Best Google Maps Alternatives for Privacy and Efficient Navigation

Google Maps is a go-to for over a billion people every month, and it’s easy to see why. It’s reliable, packed with features, and familiar. 

But is it the best option for everyone? Not always. 

Whether you have privacy concerns, need better offline functionality, or simply want a more customizable experience, there are compelling reasons to explore better options than Google Maps.

Maybe you’re tired of Google tracking your every move, or you’ve found that it doesn’t quite meet your needs when hiking, navigating offline, or avoiding congested routes. Whatever the case, you’re not alone in seeking something different. 

We’ve compiled this guide to the best Google Maps alternatives per your needs. But first, let’s explore some of the primary reasons why users like you are searching for alternatives to Google Maps.

4 Primary Reasons to Explore Google Maps Alternatives

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 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.

But if you want to overcome these limitations, you can search easily. 

• Upper’s Free Route Planner allows you to optimize routes with up to 20 stops for free, ensuring you get the most efficient route every time. 
• 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

When you download offline maps using Google Maps, they can be unreliable, especially in remote locations. 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, especially in busy urban areas. 

Google Maps also fails to meet expectations for outdoor activities like hiking or biking, with users often finding inaccuracies or missing trails.

Understanding these issues, we’ve carefully evaluated the best alternatives to help you find the right mapping tool for your needs.

How We Chose the Best Google Maps Alternatives

We focused on common issues like privacy, data usage, and route optimization to find the best Google Maps alternatives. 

We evaluated each option based on user experience, map accuracy, essential features, performance, offline capability, and privacy practices. 

We also reviewed feedback from sources such as Capterra, G2, and app stores to ensure our recommendations effectively address your needs. 

This approach helps us present alternatives that offer a more personalized and reliable navigation experience.

Explore the top Google Maps alternatives to better serve your navigation needs.

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 and MacOS users. This web mapping service provides a clean and intuitive user interface for navigation and works smoothly across all Apple devices.

Key Features

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

Privacy Considerations

Another USP 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 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

💡 Learn how to create and manage multiple stops in your Apple Maps itinerary with our step-by-step guide.

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

2. Open Street Map

Star rating: 4.7/5 (3)

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source alternative to Google Maps.

Key Features:

• Open Street Maps is 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.

Privacy Considerations:

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.

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

Star rating: 4.4/5 (173k)

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. 

Offline Navigation Capabilities

Free to use and allows you to download map data.

Key Features: 

• OsmAnd 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 also 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.

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 great app for getting around, whether you’re traveling locally or internationally.

Key Features:

• Guides walking, driving, and using public transit.
• Allows adding waypoints to improve your route.
• Provides real-time traffic updates to help you save time and fuel.

Offline Navigation Capabilities:

You can also download maps for entire regions or countries to use offline, so you won’t get lost even if you lose your 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 among the most popular route planner apps, like Google Maps. 

Key Features:

• Sygic 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.

Offline Navigation Capabilities:

Additionally, you can save on roaming charges by using its detailed offline maps.

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)

This app is used by over 140 million travelers worldwide, and it keeps maps up-to-date by using data crowdsourced by OpenStreet contributors.

Key Features:

• Maps.Me offers clear routing for driving, walking, and cycling and even partners with content creators to guide you to hundreds of destinations.
• 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.

Offline Navigation Capabilities:

Maps.me stands out with its offline maps, which allow you to navigate without using data or worrying about spotty connections.

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

1. Upper

Star rating: 4.3/5 (287)

Upper is a go-to Google Maps alternative and a reliable multi-stop route planning tool.

We know we’re a bit biased here, but hear us out. Think Google Maps, but on steroids—that’s Upper.

Key Features: 

• Multi-stop route planning: Do you know how Google Maps caps you at 10 stops? Upper route optimization software 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.
• Constraint-base planning: 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.

Pros

• Proof of delivery is seamless and organized.
• Easily edit delivery routes 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).

For a detailed comparison between Google Maps 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. 

Key Features:

• 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.
• 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 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.

Key Features: 

• MapQuest 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.
• MapQuest 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 City Navigation & Transit

1. CityMapper

Star rating: 4.8/5 (268K)

CityMapper is a great tool for getting around the city.

Key Features:

• CityMapper 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 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. 
• CityMapper is a handy way to streamline your city travel and efficiently get where you need to go.

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 Live Search Maps or Windows Live Maps, is Microsoft’s mapping service.

Key Features:

• 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.

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 Real-Time Updates

1. Waze

Star rating: 4.1/5 (8.45M)

Waze is the most popular community-driven navigation app.

Key Features:

Waze 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.

For tips on planning your routes with Waze, see this blog post on using the Waze Route Planner.

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

Find Your Perfect Mapping Tool

Choosing the right navigation tool depends on what matters most to you—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. They offer unique features that can enhance your navigation experience. If you’re looking for a change, try them and find the perfect fit for your journeys.