This won't be a battle of good versus evil, two English football teams, Jedi versus Sith, Staś versus Nel… Google Maps and Apple Maps are two great applications, and calling them just 'navigation' today would be a huge understatement. Sure, they'll guide you from point A to point B even across stormy seas, but both can do so much more. Check out the strengths and weaknesses of both maps and decide who wins this friendly match: Google Maps or Apple Maps. Or maybe a draw?
You're a Viking, so stars are enough for your navigation, we respect that. However, a map on a smartphone is a powerful tool that serves not only to find your current location, set routes, and such. It also shows POIs (points of interest) along with user reviews and opening hours… You'll need it on Sunday, you crazy one… Which app – Google Maps or Apple Maps – works better (in Poland)? A Viking on the trail will check it out.
Google Maps vs. Apple Maps – Location Accuracy
An perfectly plotted trail is useless if you're tens of kilometers (or even meters) off course. Accurate positioning is fundamental. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps use GPS and GLONASS, as well as support from other systems and data from cellular networks and Wi-Fi. In practice, this means both applications are reasonably accurate. Under favorable circumstances, they will pinpoint your position with an accuracy of a few meters. It can be worse in densely built-up areas. Although Google Maps and Apple Maps are getting better at this every year, it can vary in places like New York, Lisbon, or even in the center of Warsaw.
There are also subtle differences between the apps – sometimes noticeable only when using both apps simultaneously. And let's be honest, that doesn't really happen in 'real life.' For the sake of order, let's say that Google Maps seems to recognize which way you're looking a bit faster. Is it worth throwing fifty points to Gryffindor here? Well, I don't know.
An important, practical difference is location sharing integrated with the ecosystem. This is easier in Google Maps, but let's be clear: Apple puts a stronger emphasis on privacy, and this is probably a better approach after all.
Routes and Navigation. Which App Does It Better – Google Maps vs. Apple Maps
When it comes to setting a route from point A to B, both applications rise to the height of their capabilities. Google Maps is considered the master of route planning – after all, the phrase „Google map route” has entered the everyday language of drivers. The Google app usually proposes several variants: the fastest, the shortest, or optionally avoiding highways or toll roads.
Since a major update in Poland (that was way back in 2023), Apple Maps also offers alternative routes and does so increasingly cleverly. In both apps, you'll see the estimated time of arrival (ETA) taking into account current traffic conditions and distance. However, Google has an advantage in traffic data – thanks to a huge number of Android users and integration with Waze reports, it can detect traffic jams or accidents faster and suggest a detour.
Apple also informs about traffic jams and can change routes, but sometimes it reacts with slightly less promptness. On the other hand, Apple Maps' lane guidance is a plus – clear instructions on which lane to take before an exit already appear in Google Maps, but Apple implemented this feature very intuitively. The result? A smaller chance of missing the correct highway exit when driving near Łódź for the first time.
Both applications are just okay at informing about speed limits. A 50 km/h limit on a highway? It happens, especially if there are access roads on the sides.
It's better with speed cameras. Google Maps allows users to report road incidents (police checks, accidents, obstructions), and messages about obstructions appear for other drivers – thanks to the huge number of users.
And Apple has introduced a similar feature – it works, but due to a smaller community, reports can be scarce. Frankly: when driving through Polish cities, someone ahead of you is more likely to report a traffic jam in Google Maps than in Apple. Remember that good mobile internet is useful when traveling.
Planning a Longer Route
What about route modification and planning complex journeys? Here, the playing field has leveled. Google Maps has long allowed adding intermediate (multi-stop) points before even setting off – for example, you decide that you'll first stop by a shop, then pick up a friend, and finally head to the main destination. Apple Maps didn't offer this for a long time, but now it also allows planning a route with a dozen or so stops. You can create a detailed route on your Mac and then send it to your phone with one click. Apple's downside is the lack of on-the-fly route editing – if you've already started navigation and want to add another stop, you'd better prepare to re-plan the entire route. Google is more flexible in this regard.
Check also: Route planning app
Pedestrian Navigation and Public Transport – Google Maps or Apple Maps?
A Viking, as you know, prefers a longship over a car, and won't disdain walking or public transport. Google Maps has long offered refined pedestrian directions: they account for crosswalks, underpasses, and even have a Live View AR mode, where you see overlaid arrows on the screen in a real-world environment – like in an AR game, but guiding you to the nearest bakery. Apple Maps doesn't (yet?) have AR in pedestrian navigation, but it impresses with the fluidity of its Look Around street view. If you're a tourist in a foreign city, Look Around will let you look around in high definition, more smoothly than in Google Street View. In Poland, this feature has been working for several years – you can virtually stroll through the streets of Krakow or Gdansk (Street View covers more small towns).
In terms of public transport, Google Maps beats Apple hands down. You type in from-to, and Google will tell you which bus, tram, or train to take, when the next service is, and where to transfer. In many Polish cities, Google even integrates live delays and timetables. Apple Maps simply can't do this.
For Cycling, Choose Google Maps or Apple Maps?
The honest Viking's answer: neither. Better opt for Komoot, Mapy.cz, Trailforks, or Mapa Turystyczna.
However, if you must choose from this „big two,” Google Maps will be better – and not just in the city and surrounding areas. Google Maps includes a map of cycling paths, can plan routes taking into account cycle roads and avoiding those with cycling bans. You'll also get an elevation profile with ascents and an estimated travel time considering the terrain.
What about Apple Maps? NOTHING. Apple still does not offer cycling navigation mode in Poland.
Searching for Places and POIs, or Are There Any Gas Stations Nearby?
Navigation is one thing, but sometimes you also need to find a grocery store during a city break. And here, Google Maps will work perfectly. You immediately get a complete set of information; not only a list of shops, but also opening hours, user reviews, even interior photos (useful when you want to check if, for example, they chill beer in refrigerators…). Apple lags significantly in this area too.
So, What's It Going to Be? Google Maps or Apple Maps?
I love such questions because I can always answer them:
It depends!
In short, Google Maps makes more sense for a Polish user. They handle public transport better, cycling paths, and also perform better as a local database. On the other hand, when traveling, I prefer using Apple Maps – they are clearer, and somehow I always feel better driving with them. Conclusion? Who said you have to use just one app?
