Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which Is Better?

Google has the better “trip planning” by a country mile, at least in my head. That is, it will probably find the fastest route from point A to B far more often, probably due to better traffic data. Waze DNA and all. Also does walking navigation a tad better, IIRC.
But it’s also Google, which means that you should almost expect a log of everywhere you’ve been while using the app to be logged around.
I recommend it to family members, especially for long trips, but would never let it touch my personal devices. A bit hypocritical and paranoid, I know.
 
I mentioned this in a previous thread but if Apple Maps could just add audio controls like Google, it would be just about perfect.

One issue Apple fixed within the last year is when entering a destination and it provided you say 3 options and you choose anything other than the first option, it just would revert to the first option which was super annoying but that is working as expected now.

For POI like restaurants, Apple is lagging mainly because most businesses only register their business on Google so Apple has to "find" all of these places themselves. As more and more people start to use Apple Maps and move away from the ad-infested shiat show that is Google, businesses will realize they need to register with Apple too.
 
I seem to be the only person in Belgium (and one of the few in Europe) who submits Speed Check reports to Apple Maps. So when using Carplay I run Waze in the BACKGROUND. There's no need to put in a destination: just check from time to time that it hasn't gone to sleep. Routing-wise Apple Maps is far better for long distance. In cities it seems to depend which one has the better data. Where waze sometimes wins is when it comes to road closures: they seem to get the information first. I'm happy enough never to want / need to see if Google is better, knowing their privacy policies.
 
I'm a casual user of both and have not done an in depth comparison of the two. I use Apple maps while driving. The killer feature for me is the haptic feedback on the apple watch reminding me to get ready for turn, without looking at my phone. Google maps does not have that (yet) as far as I know. I am more likely to use google maps to see if traffic is particularly bad BEFORE getting in my car to go somewhere. I also think google maps is better at finding "lunch in the area" types of searches, but I'm not confident about that.
 
I also need to mention Guides in Apple Maps which is a great feature. Whenever I'm going on a trip, I use Apple Maps to find restaurants, good coffee, hikes, activities, etc. and put them in a Guide. The UX for Guides on Apple Maps is much more intuitive and easy-to-use than with Google.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlexMac89
I definitely recommend Apple Maps over Google Maps in US, but I'd say big part in this has google becoming SIGNIFICANTLY worse then they were
 
I was all in on Google maps for years. Simple reason was, didn't have an iPhone. Now I'm firmly entrenched with iphone. I travel a lot. I have used both Google maps and apple maps. I now prefer apple maps. A travel companion will use Google maps and we do compare. There are times when Google maps will win. But not often. People that give apple maps a try and put the disastrous start behind them will find apple maps is pretty good. Of course if you prefer one interface over the other, them that's fine. I've spent the last 3 months on a pixel folds using Google maps. I was glad to get back to apple maps
 
djinn said:
I remember the old days when Navigon and TomTom were the competition. Navigon had really good visuals.

I tend to flip flop between Google and Apple maps. Usually pick which ever pops up first in my search.
Click to expand...
They charged so much back then too before free gps apps. Good times!
 
Apple Maps passed Google Maps a good 5 years ago. Especially for driving, walking and just getting somewhere correctly in general. Add in one-ways while in a car and Google will put you on the nearest corner where Apple will put you right in front of it, even though it’s the “longer” path.
 
BuffaloTF said:
Apple Maps passed Google Maps a good 5 years ago. Especially for driving, walking and just getting somewhere correctly in general. Add in one-ways while in a car and Google will put you on the nearest corner where Apple will put you right in front of it, even though it’s the “longer” path.
Click to expand...

Wow
You and I have had nearly opposite experiences

I’ve had Apple pick roads that no longer are there
 
  • Haha
Reactions: thmsnt
Early hater of Apple Maps, but switched back in 2021. The 3D views, and integration with carplay have been great.

My husbear commented that the visualization is miles above anything Google has, we were in rural Portugal last and GM had 2D blocks all over the place, AM's 3D blocks are impressive to see.

Both are equally bad in small villages, in the Canaries, both sent us down 2.5 meter wide roads to "save" 2 minutes using the clearly signposted main roads.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Christopher Kim
I taught my parents how to use Waze a long time ago. They don't learn new things well anymore, so I didn't want to switch them ever again. But after having problems with Waze, I switched them to Apple Maps... mostly because my dad can just ask Siri for directions.
In doing so, I found that Apple Maps improved quite a bit. I still like Waze, but I'd prefer not use google. I've started to use Apple Maps myself and probably won't go back at this point.
I suspect the only reason Google hasn't killed Waze at this point is for iOS users that will just switch to Maps if they do.
 
Actually Sygic for its built in dash cam (paid feature). And for riding my bike sadly Google maps. From time to time I use Apple Maps on the side just to force the habit. Doesn’t really disappoint but can’t recommend to my family yet.

TLDR; bike directions (EU) and dash cam
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back