Best Google Maps Alternative in 2025: Navigate Now!

Which navigation app will you use when traveling? Many people have Google Maps on their phone. Exactly, Google Maps has long been the go-to navigation and mapping app for millions of users worldwide.

However, some users might seek a Google Maps alternative because of privacy concerns or the need for offline functionality. This article will introduce the best alternative to Google Maps, their unique features, and why they might be better suited for your specific needs. Explore and navigate now!

Google Maps Alternative Recommendation: Tailored for Different Regions

Map for North America (USA, Canada):

• Waze
• Apple Maps

Map for Europe:

• HERE WeGo
• Citymapper

Map for Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, etc.):

• Gaode Map/Baidu Map (China)
• NAVITIME (Japan)
• KaKaoMap (South Korea)

Map for South America:

• Maps.me
• Waze

Map for Middle East:

• HERE WeGo
• Google Map (still relevant)

Map for Australia and New Zealand:

• Apple Maps
• HERE WeGo

Map for Global Travelers:

• Maps.me
• OpenStreetMap

Best Google Maps Alternatives: Navigating and Mapping

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best alternatives to Google Maps, tailored to different user needs.

Map 1. Apple Maps – Best for iOS Users

Apple Maps has come a long way since its rocky launch in 2012. Apple’s consistent updates and improvements make it now a solid alternative to Google Maps, especially for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.

Key Features:

• It’s seamlessly integrated with the Apple ecosystem (Siri, Apple Watch, CarPlay).
• Apple is celebrated for its security and privacy. Your significant locations on Apple Maps will be end-to-end encrypted and can’t be read by Apple. You can also delete this information manually.
• Apple Maps provides immersive 3D maps and augmented reality (AR) walking directions.
• It offers accurate turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic conditions, incidents, and road closures.

Limitation: Features are limited in some countries.

Tip: If you are suffering from some geo-restrictions in your country when using a mapping app, you can consider a VPN tool, such as LightningX VPN. LightningX VPN is dedicated to helping users bypass regional restrictions by hiding their real IP address.

• It has 2000+ servers in over 50 countries. You can switch to a server, such as the US servers provided by LightningX VPN (Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Honolulu) where the full features of Apple Maps are accessible.
• Additionally, LightningX VPN also emphasizes users’ privacy. With advanced encryption technology such as strong encryption algorithms like AES-256-GCM, all of your location information is well encrypted.

Map 2. Waze – Best for Drivers

Waze is a subsidiary company of Google. It is a community-driven navigation app tailored for drivers. Driver users can provide accurate traffic information, road hazards, and speed traps on Waze so other users will get the real-time updates.

Key Features:

• Real-time traffic updates and road alerts (e.g., accidents, construction).
• It is highly interactive for users to report incidents and share updates.
• Integrated with music apps like Spotify for a seamless driving experience.

Limitation: Not ideal for walking, biking, or public transportation.

Map 3. HERE WeGo – Best for Offline Maps

HERE WeGo, operated by HERE Technologies, is a versatile mapping platform known for its excellent offline functionality. In particular, it’s popular among travellers who venture into areas with limited internet access.

Key Feature:

• It is a fully downloadable map for offline use.
• It has multi-modal navigation, including driving, walking, biking, and public transportation.
• Offers accurate mapping data for over 200 countries and voice-guided navigation in 94 countries.
• Provides customizable routes to avoid tolls, highways, or specific areas.

Limitation: Fewer real-time traffic updates compared to Google Maps or Waze.

Map 4. OpenStreetMap – Best for Open-Source Enthusiasts

Like Waze, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a community-created mapping app. It depends on contributions from volunteers worldwide. It’s widely used by developers and those who prefer open-source alternatives. You can find the related data of OpenStreetMap on GitHub.

Key Features:

• OpenStreetMap is completely free and open-source.
• It is a kind of customizable map for developers and businesses.
• Extremely detailed maps, including hiking trails, bike paths, and local landmarks.
• There are no ads or data tracking.

Limitation: Lacks polished user interface compared to the commercial apps.

Map 5. Maps.me – Best for Budget Travelers

Maps.me is a popular choice among budget travellers due to offline functionality and detailed maps. Built on OpenStreetMap data, it’s free to use and provides excellent coverage for hiking trails and lesser-known destinations.

Key Features:

• Allows users to navigate offline with turn-by-turn navigation.
• Detailed points of interest (POIs) like restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
• It offers rich information including roads, hiking trails, and bike paths, subways, and taxi routes, etc.

Limitation: Fewer real-time updates.

Map 6. Citymapper – Best for Public Transit

Citymapper is a dedicated app for urban travellers who rely on public transportation. Citymapper works with cities and agencies to offer better journey plans and unique rider insights. It covers major cities worldwide and provides detailed transit options.

Key Features:

• Provides real-time transit updated information for buses, trains, subways, and ferries.
• Offers step-by-step directions for multi-modal trips.
• Integrated with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
• Has unique features like rain-safe routes and calorie tracking for walking.

Limitation: Lacks detailed driving directions.

Map 7. Gaode Maps (Amap) – Best for Tourists and Residents in China

For users traveling or living in China, Gaode Maps (Also known as Amap) is the leading navigation app in China. It offers accurate and localized mapping data tailored to the Chinese market.

Key Features:

• Provides highly accurate maps for China, including public transit routes.
• Offers the latest real-time traffic updates.
• Integrated with ride-hailing services.
• Multiple voice package options.

Limitation: Interface can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers.

Related: How to View Your iPhone Location History?

How to Choose the Right Google Maps Alternative?

When choosing an alternative to Google Maps, you can consider the following factors:

• Purpose: Are you primarily driving, walking, or using public transit? Different apps excel in different areas.
• Offline needs: If you frequently travel to areas with poor connectivity, apps like HERE WeGo or Maps.me are ideal.
• Privacy: Privacy-conscious users may prefer Apple Maps or OpenStreetMap-based apps.
• Region: Some apps, like Gaode Maps, are better suited for specific regions.

Bottom Line

While Google Maps is a powerful tool for navigation and mapping, it’s not the only option out there. This article introduces seven Google Maps alternatives for you, Apple Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo, OpenStreetMap, Maps.me, Citymapper, Gaode Maps. Give one of these alternatives a try – you might just discover a new favorite app!