Navigation apps like Google Maps have become integral to our daily lives. Whether we are searching for a new restaurant or want to explore a new city, Google Maps is our go-to place to find the best routes to reach our destination.
But did you know that Google Maps was caught red-handed for storing users’ personal data? Google Maps provides you with the best routes if you want to go anywhere, but it questions users’ privacy by handling their personal details.
However, it is alarming for privacy-conscious people if any app collects and stores their personal data for their own benefit. Therefore, if you are concerned about your personal information security, you must find a Google Maps alternative to ensure your privacy. To ease your search process, we have created a list of the best Google Maps alternatives that you find better than Google Maps.
What Information Does Google Maps Collect About You?
Google Maps is free and convenient, but if something is free, you are the price. This is why there are better choices than Google Maps for your data security. Do you know what information Google collects about you? Here are the details of the information that Google Maps collects without even informing you.
- Personal information, including anime, phone number, gender, and date of birth.
- Your Email Address
- Your Location
- Websites you visit
- Your search history
- Device information
- Your IP address and cookies
- The words you are saying.
Google Maps collects and stores the above information about you for many purposes. Before moving towards the alternatives, it is essential to have enough knowledge as to why searching for Google Maps alternatives is excellent for your digital security.
Why Google Maps Collects Personal Information?
Google Maps knows so much about you; they do this for several purposes. Most people have privacy concerns with Google as it stores all our browsing history to understand user behavior. The reason behind this tracking is to offer personalized results and targeted ads to improve your experience with their personalized services.
However, using users for advertising purposes without their consent is total exploitation. Google collects all the necessary details they need and further uses this data to help hundreds of advertisers make targeted ads by collecting your personal information. If you’re concerned about the safety and privacy of your data, utilizing a trustworthy VPN is the solution, as it offers strong encryption protocols to safeguard your information from tracking and unauthorized access.
Moreover, personal details and financial information are potentially stored and collected every time you search for something on Google Maps. If you are curious about sensitive data being stored and used, look for the Google Maps alternative to ensure your data privacy. There is no better option than choosing any other alternative.
Best Google Maps Alternatives
As Google Maps is challenging to your data security, here are various alternatives with more advanced features and robust privacy. Based on our own research, we have shortlisted some of the best options to help you make an informed choice.
1. Apple Maps
Apple Maps is among the best alternatives because of its top-notch user privacy features. It is a web mapping service by Apple Inc. It offers you directions and an estimated time for driving, cycling, walking, and even routes of different public transport to help its users. Apple Maps provides four available layers: regular map, satellite view, hybrid views, and public transit view.
The Apple Maps features provide real-time traffic information, 3D maps, and a Flyover service that offers a unique bird-eye view. Moreover, Apple’s mapping service also includes public transit and shows the networks of buses, trains, subways, and ferries. Additionally, it offers an outstanding feature that Google Maps lacks. It provides a map for indoor maps for airports and shopping malls, making it a perfect Google Map alternative.
2. MapQuest
Map-Quest is a map service that has been operating since the 90s, and it’s just like an old-age map service like Google. It is a multilingual mapping service and the best option to find public transport. Additionally, it provides you with a unique option to reserve a can directly from the app.
Moreover, MapQuest offers a beta version of the app with a new feature for users to customize their routes. Its remarkable features include real-time traffic conditions, accidents or slowdown alerts, and weather reports. It also provides the unique features of Google Maps, like nearby places, turn-by-turn navigations, and the best shortest routes, and it also respects the user’s privacy.
3. Here WeGo
Here WeGo, previously known as Here Maps, is a famous satellite mapping service owned by HERE Technologies. Offering great features like turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic, and reversible lane traffic updates. Moreover, the users can also get details on public transport, such as buses, subways, and trains.
However, Here WeGo operates in approximately 200 countries, offering offline map services and live traffic data. The users can download the app easily from the Google Play Store, the App Store, and the Galaxy Store. Nevertheless, it also provides targeted advertisements like Google, but you can control them by changing the app’s privacy settings.
4. TomTom
Another traffic monitoring service that uses multiple sources to provide accurate results and updates the map every two minutes. TomTom is a trusted navigation company providing guidance and coverage to over 200 countries. The service’s up-to-date information ensures users have the most updated real-time traffic updates.
Moreover, TomTom works with updated machine learning algorithms that process large amounts of data in a matter of seconds. Not only this, but we also provide voice mapping services to deliver accurate navigation instructions. Additionally, the users can easily find popular food spots, local restaurants, and gas stations to improve the overall search experience.
5. Maps.me
If you are a person looking for a secure option, Maps.me can be a good fit for you. Maps. me provides offline map services, which means the users can use the application without connecting to any internet connection. Unlike other options, it offers walking navigation, cycling tracks, and hiking trails, making it a reliable choice for travelers.
Moreover, Maps.me is integrated with Bookings.com for hotel and accommodation bookings. It has excellent features like real-time information about traffic, hazards, navigation, and points of interest. Like Google, the points of interest features help you find the best food spots, shops, and other attractions in nearby places.
6. City Mapper
City Mapper, being the reliable option, provides you with various features like detailed maps, directions, and real-time public transport information. These features will make your traveling easy and help you explore new places. City Mapper also suggests the best routes based on your search results and current traffic conditions.
However, similar to the other alternative, it also finds points of interest, such as restaurants, nearby places, shops, famous landmarks, and whatnot. Out of the significant benefits, City Mapper provides data privacy with its detailed privacy policy stating that they don’t share your information with third parties. Therefore, it can be a good fit for privacy-conscious people.
To Sum up
Data privacy has become a significant concern in the modern era due to the rising number of security breaches and cyber threats. You are responsible for ensuring that your data is secure and not accessed by unauthorized individuals. Using secure websites and apps that prioritize user privacy is crucial in safeguarding your data. However, it’s always vital to review the privacy policy before downloading and using any app.
Therefore, we have mentioned the best alternatives of Google Maps, providing more advanced features and a great experience. However, if you have doubts about any app regarding privacy, use the app with OsyterVPN, as it secures your data and protects you against any malicious activity. So, get the OysterVPN and securely explore the world.
