OsmAnd Maps Review 2025: Best Offline GPS for Remote Travel

In 2024, over 350 million people worldwide still live in areas without mobile broadband coverage, according to GSMA. This “coverage gap” affects approximately 4% of the global population, leaving many without access to reliable mobile internet services.

The situation is even more critical in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 27% of the population uses mobile internet, while a significant 13% remain outside coverage areas altogether. Globally, an additional 3.1 billion people live within areas that have network coverage but are not using mobile internet services, creating a major “usage gap.”

For travelers, hikers, and rural residents, this means offline navigation apps are more essential than ever.

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is one of the most reliable tools in this category, offering downloadable offline maps and a wide range of features designed for off-the-grid navigation and exploration.

What is OsmAnd Maps?

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is a highly versatile offline GPS app built on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Designed for hikers, cyclists, travelers, and outdoor adventurers, OsmAnd offers global offline maps that can be downloaded and used without an internet connection.

Unlike standard navigation apps, OsmAnd focuses on providing detailed topographic maps, contour lines, and trails for both on-road and off-road navigation. It allows users to fully customize their maps, layers, and routing preferences, making it a favorite among those who need precise control over their routes and points of interest.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day trek, cycling across country roads, or exploring remote rural areas, OsmAnd ensures you have access to maps, voice-guided navigation, and specialized plugins such as ski maps, nautical charts, and public transport data—all without needing a mobile signal.

Read our full roundup of the best offline GPS apps for remote areas here.

Features Of OsmAnd Maps

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is packed with tools tailored for offline navigation and outdoor activities. Whether you’re trekking, cycling, or exploring remote towns, these features make it stand out.

• Offline Maps for Global Use: Allows you to download and access OpenStreetMap data offline, including detailed road networks, hiking trails, and contour lines, which is ideal for remote and rural areas with little to no connectivity.
• Highly Customizable Map Layers: Enables you to adjust map displays, including hill shading, contour lines, nautical charts, ski maps, and cycling routes, making it a versatile tool for multiple types of outdoor activities.
• Turn-by-Turn Voice Guidance: Offers clear voice instructions for driving, cycling, and walking modes, and supports customizable routing profiles that let you fine-tune how your routes are calculated.
• Public Transport and Nautical Navigation: Includes plugins that offer offline information on bus routes, train lines, and marine navigation charts, giving more flexibility to those traveling by different means.
• POI Search and Bookmarking: Lets you search for and save points of interest such as fuel stations, campsites, restaurants, and natural landmarks, even without an internet connection.
• GPX Track Recording and Importing: Supports the ability to record your trips and import/export GPX files, making it easy to share custom routes or revisit them later.
• Privacy-Focused Open-Source Platform: Built on OpenStreetMap and fully open-source, OsmAnd ensures users have control over their data without unwanted third-party tracking or data sharing.

Pros and Cons

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is favored by many for its offline reliability and customization, but like every app, it has its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

• Comprehensive Offline Maps: Provides highly detailed maps for global use, including road, hiking, and topographic data without needing internet access.
• Extensive Customization Options: Users can fine-tune map layers and routing preferences, making it highly adaptable to various outdoor activities.
• Open-Source and Privacy-Friendly: No tracking or data harvesting, giving users full control over how the app operates and how their data is handled.
• Supports GPX and KML Files: Allows import/export of routes, making it a favorite for hikers and cyclists planning multi-day trips.
• Affordable Pricing for Pro Features: One-time payments for premium features are relatively budget-friendly compared to subscription-based competitors.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: The abundance of settings and customization options may overwhelm new users unfamiliar with open-source apps.
• User Interface Feels Dated: Compared to apps like Google Maps or Sygic, the interface can feel less polished or intuitive.
• Slow Performance on Older Devices: Resource-intensive features like contour lines and hill shading can lag on less powerful smartphones.
• Limited Real-Time Traffic Data: Unlike apps with live traffic updates, OsmAnd relies on offline data, which may not suit urban or dynamic traffic environments.

Pricing and Plan

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation offers a free version with limited map downloads and features, but users can unlock additional tools through affordable upgrade options:

• Free Plan: Includes access to basic offline maps, limited to 7 free map downloads.
• OsmAnd+ (One-Time Purchase): For a one-time fee (around $29.99 depending on region), users unlock unlimited map downloads, contour lines, hill shading, and other premium plugins.
• OsmAnd Live (Subscription Model): For those who want access to the latest OpenStreetMap updates, OsmAnd Live is available at approximately $2.49/month or $21.99/year, providing monthly map updates.
• Add-On Plugins: Extra features such as Nautical Charts, Ski Maps, and Trip Recording are available as separate add-ons, usually priced between $1.99 and $4.99 each.

User Reviews

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation receives mostly positive reviews from outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those needing reliable offline GPS features.

On Google Play Store, OsmAnd holds a rating of approximately 4.2/5 from over 200,000 users, with many highlighting its offline-first approach and advanced customization.

Common praises:

• Users love the extensive offline map capabilities and the ability to plan detailed routes without relying on mobile data.
• Many hikers and cyclists mention the app’s open-source nature and privacy features as key differentiators.
• Reviewers appreciate the wide range of plugins, such as public transport overlays and nautical charts.

Common criticisms:

• Some users mention the interface is less modern compared to alternatives like Sygic or Google Maps.
• Occasional complaints about the steep learning curve, especially for casual users who prefer simpler navigation tools.
• A few reviews note lag or slow rendering on older devices when using resource-heavy map layers like contour lines.

Alternatives to OsmAnd Map

If OsmAnd doesn’t fully meet your needs, here are some strong alternatives you might consider:

• Gaia GPS: Excellent for backcountry hikers and outdoor explorers, Gaia GPS offers topographic maps, offline navigation, and detailed weather overlays, but leans more toward premium pricing.
• Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps: A great option if you’re looking for offline navigation with a modern UI and features like 3D maps, live traffic, and Android Auto compatibility.
• Maps.me: A simple and user-friendly offline GPS app with global map coverage, useful for travelers looking for basic offline navigation without heavy customization.
• Locus Map: Another open-source navigation app designed for serious hikers and cyclists, offering offline maps, route planning, and track recording with a highly customizable interface.

Final Verdict

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation stands out as one of the most reliable offline GPS apps, especially for users who prioritize privacy, customization, and comprehensive map data.

Its open-source foundation ensures that your data stays secure, while the ability to tailor maps with detailed layers like contour lines, hiking trails, and nautical charts gives outdoor adventurers and rural travelers unmatched flexibility.

While the user interface may feel dated and the app requires some learning to unlock its full potential, OsmAnd is a strong contender if you need a navigation solution for remote or off-grid locations.

If you’re looking for an app that puts full map control in your hands and doesn’t rely on an internet connection, OsmAnd is a worthy pick for your next adventure.

FAQ

Is OsmAnd Maps & Navigation completely free?
The free version allows up to 7 offline map downloads. For unlimited access and advanced features, users can upgrade to OsmAnd+ or subscribe to OsmAnd Live.

Does OsmAnd work without internet?
Yes. You can download maps in advance and use full navigation, routing, and search features offline.

Is OsmAnd good for hiking and biking?
Absolutely. It includes detailed topographic maps, cycling/hiking routes, GPX tracking, and terrain overlays like contour lines and hill shading.

Can OsmAnd navigate using voice guidance?
Yes. It offers turn-by-turn voice navigation for walking, cycling, and driving—even when offline.

Does OsmAnd collect personal data?
No. OsmAnd is open-source and privacy-focused, with no tracking or data sharing with third parties.