Google Maps vs Apple Maps
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
It's close: Google Maps edges it 9.1 to 9.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Google Maps wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Apple Maps on 2.
Travelers who want directions, transit and place reviews in one app
iPhone owners who want a free, private map that works with CarPlay and Apple Watch
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Google Maps | Apple Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Travel & Maps | Travel & Maps |
| Category rank | #2 of 13 | #3 of 13 |
| Developer | Apple | |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | — |
| Mac | — | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Google Maps better than Apple Maps?
It's close: Google Maps edges it 9.1 to 9.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Google Maps wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Apple Maps on 2.
Which is cheaper, Google Maps or Apple Maps?
Google Maps: Free, with ads such as sponsored places; there is no paid version. Apple Maps: Free on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, with no in-app purchases. On value for money, Google Maps scores higher.
Do Google Maps and Apple Maps work on the same devices?
Only Google Maps runs on Android. Only Apple Maps runs on Mac.
Which is more private, Google Maps or Apple Maps?
Apple Maps scores higher on privacy (8.8/10). App Store label: no tracking and no data linked to you. Location, searches, usage and diagnostics may be collected without being tied to you. Apple says Maps ads aren't linked to your Apple Account.
Strengths and weaknesses
Google Maps
- Best info on places, businesses and reviews
- Trusty transit directions in most big cities
- Offline maps for when you lose signal
- Leans hard on your location and search data
- The map is crowded with sponsored pins and suggestions
Google Maps is the one travel app nearly everyone should have. It does driving, walking, cycling and public transit in most cities. Nothing beats its business listings and reviews, and offline maps work without data. Ask Maps now answers tricky questions with Gemini, and Immersive Navigation is rolling out in the US. The trade-off is privacy. It runs on your location and search data, so check your settings.
Full Google Maps review
Apple Maps
- Free, and your data isn't linked to your identity
- Clean design that fits iPhone, CarPlay and Apple Watch
- Offline maps with full turn-by-turn directions
- Only on Apple devices, plus a web version
- Sponsored places now appear in US and Canada searches
- Place details can be thinner than Google Maps in some areas
Apple Maps is the map already on your iPhone, and it's now a strong pick. You get driving, walking, cycling and transit directions, offline maps with turn-by-turn guidance, routes with up to 15 stops, Look Around street views and hiking maps for select parks. Your data isn't linked to you, which Google can't say. The catches: it only lives on Apple devices plus a web version, and US and Canadian searches can now show an ad.
Full Apple Maps review
