Google Maps review
Navigation, transit and local reviews for almost anywhere
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
Does it deserve #1?
The verdict
Google Maps is the one travel app nearly everyone should have. It handles driving, walking, cycling and public transit in most cities, its business listings and reviews are unmatched, and offline maps keep you covered without data. Live View helps you get your bearings on foot in unfamiliar places. The trade-off is privacy: it runs on your location and search data, so review your settings.
- Driving, transit, walking and cycling
- Offline maps for no-data areas
- Live View AR walking directions
- Reviews and photos for places
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Best coverage of places, businesses and reviews
- Reliable transit directions in most major cities
- Offline maps for when you have no signal
What could be better
- Relies heavily on your location and search data
- Interface is crowded with sponsored pins and suggestions
Travelers who need directions, transit and place reviews in one app
you want a navigation app that collects as little data as possible
Questions about Google Maps
Is Google Maps free?
Yes, Google Maps is completely free and has no paid version. It's supported by Google's advertising business.
Can you use Google Maps offline?
Yes, download an area ahead of time and you can search it and get driving directions without a connection. Transit, walking and cycling directions still need data.
What are the best alternatives to Google Maps?
The closest alternatives are Citymapper, Waze and Flighty. See all of them ranked on our Google Maps alternatives page.
Where does Google Maps rank?
Google Maps ranks #1 of 8 in our Travel & Maps ranking, with an overall score of 9.1 out of 10.