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Maps · head to head

OsmAnd vs Waze

OsmAnd logo

OsmAnd

Maps

Open-source map and navigation application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Waze logo

Waze

Maps

Community-driven GPS navigation app that uses real-time traffic data from its users

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: OsmAnd free version limited to only 7 map downloads at once, restricting users who need multiple regional maps; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OsmAnd and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where OsmAnd and Waze differ
AttributeOsmAndWaze
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsiOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGalleryiOS, Android, Web
Founded20102008

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 OsmAnd

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

Nothing recorded that OsmAnd 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.

OsmAnd

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

Waze

  • Real-time navigation and route planning with live traffic updatesnot OsmAnd
  • Reporting hazards and roadway conditions to community driversnot OsmAnd
  • Finding alternative routes to avoid congestion and accidentsnot OsmAnd
  • Connecting with first responders and emergency servicesnot OsmAnd
  • Community-driven mapping and road condition improvementsnot OsmAnd

Where each one falls short

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

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

Waze

  • No offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Routing reliability declined with reports of longer routes and restricted road directions
  • Privacy concerns with location data collection and location-based ads after Google acquisition
  • Stability issues including crashes on CarPlay and slow loading times

Pricing, plan by plan

OsmAnd

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OsmAnd review.

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose OsmAnd if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery.
OsmAnd review

Choose Waze if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
Waze review

Questions people ask

Is OsmAnd or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. OsmAnd starts at Free and Waze at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OsmAnd or Waze?
OsmAnd starts at Free and Waze at Free.
Does OsmAnd or Waze run on more platforms?
OsmAnd runs on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use OsmAnd for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is OsmAnd best used for?
OsmAnd is most often used for offline navigation in areas with no data connection, turn-by-turn voice guided driving, bicycle and pedestrian routing, hiking and trail running navigation. Of those, offline navigation in areas with no data connection and turn-by-turn voice guided driving are not what Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Waze: Does Waze work offline?

No, Waze relies on real-time data and does not support offline maps, limiting usability when without internet connectivity.

Source
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
Waze: How does Waze handle my location data?

Since Google's 2013 acquisition, Waze shares location history with Google's ad network and serves location-based ads. This differs from privacy-focused alternatives like Apple Maps.

Source
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
Waze: What platforms can I use Waze on?

Waze is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, and via web through the Live Map feature accessible from any computer or tablet.

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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