Man drives over 1,000 miles to test out Apple Maps vs Google Maps for an entire month and reveals which is best

Apple Maps vs Google Maps is proving one of the biggest rivalries on the road, and now one driver has spent more than 1,000 miles figuring out which app actually deserves the top spot.

John Velasco of Tom’s Guide spent an entire month using both navigation apps across his daily commute and weekend road trips, putting them through traffic, unfamiliar roads and plenty of tricky turns.

Both services have become remarkably capable, making the comparison much closer than it might have been a few years ago.

But after all those miles, one app ultimately proved more reliable when it mattered most.

One has a prettier package, but the other has more tricks

People have been debating Apple Maps vs Google Maps since navigation apps became mainstream.

Both apps offer multiple routes after entering a destination, although Apple Maps got an early advantage in this test by providing more choices than Google.

They also share plenty of features, including different map views, traffic information, additional stops, route customization and departure-time estimates.

Google Maps has some useful extras, including estimated toll costs and gas prices at certain stations, which can prove particularly helpful when planning an unfamiliar road trip.

Apple Maps, meanwhile, puts up a strong fight with its detailed interface.

Its 3D buildings and surrounding scenery can make cities like New York feel considerably more immersive, while the map tends to stay closer to the driver’s position during long stretches of highway driving.

Siri also got the nod for voice guidance.

According to Tom’s Guide its directions sounded more natural, while Google Maps occasionally sounded robotic.

However, he said Google Maps pulled ahead when it came to features.

Both apps offered offline maps, location sharing and street-level imagery, but Google added useful tools like ‘Timeline’, which let users revisit previous trips and locations.

It also has a convenient route-preview feature that allows drivers to swipe through upcoming directions without constantly zooming around the map.

Google Maps also tended to prove more reliable at remembering where the car was parked.

The Apple Maps vs Google Maps debate is not one-sided at all

The real test came from actually using both services on the road for more than 1,000 miles.

Google Maps proved more consistent at identifying traffic, accidents and even police activity, although you can still trick the app.

On the other hand, Apple Maps occasionally suggested routes that seemed slower based on local knowledge.

Google Maps was also better at anticipating congestion during rush hour.

On one New Jersey Turnpike journey, Apple Maps directed the driver toward a car-only lane that eventually became bumper-to-bumper, while Google Maps recommended sticking with the truck lane.

Apple does have one advantage: its instructions can be more specific.

Instead of simply directing the driver to stay right, it might tell drivers to remain in the ‘second lane from the right,’ which can be extremely useful when approaching complicated highway splits.

After a month of testing, Apple Maps appeared to close the gap.

Its attractive interface, detailed maps and natural voice guidance made it a compelling alternative.

However, Google Maps still took the overall win, with its stronger traffic information, broader selection of features and more reliable route suggestions.