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Magic Earth

An app that gives you directions with a focus on privacy.

Language & travelNavigation and GPSOffline mapsFree trial+1 more
Get Magic EarthBuild your own map appFree plan

What Magic Earth does

Magic Earth is a map and navigation app built on OpenStreetMap that says it does not track or profile you. Browsing, search and turn-by-turn directions are free. Premium adds offline maps, traffic-aware routing and activity recording. It works with CarPlay, Android Auto and Apple Watch.

Free turn-by-turn directions for driving, cycling, walking and transit
2D, 3D and satellite map views
Premium: offline maps for 233 countries and regions
Premium: traffic-aware routing and activity recording
No ads, and the developer says it does not track you
CarPlay, Android Auto and Apple Watch

Magic Earth's pitch is navigation without the data trade. It covers driving, cycling, walking and transit, shows 2D, 3D or satellite views, and gives turn-by-turn directions. It runs without ads, and the developer says it does not track you.

For years the whole app was free. In 2025 it moved to a freemium model. The free version keeps map browsing, search, favorites and basic directions. Premium adds offline maps for 233 countries and regions, traffic-aware navigation, activity recording, weather warnings and an elevation map style.

Its Google Play rating is low right now, which may reflect that change. Also note that its Google Play data safety section says location and device IDs may be shared with third parties. If privacy matters most to you and you're happy to pay a small yearly fee for offline maps, it's still a thoughtful choice.

Alternatives to Magic Earth

Google MapsDirections, live traffic and local places for almost anywhere
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MAPS.MEOffline travel maps with directions, guides and hiking trails
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Free, with paid extrasFree plan
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Apple MapsThe iPhone's built-in maps, with offline maps and trail maps
Navigation and GPSOffline maps
FreeFree plan
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SygicOffline 3D car navigation with optional live traffic and dashcam
Navigation and GPSOffline maps
Free, with paid extrasFree plan
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OsmAndDeep offline maps for hiking, cycling, boating and driving
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Free, with paid extrasFree plan
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Organic MapsFree, private offline maps with hiking trails and no ads
Offline mapsHiking and outdoor maps
FreeFree plan
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Who it's for

People who want a privacy-minded map app
Drivers who use CarPlay or Android Auto

Skip it if: Anyone who needs free offline maps.

Pricing

Free plan
Free, with paid extras

Browsing, search and turn-by-turn directions are free. Premium adds offline maps and more, with a free trial. The US App Store lists Premium at $19.99 without saying the period, and the developer site sells one year for 8.99 euros with no auto-renewal.

Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.

What people like

  • No ads and a clear privacy stance
  • Works with CarPlay, Android Auto and Apple Watch
  • You can buy a year of Premium on the developer site with no auto-renewal

Watch out for

  • Offline maps now need Premium
  • Low rating on Google Play
  • Store listing does not label the Premium billing period

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Questions people ask

Is Magic Earth still free?

Partly. Browsing, search and turn-by-turn directions are free. Offline maps and some other features need Premium.

Does Magic Earth work offline?

Offline maps are a Premium feature.

Does Magic Earth show ads?

No. The app runs without ads.

Does Magic Earth work with CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. It supports both, plus Apple Watch.