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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs Sygic GPS Navigation

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sygic GPS Navigation logo

Sygic GPS Navigation

Maps

Premium navigation app offering high-quality 3D offline maps from TomTom

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; Sygic GPS Navigation offline map downloads limited by area size, requiring multiple selections for larger countries
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MAPS.ME and Sygic GPS Navigation actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and Sygic GPS Navigation differ
AttributeMAPS.MESygic GPS Navigation
PlatformsiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Apple Watch
Founded20112004

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), 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 MAPS.ME

Nothing recorded that Sygic GPS Navigation does not also cover.

Only in Sygic GPS Navigation

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 Sygic GPS Navigation
  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without datanot Sygic GPS Navigation
  • Finding points of interest and hiking trailsnot Sygic GPS Navigation
  • Following built-in travel guidesnot Sygic GPS Navigation
  • Hotel booking via Booking.com integrationnot Sygic GPS Navigation

Sygic GPS Navigation

  • Turn-by-turn car navigation with offline maps (no data connection needed)not MAPS.ME
  • Real-time traffic rerouting and speed camera/limit warningsnot MAPS.ME
  • Motorcycle-specific navigation (twisty roads, elevation tracking)not MAPS.ME
  • CarPlay-integrated in-dash navigationnot MAPS.ME
  • Trip planning with POI search, parking and fuel price infonot 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

Sygic GPS Navigation

  • Offline map downloads limited by area size, requiring multiple selections for larger countries
  • Occasional inaccuracies in POIs and speed limit data in less-updated regions
  • Battery consumption increases significantly with AR navigation and dashcam features enabled
  • Limited free features; most functionality requires Premium+ subscription

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

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

Sygic GPS Navigation

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Sygic GPS Navigation review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

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

Choose Sygic GPS Navigation if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
Sygic GPS Navigation review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or Sygic GPS Navigation better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME starts at Free and Sygic GPS Navigation at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MAPS.ME or Sygic GPS Navigation?
MAPS.ME starts at Free and Sygic GPS Navigation at Free.
Does MAPS.ME or Sygic GPS Navigation run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. Sygic GPS Navigation runs on iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Sygic GPS Navigation 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
Sygic GPS Navigation: Does Sygic work without internet?

Yes. Sygic Premium+ includes offline 3D maps with monthly updates, allowing navigation in areas without cellular coverage.

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
Sygic GPS Navigation: What is the cost of Sygic Premium+ subscription?

Sygic Premium+ costs €29.99 per year or €13.99 for three months. Premium lifetime licenses are no longer available.

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
Sygic GPS Navigation: Does Sygic work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Sygic integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including specialized versions for trucks, caravans, and motorcycles.

Source
Sygic GPS Navigation: What maps and regions does Sygic support?

Sygic covers navigation globally with particular focus on Europe. Users must download offline maps by region, with size limitations that may require multiple downloads for larger countries.

Source
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