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Which one is the best Free offline GPS app: OsmAnd vs Maps.me ?
Free offline GPS app
Navigation is one of the essential modern features that smartphones offer us, especially when you are offline. This basically means that if you have a smartphone (with a remaining battery), and you are stranded, you can simply open a navigation app on your phone to reach your destination safely, without any unnecessary detours. However, the maps require an internet connection to update certain information like traffic and distance. Although GPS works without an internet connection, it is never enough on its own to provide navigation. That’s where offline maps come in.
OsmAnd vs Maps.me
Both apps work totally offline (no roaming charges when you are abroad), and offer turn-by-turn voice guidance (recorded and synthesized voices).
Both apps are using maps from OpenStreetMap, available per country or region. And they are excellent alternative to Google Map and Google’s tracking.
Maps.me
There are many offline map navigation applications that are independently developed and not well supported; however, MAPS.ME is exactly the opposite. Of course, you’ll have to download all the map data first, but once you’ve done that, you can use it without an Internet connection.
You can calculate your routes with five different modes of transportation. The maps specify many points of interest, hiking trails and things you wouldn’t see on other travel apps.
OsmAnd
You’ll also have to download all the map data first on this app. And you immediately notive that OsmAnd clearly offers many more features.
However, although MAP.ME comes with not limitation at all, you’ll notice that OsmAnd’s download limit 7 map files in the free version.
Conclusion
For users who want totally free maps with no fees to pay, Maps.me will be perfect. For those who like to play with many different settings, and are not averse to paying a little, the second option can be tried out.