Is it better to navigate on your iPhone with Apple Maps or Google Maps? We compare the two well-known navigation services!
Apple Maps vs Google Maps
It is clear that both Apple Maps and Google Maps can guide you to your destination perfectly. However, there are quite a few differences between the two navigation apps. We put them side by side to determine which of the two is the best navigation service.
Navigation
In terms of use, both navigation apps are quite similar. You enter your destination and the app calculates the best route and often indicates one or more alternative routes. Both apps take into account current traffic information that is available. It is striking in our example that the same route takes 4 minutes shorter according to Apple Maps than what Google Maps estimates.
Google Maps does have more extensive map data and also has more functions. Think of Street View and a huge database of POIs (Points Of Interest) shown on the map. This is especially useful when you use the app abroad.
Public transport
You can use both Apple Maps and Google Maps when you travel by car, on foot, by public transport or by bicycle. Most of these options work fine with both apps, but we did encounter a striking difference with public transport.
Although the entered destination cannot be fully reached by public transport, Google Maps still gives two options. This may include, for example, a bit of cycling to get to the station. In any case, you can continue with it. This is in contrast to Apple Maps. There we only received a message that the public transport directions were not available.
Interface and design
Apple Maps is clearly a bit more sober than Google Maps. The most important information is shown and you are not distracted by information that you do not necessarily need. Google Maps provides much more information by default. This immediately gives you a more complete picture, but the downside is that it can be distracting. One is not better than the other, it depends more on what you prefer.
The operation of the interface is very intuitive for both apps. Almost everything is immediately clear and we rarely have to look for anything. Apple Maps generally works a little better with Apple CarPlay than Google Maps does.
Data and notifications
There is a difference in how both apps handle your data. Apple claims not to link location data to your Apple ID and is therefore more focused on your privacy. Google has significantly less of that. If you do not want Google to collect your data, you will have to find the setting to disable it yourself. You don’t have to go through that effort with Apple Maps.
With both apps you can report accidents, speed checks, roadworks and more with just two taps. Conversely, while navigating, you will also receive a notification when other users have indicated that something is going on somewhere along your route. Google Maps seems to be slightly more up to date in this regard than Apple Maps, probably due to the larger number of active users.
Conclusion: Apple Maps vs Google Maps
You can navigate easily with both Apple Maps and Google Maps. It is clear that Google Maps is much more extensive, with more current traffic information and more functions. That can be very useful, but if you don’t need it, it will probably just be a distraction. Google is also less careful with your privacy. However, Google Maps is much more complete and, in our opinion, really the winner in this comparison.
Choose Apple Maps if you value privacy and want a simple, solid, no-frills navigation app. Choose Google Maps if you want more up-to-date (traffic) information, navigate abroad a lot or make extensive use of extra map data, POIs, public transport and functions such as Street View.
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