Share this article

Improve this guide

Google Maps Alternative for Windows - Top 5 Navigation Tools

5 min. read

Updated onJuly 3, 2024

updated onJuly 3, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Looking for a viable Google Maps alternative for Windows? If you want offline capabilities, real-time traffic updates, or community-driven data, these tools can enhance your navigation experience.

After trying out over ten options, I chose five after discovering most don’t support Windows. Let’s check them out!

5 Best Google Maps Alternatives for Windows

Below are my top picks:

Here WeGo– Best for Offline Navigation

Here WeGo stands out for its comprehensiveoffline capabilitiesanddetailed public transportation maps.It allows users to download maps for entire cities or countries on Windows, making it a perfect travel companion.

The app provides turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, and cycling and detailed information on public transport routes and schedules. You cancustomize the routefurther by setting it to avoid different road features like U-turns, ferries, highways, and more. It also allows you toset maximum vehicle speed.

The app’suser-friendly interfaceand extensive offline functionality make it an excellent alternative to Google Maps, especially for urban travelers.

Pros:

Cons:

Get Here WeGo

OpenStreetMap– Highly Customizable Service

OpenStreetMap is a unique Google Maps alternative due to itsopen-sourcenature. It relies on contributions from a global community of mappers who update and maintain the map data. This means that the maps are constantly improving.

You can also access themap keysfrom the left to translate any sign on the map. You can easily identify different objects and signs.

Moreover, it’shighly customizableand you can use it with various apps, windows, and tools that support its data. Its flexibility and openness make itideal for developers and userswho want to create custom maps or integrate map data into their applications. Additionally, OpenStreetMap’s detailed andup-to-date informationmakes it a valuable resource for casual users and professionals.

Pros:

Cons:

Get OpenStreetMap

MapQuest– Best for Route Planning

MapQuest is a seasoned player in the digital navigation field and a comprehensive alternative to Google Maps for Windows. It provides detailed maps, driving directions, and route planning with real-time traffic updates. You can customize your route to avoid different directions withseasonal roads, country boulders, timed restrictions, and more.

Additionally, MapQuest offerstools for finding nearby amenitiessuch as gas stations, shopping centers, and hotels. Its user-friendly interface and reliable navigation make it practical for everyday commutes and long-distance travel.

But that’s not all.

MapQuest allows you toadd up to 26 stopson your route, while Google Maps allows only nine. This makes it convenient if your route is longer and you need to stop at several joints before completing the journey.

The only downside is thatit has adsthat could block important information on the map.

Pros:

Cons:

Get MapQuest

Waze– Best for Real-Time Traffic

Wazeis a reliable Google Maps alternative due to itsreal-time, community-driven data.It’s helpful for drivers who want to avoid traffic jams, accidents, and speed traps. Users contribute byreporting road hazards, police traffic,and more, which are then shared with others.

This information keeps the map data fresh and relevant. I also liked its social aspects, likeseeing the locations of those using Waze for navigation and sharing routes.

Pros:

Cons:

Get Waze

Citymapper– Best for City Navigation

Citymapper is another urban navigation option and a strong Google Maps alternative for city dwellers and travelers. You can use this navigation tool on different devices, including Windows. It provides detailed public transportation information, including real-time departures, disruption alerts, and modes such aswalking, cycling, and cab.

You’ll also get information on thecalories you’ll losewhen walking or cycling through the route. I liked this feature because it’s not available on Google Maps.

Its clear andeasy-to-use interfacesimplifies navigating complex urban routes. It’s suitable for commuters and tourists alike.

Pros:

Cons:

Get Citymapper

How I Chose the Best Google Maps Alternative for Windows

I considered several factors to ensure a comprehensive and reliable navigation experience:

While Google Maps is a powerful tool, it’s not the only option and it’snot always reliableorfast. I picked each Google Maps alternative for Windows while keeping in mind its distinct advantages and various user requirements. You can also useWindows Maps. I’m sure you’ll find one that best fits your needs while driving, walking, or public transport.

More about the topics:Windows

Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.