I replaced Google Maps with a free alternative that doesn't track me (or kill my phone battery)

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Privacy‑first: no tracking or data collection.
• Battery‑friendly: offline maps and turn‑by‑turn directions save battery.
• Free & open‑source: available for Android and iOS.

Every month, Google sends me a report on my online activity, and I’m not a fan. The idea that Google is tracking me via Maps is unsettling, and the app also drains my Pixel 9 Pro’s battery faster than any other app.

Also: Waze vs. Google Maps: I tested two of the best navigation apps, and there’s a clear winner

Those two issues alone made me question why I keep using the default app. When I heard about CoMaps, I wanted to learn more.

Open‑source map app

CoMaps is a fork of Organic Maps, which itself originated from MapsWithMe (later Maps.me). MapsWithMe was an early attempt to bring open‑source mapping to the masses, using OpenStreetMap data. It was acquired in 2014 by the Maps.ru group and became part of the My.com brand.

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CoMaps is available for both Android and iOS and offers:

• Offline search and route planning (with or without a network connection)
• Lower battery consumption than Google Maps
• No identifying people, no tracking, and no data collection
• Free and ad‑free
• Voice‑guided directions
• Access to offline Wikipedia articles and subway maps
• Ability to mark and save locations
• Export/import support for KML, KMZ, and GPX formats
• Built‑in map editor that helps improve OpenStreetMap data

The app is community‑driven, transparent, and not profit‑oriented. It launched on Google Play and the Apple App Store around July 3 and works well as a Google Maps replacement.

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Google Maps differences

The biggest difference is that you must download maps for the specific areas you need. Benefits include:

• Offline use of CoMaps
• No wasted storage from unnecessary maps
• A special outdoor mode for hiking and biking, showing trails, campsites, water sources, etc.

To download a map, tap the three‑line menu at the bottom of the main page, select Download Maps, tap +, locate the desired region, and press Download map.

Downloading maps is easy and ensures you don’t need a network connection to use the app. – Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Once the maps are downloaded, CoMaps works much like Google Maps, providing automated turn‑by‑turn directions. By default, distances are shown in kilometers; you can switch to miles via Menu → Settings → Measurement units.

Also: How to blur your house on Google Street View (and 4 reasons why people do it)

My new default app

CoMaps has become my default navigation app, especially because it respects my privacy. If you share the same concerns, you’ll likely appreciate it as much as I do.

You can install CoMaps from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.