Organic Maps Free Offline GPS App with No Ads or Tracking

Whenever I travel, one of my biggest worries is losing internet access right when I need directions the most. I’ve found myself deep in the mountains, with zero signal, and still managed to navigate thanks to an offline map app that actually works.

What impressed me even more was learning that nearly 80% of travelers now say privacy and offline access are their top priorities when choosing navigation tools. For me, that’s a game-changer.

I don’t want ads cluttering my screen or my data being tracked—I just want simple, reliable directions that let me focus on the journey. That’s exactly why I started using this private navigation tool, and honestly, it’s changed the way I explore new places.

What is Organic Maps?

Organic Maps is a free offline map and GPS application for both Android and iOS. It’s built by a community of enthusiasts and operates completely independently.

Unlike many mainstream navigation apps, it’s designed from the ground up to respect user privacy. This means no ads, no data collection, no user tracking, and no registration required.

The app uses crowd-sourced data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world. This community-driven approach means Organic Maps often includes trails, paths, and points of interest that you won’t find on other platforms.

The entire experience is “purely organic”—a simple, powerful tool without the clutter and surveillance of big tech alternatives.

How do Organic Maps Work?

Organic Maps operates as a powerful offline navigation tool by having you download maps in advance. Before your trip, you simply select and save detailed maps for any country or region directly onto your device.

Once downloaded, the app functions entirely without an internet connection. It uses your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your location on these stored maps.

This allows for complete access to features like turn-by-turn navigation, location searching, and route planning, all while offline.

The app’s data is sourced from the community-driven OpenStreetMap project, ensuring it’s rich with trails and paths perfect for any adventure.

Which Organic Maps App Version Should You Choose? Android or Apple Version

Organic Maps is available on both iOS and Android, offering privacy-first offline navigation. Below is a quick comparison of the app details for both platforms so you can easily see which version fits your device best.

For those who value simplicity and privacy, Organic Maps is often preferred. If you need advanced outdoor tracking, Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps are strong contenders.

What Are the Key Features of Organic Maps?

Organic Maps packs a surprising number of powerful features into a user-friendly interface, all designed to work perfectly without an internet connection. Here are some of the Organic Maps features;

• Offline Maps Everywhere – Access detailed maps even in remote locations, powered by OpenStreetMap, which often includes trails and landmarks not found in other apps.
• Outdoor-Friendly Routes – Plan and follow cycling tracks, hiking trails, and walking paths designed for adventure seekers and explorers.
• Terrain Awareness – View contour lines, elevation details, peaks, and slopes to better prepare for climbs, descents, and outdoor navigation.
• Turn-by-Turn Guidance – Enjoy reliable navigation for walking, cycling, and driving with clear voice instructions and Android Auto support.
• Quick Map Search – Find streets, places, and points of interest instantly, even without an internet connection.
• Bookmark Management – Save your favorite spots, share routes, and easily transfer bookmarks with KML/KMZ exports and GPX imports.
• Eye-Friendly Dark Mode – Switch to dark mode to reduce glare and make navigation easier on your eyes, especially at night.
• Compact Map Storage – Download entire countries or regions without using up too much space on your device.
• Free & Open-Source – Use the app without ads or hidden costs, with full transparency through open-source development.

Compared to Maps.me, which has shifted toward ads and subscriptions, Organic Maps remains clean and privacy-first, keeping the core offline navigation experience intact.

Why Choose Organic Maps?

Organic Maps stays true to its name — clean, simple, and built with care for travelers who value trust and freedom.

• Privacy First – Your location and data belong to you, not advertisers or third parties.
• Battery-Friendly – Optimized for long trips without draining your phone’s power.
• Data-Saving – Works offline by default, so you won’t face surprise mobile data costs.

Unlike many apps filled with hidden extras, Organic Maps keeps things pure and honest:

• No ads cluttering your screen
• No trackers following your movements
• No data harvesting in the background
• No secret connections to outside servers
• No forced sign-ups or accounts
• No pushy tutorials you don’t need
• No spam emails or intrusive alerts
• No bloatware slowing you down

It’s simple, clean, and truly organic navigation — just the way it should be.

Why Is It a Great Offline Navigator?

One of the app’s standout qualities is its robust offline functionality. Once you complete an Organic Maps download for your chosen country or region, 100% of the app’s features are available.

You can search for locations, plan routes, and get turn-by-turn navigation without ever needing a cellular or Wi-Fi signal.

This makes it an ideal companion for international travel, backcountry hiking, or just saving on mobile data charges. This focus on offline use also results in significant battery savings.

What Navigation Options Are Available?

The application provides turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance for several modes of transport:

• Driving: Includes Android Auto support.
• Cycling: Shows dedicated cycling routes.
• Walking: Highlights hiking trails and pedestrian paths.

It also features detailed topographical information, including contour lines, elevation profiles, peaks, and slopes, which is invaluable for hikers and cyclists.

How Does It Protect User Privacy?

Privacy is the core principle of Organic Maps. The app is free from trackers, ads, and any form of data collection. It doesn’t “phone home” or send your location to any servers.

The Exodus Privacy Project has verified that the application contains zero trackers and only requests the minimum necessary permissions to function. This commitment to privacy is a major reason users choose it.

How Can You Download Organic Maps?

Getting the app is straightforward. You can find it on all major platforms, ensuring a secure and easy installation.

Where Is the Official Organic Maps Download?

You can download the app from your device’s primary app store:

• iOS: Available on the Apple App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac (with Apple M1 chip or later).
• Android: Available on Google Play, F-Droid, and the Huawei AppGallery.

For users who prefer to install directly, an Organic Maps apk can be found through sources listed on the official website.

Is There an Organic Maps Desktop Version?

Yes, a beta version of Organic Maps desktop is available for Linux users through Flatpak and other package managers. This allows for route planning and map exploration on a larger screen.

What Are Users Saying in an Organic Maps Review?

I’ve been testing Organic Maps on my outdoor adventures, and I have to say—it really lives up to the hype.

For me, the biggest win is its privacy-first approach: no ads, no tracking, just clean offline navigation that works when I’m deep in the mountains with zero signal. And I’m clearly not the only one who feels this way.

Many Reddit Users much like me, praise its reliability in areas without service, its low battery use, and its distraction-free design.

While some users mention the desire for advanced features like an Organic Maps satellite view or public transit routing (which are not yet implemented), the overall sentiment is that the app excels at its core mission.

How Does Organic Maps Compare to Other Apps?

When choosing a navigation app, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against the competition.

What is the Difference: Organic Maps vs Google Maps vs OsmAnd?

Here’s a clear comparison of Organic Maps vs Google Maps vs OsmAnd:

Is Organic Maps better than Google Maps?

That depends on what you need. Google Maps offers live traffic, business listings, and constant online updates but comes with data tracking. Organic Maps, on the other hand, is fully offline, free of ads and tracking, and works reliably without internet access. For privacy and offline navigation, Organic Maps is the better choice. For real-time traffic and extensive place details, Google Maps is ahead.

How Can You Support the Project?

Organic Maps is a community-driven, open-source project. Its development is funded entirely by user donations and grants from organizations that support open-source software.

What is the Role of Organic Maps GitHub?

The entire project is transparent and developed in the open. The Organic Maps GitHub repository is the central hub for the app’s source code, issue tracking, and feature discussions. Developers and users can report bugs, request new features, and even contribute to the code.

While there isn’t a public Organic Maps API for third-party developers to integrate maps into their own apps, the open-source nature of the project allows for extensive collaboration and transparency.

How Can You Contribute?

The app is free for everyone, and the team relies on support from its users to continue development and cover server costs. If you find the app useful, you can contribute by:

• Donating: The website provides multiple ways to donate.
• Reporting Bugs: Use the GitHub issue tracker to report any problems.
• Improving Maps: Since the data comes from OpenStreetMap, you can directly contribute by fixing map errors or adding missing places at OSM.org.
• Spreading the Word: Leaving a positive Organic Maps review or recommending it to others helps the project grow.

In a world where digital privacy is increasingly rare, Organic Maps offers a refreshing and powerful alternative. It proves that you don’t have to trade your personal data for a high-quality navigation experience.

FAQs:

Q. Who owns Organic Maps?

Organic Maps is not owned by a corporation. It was created in January 2021 as a community-driven fork of Maps.me by developers Alexander and Viktor. Today, it is maintained and improved by the open-source FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) community.

Q. Does Organic Maps have live traffic?

No, Organic Maps does not provide live traffic updates. Since it works offline and avoids tracking, it cannot show real-time traffic conditions.

Q. Can you use Organic Maps offline?

Yes, Organic Maps is designed to work completely offline. You can download maps in advance and use them for hiking, cycling, or driving without any internet connection.

Q. What is the difference between Maps.me and Organic Maps?

Maps.me started as a free offline maps app but now includes ads and subscription-based features. Organic Maps was forked from it to remain fully free, ad-free, and privacy-friendly. Unlike Maps.me, Organic Maps is entirely open source and does not track users, making it the preferred option for those who value privacy.