Google Maps has become as essential to our travels as our passports, boarding pass and pants.
But like that mate who always suggests one more pint when you've got an early flight, it's not always the most reliable companion.
Google Maps Monogamy - Is it Time for a Break?
We Brits have a particular talent for sticking with what we know, even when it's not working.
Like continuing to queue politely while watching others barge to the front, or persisting with a barbecue despite the rain.
Our loyalty to Google Maps follows this tradition. Despite its battery-draining tendencies and habit for sending us down suspicious alleyways, we remain faithful.
But what if there are better options out there? Spoiler - Depending on what's important to you on your travels, there certainly can be.
Why Consider a Google Maps Alternative?
Adobe Free Stock / Alex
Before we dive into the alternatives, let's acknowledge why you and other travellers might be considering swapping the familiar multicoloured pin for a Google Maps alternative.
Offline Navigation
While Google Maps offers offline navigation, it's known for limitations that can lead to a less-than-ideal experience compared to online navigation. And finding a phone signal in rural Scotland is about as likely as finding a decent cup of tea outside of England.
Battery and Data Efficiency
Google Maps is known to be a zapper of battery and data. Relying on GPS, background processes and data updates, this is hardly surprising. You've likely noticed that navigating maps on your city break or using features such as real-time traffic updates will have your battery looking as tired as a Greggs sausage roll at closing time.
Privacy and Location Settings
Many users have raised concerns about Google's approach to privacy - particularly when it comes to location tracking on the Google Maps app. While it's possible to tweak the settings, the process can feel fiddly. For some, it's easier to ditch it altogether and look for a more privacy-conscious alternative.
Top Google Maps Alternatives for Travellers
Adobe Free Stock / chinnarach
If you're one of said travellers who feels done with the ubiquitous app, or simply fancies exploring the world outside of map monogamy, here are some Google Maps alternatives that might just be your new best travel bud.
Apple Maps
Ideal for: iOS loyalists, driving, real-time traffic updates.
Drawbacks: It's still not as comprehensive as Google Maps in rural areas. And if you're an Android user, well, it's a non-starter.
Where to find it: Apple Store
Apple Maps has come a long way since it was first launched in 2012. And is no longer likely to send you off on a wild goose chase when following its directions.
Apple Maps offers immersive 3D views and accurate real-time traffic information. Plus, it's super compatible with your iPhone and is designed to be more power-efficient than Google Maps on iOS devices.
The privacy aspect is worth noting too. Apple doesn't track your location history the way Google does. Your digital movements aren't logged forever, and it claims to only track your “significant locations”. You can easily clear your location history too in your phone’s Settings.
Waze
Adobe Free Stock / Syda Productions
Ideal for: Driving in urban areas, avoiding traffic and maintaining speed camera awareness.
Drawbacks: If your main motivation for switching is privacy, note that Waze is owned by Google. It's also focused entirely on driving, so it won't serve travellers relying on public transport or walking directions.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
This community-powered platform is great for helping you avoid traffic jams, roadworks and other automotive annoyances.
Users report incidents in real-time. From accidents to police speed traps, it's a constantly updated network of traffic intelligence.
It's like having thousands of backseat drivers, but ones that are genuinely helpful.
The routing algorithm prioritises speed above all, often sending you through residential backstreets and creative shortcuts.
HERE WeGo
Adobe Free Stock / blackday
Ideal for: Driving, offline use, battery conservation, privacy settings.
Drawbacks: The points of interest database isn't quite as extensive as Google's. You might find the nearest Nando's or McDonalds, but a quirky, independent café? Possibly not.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
HERE WeGo might have a playful name. But it's one of the most serious contenders when it comes to Google Maps alternatives.
Originally developed by everyone's favourite purveyor of indestructible retro handsets Nokia, HERE WeGo excels at offline navigation.
Download entire country maps before your trip and navigate them without using a single bit of data. Perfect for those abroad adventures where roaming charges can set you back a small fortune if you're not careful.
The app offers excellent turn-by-turn directions, public transport routes and real-time traffic updates, making it a great Google Maps alternative. Its interface isn't winning any beauty contests, but it's functional.
Maps.me
Adobe Free Stock / Maleo Photography
Ideal for: Offline use, hiking, backpacking, finding obscure locations.
Drawbacks: The user interface feels a bit dated, and its driving directions can sometimes send you down the scenic route.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
Maps.me has achieved cult status among budget travellers and with good reason.
The app specialises in detailed offline maps that include hiking trails, small guesthouses and local attractions sometimes overlooked by the big mapping services.
Maps.me's strength lies in its community. Travellers add and update points of interest, creating a collaborative database that's particularly strong in backpacker hotspots.
It's like having shedloads of instant local knowledge without having to do the legwork on the ground.
Maps.me is supremely data-efficient too. Download the map for your destination before departure, then navigate without internet connection, saving both battery and data allowance.
Mapy.com
Adobe Free Stock / Cultura Creative
Ideal for: Hikers, outdoor adventures, power conservation.
Drawbacks: Urban navigation isn't its strong point. English translations can also read like a poorly localised instruction manual.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
If your idea of a holiday involves more mud than mojitos, Mapy.com deserves your attention. This Czechia-made app has gained a devoted following among outdoor enthusiasts for its outstanding topographic maps.
The level of trail detail is impressive. Footpaths, cycling routes, elevation profiles and even difficulty ratings for hiking trails.
It's like having an Ordnance Survey map in your pocket, but without the impossible refolding.
Offline functionality is superb too, with detailed topographic maps available for download by region or country.
This Google Maps alternative also features tourist markings and points of interest that can come in handy for outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain huts, water sources and viewpoints.
Organic Maps
Adobe Free Stock / Fotokon
Ideal for: Privacy-focused users, hikers, cyclists and battery efficiency.
Drawbacks: Relies on community updates, so coverage quality varies between locations. Urban points of interest might be limited compared to commercial alternatives.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
For those who want to prioritise their digital privacy, Organic Maps offers a tracking-free experience. And it comes with the bonus of no personal data collection and no ads.
Built on OpenStreetMap data (think Wikipedia for maps), Organic Maps is maintained by a passionate community, rather than being profit-driven.
The result is a helpful app that's remarkably battery-savvy - useful for when you're two days into a rural hiking trip.
Its hiking and cycling routes are excellent, often including paths that Google Maps doesn't acknowledge. And the entire app works offline after you've downloaded your regions of interest.
OsmAnd
Adobe Free Stock / AS Photo Family
Ideal for: Tech-savvy users, customisation, offline use, privacy-focused users.
Drawbacks: The learning curve is steeper than a Lake District fell. And the interface feels like it was designed by engineers for engineers - because it was.
Where to find it: Google Play | Apple Store
OsmAnd offers customisation options that make it a clear stand-out in this regard.
The app has you covered with plenty of custom options. From configuring map styles and highlighting points of interest to adjusting the appearance of tracks and customising the layout of your navigation screen.
It offers fantastic offline capabilities too, with downloadable maps for regions worldwide. Its navigation works for driving, walking, cycling and even nautical adventures.
Which Google Maps Alternative is Right for You?
Choosing the right Google Maps alternative all comes down to personal preference, depending on your specific requirements. Here's an at-a-glance breakdown.
- For iPhone users who just want something reliable - Apple Maps has come of age and deserves another chance.
- For data-conscious travellers - HERE WeGo or Maps.me offer excellent offline functionality.
- For outdoor adventurers - Mapy.cz or Organic Maps will get you through the wilderness with minimal drama.
- For privacy advocates - Organic Maps or OsmAnd won't track your every move.
- For drivers battling city traffic - Waze will help you avoid the worst congestion.
Navigating a World Beyond Google Maps
Adobe Free Stock / Andrii
There's no one-size-fits-all solution for navigation apps.
Sure, Google Maps remains excellent for many scenarios. But having alternatives in your digital toolkit makes sense for savvy travellers.
Battery life concerns, data usage, special requirements like hiking trails or simply a desire for more privacy - all are valid reasons to explore options beyond Google Maps.
Try downloading a couple of alternatives before your next trip. Test them in your hometown, then use them alongside Google Maps when you travel.
You might discover that the perfect navigation app isn't the one everyone else uses, but the one that fits your unique travel style.
After all, finding your own path is what travel is all about. Both metaphorically and, with these apps, quite literally.
Stay Connected with an eSIM from Airalo
All these navigation alternatives are brilliant when you have data. But when you're abroad, it's all too easy to get sucked into the data roaming trap.
This is where an eSIM from Airalo comes in. An eSIM allows you to connect to local mobile networks without swapping physical SIM cards, giving you data connectivity wherever you roam.
With an eSIM from Airalo, you can:
- Use your chosen navigation app anywhere with data coverage
- Avoid extortionate roaming charges
- Get connected immediately upon arrival without local SIM cards
- Keep your regular number active for calls and texts
Control your data spend while visiting a single country, or take advantage of an eSIM for Europe for multi-country trips.
If you're off on a more epic adventure, global eSIMs can keep you connected across the world.
Just don't forget to download that map before you head out.
