We compare the pros and cons of Apple Maps and TomTom GPS, so you can decide which of these navigation apps suits you best.
Apple Maps vs TomTom GPS
TomTom has an offline and an online navigation app. The offline version is called TomTom Go. The online version was until recently called TomTom AmiGO and is now known as TomTom GPS or TomTom – Maps & Navigation. We compare the app with Apple Maps.
The first major difference is that, unlike Apple Maps, the TomTom GPS app is only intended for motorists and motorcyclists, and not for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. That is of course a first plus for Apple Maps. Also, you can only receive navigation directions on your Apple Watch with Apple Maps. That’s a second plus.
Design
Apple is known for its sleek, minimalist design and that is somewhat reflected in Maps. The interface is calm, with clear icons and no more information than is strictly necessary. Navigating with Apple Maps is therefore very clear.
TomTom GPS has a more functional design, with more relevant data, such as maximum speed, traffic jam information and alternative routes. Many more street names are also indicated on the map. Despite this, the app does not look noisy.
Route planning
Apple Maps route planning has improved considerably in recent years. Apple automatically suggests alternative routes and adjusts them along the way based on live traffic information, although TomTom GPS is generally slightly faster with this. Apple Maps works excellently, especially within cities.
TomTom GPS excels as always in navigation. The app makes smart route calculations based on historical and real-time traffic data from millions of users. The chosen routes are often slightly more efficient, especially when it comes to longer journeys. We do see some small differences in the navigation of both apps, but the arrival time is almost the same for both.
Speed camera warnings
Apple Maps shows fixed speed cameras, but mobile checkpoints are sometimes missing or appear too late. In the Netherlands, coverage is reasonable, but not completely complete.
TomTom is actually very good when it comes to flashes. Thanks to a huge community network, mobile speed cameras are often reported within minutes. The warnings are clear, reliable and always up to date.
Traffic disruption
The traffic information in Apple Maps is good, but sometimes less detailed than in TomTom GPS. Traffic jams, closed lanes and diversions are neatly displayed, but the information is not always real-time.
TomTom GPS provides accurate updates on speed limits, roadworks, closures, poor road conditions and road hazards. The app is faster and more accurate at this than Apple Maps.
Create notifications
In both apps you can report things you encounter along the way (such as accidents or dangers on the road). In Apple Maps this is still somewhat limited in practice. This is mainly because it is not yet used en masse. As a result, the real-time information you receive along the way is often a bit late.
TomTom is better at this thanks to more and more active users. They report en masse speed cameras, dangers, stationary vehicles and more. The reports are quickly verified and passed on to other drivers. This means you will be informed much faster about what you will encounter along the way and you can also anticipate it more quickly.
Conclusion: Apple Maps vs TomTom GPS
For starters, Apple Maps is more versatile with support for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. In addition, this is also the best choice if you want to receive navigation directions on your Apple Watch. Apple Maps works especially well when you want to navigate within a city. The app is certainly useful on longer routes, but TomTom GPS performs somewhat better than Apple Maps. Thanks to the many active users, TomTom GPS also allows you to be informed more quickly about possible traffic disruptions that you may encounter along the way. This also gives you more time to choose an alternative route, for example.
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