The new paid version of Mapy.cz is out. How can you be sure of quality without ads?

13. December 2024

Hi from the Mapy.cz team. For the last 20 years, we’ve been working to make our app a great travel companion, helping you and offering you great experiences. You’ve been using it for free the whole time, and of course that won’t change. But the operation and the team require an investment of hundreds of millions of crowns. Adding a new paid version will allow us to bring you an even better Mapy.cz, expanding features while minimizing the annoying advertising you don’t like.

Why are we launching Mapy.cz Premium?

Before making this decision, we spent a long time considering all the options so as not to affect your satisfaction. One way was to finance the development from B2B cooperation, i.e. to raise funds from corporate advertisers. However, this model would require a significant increase in advertising. The app would suddenly feature prominent banner ads and announcements. We wouldn’t even want to use such an app ourselves :)

That’s why we chose the direct funding route – i.e. low-level support from a larger number of users. We will complement this model by maintaining the non-intrusive commercial collaboration you already see with us – for example, when the app offers you the possibility to book the accommodation you are viewing.

Direct support from users as a way to a better app

Your support in the form of a subscription will allow us to maintain the existing quality, while also further developing the app and bringing you new features that are more tailored to your needs. Thanks to you, we’ll focus on better route planning for bikes and a clearer way of working with saved places in My Maps.

In the first version of the subscription, you’ll find two handy new features – the ability to add your own notes to saved places, as well as personalised walking, running or cycling speed settings for more accurate planning and navigation. We’re working on apps for smartwatches and other gadgets that will keep you with Maps on every journey.

Decide for yourself

We know that paid services are now jumping out at you from all sides on websites and apps. Everywhere you look, there’s a subscription of some sort. That’s why we don’t want to pressure you in any way, so we’re not coming up with this change until after your peak holiday and travel season. Take your time to decide if and when you want to become a premium supporter of Mapy.cz. We have set the price at EUR 18.99 so that it remains below that of other map apps with a similar offering.

We appreciate you being with us

Thank you for the trust you have placed in us so far. You have relied on us for trips and adventures on the other side of the world. You’ve helped us improve the content of the app by reporting new places, correcting data, adding photos and rating businesses.

As a thank you, we will select the five thousand most active users who improve Mapy.cz with their content and unlock Premium for them for free. Our brand has also become an official partner of Open Street Maps and will help this great project with operational costs. Thank you for your support and we look forward to working together to make Maps better.

Sincerely, the entire mapping team