Google Maps is undeniably the most reliable mapping application. Once it popped up, the necessity of paper maps completely disappeared. It is regularly updating and developing itself and more and more people can access it daily. The rest of the mapping services became not noticeable due to the growing popularity of maps by Google. It’s no wonder it is so widely admired by users. The app is rich in different features, including speed limit checks. If you need to find routes to unexplored places, then it is perfect for you.
Plenty of users successfully search for locations, check distances, and other important sightseeings. However, not only GPS maps by Google can be used. The market is teeming with a range of other tools and services now. On the list below, you will find a great Google maps alternative that may suit you much better.
How to Protect Yourself while using Maps:
Using the Internet is never safe and when you use any sort of GPS tool, you report your geo position to everyone. In this case, it is crucial to protect your IP address so that intruders would not find it. You can install the Mozilla VPN addon before downloading any of those mapping tools. A VPN for Firefox will protect you while exploding your favorite locations. VPN apps change your IP address and even your provider is not aware of that. Using a VPN always, especially when showing your geo location off, is highly recommended.
Choose only reliable VPN apps for that purpose. Avoid using completely free VPNs since they do not always bypass your local network. It’s better to get a free trial and see how the tool you are using is working and whether it suits you, your device, and your browser.
1. Waze:
Waze is a mapping service compatible with your Android and iOS devices, as well as with any PC or laptop. The app is also great to be used as a navigator. Moreover, it is very interactive and allows users to be aware of traffic jams, changes, congestion, road problems, and speed cams. Back in 2013, it was purchased by Google. However, it exists separately from it nowadays.
2. MAPS. Me:
This is a mobile map app for offline location navigation. You cannot overload your phone with it since it is not weighty at all. Unlike the world map Google app, this tool can be successfully used offline. Therefore, it is perfect for traveling. You can check hiking directions, various road and off-road routes, hiking trails, bike paths, and route names for all downloaded maps.
Unlike Google Maps, MAPS.ME allows you to discover nearby landmarks and businesses. The main peculiarity of MAPS.ME is that it allows you to access multiple travel guides and the world’s destinations.
3. Apple Maps:
Apple Maps is one of the best alternatives to the Google app due to the highest privacy. Available only for iOS devices, Apple Maps has undergone significant changes since its first release, and if you own an iPhone, you won’t want to go to any other app to find any place or view directions to your destination.
Apple has left no stone unturned in making its own web mapping services private and has successfully addressed the lack of accuracy and errors that were present in the original release. No free trial is needed, just take your iPhone and use it.
4. Bing Maps:
Bing Maps is one of the biggest Google competitors. It has a fresh, ad-free user, and easy-to-navigate interface. All controls for directions, sharing, and traffic are located at the top of the interface. All Bing Maps controls for directions, sharing, and traffic are located at the top of the interface.
It has similar features to Google Maps, and you can add destinations along routes, print out a map, and use it during your trip. In Bing Maps you will find layers of streets, aerial photos, and roads, as well as driving, walking, and transportation maps.
5. MapQuest:
If you use public transportation to travel between cities, MapQuest is a great alternative to Google Maps. MapQuest is available as a web-based mapping service and an app for android and iOS smartphones. It allows you to find the best local transportation services available on your route and gives you the opportunity to order a cab directly from the app. You will also get real-time information about local transportation services available near you.
6. Sygic Maps:
This app has voice-activated turn-by-turn navigation in multiple languages. It supports offline maps, pedestrian navigation, 3D orientation, lane navigation, alternate routes, and intersection viewing. Sygic Maps also has in-car audio integration and drag-and-drop route editing. You’ll always get alerts about police traps, fixed speed cameras, and speed limits.
Google Maps gets data from the app itself, android devices, and other GPS devices from around the world. Sygic Maps, on the other hand, gets its data from TomTom Traffic, and this data is updated every two minutes.
Conclusion:
Use these best alternatives to maps by Google and do not forget about your privacy by using a VPN service. All these six alternatives are widely used by a huge population around the world. So, give it a shot and find out which alternative is suitable for you.