Check out what are the top alternatives of Google Maps and why they are Better?
Have to find a location? Google Maps is the first thing you might check on. The app has become a default navigation tool for android users and many cab-hailing drivers. Daily, millions of people use it to find locations or check the distances or even landmarks while are traveling. These digital maps have helped a lot in making traveling easy when you can find directions easily in a new place without getting lost. The recent updates have equipped these applications to update traffic conditions in real-time. The app is fairly simple to use with regular updates.
Why Would You Consider to Look for Google Map Alternatives?
Considering the ease of use and the app’s easy access on any Android phone, you might think why would you need to look for a Google Map alternative? The Map does cover navigation needs but it has minimal functionality once it is offline. Many other apps offer much more when used offline, including map type selection. Not to mention the compatibility issues it might have on non-android devices and other operating systems. Google Maps are not always accurate as well. Many of us have once been on the wrong route because of the application’s flaws.
These are a few of the constraints why you might be tempted to look for navigation alternatives that are easy on your data plans but also on your phone’s storage.
Let’s take a look at a few options you can look into instead of using Google Maps.
1. MapQuest

This amazing app has been around for as long as the Google Maps. As we talk about 6 Top Alternatives of Google Maps, MapQuest allows you to access it on a mobile and web-based tool. You can get detailed access to the app if you sign up for it, allowing you to use this app simultaneously on your phone or your laptop. There is not much difference and it works much like Google Maps while you search for directions or locations.
The directions and route information are very accurate in MapQuest and you can even get estimated fuel costs to reach the destination that you can choose to either print or share with your friends. This app has one-button location finding options like looking for post offices, hospitals, schools, and more. The app also features temperature information of your current location.
If you are a traveler, then this app is God-sent for you. It allows re-routing a planned trip route that makes it much more friendly. The downside is that this app comes with several ads that might become irritating at times. There are fewer updates to the app than to Google Maps.
2. Waze

While using it on its website, Waze does not look like a web-based tool until you go to its Live Map option. Even its web layout is designed to give the appearance of a mobile application. When set on Live Maps, it lets you complete finding the location you are searching for. you can put pins on the map to save your searched locations that you might want to use later. You can use Waze Map Editor, to customize the map of an area.
The app makes it easier for you to share police alerts or share the traffic status or any other hazard warnings or when asking for roadside help. The app gives you more of a social driving experience with better heads up for warnings about speed traps, crashes, etc. You can also integrate the app with your mobile’s music application.
Waze allows you to schedule and plan trips ahead of time. An interesting option it provides is to interact with other users that are around you and are also using Waze. But a downside is that it lacks details on mobile or web in a more animated way with some limited navigation tools.
3. Bing Maps

The next navigation tool we have on our list is Bing Maps. These maps are in direct competition with Google Maps. Microsoft has created a fresh appearance with Bing Maps that is much cleaner and way simpler to use. All of the controls, including traffic, sharing, or directions, are all on the top at neatly placed in one place. Bing Maps have all the features that a Google Map has with its aerial and StreetSide layers and travel, transit, and walking maps. It is quite simple to add destinations along you are on route and can also print while you are on a travel. Bing maps are extremely detailed with several layers’ options available. The interface is quite easy to understand and use with a modern approach. The controls and features are easy to find and use and you can save your favorite places in the personal library option. However, the maps do not have a mobile version application. There is a lack of a trip planner tool. The maps however can be opened on a mobile web browser if you are accessing them on the go.
4. Here WeGo

Here WeGo might not be as well-known as other navigation tools out there but it has its own set of unique features. The app is good if you have some time to plan your trip. The online interface is pretty neat and simple to understand. There are some great features available like taxis, and transit or you can even share your car routes. Like Google Maps it has several layers for satellite or terrain view including the transit and traffic information.
However, you won’t find advanced route planning or any extra notifications or bells that are available when using Waze or MapQuest. But Here WeGo is available on the mobile as an app, where it will be mostly used. The application is quite simple to use. With only a few taps you can bring on the satellite, traffic, classic, or transit view. You can set your home location when you open the application. After that, you can type in your location and start the driving once you launch the navigation launch.
The application and website are perfect minimalists for the ones who don’t want any distractions from the application they are using for navigation. Moreover, the application is as simple as just setting your destination and you are good to go. The application has a large interface with easy to use mobile navigation screen. The application is simple and straight with fewer distractions and easy-to-follow features.
5. Maps.me

Most of the navigation services are on the website with no mobile version but Maps.me is the opposite case with a mobile version only and no web companion. But it allows the users to navigate equally efficiently even when it is offline. That gives a perfect way to save your mobile data plan by just having to download it once and then you can use it offline whenever you want. The application is also light on your phone storage without consuming less space on your device. The map allows its users to download the map of a location with all little details allowing you to access more specific routes.
The map is unique in a way that it has a subway layer that is not available in any other service. You can also explore nearby businesses and tourist attractions making it act as a free travel guide for all your favorite destinations. You can go ahead and store or bookmark the desired location on the cloud. The cons of the app can be the brief ads that are featured on the app’s display. Also, the app has limited features compared to Google Maps.
6. OpenStreetMap

If you are searching for a great web browser-based map then OpenStreetMap is the best alternative you might find out there. These maps are very respectful of your privacy as they do not try to learn everything about you, as the Google Maps do. You can take it as a Wikipedia of maps with anyone who can contribute to its database that increases it by multiple times with much greater details. However, this can also backfire as it might compromise the authenticity of these maps.
These maps are easy to use and fairly easy for developers to edit. You can do all kinds of things with these maps, whether it is saving your desired routes or getting the directions and using different layers including transport or cycle maps. While these maps don’t have their dedicated app, the web browser can load them fairly well even when used on a mobile browser.
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Alternatives of Google Maps
It is good to know that you have options available instead of blindly relying on just one application. You can select one that suits your needs better. Whether you choose to use navigation services on the phone or a browser. If you are a traveler or you are always on the go, then offline access is a must tool for you. A detailed and offline map is just what you need with a more personalized approach. Now that you have options, choose wisely.