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Maps · head to head

Google Maps vs OsmAnd

Google Maps logo

Google Maps

Maps

Consumer navigation and local search app, distinct from the paid Google Maps Platform developer API

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OsmAnd logo

OsmAnd

Maps

Open-source map and navigation application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Maps location history (Timeline) is stored to the Google account unless disabled, and many users are unaware of how much of their movement is retained by default.; OsmAnd free version limited to only 7 map downloads at once, restricting users who need multiple regional maps
  • They diverge on capability: Google Maps covers Turn-by-turn navigation, OsmAnd covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Maps and OsmAnd actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Maps and OsmAnd differ
AttributeGoogle MapsOsmAnd
Pricing modelFree consumer app, funded by Google's advertising businessUnknown
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebiOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery
FoundedUnknown2010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Maps

  • Turn-by-turn navigation
  • Local search
  • Offline maps
  • Street View
  • Timeline location history
  • Live transit and incident reporting

Only in OsmAnd

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Maps

  • Getting turn-by-turn driving or transit directions to a destinationnot OsmAnd
  • Searching for and comparing nearby restaurants, shops or services with reviewsnot OsmAnd
  • Downloading an offline map before travelling somewhere with unreliable data coveragenot OsmAnd
  • Checking real time traffic conditions before or during a drivenot OsmAnd

OsmAnd

  • Offline navigation in areas with no data connectionnot Google Maps
  • Turn-by-turn voice guided drivingnot Google Maps
  • Bicycle and pedestrian routingnot Google Maps
  • Hiking and trail running navigationnot Google Maps
  • Motorcycling and travel using per-country or per-region offline mapsnot Google Maps

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Maps

  • Location history (Timeline) is stored to the Google account unless disabled, and many users are unaware of how much of their movement is retained by default.
  • Local business rankings and prominent ads mix paid placement with organic results, so top results are not purely a relevance ranking.
  • Offline maps expire after a period and must be manually refreshed, which can catch travellers out if they rely on an old download without checking it.
  • Public transit data quality varies significantly by city and country, and is considerably weaker or absent in many smaller or lower-income regions.
  • It is a different product from Google Maps Platform, the paid developer API, and businesses evaluating navigation for their own app need to compare that API's pricing separately rather than assuming free consumer access extends to embedding.

OsmAnd

  • Free version limited to only 7 map downloads at once, restricting users who need multiple regional maps
  • Poor performance with slow map rendering and navigation lag reported on older devices
  • Route calculation limited to approximately 200 kilometers or less for offline calculation
  • Map accuracy issues due to reliance on community OpenStreetMap data which may contain outdated information

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Maps

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited navigation and local search
    • Offline maps included
    • No subscription tier for the consumer app

OsmAnd

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OsmAnd review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Maps if

  • You need turn-by-turn navigation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want local search.
Google Maps review

Choose OsmAnd if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery.
  • You also want user interface.
OsmAnd review

Questions people ask

Is Google Maps or OsmAnd better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Maps starts at Free and OsmAnd at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Maps or OsmAnd?
Google Maps starts at Free and OsmAnd at Free.
Does Google Maps or OsmAnd run on more platforms?
Google Maps runs on iOS, Android, Web. OsmAnd runs on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery.
Can I use Google Maps for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Maps best used for?
Google Maps is most often used for getting turn-by-turn driving or transit directions to a destination, searching for and comparing nearby restaurants, shops or services with reviews, downloading an offline map before travelling somewhere with unreliable data coverage, checking real time traffic conditions before or during a drive. Of those, getting turn-by-turn driving or transit directions to a destination and searching for and comparing nearby restaurants, shops or services with reviews are not what OsmAnd is typically brought in for.
What can Google Maps do that OsmAnd cannot?
Google Maps covers Turn-by-turn navigation, Local search, Offline maps, Street View. OsmAnd covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Maps: Is Google Maps free?

Yes, the consumer app is free with no subscription for navigation, local search or offline maps.

OsmAnd: Does OsmAnd work offline?

Yes. OsmAnd works fully offline after downloading maps for specific regions. Route calculation, turn-by-turn navigation, and POI search all work without an internet connection.

Source
Google Maps: Is this the same as Google Maps Platform?

No, Google Maps Platform is a separate, metered API product sold to developers embedding map functionality into their own apps and websites, with its own usage-based pricing.

OsmAnd: What is OsmAnd's pricing?

OsmAnd Free version is available with limitations including only 7 map downloads allowed at once and no 3D map views. OsmAnd Pro subscription costs 2.99 euros per month or 29.99 euros per year, offering 3D maps, hourly map refreshes, and cloud storage.

Source
Google Maps: Does Google Maps track my location history?

It can, through the optional Timeline feature, which is on by default in some configurations and can be reviewed or disabled in Google account settings.

OsmAnd: What maps does OsmAnd use?

OsmAnd uses free OpenStreetMap data, which is updated monthly or hourly through OsmAnd Live. Wikipedia POI data is available for sightseeing, and users can add optional online tile map overlays.

Source
OsmAnd: Can I use OsmAnd on iOS and Android?

Yes. OsmAnd is available on both iOS via Apple App Store and Android via Google Play Store, with identical offline functionality on both platforms.

Source
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