Alternatives / Apple Maps
Looking for an open source Apple Maps alternative? We compared 3 open source offline maps and navigation apps by license, privacy, platforms, CarPlay support, and pricing. All three use OpenStreetMap data and work without an internet connection.
Written by Maxime DERAME
Last updated:
| Alternative | Best for | License |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Maps | Simple offline navigation and trails | Apache-2.0 |
| OsmAnd | Detailed outdoor and custom routing | GPLv3 application code |
| CoMaps | Community-governed Organic Maps fork | Apache-2.0 |
We looked for open-source apps that cover the core of a maps app: offline maps, search, and turn-by-turn navigation on iPhone and Android. We verified each project's license, recent activity, stars, and platforms in its repository. Apple Maps relies on proprietary map data, traffic, and business listings, so all three alternatives use OpenStreetMap data and lack features such as live traffic and Look Around. See our methodology for the full criteria.
All three apps use OpenStreetMap data and downloadable offline maps. They offer search, turn-by-turn navigation, and trail maps, but not live traffic, Look Around, or the business information of Apple Maps. Search quality depends on what contributors have mapped in your area.
Organic Maps is the simple option, with offline maps, navigation, GPX support, and CarPlay and Android Auto. CoMaps is a community-governed fork of Organic Maps with a not-for-profit focus, developed on Codeberg. OsmAnd is the most configurable, with extensive routing, contour lines, custom layers, and outdoor modes, but a more complex interface.
Organic Maps and CoMaps are Apache-2.0, and OsmAnd's code is GPLv3, with some artwork under a proprietary license. OsmAnd's free version limits map downloads to 16 files and leaves features such as Wikipedia POIs and contour lines to paid options, while Organic Maps and CoMaps are fully free.
All three run on iOS and Android. Organic Maps supports CarPlay and Android Auto. Apple Maps itself is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so Mac users will not find a desktop equivalent among these apps.
Organic Maps, OsmAnd, and CoMaps were all updated within the past days. CoMaps' main repository is on Codeberg, with the GitHub repository only a mirror.
Apple Maps is a proprietary navigation app built into Apple devices, with proprietary map data, live traffic, business listings, and Look Around. Open-source alternatives download OpenStreetMap-based maps to your phone, work fully offline, and avoid tracking and accounts, at the cost of live traffic, rich business data, and polished transit integration.
| Alternative | License | Platforms | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Maps | Apache-2.0 | iOS, Android | Free | Simple offline navigation |
| OsmAnd | GPLv3 (code) | iOS, Android | Free with paid options | Outdoor and custom routing |
| CoMaps | Apache-2.0 | iOS, Android | Free | Community-driven navigation |
Want the simplest private offline maps app
Organic Maps offers offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, GPX support, CarPlay and Android Auto, and no ads or tracking.
Want detailed hiking, cycling, and custom routing
OsmAnd offers extensive routing options, contour lines, GPX recording, custom layers, and lane guidance, with a more complex interface and some paid features.
Want community governance and nonprofit values
CoMaps is a community-led fork of Organic Maps focused on transparency, privacy, and not-for-profit governance.
Use CarPlay in the car
Organic Maps supports CarPlay and Android Auto for navigation on the car display.