacy is a big concern for many people. And if you’re looking for apps to help you plan a hike, travel somewhere without a data signal, or use public transit, there are much better alternatives to Google Maps.
We’re going to explore the best Google Maps alternatives to help you find the best solution for your unique needs. First, let’s look in more detail at why some users might want to avoid it.
Reasons to use a Google Maps alternative
1. Privacy
Google’s mapping tool is user-friendly, great for GPS navigation, and has points of interest worldwide. You just need to share, and let Google use, your location data.
And that’s the catch.
The Google Maps app logs everything you do, including the places you visit:
- Google saves your data for 18 months to create a “personalized experience”. If you look for a local coffee shop or visit a training center, this information is logged by Google and can be used across the company’s platforms.
- If you don’t log into the app, it won’t save places you’ve visited frequently. There’s no way to save any of this data unless you log in and share it with Google.
- Your data is stored on the Google Maps Timeline — including every place you visit. You can shut this feature off, but it’s very intrusive.
The results can be creepy. For example, a little while ago I used Google Maps to look up directions to an optometrist. Now when I open it, the locations of other optometrists are highlighted, because they’ve paid Google Maps for ads. You’ve probably noticed something similar yourself.
2. Using maps offline
Google Maps does offer the ability to download maps for offline use. But it can be difficult to tell if your map is saved properly, and it doesn’t always work when you’re looking for directions. If you’re headed somewhere remote, or even just a place without a great cellphone signal, you’ll want something more reliable.
3. Outdoor activities
Google Maps is NOT suitable for planning hikes, runs, or bike rides. In Vancouver, where Routific is based, hikers regularly need to be rescued after getting into trouble by following Google Maps “trails” that don’t actually exist. Its bike routing is also not great, with dedicated bike lanes sometimes being ignored in favor of busy, dangerous streets.
In the next few sections, we’ll look at the top alternatives to Google Maps for privacy, offline use and outdoor activities — as well as multi-stop route planning, road trips, public transportation and live traffic updates.
Best Google Maps alternatives for privacy
1. OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is the WikiPedia of mapping — a community-driven project that uses crowd-sourced data. If you read through their privacy policy, you’ll find that the non-profit does collect some data, but it’s not linked to your profile.
You can also use the map features without signing up.
OpenStreetMap is less feature-rich than Google Maps, but it offers the most important features:
- Detailed, turn-by-turn navigation, including options for driving a car, biking, or walking.
- Road insights from real users — for example, users may add information about a road being in poor condition.
The lack of advertising also means OpenStreetMap has a much less cluttered appearance than Google Maps, which can make it easier to find your way around.
2. Apple Maps
Anyone who has an iPhone or iOS device can use Apple Maps. Maps offers:
- Longevity, since it’s run by Apple and has been around since 2012.
- End-to-end encryption for all locations.
- No data history retention.
Apple Maps has come a long way in recent years, especially in terms of user interface and unique features. You don’t need to link your data to your Apple ID, and any location data is converted in 24 hours to be less precise.
The app doesn’t retain your search history either, making it one of the best privacy-focused Google Maps alternatives.
The downside? If you’re using Windows or Android, you won’t be able to use this mobile app.
3. HERE WeGo
HERE Technologies owns the HERE WeGo platform, which is now used by brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Apps are available for Android, iOS, and Huawei. You’ll find a set of robust maps that are highly detailed and even available for offline use.
Random identifiers are used when you use the app, meaning that there’s no way to link your data to you as a person or user. However, advertisem*nts may use local location data to serve ads, such as displaying local weather conditions.
Here WeGo is a well-rounded, robust alternative to Google Maps, but the company does retain the right to share non-personal data in the future.
Best Google Maps alternatives for offline use
If you’re visiting an area where your Internet connection may be unreliable, offline maps are your best option. You can download maps for the region or destinations you’ll be visiting, and these apps will run flawlessly offline.
1. Sygic
Sygic offers beautiful 3D maps that you can use without Wi-Fi. The interface is intuitive and has millions of interest points, so it will help you navigate new places. Android and iOS apps are available and you’ll enjoy:
- Offline maps
- Voice-controlled navigation
- Speed limit change alerts
A premium version is available, but most of Sygic’s 200 million users don’t use it. Offline maps are available on both versions, but the free version lacks features like speed limit and mobile speed camera information, lane assistant, HUD, and other advanced functionality.
2. Maps.Me
Maps.me feels like a futuristic navigation map thanks to its robust interface. Offline maps are available in 100+ countries, so you can be confident that you can travel without the Internet.
You’ll also appreciate the option to view:
- Top places
- Entertainment options with dozens of categories
- Lodging, shops, services, and more
- Sharing and saving options
Maps.Me also includes public transport options for 1,300+ cities, making it a great companion for adventurers.
3. OsmAnd
OsmAnd is designed for offline use and offers highly detailed maps covering nearly every location on Earth. Offline maps still provide turn-by-turn voice navigation, auto re-routing, and traffic warning alerts.
Points of interest are gathered from Wikipedia to help you see all of the sites in a city, and the app is open-source.
If you like to bike or walk, you can download offline maps that include:
- Outdoor activities
- Bike paths
- Footpaths
- Hiking trails
Since the app runs offline, you also don’t need to worry about your privacy being infringed.
Best Google Maps alternatives for multi-stop route planning
Multi-stop route planning is one of the big gaps in Google Maps. It’s designed for point-to-point navigation, not the complex processes involved in route optimization.
If your route involves 10 stops or less you can try optimizing your route manually — or, for better and easier results, use the Routific Chrome extension right inside Google Maps.
Beyond that, you’ll need proper route optimization. Here are our top picks:
1. Routific
Yup, we’re biased! But we genuinely believe our platform is the best, most-user friendly option out there when it comes to multi-stop route planning — all the way up to thousands of stops! Our sweet spot is last-mile delivery routes, so we include options for planning around vehicle types, driver shifts and time windows.
We’re more business-centric than Google Maps, but we’re also used by a lot of charities. We have a separate mobile driver app so it’s easy to share a route from a desktop planner to a mobile phone.
We offer a 7-day free trial — no credit card needed — if you want to try us out.
2. Route4Me
Route4Me is a premium solution for last-mile complexity, and it focuses on route planning in the business sector. Creating routes is a little clunky at first, but once you go through the initial screens, you can save the route for future deliveries.
Like Routific, Route4Me offers a driver mobile app as well.
3. RoadWarrior
RoadWarrior is another professional driver solution that offers multi-stop planning and routing. Drivers and teams can download the app, which promises to help you:
- Avoid sitting in traffic
- Save on gas
Users can optimize up to 500 routes per day, and there’s a fleet-management solution if dispatches want even greater control over their drivers.
Best Google Maps alternatives for live traffic info
Real-time traffic updates and information about traffic conditions can save you a lot of time when traveling. GPS navigation helps you avoid accidents and slowdowns on the road, and many apps are available that go beyond Google Maps.
1. Waze
Waze has excellent traffic data thanks to users being able to report incidents on the road. Is a car broken down? Report it. Object in the middle of the road? Waze might let you know.
Having updated traffic information can save you time and avoid potential accidents.
Waze offers:
- Car-based navigation only
- Requires an Internet connection
- Real-time insights into traffic, road hazards, closures, and more
You can also customize Waze and make it your own with unique voices for navigation.
2. ViaMichelin
ViaMichelin is a lesser-known alternative, but it’s detailed and offers real-time traffic updates that rival most solutions on our list. You’ll even have access to Michelin Guide recommendations for hotels and restaurants.
Users will appreciate:
- Fuel information that’s optimized based on your vehicle type, fuel type, and cost in your area
- Multiple route options that show you fuel consumption, distance, and time
- Traffic information to help you avoid delays
3. Bing Maps
Microsoft has come a long way with Bing Maps, which now offers live traffic information on their web and mobile apps. You can even view traffic cams and other road conditions affecting your route, like construction, road closings, and more.
Just enter your location or route and start viewing traffic information in real-time.
Best Google Maps alternatives for outdoor activities, hiking, running, and biking
Want help planning and navigating your next hiking, biking, or running excursion? Avoid Google Maps! (Unless you don’t mind being part of a search-and-rescue mission).
Luckily, there are some great alternatives out there that are designed for outdoor activities. See our review of the best running route planners for a full list, but here are our top three:
1. Komoot
Komoot is an excellent outdoor activities planner. The platform started as a biking route planner, but has since evolved into a hiking and running route planner as well.
Just enter an address or place to start planning your next adventure. Then, choose your:
- Sport (hiking, mountain biking, running, mountaineering, etc.)
- Fitness level (untrained through pro)
- Route type (one-way or round trip)
If you’re not sure where you want to go, you can view pre-planned routes in cities all over the world.
2. PlotaRoute
PlotaRoute is a route planner designed specifically for outdoor pursuits like walking, cycling, or running. The platform gives you four easy ways to plan your route:
- Point and click on the map to choose your stops
- Select waypoints, and PlotaRoute will choose the best routes
- Upload your route recorded on your GPS device
- Tell PlotaRoute how long you want your route to be, and they’ll generate ten suggestions
With PlotaRoute, you can use Google Street View, satellite view, and other map data to know what to expect on your route.
PlotaRoute is loaded with features. The only drawback is that there’s a learning curve to using the map, and you’ll have to put up with ads if you use the free version. The great news? The annual fee for a membership is very reasonable and makes your experience ad-free.
3. AllTrails
For hiking trails, AllTrails is one of the best Google Maps alternatives. Along with planning your hikes, you can use the app for navigation. Follow along a trail, create a custom route, or follow another member’s activity.
The Navigator function will help you find your way.
AllTrails has over 400,000 curated trails to explore for every level, all of which are verified by experts and reviewed by users. Getting up-to-date user reports on trail conditions is a big bonus of using AllTrails.
Best Google Maps alternatives for road trips
If you’re planning a road trip, you need a mapping tool with an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to add your itinerary. These three apps are a great alternative to Google Maps.
1. MapQuest
MapQuest was one of the first online mapping tools to hit the market, and it’s still a surprisingly great route planner. They offer web-based route planning in addition to their free app (available for both Android and Apple).
Planning your road trip is simple. MapQuest gives you three options:
- Add each stop manually in a Google Maps-like interface
- Copy/paste your list of destinations
- Import an Excel or CSV file
You can add up to 26 locations to your trip and optimize your route by time or distance. If you want a web mapping tool that has a similar look and feel to Google Maps, MapQuest is a great option for your next road trip.
2. Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers is more than just a navigation tool — it’s a complete road trip planner. Just enter your start and end point, and the app will find the best route based on what you’d like to see and do on your adventure.
With Roadtrippers, you can find the best stops on your route, including sights and attractions, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, campsites, and more.
If you’re traveling by RV, the app can automatically adjust your route based on the size of your rig and other details.
You’ll need to create an account to plan your trip (it’s free), but you can browse their live map to see their points of interest in any city.
Roadtrippers is available for Android and Apple devices, so anyone can use it to plan their road trip.
3. Bing Maps
Bing Maps earns a second mention because, while itmay not be the first thing that comes to mind for planning a road trip, it’s a surprisingly solid option if you have multiple stops and want to view real-time traffic data. The interface is similar to Google Maps, so there’s no learning curve.
You can also choose when you want to leave (now or anytime in the future) and when you want to arrive at your destination. Bing Maps will generate a route based on your preferences and even suggest the best time of day to leave.
Best Google Maps alternatives for public transport
Navigating public transportation services can be challenging. While you can technically use Google Maps to find your way to bus stops and train stations, the process isn’t very intuitive and, at times, can be downright complicated.
Fortunately, there are a few alternatives out there that make it quick and easy to navigate a city’s public transit system.
1. CityMapper
If you're looking for an easy way to compare your transport modes in real-time, CityMapper may be a great option for you. We love its clutter-free interface, which dynamically displays different routes as you hover over the options.
CityMapper offers turn-by-turn navigation directions for public transportation, cycling, walking, and even scooter trips. Live wait times and ETAs ensure you never miss another bus or train again. The app will even alert you when it’s time to get off and the best train car to board.
If you travel to the same cities often, you can bookmark your go-to stations or stops to make trip planning a breeze. You can even view some public transport maps offline.
CityMapper is available for all mobile devices.
2. Apple Maps
If you’re using Apple devices, Apple Maps is a surprisingly great option for navigating public transportation. Right from the Maps app, you can access detailed transit directions and key info, like:
- Fare amounts
- Departure times
- Connection information
If you have a transit card, you can even connect it to the app to view your balance and even replenish it with the tap of a button.
With Apple Maps, you can personalize your experience by saving your favorite stops or train stations. If you’re in a new city, you can use Maps to find nearby transit departures and pay for your ticket with Apple Pay or your transit card.
3. HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo is best known for being a car navigation and mapping tool, but it scores another entry in our list because you can also use it for public transportation.
In fact, you can use HERE WeGo to navigate by bike, on foot, or even by taxi in some cities.
To find transit information:
- Enter your destination.
- Change your transit mode (tap the train/bus icon) to view your options.
- Select an option to view more detailed directions.
HERE WeGo will give you step-by-step walking directions from your current location to wherever you’re catching the train, bus, or subway. You can see how many stops until you reach your destination and an ETA.
HERE WeGo doesn’t allow you to pay for your fare through their app, but it’s available for both Apple and Android devices.
