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Apple Maps vs OsmAnd: Navigating Privacy in Mapping

Discover how US-based Apple Maps and EU's OsmAnd prioritize your data security. Choose wisely for safer navigation today.

Last updated: February 1, 2026โ€ขReviewed by Built in EU Team

Should You Switch to OsmAnd?

What You Gain

Gain offline navigation and full data privacy with OsmAnd.

Privacy advantage
Trade-offs

Lose advanced features like Siri integration and curated guides.

Apple Maps has more features
Bottom Line

Switch if you prioritize privacy and offline use over advanced features.

At a Glance

Data Location
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUS

US data laws

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บEU

GDPR protected

Pricing

Apple Maps

free

OsmAnd

freemium

Migration
Easy difficulty~30 minutes

Privacy & Compliance Comparison

Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance

CriteriaApple MapsOsmAnd
Server Location
US (Apple data centers), EU (optional)EU
GDPR Compliance
Partial (SCCs)Full
Open Source
E2E Encryption
OptionalOptional
Data Portability
PartialFull export

CLOUD Act Notice

Apple Maps is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. OsmAnd is not subject to US jurisdiction.

Switching from
Apple Maps logo

Apple Maps

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Apple Inc.

VS
Switching to
OsmAnd logo

OsmAnd

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

US Data Storage

Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities

EU Data Protection

Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency

Certifications & Compliance

No certifications listed

EU-hosted
Open Source
GDPR Compliant

Reasons to Switch

  • โœ“Works offline, reducing data usage and enhancing accessibility.
  • โœ“Uses OpenStreetMap data, allowing for community-driven updates.
  • โœ“Full GDPR compliance ensures better data protection in the EU.
  • โœ“Open source allows for transparency and customization of features.

Things to Consider

  • !Lacks Siri integration, making voice commands less convenient.
  • !Missing features like Look Around and curated guides from Apple Maps.
  • !Requires a learning curve to navigate its interface and settings.
Migration difficulty:
Easy
~30 minutes

Migration Overview

Full guide
Difficulty
Easy
Time Estimate
~30 minutes

Depends on data size and complexity

Quick Steps

1

Create your OsmAnd account

2

Export data from Apple Maps

3

Import to OsmAnd and verify

Other alternatives to Apple Maps

Ready to make the switch?

Start using OsmAnd today and take control of your data privacy.