12 Best Google Maps Alternatives

Gone are the days when people had to rely on factors such as memory or look for tour guides to find their way to and from different places. Today, Google Maps is at your disposal.

The 21^st century has witnessed radical technological advancements. The development of Google Maps application is meant to help people locate places they’re unaware of, have never been to, locate local eateries, get traffic insights, and much more with ease.

Google Maps is a web-based mapping service that’s fully equipped with geographical information of sites and places from all corners of the globe. With a simple tap on your phone or computer, you can relax as you let the app guide you to whatever place that you need to go with ease.

However, just like any other awesome app, Google Maps also needs competitors to keep it on its toes and ensure its services are always up to date. While Google Maps provides a reliable service, there is no harm in trying out other options and knowing what they have to offer.

Here are 12 best Google Maps alternatives that you can try out:

1. Bing Maps

This is one of the biggest Google Maps competitors and is owned by Microsoft. Bing Maps provides a list of cool features such as 3D maps, venue maps aerial views and road views. For cyclists and drivers, Bing can provide them with routes and directions in real-time, making them quite reliable.

2. City Mapper

City Mapper was recently nominated as one of the best apps for getting directions. This app was mainly cited for providing information on the best and fastest routes to use. It also has the added advantage of providing the user with real-time information on buses and trains available for boarding and their departure times.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Play Store.

3. MapQuest

MapQuest, launched in 1996, boasts updated satellite imagery of numerous places, thus allowing the user to walk or drive there with ease.

In case of vehicle breakdown, the app enables you to call roadside assistance by providing you with a list of available contacts. In case of weather changes, MapQuest can promptly inform you regarding any future weather changes and alert you whether you need an umbrella.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Play Store. The mapping service app is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows devices.

4. Waze

Waze is gaining massive popularity, especially due to its intuitive functionality. The app can provide turn by turn GPS and traffic information in real-time, thus allowing the user to know what to expect as they move. Waze can recommend alternative routes in case one is in a hurry and wants to avoid traffic.

Waze has an additional service that enables you to connect with your friends online and can alert you when they are close by or if you are driving or walking along the same route. It is a friendly app by default.

Waze is free and compatible with iOS, Symbian, Android phones, Blackberry, and Windows devices.

5. BackCountry Navigator

In case you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no building or street   sign in sight, then BackCountry Navigator is just the app you need to get you going. BackCountry Navigator provides you with detailed topographical features that are useful for hikers or bikers using thick terrain that are far away from civilization.

It makes use of GPS application that allows the user to manually enter coordinates that it can then use to plot directions with.

It is a handy app for adventurers and is freely available for download on the Play Store.

6. Navmii

Navmii provides users with multiple features such as satellite views, bookmarking, and turn-by-turn navigation and location options.

The app can also give the user warning in case they are approaching traffic lights, speed cameras, road signs, and construction sites, thus enabling them to make necessary adjustments.

The app also joined forces with other apps such as what3word, Trip Advisor, and Foursquare to ensure that their users get the most current searches and relevant happenings.

Perhaps its most exciting feature is the driver rating option that can tell you how you are doing as a driver.

This app is compatible with iOS and Android phones.

7. HERE WeGo

This is a five star rated app, making it one the best map service tool available online. Its GPS is quite reliable and has a voice guidance option that enables anyone to use it with ease.

In case of a lack of internet connection, the app has an offline option that can ensure you get to find your way even when stuck in the middle of nowhere.

The app free to download, and it’s compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

8. Maps.me

Available for free on play store, Maps.me is one of the fastest map service app available as an alternative to Google maps. It provides motorists and cyclists with turn-by-turn navigation information thus, making them aware of what to expect ahead of them.

The app can also be used offline thus, making it perfect for places with no internet connection.

Maps.me also allow the user to search for nearest utilities such as restaurants, ATMs, public transport, and hotels. You can even use it to book hotels directly from it. As a tourist, the app will also allow you to share your location on social media in real-time.

9. Rand McNally

If you are looking for authenticity and reliability, then Rand McNally is a name that you can trust. Rand MacNally is a name that has been in the map and atlas printing business for over four decades, making them a reliable alternative.

This is a site that you can log on to and select the map and directions options. Once there, all you need to do is enter the details of where you need to go, after which it will provide you with a map as well as directions.

Rand McNally may not have the many features seen in other map service apps, but it will undoubtedly provide you with reliable information.

10. OpenStreetMap with OsmAnd

This is an online map source that can be edited and allows users to leave notes for fellow users in case they notice an error or omission on it.

It does not have the many features that are available in other map service app, but, is still quite reliable for finding direction.

11. Polaris GPS Navigation

If you are planning to visit a place with not listed roads, then this is the app that you need. It is mainly used by hikers and adventure seekers. The app offers a high-performance GPS, making it quite reliable.

The app is available for free on Google Play Store.

12. CoPilot GPS – Navigation

The list of best Google map alternatives cannot be complete without mentioning the CoPilot GPS navigation app. The app has a high performing GPS guiding capability and voice guide, which is useful for drivers.

It is free for download on the Play Store.

There you have it. If you want to explore other options, you now have a list of useful apps that are reliable and offer up-to-date information on maps and directions. Do you have other better alternatives to Google Maps that you can add?