Navigation apps have evolved far beyond simple turn-by-turn directions. Today, they can discover new restaurants, provide useful location-based information, and even track your friends. But when it comes to Apple Maps vs Google Maps, which one leads the way?
I extensively tested both apps on iOS to compare the user experience, features, and overall utility as a daily navigation tool. Here is an in-depth look at how Apple Maps stacks up against Google Maps in key categories.
User Interface and Design
Visually, Apple Maps and Google Maps look quite different:
- Apple Maps places heavy emphasis on the bottom portion within easy thumb reach.
- Google Maps puts the search bar and shortcuts at the top.
- Apple Maps opts for clean, uncluttered screens. Google displays more buttons and info.
During navigation, Google Maps shows more surrounding street names and quick access buttons compared to Apple’s simplified graphics.
This plays into each company’s overall design ethos:
- Apple prioritizes minimalism and aesthetics over features. Form over function.
- Google values maximum information and control density, even if busier visually.
Neither is inherently better, just a different philosophy. Comes down to personal preference.
Voice Navigation
Apple Maps provides more natural sounding voice guidance:
- “Turn right after the stop sign”
- “Turn left at the next stoplight”
Google simply says “Turn left in 350 feet” which is less intuitive.
Winner: Apple Maps
Routing and Navigation
Historically, Apple Maps struggled with unreliable directions. But the gap has closed significantly.
In my testing, Apple Maps actually routed me better than Google in certain instances:
- Avoiding unnecessary U-turns
- Utilizing left turn lanes Google ignored
But navigation reliability can vary by region. No universally clear winner these days.
Verdict: Tie
Research and Information
Viewing restaurant profiles, Google Maps outshines Apple Maps:
- Far more photos
- Interior and food photos
- Menu photos to view prices
- All reviews readable within app
Apple Maps relies on Yelp, so far less integrated. You get booted out into the Yelp app.
Winner: Google Maps
Discoverability
Both apps make it easy to find places based on category, filtering, and search.
Google Maps has more robust discovery options thanks to user photos and reviews baked into the app. Apple Maps’ reliance on Yelp feels disconnected.
But improvements in AI could bolster recommendations in both apps.
Winner: Google Maps
Social Sharing and Lists
Google Maps enables seamless collaborative list and map sharing across platforms.
Apple Maps sharing works great for iOS users, but excludes Android and Windows.
Winner: Google Maps
Bookmarks and Collections
Functionally very similar on both apps, with ability to bookmark favorite places and build custom lists.
Google Maps puts your favorites right on the map itself by default, which can feel cluttered. Both allow hiding bookmarks though.
Overall fairly equal.
Verdict: Tie
Bonus Features and Tools
Google Maps has valuable extras like:
- Location sharing and tracking of friends/family
- Timeline for tracing your routes and trips
- Offline maps for when disconnected
Apple Maps offers some nice touches like:
- Integrated map view from lock screen
- Look Around street view supports lane switching
- Siri integration for hands-free use
But Google has the edge in standout unique features.
Winner: Google Maps
The Verdict: Google Maps Wins (But It’s Close)
With a final score of 9-6, Google Maps takes the victory as the superior all-around navigation app. But Apple Maps puts up a strong fight with advantages in design, voice navigation, and integration with Apple devices.
Apple Maps is a viable daily navigator for iOS users, especially with its beautiful map graphics, Intuitive voice guidance, and easy Siri access. But Google Maps provides more robust discovery, research capabilities, and bonus productivity tools like timeline and location sharing.
The ideal would be enjoying the best of both apps in one. But for now, the fuller featured Google Maps leads the way – but not by much over an ever-improving Apple Maps.