7 Best Google Map Alternatives That Should Be Installed On Every Traveler’s Phone
For years, Google has ditched us into believing there is nothing better than Google, but that’s not wholly accurate. With plenty of new technologies entering the market, users now have better choices in search engines, browsers, and even maps.
While Google Maps is an exceptional navigation and mapping tool, there are times when Google Maps fails and deceives you into taking the wrong route, which is why plenty of new Google Maps alternatives are making the rounds on the internet. The choice of choosing mapping tool depends solely on how travelers aim to plan their trips and how they use the maps.
This article covers 7 best alternatives to Google Maps and highlights their features, pros, and cons.
Is There a Better App Than Google?
While Google dominates the internet with a 90% majority, it does not have a good reputation. Users now have many privacy concerns with Google as it stores its digital footprint. So, if users are willing to protect their privacy online, they should immediately switch to apps better than Google. But is there an app better than Google?
Yes, there are many better apps than Google that value users’ privacy and security more than anything. Some of these apps include Duck Duck Go, Brave, and Tor.
Duck Duck Go
For more details about DuckDuckGo browser, click here.
Brave
Brave is a free and open-source web browser based on the Chromium web browser created by Brave Software, Inc. Brave is a privacy-conscious browser that, by default, bans online ads and website trackers. Brave browser is quite demanding in protecting their users’ data. HTTPS Everywhere, an open-source extension edited by the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) and Tor Project, is directly integrated into the browser. It enables the viewing of non-secure (HTTPS) websites. Other browsers, such as Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera, must have this extension installed.
Tor
Tor is an open-source browser that allows you to surf the internet anonymously. After each session, it deletes users’ internet history and encrypts all of their data.
It also allows users to visit the dark web, which is comprised of hidden and unindexed websites on the internet. Some nations completely restrict Tor because of its capacity to allow free access to the internet.
Google Map Alternatives If You Don’t Like Google
Although Google Maps is a great navigation and mapping technology, several Google Maps API alternatives are as or even superior for a variety of reasons. The choice of mapping tool is largely determined by how users plan their excursions and utilize the maps.
The following list covers the features and benefits, and drawbacks of each Google Maps alternative so that you may select the best mapping tool for users’ needs.
1. HEREWeGo
HEREWeGo is a Google Maps competitor with 35 years of map-making experience. It has 200 nations covered and 21 million automobiles that provide real-time data. HEREWeGo operates on a lower level than OsmAnd, allowing it to exchange non-personal information with third-party suppliers. However, its emphasis on non-personal data is higher than Google Maps.
Fortunately, users can work around this by downloading offline maps. HERE WeGo is also more sturdy in general. It allows for simple route customization using drag-and-drop. If travelers are unaware of road restrictions but prefer turn-by-turn directions, HERE WeGo has covered them.
2. OsmAnd
OsmAnd is a mobile map and navigation app that works offline. Because it functions offline, it eliminates the requirement for a continual connection. This saves users’ money on roaming charges and allows them to maintain their privacy.
Offline map data also includes trail information for riding and hiking. It gives speed and altitude data, making it ideal for individuals who spend time outside. This app’s open-source nature is inspired by another well-known product: OpenStreetMap. However, there is a premium edition with more functions.
OsmAnd understands the value of privacy and allows you to purchase a gift card if you do not want your credit card details recorded on the app. It also records non-personalized data, making it more secure than most other applications on the market.
3. Apple Maps
Unlike Google Maps, Apple is one of the only multinational corporations prioritizing your data on a mobile app.
That implies that, of the major three – Apple, Google, and Microsoft (Bing Maps), Apple is the best firm with your data. It only gathers randomly related IDs refreshed regularly, guaranteeing no tracking risk.
Apple Maps may also be used to download maps, putting it on par with Google regarding accessibility. However, the features are no better than those of old-fashioned Google Maps.
4. OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is an open-source mapping project that does not rely on advertising income. It is not financed by Google Maps but by the voluntary data donations of its users.
Users are not needed to donate to download torrent files. This is arguably one of the most user-friendly alternatives to Google Maps. Optional data grabs for OpenStreetMap include GPS Trace Data and time-stamped map data. Users will discover that their email is exposed owing to software constraints, but no other information is required. Users can also request account deletion if they wish their data removed.
5. Waze
You won’t find any web-based tools when you visit the Waze website. That is unless you select the Live Map option from the menu. The online tool is intended to augment your smartphone experience. The Live Map allows you to search for destinations rapidly and plan routes, drop pins or add destinations on the map, and utilize the Waze Map Editor to create your map of any area.
The Waze smartphone app is far more enjoyable than most other navigation systems. This is due to the social interaction it provides with other users (called Wazers). You may rapidly share traffic or police alerts, hazard warnings, cool spots, camera photos, or request roadside assistance.
6. Navmii
When it comes to personal data, Navmii is another trustworthy organization. It does gather personal data (which is undesirable), but it does not share that data with third parties (good). Navmii is also one of the few navigation applications that offer extra equipment. You may integrate any touch-screen device into your dashboard with linked automobile integration.
If you want, you may also download the app for mobile navigation. This eliminates the requirement for a constant internet connection. If you want your phone to remark on your driving, it also has a driver behavior analysis. Navmii is more than just another online map application with its capabilities. It is an online mapping platform that offers commercial and personal assistance without sharing your data with other parties.
7. MapQuest
MapQuest has been around for nearly the same time as Google Maps. It provides both a web-based tool and a mobile app. You can sink your navigation plans between the web and your phone with a MapQuest account. Regarding looking for locations and getting directions, MapQuest is similar to Google Maps. It will detect your present position based on your IP address (if you are accessing the web) or your phone’s GPS (if using a mobile). To view the route, enter a location and click Get Directions.
The route directions are quite precise, including current traffic levels, mileage, and even predicted fuel prices for the trip. Zoom controls, satellite or traffic views, and share or print buttons are available through a hovering tool on the right. The MapQuest mobile app provides more functions than the web-based application. It provides more one-button location-finding alternatives, such as hospitals, parking, post offices, and schools. It also shows the current temperature in your area.
Can Private Browsing Be Traced on iPhone and Mac?
Is it true that private browsing provides complete privacy? No, it does not. Private browsing does not provide security and is easily traceable.
As previously indicated, if you enable Private Surfing on your iPhone, your browsing information will not be retained on your device. This implies that anyone who uses your iPhone will be unaware of your internet activities. For example, if you browse Facebook in Private Browsing Mode on your iPhone or Mac, there will be no record of it on your device. Facebook, on the other hand, would record your on-site behavior. And it doesn’t stop there. Whether you use Private Browsing or not, your Internet provider will keep track of everything you do online.
Private browsing isn’t all that private. Even so, many locations on the network will have your surfing history. Your history remains even if your browser or local device does not recall your activities. As previously stated, your IP address will be available to anyone trying to hunt you down online. As a result, you can be recognized.
To summarize, Private Surfing only protects some parts of your browsing. For complete privacy and security, we recommend using Ivacy VPN before exposing yourself to the internet.
Ways Hackers can Violate your Online Privacy
Most hackers use malware to infect victims’ systems through malicious links, fake websites, or corrupted attachments. But they can also violate your online privacy more directly, especially if you don’t have firewall protection or do not use a VPN like Ivacy VPN to protect your online activities. Hackers are no longer limited to PC hacking anymore. They can even hack users’ phones and macs.
Hackers use the following ways to violate users’ online privacy:
Spam Emails
Spam emails are normally more unpleasant than hazardous, although they may try to trick you into visiting malicious websites. One apparent answer is to delete spam emails without viewing them, but there are other, more proactive ways to eliminate spam that keep your inbox cleaner and safer.
Phishing Email
Phishing emails trick you into clicking a dangerous link or disclosing personal information. Although phishing emails contain false material designed to fool you into thinking the email is authentic, there are usually warning signals that the communication is malicious, such as typos or unusual layouts. Remember to never click on any link that you are unsure about.
Fake Websites
Fake websites, such as pharming sites, attempt to trick you into entering your personal information or login credentials, which can subsequently be used to access your devices and accounts or steal your identity. You would never provide your home address or credit card information to a stranger, and you should never do so online unless you are certain it is legitimate.
Fake Software
Some bogus software is just ineffective (but often harmless) bloatware. Other false downloads, on the other hand, might be vehicles for malware and ransomware utilized by hackers. Scareware, which spreads through popup and banner adverts, is one of the most hazardous and ubiquitous forms of fraudulent software. Scareware attempts to trick you into thinking there is a problem with your computer when, in fact, their application includes a virus danger.
Social Media
Malicious conduct is becoming more widespread on social networks, typically phishing and variants of basic Facebook scams. If you receive a message from an old buddy that does not appear correct, their account may have been hacked. Clicking a link in their message will result in the same thing: your information will be leaked, and you may be locked out of your account.
Can a VPN assist me in securing my location?
Yes, a VPN connection creates a secure link between you and the internet. Your data traffic is routed over an encrypted virtual tunnel via the VPN. When you access the internet, this masks your IP address, making its location opaque to everyone. A VPN connection is also safe from outside threats. You can use a premium VPN service like Ivacy VPN to secure your location while accessing the internet.
