If you’re like many of the Locals Insider writers, you probably open Google Maps as your default travel companion while on the road. Many of us do it out of habit.
However, as technology and apps have developed beyond recognition, several decent Google Maps alternatives are available, with more features and better usability.
We asked our team to recommend Google Maps alternatives they’ve recently used on the road. From Waze to Apple Maps, here are six suggestions that are free to download and use in 2025.
1: Waze
Best for real-time community updates
One of the main downsides of Google Maps is that its traffic update feature isn’t great. How often have you noticed that the sliver of orange or red isn’t quite as bad as you had expected? Or, worse, a long stretch of green in your city is backed up 10 blocks.
Waze, on the other hand, is undoubtedly the best Google Maps alternative for real-time travel updates. This is because thousands of other users regularly update the app in your city. You and all other users can report an accident, a traffic stop, or any other potential issue that might cause a delay on the road.
The main drawback to Waze is that it needs a broad community to work correctly. So, if you’re traveling to parts of Africa or Asia without many users, you can’t rely on its real-time updates like you can in most US cities and states.
2: MapQuest
Best for in-town recommendations
MapQuest is ideal if you’re looking for an accurate and user-friendly Google Maps alternative that also makes excellent recommendations on where to eat, drink, or fill up with gas.
We also love that MapQuest lists the cost of gas at each station, which will help you decide where to stop without taking your eyes off the road every time you pass a filling station.
Though we don’t like the ads in the web version of MapQuest, these aren’t present when you download and use the app. You can also use the app offline, though you won’t get access to real-time updates and recommendations.
This is also a great travel app for planning multiple stops so that you can use it on your upcoming road trip. You can add up to 26 stops on your route, which makes planning a trip across the American West a breeze.
3: Route4Me
Best for route optimization
If you hate sitting in traffic and want to avoid even the most minor setbacks on your upcoming journey, Route4Me is the app for you.
In our view, it’s better than Google Maps at optimizing your route because it considers so many things, including the forecasted weather conditions. As a result, you will have a pretty good idea of your arrival time before leaving home.
This is also the best Google Maps alternative for professional drivers. In addition to being a great companion for frequent travelers, it can also add all your stops ahead of time, and the app will optimize the best route for your deliveries. This can help you save time and ultimately make more money.
4: HERE WeGo
The best Google Maps alternative for international travel
In many respects, HERE WeGo is very similar to Google Maps. It’s free to download, works perfectly on iOS and Android, and offers real-time route planning, updates, and recommendations for where to stop and what to see. It’s also available offline.
It may have the edge over Google Maps in terms of international travel. This app is more intuitive and detailed, given that it provides updates and recommendations in over 200 countries.
Though Google Maps works abroad, it’s not always particularly accurate when used in far-flung countries, many of which Locals Insider writers visit regularly!
We also love that HERE WeGo features global speed limit announcements, indicating when you need to ease off the gas when traveling abroad. This can help you avoid an awkward conversation with an on-street police officer who insists you were speeding on their watch.
5: Citymapper
The best travel app for public transport recommendations
So far, we’ve assumed you’re driving yourself when introducing you to Google Maps alternatives. But what if you’re relying on public transport on your upcoming travels? That’s where the excellent Citymapper app comes in.
It works best in cities but offers some options in rural areas. Simply download the app and type in your current city. Then, input your current destination and where you want to travel to.
Citymapper will then do all the difficult work for you, providing you with all the different options and costs of getting from point A to B.
For instance, if I wanted to travel from Bryant Park to Harlem in NYC, Citymapper shows me that I could walk for free in two hours, rent a bike and cycle in 60 minutes for less than $10, or use the subway for $2.90 and get there in 45 minutes.
So, if you find yourself in a busy city and don’t have your car to rely on, download Citymapper for free to discover the best and cheapest ways to travel around during your stay.
6: Apple Maps
Best Google Maps alternative for iOS users
Another criticism we often hear about Google Maps is that it’s not as good on iOS devices as on Android smartphones or tablets. If you agree, you can use Apple Maps, essentially Apple’s version of Google Maps.
In our experience, it’s not as comprehensive as Google Maps and doesn’t work as well offline. But it’s perfectly fine if you’re looking to get from one point to another on your iOS device.
It’s also completely free to use for all iOS users. You can even save routes to the cloud, which you can then access on other devices.
Before using your phone, make sure you regularly update Apple Maps. This is crucial for accessing the latest real-time features and recommendations as you travel.
The verdict: Which is the best Google Maps alternative?
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. As an all-rounder, Waze is the best Google Maps alternative if you live and travel in the US. You will receive accurate real-time community updates from other road users, helping you avoid traffic jams and other hazards on the road.
For international travel, HERE WeGo is worth checking out, as we feel that it’s more comprehensive with recommendations and options in over 200 countries worldwide.
Still, given that each of our above recommendations are free to download, you can test each of them out to see which is your favorite Google Maps alternative.