Apple Maps vs Google Maps in 2026: Honest Comparison
Short answer
On iPhone, mostly in big cities? Use Apple Maps — it's built in, best on CarPlay, and ties less of your data to you. Keep Google Maps for reviews, photos and rural trips, or if you're on Android. Switching? Your saved places can come with you.
Category by category
A green ✓ marks the better pick for most people. For privacy in depth, see what each app collects.
| Category | Apple Maps | Google Maps | Better for most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Strong in big cities | ✓ Broader, especially in rural areas | |
| Navigation | Prefers main roads | Takes more side streets | Tie |
| Privacy | ✓ Not tied to your Apple ID | Tied to your Google account | Apple |
| Reviews & places | Fewer; some from partners like Yelp | ✓ Far more reviews and photos | |
| Transit | Clean departure boards | Mixes in bike-share and ride-hailing | Depends on city |
| CarPlay | ✓ Built in, feels native | Works well, less native | Apple |
| Battery | ✓ Tends to use less | Tends to use a bit more | Apple |
| Sync | Apple devices, via iCloud | Android, iPhone and the web | Depends on your devices |
| Unique features | Look Around, curated Guides, Apple Watch wrist taps | Street View, Incognito mode | Tie |
Judgment calls, not lab tests. Both apps change often and vary by city — if you're torn, try both where you live.
If you switch
Your saved places are the only real friction: export them with Google Takeout, drop the file on our converter, and get them back as one Apple Maps Guide.
Free, no account, up to 1,500 places per file. How to export from Google
FAQ
Is Apple Maps better than Google Maps?
For most iPhone users in big cities, yes: it's built in, best on CarPlay, and ties less of your data to you. Google Maps is still better for reviews and photos, rural areas and Android.
Can I use Apple Maps and Google Maps together?
Yes. A practical split: Apple Maps for everyday navigation and CarPlay, Google Maps for reviews and rural trips.
Will I lose my saved places if I switch?
No. Export them from Google with Takeout, drop the file on GoToAppleMaps, and you get one Apple Maps Guide with your places — free, no account, up to 1,500 places per file. Any place that can't be matched automatically is listed so you can add it by hand.