Apple Maps vs Polarsteps
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
Apple Maps is the better app overall, scoring 9.0 to 8.8. Apple Maps wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Polarsteps on 1, with 2 tied.
iPhone owners who want a free, private map that works with CarPlay and Apple Watch
Backpackers and long-trip travelers who want an easy travel diary
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Apple Maps | Polarsteps |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Travel & Maps | Travel & Maps |
| Category rank | #3 of 13 | #4 of 13 |
| Developer | Apple | Polarsteps B.V. |
| Pricing | Free | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | — | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | — |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Apple Maps better than Polarsteps?
Apple Maps is the better app overall, scoring 9.0 to 8.8. Apple Maps wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Polarsteps on 1, with 2 tied.
Which is cheaper, Apple Maps or Polarsteps?
Apple Maps: Free on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, with no in-app purchases. Polarsteps: Free; Polarsteps Plus listed at $9.99 a month or $34.99 a year in the App Store. On value for money, Apple Maps scores higher.
Do Apple Maps and Polarsteps work on the same devices?
Only Apple Maps runs on Mac. Only Polarsteps runs on Android.
Which is more private, Apple Maps or Polarsteps?
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
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
Polarsteps
- Records your route automatically
- Family can follow along in real time
- Planning, tracking and sharing are free
- Collects lots of personal data
- Travel Books cost extra
- Public trips can show more than you expect
Polarsteps tracks your route in the background and draws it on a map as you travel. Family can follow along without you posting a thing. Add photos and stories at each stop. Then turn the trip into a printed Travel Book or an auto-made Trip Reel. In 2026 it added web planning, flight lookups and finer location privacy. The main features are free and ad-free, while Plus adds 3D maps and elevation stats for hikers.
Full Polarsteps review
