I tested 6 Google Maps alternatives—this is the one I’m sticking with

As good as Google Maps is, I’ve long found it cluttered and bloated, offering features I never use. And as I also become more and more aware of how much data Google has on me, I decided to find an alternative. After testing six of the best, with hundreds of millions of downloads between them, there’s one I really recommend.

6

TomTom

One of the first navigation giants

TomTom is a blast from the past. I owned a TomTom GO back when we needed dedicated navigation devices rather than using our phones. I couldn’t wait to see what it looks like now, and unfortunately, it’s a pale imitation of what it was like before.

It’s very basic, especially compared to modern navigation apps. It is aimed only at drivers and has an extremely limited feature set. The maps are good, the route looks good and the live traffic information was helpful. Speed ​​camera locations also appear as you drive along your route. But that’s about it. Finding businesses and other points of interest has been hit or miss, and there are few other options to explore.

5

OsmAnd

A free and open source option

OsmAnd is a Google Maps alternative that you can download via the Play Store or the open source F-Droid app store. It uses OpenStreetMap and works offline. You need to download maps for your area when you first launch it. I live right on the edge of the map area selected for me, so I had to download a second one. These were free, but you have to pay to unlock unlimited downloads.

The maps and directions are good and you can use the app to drive, walk, cycle and use public transport. But it lacks polish in certain areas. The navigation voice is somewhat robotic, the search is more basic than what you get from Google, and there are too many settings to manage. You have to dig through the menus to activate basics like live traffic, business information, or bus routes.

And if you add too many, the map becomes very cluttered. It is, however, a solid open source option.

4

Waze

Google’s other navigation app

Waze is owned by Google and is already well established as a popular Google Maps replacement. It has its strong points. It is less bloated and easier to pick up and use. It also puts crowdsourced information to good use for just about everything, from live traffic to speed cameras to potholes. There are also some fun features, like the ability to use new voices in your navigation.

But the simplicity makes the application much more limited. The maps are more basic, lacking the often useful satellite view, and intended only for driving. Despite the social orientation of the app, it is not suitable for walking, cycling, or anything else.

3

Sygic

A premium app with tons of unusual features

Sygic is a premium navigation app that’s packed with features, although most of them are hidden behind a paywall. You get a seven-day trial so you can see how useful they are and if they’re worth paying for.

The app is only for driving and works offline. It prompts you to immediately download maps. You can enter individual states in the United States or entire countries elsewhere. Maps are available in a range of views, including 2D, 3D and satellite.

Additional features range from essentials like crowdsourced updates for roadworks and traffic jams, to things you won’t find elsewhere, like what3words integration and even a very neat dashboard camera mode. These, along with live traffic data, speed camera locations and Android Auto support, all come with a fee.

2

Organic maps

The best choice for people concerned about their privacy

Organic Maps is another open source option that uses OpenStreetMap, and it’s the ultimate privacy choice, for better or worse. Like OsmAnd, it works offline and automatically downloads a map for you when you open it.

The app is completely free and the maps are good. Besides driving, you can use them for walking and cycling, and add contour lines to show off-road details. Routing and navigation are also solid.

But the emphasis on privacy comes at a cost. While it’s pretty decent as a basic navigation tool, it doesn’t offer any of the extras we tend to take for granted. It lacks details about businesses and other points of interest, and sticks entirely to traffic information. This normally comes via apps that track their users, and this is not the case. If you can live without it, it’s worth the trip.

1

Here we go

The closest thing to Google Maps that isn’t Google Maps

HERE WeGo was originally created by Nokia and is now owned by a consortium of automakers. This is the closest thing to Google Maps. Although it is more private than Google, the app tracks its users to generate live traffic insights. You can unsubscribe if you want and you can also use it with or without an account.

It works online or you can download maps of entire countries to use offline. It offers a range of map styles, including satellite, terrain, and 3D views. The business information is quite comprehensive, making it easy to find places to go near you.

I had no issues with the route and navigation, and it works whether you drive, bike, walk, or take public transportation. Additional features include it can suggest parking spots along your route and it works with Android Auto.

Why I stay with HERE WeGo

For me, HERE WeGo is the best alternative to Google Maps. It was the only app I tested that had all the features I use every day. The others all had something missing, whether it was actual traffic, walking routes, or something else. It also has a cleaner, less cluttered interface that makes it simple and easy to use.

I decided to reduce my dependence on Google without feeling like I was downgrading. With HERE WeGo, I’m not. I’m ready to turn off Google Maps and make the change permanent.