For rideshare and delivery drivers, time is money. The faster and smoother your trips, the more rides you complete, the more tips you earn, and the more cash you take home at the end of the day. Transporting passengers across town, delivering hot meals, or dropping off urgent parcels, one thing is certain—your navigation app can make or break your shift.
Relying on Google Maps is the go-to choice for many, even for drivers in the United States. According to a survey done with 1,000 drivers in the U.S. by MarketWatch, 70% used Google Maps for navigation. Statista revealed that Google Maps was downloaded 21 million times in the U.S. in 2023 alone.
This widespread use shows just how dependable Google Maps has become for drivers. But what happens when it lags, reroutes you in circles, or fails to warn you about roadblocks? An app glitch could mean a delayed delivery, a missed ride request, or, worst of all, a poor customer rating. Even though Google Maps is a solid choice, it’s not the only option out there.
If you’re looking for something different, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some great Google Maps alternatives that could make your shift run much smoother!
Why Look into Google Maps Alternatives?
Although Google Maps is a powerful navigation tool, it’s not perfect—especially for drivers who depend on speed and accuracy to make a living. Many rideshare and delivery drivers have found that Google Maps doesn’t consistently deliver the best experience.
That’s why drivers are looking for alternatives that offer better customization, improved accuracy, and features designed for gig workers. Here are some of the main reasons why you might want to consider switching to a different navigation app:
Data Privacy Concerns
Many drivers don’t realize how much Google is tracking their every move. If you’ve ever wondered why you see ads related to places you’ve been or routes you’ve taken, it’s because Google collects and stores your location data—even when you think you’ve turned off tracking.
Back in 2018, Google came under fire for misleading users about their location privacy settings. Even when you disable your location history, Google can still track you through a hidden setting called Web & App Activity. Every search you make, every time you open Maps, and every trip you take gets logged and stored for advertising purposes.
Limited Route Optimization and Customization
Google Maps is great for casual trips, but it falls short when it comes to multi-stop route optimization. If you have multiple pickups and drop-offs throughout your shift, you need an app that can efficiently sequence your stops to minimize wasted time and fuel. Google Maps caps multi-stop trips at 10 destinations, and even then, it doesn’t automatically arrange them in the most time-efficient order.
Offline Use Can Be Unreliable
While Google Maps does allow you to download maps for offline use, it’s not always reliable. Some drivers report outdated information, missing road changes, and limited functionality when offline. If you drive in rural areas or places with weak signal coverage, an alternative with stronger offline support might be a better fit.
Inaccurate Navigation and Traffic Updates
Some users report that Google Maps struggles with urban navigation, misjudging turn-by-turn directions, or failing to consider high-traffic areas effectively. For gig workers, a wrong turn means lost time, delayed deliveries, and unhappy customers.
What are The Best Alternatives to Google Maps You Can Look Into
If Google Maps isn’t cutting it for your driving needs, here are some top alternatives worth checking out:
1. OsmAnd
OsmAnd is an excellent option for drivers who want an offline-friendly app with strong privacy controls. Unlike Google Maps, it doesn’t require an email sign-in, so your data stays private. It uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, allowing you to customize routes based on vehicle size, road inclines, and preferred travel methods.
This open-source mapping app is built on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. It provides highly detailed and customizable routes for a wide range of activities, from driving and cycling to hiking and off-roading.
Pros:
- Works completely offline, making it ideal for areas with poor or no service
- Let’s you sync your data across Android, iOS, and the web version
- Offers specialized maps for off-road, hiking, cycling, and niche driving needs
- Multi-modal navigation for driving, walking, cycling, and public transit
- Customizable routes, including options for scenic or safer roads
- Topographic maps for outdoor activities
- No ads or data tracking, as it's an open-source app
Cons:
- Poor route recalculations may impact real-time navigation
- Limited real-time traffic updates, which can be a downside for time-sensitive routes
- Less intuitive user interface compared to mainstream apps, making it harder for new users to navigate
- Smaller points of interest (POI) database compared to Google Maps
- To activate Street View, you’ll need Mapillary (an external app) and an internet connection
- Sharing routes is not possible, which could be inconvenient for users who want to send directions to others
- Cross-platform is only available with a subscription
Pricing:
- Free: Limited to 7 map downloads with basic features
- Premium: $3.99/month or $30.99/year for unlimited map downloads and advanced features, including additional route planning tools and customizations
2. Waze
If real-time traffic updates and dynamic rerouting are your top priorities, Waze is one of the best options available. The app uses crowd-sourced data from drivers to provide instant updates on traffic, construction, accidents, and even speed traps, which makes it especially popular among delivery and rideshare drivers.
Waze’s strength lies in its ability to adjust routes in real-time based on live traffic conditions, helping drivers avoid delays and get to their destinations more efficiently.
Pros:
- Real-time, driver-reported traffic updates
- Automatic rerouting to avoid congestion and delays
- Shows gas prices at nearby stations, helping you save money
- Carpooling options for sharing rides and reducing costs
- Integration with music apps like Spotify and Apple Music for a seamless driving experience
- Voice-guided navigation for hands-free driving
Cons:
- Drains battery quickly due to continuous data use
- No offline mode for navigation, requiring a constant connection
- Distracting interface with frequent alerts, which could be overwhelming for some users
- Limited walking or biking directions compared to Google Maps
- Privacy concerns due to its ownership by Google and the data shared through the app
- Less suitable for oversized or emergency vehicles due to the app’s traffic-focused design
Pricing:
- Free: No subscription fees; fully ad-supported.
3. OpenStreetMap (OSM)
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a completely free and open-source mapping service built and maintained by a global community of volunteers. Unlike other navigation services, OSM focuses on privacy and does not track or collect personal data. It's a great choice for those who prioritize privacy and are comfortable with frequently updated community-driven data.
Pros:
- All maps and data are free to access and use
- Does not track or collect personal data, ensuring user privacy and freedom from ads.
- Provides detailed information on trails, parks, and landmarks
- Users can modify maps or create their own
- Allows you to download maps for offline use
Cons:
- Lacks a dedicated support team, which can be a downside for users needing assistance.
- Has fewer POIs compared to mainstream apps like Google Maps
- Since the maps are maintained by volunteers, the quality of data may vary depending on the region
- Does not provide the same real-time traffic or road incident updates that apps like Google Maps or Waze offer
Pricing:
- Free: Visit the website, and you can use it right away.
- Paid: Can donate using a credit card, European SEPA transfer or PayPal, to help them keep the website running.
4. HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo is a versatile and reliable alternative that offers detailed navigation for driving, public transit, walking, and biking.
One of its standout features is its offline capability, allowing users to download entire regions or countries for navigation without needing an active internet connection. This makes HERE WeGo an excellent choice for drivers in areas with weak or no connectivity, ensuring you won’t get lost even when you're off the grid.
Additionally, the app integrates with ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, and taxis, allowing you to compare prices and choose the best option for your journey.
Pros:
- Full offline navigation with the ability to download maps for entire countries or cities
- Multi-modal route planning for driving, walking, biking, and public transit
- Real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions
- Public transit schedules available for over 1,500 cities
- Ride-hailing integration for comparing prices on Uber, Lyft, and taxis
- No ads or user tracking, ensuring privacy
- Battery-efficient, great for long trips or international travel
Cons:
- Struggles with complex rural routes, making it less reliable in remote areas
- Smaller user base compared to Google Maps, leading to fewer crowd-sourced updates and POI details
- Lacks a Street View feature, which may be inconvenient for users accustomed to Google’s visual mapping tools
- Less intuitive voice navigation compared to other navigation apps
Pricing:
- Free: All core features, including offline maps, transit planning, and route navigation.
- Optional In-App Purchases: Created for professional fleets in need of safe and legal truck-specific navigation and more.
5. CityMapper
CityMapper is an excellent tool for urban navigation. It integrates multiple modes of transport, including buses, trains, bike-sharing, and rideshares, all in one app.
The app provides clear, step-by-step guidance, including instructions for transfers and exits and alerts for service disruptions or delays. Additionally, it offers useful features like rain-safe routes that optimize your path to avoid bad weather and fare estimates so you can plan your journey according to your budget.
Pros:
- Multi-modal route planning, combining public transit, walking, biking, and ridesharing in one trip
- Receive live schedules, delays, and service disruptions
- Detailed step-by-step directions for public transit transfers and walking routes
- Fare estimates: Compare costs for various modes of transport, including transit and rideshare options
- Provides sain-safe routes to optimize your walking path to avoid weather disruptions
- Integration with ride-hailing services like Uber
Cons:
- Limited to major cities; fewer options for rural or suburban areas
- No offline maps for all cities (only select locations)
- No Street View to help with local navigation
Pricing:
- Free: All features, including those under the previous Citymappeer CLUB subscription, are now available to all.
6. MapQuest
MapQuest has been around since 1966, making it one of the pioneers of web-based mapping services. While it’s no longer as dominant as it once was, it still provides solid, reliable navigation with helpful features like multi-stop route planning, gas price comparison, and real-time traffic updates. It’s a great option for drivers who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss navigation app.
Pros:
- Multi-stop route planning lets you plan trips with up to 26 stops
- Its speedometer feature helps monitor your speed to ensure compliance with speed limits
- Gas price comparison allows you to find the cheapest gas along your route
- Real-time traffic updates keep you informed about current road conditions, traffic jams, and accidents
- Easily find your favorite and new POIs by choosing a category
Cons:
- Lack of offline map support means you need a reliable internet connection.
- The free version of the app is ad-supported
- The interface is simple but not as modern as some newer apps.
Pricing:
- Free: No need ot pay to use it but will contain ads.
- Paid: Provides plans for developers and businesses in need of powerful geospatial solutions and location-based capabilities
7. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps
Sygic is a feature-packed navigation app that offers high-resolution 3D offline maps for countries worldwide. It’s a great option for drivers who want detailed, voice-guided navigation and alerts for speed cameras and real-time traffic information.
Sygic's maps are regularly updated, ensuring you have accurate and up-to-date routes. With millions of Points of Interest (PoI) and a satellite view option, it’s easy to find your destinations.
Pros:
- High-quality offline maps for worldwide coverage
- Voice-guided navigation helps you stay focused on the road
- Regular map updates to keep your routes accurate
- Comes with a free version
Cons:
- Free version offers limited features
- The interface may feel a bit cluttered or overwhelming for new users
- Real-time traffic information locked behind a paid purchase
- Speed limits, real-time route sharing, turn-by-turn navigation, and more are not available in the free version
Pricing:
- Free: Can use core features, such as offline maps, static speed cameras, and route calculation.
- Premium: Will unlock mobile speed cameras, fuel prices, and more features. Also offers add-on features like real-time traffic and head-up display.
8. MagicEarth
MagicEarth is a privacy-first navigation app designed for those who prioritize user autonomy and data protection. Offering offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and speed limit alerts, it’s a great alternative to more mainstream apps like Google Maps. MagicEarth uses open-source mapping data from OpenStreetMap and doesn’t track your data or display ads, allowing you to navigate the world without worrying about your privacy being compromised.
Pros:
- No ads or data tracking
- Provides turn-by-turn navigation
- Lets you download maps for entire countries or regions for offline use
- Has a 3D view of maps for easier driving and navigating
- Speed limit and camera alerts provide real-time notifications
- Lightweight and battery-efficient design
- Open-source data transparency
Cons:
- Fewer points of interest compared to Google Maps
- Does not offer a Street View equivalent
- The voice guidance can be less intuitive compared to other apps
- Can be less precise and delayed at times compared to Google Maps
Pricing:
- Free: Only has a free version, and all features are available to use.
9. Bing Maps
Bing Maps, developed by Microsoft, offers a variety of map styles, such as standard road maps, aerial views, and dark mode. It also offers real-time traffic updates and predictive routing, making it a useful tool for planning your trips and staying informed about road conditions.
Pros:
- Choose from standard road maps, aerial views, or dark mode to suit your preferences
- Get real-time traffic data and incident reports to help avoid delays
- Type an address, and Bing Maps suggests possible locations, speeding up your navigation process
- Explore cities and landmarks with immersive views and 3D imagery
- Microsoft’s version of Street View called StreetSide lets you explore streets and landmarks from a ground-level perspective
- Minimal data tracking
Cons:
- Inconsistent estimated time of arrival (ETA)
- Limited advanced route planning features
- Smaller user base, which can lead to fewer crowd-sourced updates and points of interest
- Does not have as extensive global coverage as Google Maps, making it less reliable in certain regions.
- Does not support offline navigation
Pricing:
- Free: No need to pay to use the maps and the features
- Enterprise: Offers custom pricing for businesses to use Application Programming Interface (API) and other advanced tools.
Find Your Perfect Navigation Partner
For gig workers, every second counts. When you're behind the wheel for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart, the right navigation app can be the key to a smooth and profitable day. From avoiding traffic jams to optimizing multi-stop routes, choosing the best mapping tool helps you save time, reduce fuel costs, and increase your earnings.
Google Maps is a solid option, but it’s not the only one. If you need apps better than Google Maps for real-time traffic updates, stronger privacy protection, or multi-stop route planning, alternatives might serve you better. The bottom line is that the best navigation app is the one that keeps you moving while meeting your unique needs as a driver.
Need Extra Cash for Your Driving Expenses?
being a gig worker comes with a lot of expenses. Rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and unexpected repairs can affect your profits. And when an emergency expense happens, waiting for your next payout isn’t always an option.
Giggle Finance offers fast, hassle-free cash advances designed specifically for gig workers like you. Whether you need funds to fill up your tank, repair a flat tire, or cover bills between payouts, Giggle Finance provides the financial flexibility you need to keep driving and earning with a cash advance.
Why Choose Giggle Finance?
- Instant Access to Cash: No waiting days for approval—get the funds you need in minutes.
- No Credit Requirements: Your credit score won’t affect your ability to get a cash advance.
- Simple & Transparent Process: No hidden fees, no complicated terms—just straightforward funding.
- Flexible Repayment Options: Pay back in a way that works best for you.
- Available 24/7: Always online because financial emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule.
Don’t let unexpected expenses slow you down! Apply now with Giggle Finance and get the financial boost you need to keep your business on the road.
Disclaimer: Giggle Finance provides Revenue-Based Financing programs for business purposes only. Any mention of any loan product(s), consumer product(s), or other forms of financing is solely for marketing and educational content purposes and to help distinguish Giggle Finance’s product from other comparable financing options available in the market.