5 apps to try to say bye bye to Google Maps

Between mapping tool, navigation service, GPS and social platform, the Google Maps application has become a real gas machine. Very versatile, it is however not always the best option for a specific function, which can lead you to seek an alternative.

Google Maps is one of the most complete and popular mobile navigation applications on the market. But because it lacks a specific feature that you need, you have trouble adapting to its ergonomics, or you don’t want to be tracked by Google, you look for an alternative to replace it. Competing solutions are legion, but not all are equal and do not target the same uses. Here are five apps available for free on Android and iOS to help you on your journeys.

Waze

If its takeover by Google a decade ago raised fears of its eventual absorption by Google Maps, Waze is still alive, and in great shape moreover. Waze stands out in particular for its navigation system for personal vehicles, undoubtedly the most efficient on the market, and for its collaborative dimension.

The many users of the app share traffic information in real time to notify of an event: traffic jam, works, accident, control, radar, or even the presence of an object or an animal on the road. This allows you to adapt your driving or choose another route for your journey.

Filters make it possible to choose a route avoiding tolls or gas stations where fuel is the cheapest. The shortest route is recalculated in real time based on the vagaries of the road and data gleaned from other users. Waze also integrates very well with major music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and of course YouTube Music.

Mappy

The French Mappy application is an excellent navigation tool, taking into account all means of transport (walking, bicycles, self-service scooters and scooters, buses, metros and trams, personal vehicle, carpooling, train and even plane) for propose the most efficient routes according to the user’s needs: the most expensive month, the fastest, etc.

It is possible to configure your home/work journey in the app (or any regularly made journey) in order to receive real-time notifications of potential traffic disruptions, as well as to configure a preferred mode of transport to see each other. recommend a more suitable route.

Mappy also supports points of interest and local services, offers an immersive 360° view function like Street View, and accurately calculates the cost of a trip, taking into account the price of tickets, fuel and tolls. If you are going abroad, be aware that some features may be missing. But in France, the app is a reference.

HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo is an excellent navigation application, which shines for its city journey simulations, but not only. One of its great strengths is the possibility of downloading maps in advance, allowing you to never be lost even without mobile data on your smartphone. At the scale of a city, a region or even a country, it’s up to you to choose the area you need to cover offline.

The application has several view modes, including a satellite view, particularly highlights public transport options, takes into account carpooling and taxi options, and offers a Collections function to save places and points of interest where you wish to return.

Real-time traffic monitoring and voice navigation are available, all in a clean and intuitive interface that gets to the point. If your goal is to get from point A to point B efficiently without being bothered by tourist directions or restaurant recommendations like in Maps, Here WeGo is a solution to consider.

MAPS.ME

Based on the open street mapping collaborative project OpenStreetMap, MAPS.ME is very popular among users who think outside the box. The maps are updated very frequently thanks to user contributions, so there are fewer errors or outdated information than many competitors. Thought for walkers, here the most convenient path will be put forward rather than the fastest.

The app is also known for allowing local maps to be downloaded to your device for offline routes. This option is very practical for hikers and adventurers who take paths that are not covered by the network. Because yes, MAPS.ME will be your best friend if you leave the marked roads. It supports even the smallest trails, hiking paths or cycle paths.

The app also offers travel guides (some free, others paid) to discover an area, order a VTC or book a hotel room or accommodation.

Citymapper

If MAPS.ME is the ideal companion for adventurers on the go, Citymapper is designed to help urban populations find their way and get around in big cities. Thanks to its databases and real-time information, the app manages to find the fastest route to travel in a metropolis.

Citymapper offers several options and is able to concoct a tailor-made itinerary for you between walking, all modes of public transport, self-service urban mobility options, taxi and VTC, or even carpooling. It is clearly one of the most effective tools for planning a complicated route with lots of changes. The app even indicates whether it is better to get on the front or back of a metro, which entrance or exit to take… For wheelchair users or travelers with luggage and strollers, the service can also indicate the most suitable routes.

Be careful though: Citymapper is perhaps the best option currently available in large cities, but becomes completely useless in others. To be reserved for certain very specific situations, therefore.