6 Best Google Maps Alternatives: Map & Navigation Apps

Google Maps is the navigation app that comes pre-installed on every Android phone, and on iPhones too, the app is preferred by many people over Apple Maps. Nevertheless, in this article we will look for the best alternatives to Google Maps. Maybe you’re looking for a lighter app or a non-Google alternative? Discover our selection.

1. Sygic

One of the most downloaded and complete apps for maps and navigation is Sygic. She comes with offline maps that come from various providers, including TomTom. In addition, the app collects data from the more than 500 million users in order to take into account the traffic situation on the road. You will also be shown the maximum allowed speed during your route, and you can connect to Android Auto if your car supports it.

Sygic also comes with a number of advantages over Maps. First, there’s a dashcam function that lets you record while driving, but the app can also project a head-up display onto the forward when you’re driving at night. Sygic can even help you save money, because the app is aware of fuel prices and parking ticket prices.

2. Magic Earth

Magic Earth profiles itself as a privacy-friendly navigation app that does not track its users and does not create profiles. All map data comes from OpenStreetmaps, and the app works for those traveling by car, on foot, cycling, or taking public transport.

Interestingly, this app lets you choose between a 2D, 3D, or satellite map view. The 3D view can help you navigate more easily. In addition, the app offers support for offline maps and a smart dashcam function that also warns you of dangers. Magic Earth will notify you about speed cameras on your route so you can avoid costly fines. Finally, when you arrive at your destination, you can discover parking spaces nearby. The app also integrates with Wikipedia so you can learn more about your destination.

3. HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo was called Ovi Maps a long time ago and it was one of the few strongholds on Nokia phones when they still came out with the Symbian. Today, Here WeGo is still one of the best navigation apps you can find. You can easily download offline areas by country or province, so you only download what you need.

The app has excellent route guidance that makes it very clear which lane or exit is the right one, and you also get guidance when transferring by public transport. The app is also aware of traffic information, parking spaces nearby, costs for taxi and public transport.

4. Waze

Waze has been part of Google since 2013, and although that acquisition has not always run smoothly, Waze remains a very strong navigation app. The app has been doing a good job of drawing strength from its community for a long time. Speed ​​cameras, detours or dangerous objects on the track are simply reported by users.

Waze is also known for changing its route very quickly based on traffic. You say when you want to arrive somewhere, and Waze tells you what time you have to leave. Like Maps, the app also integrates music and podcast services, works with Andorid Auto, and is aware of nearby fuel prices and parking spaces.

5. Google Maps Go + Navigation

Maybe you like to use Maps, but you are looking for a lighter version that also works more smoothly on phones with less powerful hardware. Maps Go is an Android GO app from Google, which means that it takes over the main functions of the original, but in a different package. In fact, Google Maps Go works as a web app through Chrome. It is important that you separately install the app ‘Navigation for Google Maps Go’ if you also want to navigate.

6. OsmAnd

Like Magic Earth, this navigation app uses OpenStreetMap’s free maps. So OsmAnd stands for: OpenStreetMap Automated navigation Directions. So the app adds navigation and is completely open-source. Maps can be downloaded offline, they contain information about contour lines and relief, speed is displayed and public transport stops are visible with information about line numbers.

The app also knows about nearby hiking trails and bike paths, so there’s a custom view for hikers and cyclists using the navigation. OsmAnd makes it possible to export your route and you can also share it live with friends, just like in Google Maps.

Which alternative to Google Maps do you use? Is it an app that is not on this list? If yes which one? You may not want to deviate from Google Maps after reading these apps. What are the most important features of Maps for you? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.