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Google Maps vs Headway: catalog facts
Google Maps	Headway
Best for: Everyday driving, transit and local search	Best for: Self-hosters who want private map search and routing
Free Free to use.	Free Free to download and run from its public repository.
Android, iOS, Web	Web, Self-hosted
Real-time traffic and lane guidance Public transit directions All 4 strengths for Google Maps Real-time traffic and lane guidance Public transit directions Street View imagery Extensive local business listings	Search and routing on your own server Docker Compose setup with optional transit routing All 3 strengths for Headway Search and routing on your own server Docker Compose setup with optional transit routing Can cover a single region or the whole planet
Tied to Google's data collection Offline use limited to downloaded areas	Requires server resources and map data preparation Aimed at people comfortable running several services
Downloadable app, Web application	Self-hosted
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Google Maps google.com/maps play.google.com/store/apps/details apps.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354 Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Headway github.com/headwaymaps/headway Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.