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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs QGIS

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Q

QGIS

Maps

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MAPS.ME has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MAPS.ME and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and QGIS differ
AttributeMAPS.MEQGIS
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: 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 MAPS.ME

Nothing recorded that QGIS does not also cover.

Only in QGIS

Nothing recorded that MAPS.ME does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

MAPS.ME

  • Downloading offline maps for travel without connectivitynot QGIS
  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without datanot QGIS
  • Finding points of interest and hiking trailsnot QGIS
  • Following built-in travel guidesnot QGIS
  • Hotel booking via Booking.com integrationnot QGIS

QGIS

  • Creating thematic maps showing population density by regionnot MAPS.ME
  • Digitizing building footprints from satellite imagery for urban planningnot MAPS.ME
  • Analyzing proximity of retail stores to competitor locationsnot MAPS.ME
  • Performing spatial analysis of wildlife habitat suitabilitynot MAPS.ME

Where each one falls short

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

MAPS.ME

  • Mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client
  • Free tier limits offline map downloads and shows monetization prompts
  • No native Windows, macOS, or Linux app
  • Map data comes from the OpenStreetMap community rather than a commercial map provider

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the MAPS.ME review.

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
MAPS.ME review

Choose QGIS if

  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME starts at Free and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MAPS.ME or QGIS?
MAPS.ME has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MAPS.ME and On request for QGIS.
Does MAPS.ME or QGIS run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Yes. MAPS.ME has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. QGIS starts at On request.
What is MAPS.ME best used for?
MAPS.ME is most often used for downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data, finding points of interest and hiking trails, following built-in travel guides. Of those, downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity and turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data are not what QGIS is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MAPS.ME: Is MAPS.ME free to download and use?

MAPS.ME is available as a free download for both iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play. No pricing information is published on the MAPS.ME website, suggesting a free service model.

Source
QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

Source
MAPS.ME: What features are included in MAPS.ME?

MAPS.ME is marketed as 'not just an app but a friend in all your adventures.' Full feature details require downloading the app from App Store or Google Play. Specific limitations or premium features are not disclosed on the website.

Source
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

Source
MAPS.ME: How does MAPS.ME make money if the app is free?

MAPS.ME does not publish pricing or monetization details on its website. The app is available free on both iOS and Android platforms, but the business model for generating revenue is not disclosed publicly.

Source
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