OsmAnd gives you full offline maps and navigation without sending your location data anywhere. The app runs on OpenStreetMap data and stores everything locally on your device. No account needed, no ads, no tracking. It has been built by a small Dutch team since 2010 and all code is publicly available for anyone to inspect.

The free version covers basic navigation with voice-guided turn-by-turn directions for driving, cycling, and walking. Where OsmAnd stands out is outdoor use. You get topographic maps with contour lines, hillshading, and slope data. Record your hikes and bike rides as GPX tracks, or import routes from other apps. The built-in POI database includes offline Wikipedia articles, which is genuinely useful when traveling without a connection.

Paid plans unlock unlimited map downloads, nautical charts, ski maps, and 3D terrain. The Pro tier adds cloud backup so you can sync favorites and tracks across devices. OsmAnd also works with Android Auto and CarPlay for in-car navigation.

Worth knowing

OsmAnd is built for people who want control over their maps. That comes with a trade-off: the interface has a steep learning curve compared to Google Maps or Apple Maps. Route planning is powerful but can feel overwhelming at first. The app also lacks real-time traffic data, so it will not reroute you around congestion. If you mainly need simple A-to-B car navigation, you may find it more complex than necessary. But for hiking, cycling, travel, and privacy, it is hard to beat.