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Add to SafariWhen comparing Mapfactor Navigator vs MAPS.ME, the Slant community recommends MAPS.ME for most people. In the question“What are the best offline GPS navigation apps for Android?” MAPS.ME is ranked 2nd while Mapfactor Navigator is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose MAPS.ME is:
That saves a lot of download, e.g. from ~500MB in other applications it is reduced to ~50MB for German surroundings.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Free with OSM maps
MapFactor also provides regular map updates.
Pro Free monthly updates
Every month there are free map updates.
Pro Very in-depth adjustments in settings
You can define vehicle type, which roads you prefer to use (highway, secondary roads, local road) all with a percentage slider.
Pro Up to 3 suggested routes
This is a premium upgrade but worth the small cost. Without it Navigator always has a preference for main roads.
Pro Highly customisable
Pro Helpful lane guidance
Pro Speed and camera warning
Navigator warns you if you approach a speed camera or exceed the speed limit.
Pro Traffic information
The new 3.0 version includes also the online traffic information. It is also a premium feature but worth it.
Pro Very detailed selection of areas to download
That saves a lot of download, e.g. from ~500MB in other applications it is reduced to ~50MB for German surroundings.
Pro Includes offline routing and turn-by-turn navigation
Users without a data connection can still use the app for turn by turn directions, which is great for those that travel or use a device that does not have a cellular data connection.
Pro Obtains data from community-based OpenStreetMap
MAPS.ME uses data from OpenStreetMap, meaning the data retrieved from that service is a community-based map. Anyone can freely edit and contribute to the map, a map concept that is similar to Wikipedia.
Pro Fast rendering
By using compression of the map data, MAPS.ME is able to speed up the rendering of their maps to one's device. This allows for a quicker feeling app.
Pro Optionally can download traffic information
And showing it color-coded (Google-maps-like) on the streets.
Pro Discover nearby feature
Shows a nicely organize list of interesting places to visit close to your current location.
Pro Matching modern material-like interface
The design of the app uses a material-like interface making for a close to native looking experience on Android.
Pro Offline vector maps
Automatically downloads vector maps for offline use.
Pro No nagging advertisements
Pro Easy to install
Pro Easy adding/editing of bookmarks/favorite places
Click on the map and you will have the option to Bookmark, Route From, Route To. Having selected Bookmark simply offers to edit it, e.g. give it a different name.
Pro Allows to edit OpenStreetMap data
It is possible to add new and edit existing POIs in OpenStreetMap database using a nice interface.
Pro Night mode
There is a night mode option.
Pro Integration with booking.com
Displays information from booking.com about hotels and apartments.
Cons
Con Ads on application exit
As of Spring 2017, this app doesn't allow you to exit without being nagged to install other apps. If you select "No thanks", you somehow get directed to a Google search page, which is incredibly frustrating. It's acceptable to have a fairly unobtrusive ad at the bottom of a navigation map, but it's definitely a deterrent if every time you exit the app you have to go through a series of annoying screens or take the risk of making a mistake and installing something you actually don't want.
Con Nag screen to upgrade to Premium TomTom maps
Even if you click 'Don't show this anymore' you still get constantly nagged to upgrade.
Con Not very appealing grayish user interface
Con Sometimes questionable navigating routes
For example, in Slovenia, with loaded OSM data, this navigator routed to off-road trails. OsmAnd+ selected much better roads.
Con Poor response time to recalculate the route
Con No option for satellite/aerial/topographic imagery
Not as useful for navigating while hiking/climbing/etc.
Con Very slow search and route calculation
Probably because MAPS.ME has more POIs in its database which ends up with all searches and route calculations being very slow.
Con No display of speed limit
Neither the next nor the current one.
Con No way to distinguish between fastest, efficient or shortest route
Con Very limited options
E.g. no way to hide certain buttons like the traffic button, or to configure the language used to display city names.
Con Sometimes very strange suggestions
E.g. when not using the suggested route, Maps&Me continues to request to turn even if you are more than 100m after the cross-road.
Con Favorites are a little bit too hidden
Because they are stored in groups.
Con Traffic information is not available in all countries and cities
Source of traffic info is a trade secret this feature is only available to some selected cities.
Con No lane assist
Con Being based on OpenStreetMap data can be lacking
The use of OSM also has the drawback of many places not getting the attention needed for updates. Depending on the geographic location OSM may have the most detailed maps or the most bare/outdated map.
Con Does not show images offline
Does not show images offline if supplied in standard kmz file. i.e. zipped kml plus image folder.
Con No tourist detail maps
