Google Maps has long been the go-to navigation app for over a billion people worldwide, but it’s not without its flaws. Concerns about data privacy, excessive data tracking, and limited offline functionality have driven many users to look for alternatives. As one Reddit user pointed out, “I don’t like being spied on to sell my personal data to the highest bidder.” Other users share frustrations about usability. One of the users from the Reddit community noted, “Google Maps doesn’t show many roads until you zoom in,” while another raised concerns about invasive features like tracking speed and highlighting speed limit breaches. This blog is your guide to the best Google Maps alternatives. Whether you’re seeking privacy-focused apps, tools with minimal data tracking, software offering offline maps, or simply want to break free from Google’s ecosystem, we’ll help you find options that prioritize your needs and respect your privacy. Table of Contents Why Consider Alternatives to Google Maps? How We Chose the Best Google Maps Alternatives Top 12 Alternatives to Google Maps FAQs About Google Maps Alternatives Find Your Perfect Mapping Tool Why Consider Alternatives to Google Maps? While Google Maps remains a widely used and trusted tool, we must also be aware of potential drawbacks. Here are four key reasons to explore other mapping options: 1. Privacy concerns Google Maps’ data collection practices, including location tracking on the Google Maps Timeline, have raised significant concerns. For example, an Associated Press report revealed that Google continued tracking users’ locations even when “Location History” was turned off. This led to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 U.S. states for misleading consumers about its location data tracking. Need More Than 10 Stops? Upgrade to Upper for hundreds of stop points, advanced route optimization, and custom route options specific to your needs. Try it Free! 2. Lacks route optimization and customization features Google Maps limits your route planning to a maximum of 10 stops and doesn’t offer built-in route optimization for multi-stop trips. Other navigation apps, like Google Maps, provide better route optimization and allow for more customization, such as setting priority stops time windows, and managing time and distance constraints. If you need more stops and advanced optimization: Upper’s Free Route Planner allows up to 20 stops for free. If you prefer using Google Maps, Upper’s Google Maps Route Optimization Extension lets you effortlessly sequence stops and minimize travel time with just one click. 3. Offline use unreliability Google Maps’ offline maps can be unreliable, particularly in remote locations, leaving users without dependable navigation when it’s most needed. 4. Navigation issues Users often report inaccuracies in turn-by-turn directions, especially in urban areas. Additionally, Google Maps doesn’t perform well for outdoor activities like hiking or biking, where missing trails and inaccuracies can be frustrating. Google Maps Got You Stuck in a Rut? Ditch the limitations! Upper goes beyond navigation - it offers multi-stop route optimization, superior privacy, and advanced time-saving features. Try Upper How We Chose the Best Google Maps Alternatives To ensure you get the most reliable and effective alternatives to Google Maps, we followed a thorough evaluation process. Here’s what we focused on: We prioritized apps that are privacy-focused and offer minimal data tracking Reliable offline maps for uninterrupted navigation We looked for apps offering an advanced feature set, including route optimization, public transit details, and support for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. We even analyzed multiple sources, including user reviews, tech forums, and community discussions on platforms like Reddit. The easy-to-use interface was also an added factor we kept in mind while evaluating. By combining these criteria, we’ve curated a list of alternatives that are practical, user-friendly, and respect your privacy. Top 12 Alternatives to Google Maps 1. Upper: Best for multi-stop route planning and delivery management User ratings: 4.5/5 (1.6K) Available on: Web, iOS, Android Upper is a go-to Google Maps alternative for multi-stop route planning. We know we’re a bit biased here, but hear us out. Think Google Maps, but on steroids—that’s Upper. Do you know how Google Maps caps you at 10 stops? Upper handles up to 500 in one go. That’s right, 500! This is perfect for those of you managing deliveries, sales routes, or even planning a road trip adventure. But here’s where it gets cool. Upper doesn’t just plot points on a map. Do you have time windows for deliveries? Priority stops? Special delivery instructions? Upper handles it all. It even lets you avoid tolls if you’re watching those expenses. And let’s talk about saving time. Upper turns hours of manual planning into a 5-minute breeze. Just import your addresses Hit optimize Boom – you’ve got your route Oh, and accuracy? Upper is all over it. It double-checks every address you input, catching those pesky typos or outdated info, so you’re not wasting time on wrong turns. We’ve got a web app and a mobile app, so you can take your optimized route at your convenience. Remember, Upper isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about efficiently getting from A to Z, saving you time, fuel, and effort. Why not give it a shot? We offer a free trial, no strings attached. Usability: Incredibly user-friendly with an intuitive interface that transforms complex route planning into a 5-minute task Accuracy: Unparalleled precision with address verification and route optimization, setting a new standard in navigation accuracy Pros: Proof of delivery is seamless and organized Easily make dynamic route adjustments in real-time while on the road Visual route mapping with customizable stop markers Bulk import addresses in just a few clicks Detailed route summaries for better insights Cons: It offers powerful features but comes with a subscription fee (with a free trial to test it out). Why Settle for Less When You Can Have More? Google Maps is great until you hit its limits. Upper gives you the power to optimize up to 500 stops in minutes, so you can get more done with less effort. Try it Free! 2. Apple Maps: Best for iOS users seeking a privacy-friendly navigation app User rating: 2.6/5 (30.4K) Available on: iOS, MacOS Apple Inc. released Apple Maps on September 19, 2012, making it the default map system for iOS and MacOS users. This web mapping platform provides a clean and intuitive user interface for navigation and works smoothly across all Apple devices. The USP of Apple Maps is its high level of privacy, which is better than Google Maps. It doesn’t require a sign-in using your Apple ID, so it doesn’t keep a history of where you visited. 💡 If you’re interested in making the most of Apple Maps, check out our guide on how to use the Apple Maps Route Planner. As part of its unique 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. 💡 Learn how to create and manage multiple stops in your Apple Maps itinerary with our step-by-step guide. Usability: Simple interface integrated with Apple devices, but limited to 15 stops per route Accuracy: Good for urban areas, but sometimes lacks precision in rural or lesser-known regions Pros Advanced navigation support for driving, walking, cycling, and public transit Interactive place cards containing details like address, hours, website, and contact number Apple device users get 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 Keep Your Data Private Upper respects your privacy and doesn't collect extensive data. You can focus on efficient route planning without compromising your personal information. Try it Free! 3. Bing Maps: Best for standard mapping with multiple map styles User rating: 4.4/5 (209) Works on: Web Bing Maps, formerly Live Search Maps or Windows Live Maps, is Microsoft’s mapping service. This popular Google Maps alternative offers different map styles, like standard road maps, aerial views, and dark mode. When you start typing an address, Bing Maps helps by suggesting locations to speed up your search. It also has useful features like density maps (heat maps), which show data density so you can quickly see where there are many points. Bing Maps gives you real-time traffic updates and shows any incidents on your route. This makes it a reliable tool for navigating and staying informed about road conditions. 💡Need help with Bing Maps? Our simple guide on using Bing Maps Route Planner can walk you through the process. Usability: Straightforward interface but less advanced compared to other options Accuracy: Decent for general navigation but inconsistent ETAs and limited advanced routing 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 4. Waze: Best for community-driven real-time traffic updates User rating: 4.1/5 (8.77M) Works on: iOS, Android Waze is the most popular community-driven navigation app. 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 data, 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. For tips on planning your routes with Waze, see this blog post on using the Waze Route Planner. Usability: User-friendly interface with live updates from other drivers, but lacks offline capabilities Accuracy: Most accurate alternative to Google Maps for real-time traffic information, but less effective for planning in areas without cellular connectivity 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 5. Open Street Map: Best for open-source map alternatives with community-driven updates User rating: 4.7/5 (3) Works on: Web and supported apps like OsmAnd OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source alternative to Google Maps. It’s maintained by a community of volunteers who update the maps using surveys, aerial imagery, and other data sources. OSM even offers detailed information on landmarks like parks, trails, and rivers and stores this data in various file formats for different uses. One of OSM’s major advantages is its commitment to privacy. It doesn’t track or share your data; you don’t need to sign up or log in to use its features. This makes it a safer choice if you’re concerned about privacy. 💡Want to make the most of OpenStreetMap? Check out the in-depth guide on how to use OpenStreetMap. Usability: Community-driven platform with a clean, customizable maps interface Accuracy: Relies on volunteer updates, which can vary by region 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 6. OsmAnd: Best for offline maps without tracking for outdoor activities User ratings: 4.5/5 (203k) Works on: iOS, Android OsmAnd is an offline mapping app that uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) data to help you navigate roads based on your preferences and vehicle size. It even lets you plan routes considering inclines and slopes. Since it’s open-source, you don’t need to sign in with an email, and you have control over what data you share. OsmAnd also offers various map styles for activities like touring, boating, desert driving, or off-roading. It provides GPS navigation for different transport modes, lets you plan multi-stop routes, and makes it easy to search for places by category and plan your trips accordingly. Usability: Versatile for various terrains but less intuitive compared to other apps Accuracy: Reliable for offline navigation, though slower recalculations may impact real-time usability 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 7. HERE WeGo: Best for offline map apps for travel User rating: 3/5 (500K) Works on: iOS, Android HERE WeGo Maps is a great app for getting around, whether you’re traveling locally or internationally. It guides walking, driving, and using public transit. You can even add waypoints to improve your route. The app provides real-time traffic information to help you save time and fuel. You can also download detailed maps for entire regions or countries to use offline, so you won’t get lost even if you lose your internet connection. Usability: User-friendly for multi-stop trips but lacks active rerouting for pedestrians Accuracy: Decent for city driving, but struggles in rural areas or complex routes Pros It’s a free-to-use Google Maps alternative 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 8. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps: Best for high-quality 3D maps and offline use User rating: 4.2/5 (1.76M) Works on: iOS, Android Sygic is among the most popular route planner apps, like Google Maps. It offers high-resolution 3D offline maps for countries worldwide, plus real-time updates on speed camera alerts and traffic. With millions of Points of Interest (PoI) and a satellite view option, you can easily find your destination. Sygic also provides voice guidance navigation to help you get around new areas. Additionally, you can save on roaming charges by using its oddline detailed maps. Usability: Feature-rich app with intuitive turn-by-turn navigation tools Accuracy: High-quality maps with regular updates 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 9. Maps.Me: Best for offline map apps for travel enthusiasts User rating: 4.1/5 (1.18M) Works on: iOS, Android Maps.Me keeps maps up-to-date by using data crowdsourced by OpenStreet contributors. It offers clear routing for driving, walking, and cycling and even partners with content creators to guide you to hundreds of destinations. Maps.me stands out with its offline maps, which allow you to navigate without using data or worrying about spotty internet connection. You can also find points of interest, hiking trails, and unique spots along the way, making it a top choice for planning road trips. In addition to this, you can bookmark your favorite places and share them with friends for easy group trips. Usability: Simple interface with extensive offline search capabilities Accuracy: Good for popular destinations but inconsistent for lesser-known locations 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 Think Google Maps Can Handle 500 Stops? Think Again Google Maps caps you at 10 stops. Upper handles 500. Whether it’s deliveries, sales calls, or a road trip, you’ll never look back once you’ve tried Upper. Try Upper 10. MileMaker by RandMcNally: Best for truck and fleet route planning User rating: 0/5 (0) Works on: Web 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 for truck fleet dispatchers. It lets you ensure your drivers’ safety by avoiding delivery routes with specific weight or height constraints. Besides, MileMaker offers traffic-enabled routing to ensure accurate ETAs and enhance customer experience. Usability: Effective for commercial needs, but lacks a mobile app for on-the-go users Accuracy: Focuses on precise routing for commercial vehicles 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 Lack of routing for pedestrians and cyclists Reported poor customer service response 11. MapQuest: Best for cost-conscious drivers looking for gas price comparisons User rating: 4.1/5 (66.4k) Works on: iOS, Android, Web Launched in 1966, MapQuest is the trailblazer of web-based mapping services and a great turn-by-turn GPS navigation app. It is one of the top multi-stop route planner apps, allowing you to optimize routes based on traffic jams 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. Usability: Classic mapping service with easy turn-by-turn navigation Accuracy: Good for main roads but lacks depth in rural areas and specialized routes 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 Optimize Your Routes Without Limits Tired of Google Maps' 10-stop limit? With Upper, you can plan routes with hundreds of stops, making it perfect for businesses with multiple destinations. Try it Free! 12. CityMapper: Best for public transit and ride-sharing integrations User rating: 4.8/5 (303K) Works on: iOS, Android, Web CityMapper is a great tool for getting around the city. It helps you compare different travel options and transit modes in real-time to make smart choices for your journey. CityMapper gives you clear turn-by-turn detailed directions and detailed routing guidance, whether driving, walking, or cycling. The app also partners with major cab and bike-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, JUMP, and Scoot. This means you can compare fares, book rides, or find nearby e-scooters all in one place. Usability: Perfect for city dwellers but restricted to major cities worldwide Accuracy: Highly accurate for public transportation in big cities 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 FAQs About Google Maps Alternatives What is the best Google Maps alternative for privacy? Top Google Maps alternatives for privacy-focused users include OpenStreetMap (OSM), OsmAnd, Organic Maps, and Upper. These apps prioritize user data protection, offering minimal tracking and advanced navigation features while keeping your personal information secure. Which map apps work offline without tracking? OsmAnd, Maps.Me, HERE WeGo, and Organic Maps are excellent options for offline navigation that don’t compromise your privacy. These apps allow you to download offline maps and navigate without constant data transmission or tracking. How accurate are open-source navigation apps? Open-source free navigation apps like OpenStreetMap and OsmAnd are highly accurate for most locations. However, their accuracy can vary depending on community contributions and updates. What are the top alternatives to Google Maps in 2024? The top alternatives include Upper for route optimization, Apple Maps for iOS users, OsmAnd for privacy, HERE WeGo for offline navigation, Waze for real-time traffic data updates, and OpenStreetMap for open-source mapping. How to De-Google and replace Google Maps? To deGoogle and replace Google Maps, start by switching to alternative apps like Upper, Apple Maps, Waze, or OpenStreetMap. These apps offer navigation and route planning without relying on Google. You can also adjust your device settings to limit Google’s access by removing your Google account, disabling location tracking, and using privacy-focused apps for web browsing. OsmAnd vs. Organic Maps: Which is the best open-source navigation app? Both are excellent open-source alternatives to Google Maps. OsmAnd offers more robust features for detailed route planning, while Organic Maps is simpler and easier to use. How to fully replace Google Maps and keep your data secure? To replace Google Maps, use a combination of data privacy-focused navigation apps like OsmAnd or Organic Maps for everyday needs and a physical GPS device like Garmin for offline and secure navigation. Is there a better route planner than Google Maps? Yes, Upper is the best for multi-stop route optimization, handling up to 500 stops with advanced customization. Other alternatives include MapQuest and MileMaker for specific needs. What are the alternatives to Google Street View? Alternatives include Mapillary, a crowdsourced street-level imagery platform, and OpenStreetCam, an open-source project for sharing street-level imagery. What are the considerations for choosing the right Google Maps alternative? Consider factors such as privacy, offline functionality, route optimization, real-time updates, ease of use, and compatibility with your devices. Find Your Perfect Mapping Tool Choosing the right navigation tool depends on what matters most to you: data privacy, offline map access capability, route optimization, or real-time updates. Google Maps is a solid choice for many, including those using a Google Maps trip planner, but there are great alternatives that might better suit your needs. Whether you need a privacy-focused option like Apple Maps or a versatile route planner like Upper, there’s a tool out there that fits your requirements. Explore these alternatives and see which one works best for you. Author Bio Jeel Patel Jeel Patel is the Chief Executive Officer at Upper. With 5+ years of experience in dev, outbound, and inbound sales, He is committed to growing conversion through inbound and outbound activities. Outside the office, Jeel loves to spend time with his dog and take him on long walks. Read more. Share this post: Need to Simplify Routing?Discover fast and efficient routing that saves you time and fuel cost every dayStart Planning Routes
