Man drives over 1,000 miles testing out Apple Maps vs Google Maps for an entire month and picks a winner
Published on Jan 14, 2026 at 4:17 AM (UTC-5)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Jan 14, 2026 at 8:57 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This guy used both Apple Maps and Google Maps for a month and finally came to a verdict that might surprise some people.
He basically ran a ‘scientific’ tech test on himself – visiting the exact same spots twice using both apps – just to see which one would come out on top.
We should also point out that he used the phone apps, not CarPlay or Android Auto.
And there’s something he had to say about Apple Maps that will probably resonate with a lot of people.
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Apple prioritizes the ‘human’ factor
One of the many reasons why Apple is so successful is the company’s approach to tech.
Before the iPhone came along, most phone makers focused on making their devices as technologically advanced as they could be.
But Apple realized that tech devices need to be user-friendly, first and foremost, and so they focused on the user experience and interface.
A lot of the things we now do as second nature were either invented or pioneered by the Cupertino giant.
The way we swipe or pinch the screen to zoom – the tech firm championed these gestures because they just feel natural to us.
The same thing applies to Maps.
John Velasco of Tom’s Guide drove over 1,000 miles testing both Apple Maps and Google Maps, and there was one thing that immediately stood out to him.
From Siri’s voice to the way the app gives you directions – or even just tapping a spot to get a route – everything feels more natural and intuitive.
In addition to that, Velasco also concluded that Apple’s 3D maps are better.
They’re packed with tiny details that actually help you figure out exactly where you are when you’re looking for a specific entrance.
Even the way it gives directions is very ‘human’.
For example, if there’s a Starbucks, Apple Maps will tell you to ‘turn right/left after Starbucks’, which is exactly how a person would say it.
At this point, if you think there’s a ‘but’ coming, you’re right.
Why Google Maps is still king
In Velasco’s opinion, Google Maps is still better.
He thinks that while Apple Maps is a thousand times better than it was before, Google Maps is still the overall better option.
A lot of this comes down to the fact that Google had a massive head start – and they’re still making it count.
Google Maps was launched in 2005, while Apple Maps was only introduced in 2012.
That’s a seven-year gap, and seven years is an eternity in tech.
Then again, Apple Maps is getting better every year, so maybe it’ll eventually surpass Google Maps as the world’s best navigation app.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
