Table of Contents
Google Maps has become so common that the term “location-based mapping service” has started to be used interchangeably with “Google Maps.” The existence of helpful features, such as a speed limit checker, that resolve one of the greatest problems—locating routes to previously unvisited destinations and places—explains why these apps have attained such widespread popularity. To know more Best Google Maps Alternatives for 2023 keep reading.
With Android’s built-in support for Google Maps, finding your way about is a breeze. Google Maps’ major problem is that it is too easy to rely on it. Google has a poor reputation, and rightly so; customers have legitimate privacy worries about the company’s tracking of their online activities. Therefore, if you care about your privacy, you should immediately start using an alternative to Google Maps.
Changing to a different mapping provider is a good idea for several reasons, not the least of which being security and privacy. Even though they’re not Google, these alternatives provide certain advantages over Google Maps.
Although Google Maps has an offline mode, the maps it provides are not as detailed as those provided by rival providers. Important information, such as driving statistics, several map categories, traffic warnings and updates, and more, is provided by these apps.
The 8 Best Google Maps Alternatives for 2023
To look for an alternative to Google Maps that offers more useful features, We’ve compiled a list of the top location-based services that can serve as viable substitutes for Google Maps.
Waze
Waze is a service-supported mapping application available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. The intuitive and communicative technology also lets you alert other drivers to upcoming traffic changes, speed traps, bottlenecks, and other risks on the road. Google bought the popular application Wave in 2013 and made it its own thing, separate from Google Maps.
Waze users constantly add and update information such as gas prices, road construction, accidents, speed traps, and police stations. Users’ geolocation can be monitored in real time (if they permit).
You can do all of these things and more with the Live map: research your destination, plan your route, mark important landmarks with pins, add new locations, find hidden gems, and upload camera photographs. Customization of your map space is also possible with the help of the Waze Map Editor.
Apple Maps
Excellent reputation for customer privacy; features that consumers have come to expect from other popular mapping programs like high-quality mapping application, such as traffic info and nearby attractions, and it’s also fully linked with Apple’s voice navigation system, Siri. The fact that it can only be used within an Apple system is a major limitation, but this is a problem shared by many Apple devices.
Apple has earned a solid (though not faultless) reputation for protecting user privacy, in addition to its design prowess. Apple claims not to gather any data from users unless they voluntarily submit it while utilizing particular functions, and setting synchronization between users’ devices is secured with end-to-end encryption.
Bing Maps
Since Bing Maps has the second biggest market share for a search engine (although 88% followed by 6% doesn’t quite feel like first and second places, so much as first and……is there a second place? ), it may be one of Google Maps’ main opponents. Its user interface is very similar to that of Google Maps, but it’s simpler and more minimalistic without sacrificing any functionality. For individuals without access to a vehicle, there are public transportation and walking maps included in addition to the standard road, aerial, and street views. In addition, there are perspectives in three dimensions.
MAPS.ME
You can use your mobile device without an internet connection by downloading the MAPS.ME mapping service. The app does not take up a lot of room on your mobile device. The ability to download maps for use when you don’t have an internet connection is a huge plus for this software.
It’s hard to find a better offline mapping app than MAPS.ME. The app provides directions for walking, as well as road and off-road routes, trails for hiking and biking, and pathways and the names of routes taken on all downloadable maps.
MAPS.ME is a viable alternative to Google Maps for finding local establishments and points of interest. MAPS.ME stands out from the crowd since it provides well created itineraries for hundreds of locations worldwide. Some of the manuals are available without a subscription cost, while others cost either $13/month or $32/year. Users love Google Maps since it doesn’t have ads, but they hate MAPS.ME because of all the commercials it shows.
Unlike Google Maps, which gives you the quickest route possible, MAPS.ME gives you the path that will make you the most comfortable, even if it’s the longest. Those accustomed to the minimalist design of Google Maps may be overwhelmed by the abundance of options presented by MAPS.ME.Both Google Maps and MAPS.ME are free to use.
This program has clever features and was made with precision in mind; it may be preferable to Google Maps.
Mapillary
Mapillary was founded in 2013 with the intention of competing with Google Street View, and by 2018 (only 5 years after founding), it had mapped 3 million miles of streets. This puts it on par with Google, which had mapped 10 million miles by that point, but had been around since 2007 and has much more resources at its disposal.
Here WeGo
Several premium automobile manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW, incorporate Here WeGo, formerly known as Here Maps, into their in-car GPS navigation systems. Not only do car companies use Here WeGo, but so do millions of other people; the map’s simple design has made it a favorite. Easily find your way from wherever you are to anywhere you want to go with Here WeGo’s global network of maps and turn-by-turn directions.
After figuring them out, it gives you the most up-to-date data and information on local public transit options. Locations of speed traps, red light cameras, police checkpoints, and construction sites are also accessible. Faster travel choices like public transit, cabs, and carpooling are all included in the app. Here WeGo additionally provides offline maps, which you may use to download an entire continent’s worth of maps and use to get offline directions.
MapQuest
MapQuest is a fantastic alternative to Google Maps if you rely on public transportation to go about. MapQuest, which is both a web-based mapping service and an Android and iOS app, helps you find the best local transportation service along your route and gives you the option to book a cab straight from your device. In addition, you will be updated in real time on the public transit options in your area.
If these features weren’t impressive enough, MapQuest can also calculate how many calories you’ll burn if you choose to walk there instead of taking a car. Amazing bonus, there at the end!
In addition to the standard mapping functionality, MapQuest additionally provides services such as automatic re-routing, live traffic conditions, ETA notifications, alerts for traffic cameras and accidents, location sharing, and weather forecasts. Turn-by-turn directions, saved routes, a satellite view, and a list of attractions in the area are just some of the Google Maps staples that can be found in MapQuest.
Citymapper
Citymapper was made with commuters and tourists riding public transportation in mind. Facilitating their use of public transportation is one of its strong suits.
It is a trip planner that allows you to combine several modes of transportation, such as buses, metro, subways, trains, ferries, Uber, and trams.
The Go assistant function provides timely navigational guidance and advice. It also works with Uber to make cab booking easier and integrates with Foursquare for location-based recommendations.
Citymapper makes sure you get real-time public transportation info from services like Twitter and Yelp. In addition to knowing when the next bus will arrive, you will also be aware of any schedule changes or service interruptions.
Citymapper does a better job of organizing as many possible paths to a destination into a single interface. To get anywhere, Google Maps only shows you one possible route.
Citymapper doesn’t mess around. The “get me someplace” and “get me home > work” buttons on the homepage allow you to enter an address and then provide instructions to your home or place of employment, respectively. None of that is available on Google Maps, which also suffers from being overloaded with features that may not be necessary for most people.
Even while both Citymapper and Google Maps make it easy and convenient to get transit information, the interface in Citymapper is tidier and more intuitive. Citymapper, in contrast to Google Maps, doesn’t require you to make a special selection to find wheelchair-accessible routes; rather, it’s already part of the default set.
You can get Citymapper and Google Maps without spending any money. Still, Citymapper requires a paid subscription to access premium services like route customization and weather notifications.
Also know:Google may terminate up to 6% of underperforming staff in 2023.