# Google Maps vs Shell

Google Maps and Shell both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 43% of Google Maps's written reviews are positive against 8% of Shell's. Google Maps also leads on ratings volume (7.4M vs 88K) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). Shell's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 34) and ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Google Maps sells 21 in-app purchases, starting at $0.89 per month. Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Google Maps against 4.8 for Shell. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Maps has 7.4M ratings behind it against 88K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 43% of Google Maps's written reviews are positive against 8% of Shell's.

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, Shell monthly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Maps | Shell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (7.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354/reviews) | **[4.8 (88K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shell-fuel-charge-and-more/id1410234033/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7.4M** | 88K |
| Positive reviews | **43.3% of reviews** | 8.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | #7 |
| Size | 463 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Shell Information Technology International B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/410842826) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354)

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Free · Navigation, #19 Top Free (US App Store)

Navigate your world with real-time traffic, turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport. Discover millions of businesses and places with photos and reviews. Plan trips with Street View, Immersive View, and offline maps.

**Highlights:** Real-time GPS navigation, Live traffic data, Public transport updates, Business and place discovery, Street View and Immersive View, Offline maps, User reviews and photos

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30 GB | $0.89 | per month |
| 30 GB | $0.89 | per month |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (400 GB) | $4.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (2 TB) | $9.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (2 TB) | $9.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| Google AI Pro (5 TB) | $19.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 10 TB | $49.99 | per month |
| 2 TB | $99.99 | per year |
| 20 TB | $99.99 | per month |
| 2 TB | $99.99 | per year |
| Google AI Ultra (30 TB) | $249.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate navigation
- 👍 Helpful for travel and exploration
- 💡 Useful for delivery drivers
- 👍 Reliable traffic information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable directions
- 🔄 Constant rerouting without user consent
- 🗺️ Inaccurate or outdated maps
- 🚧 Dangerous routing suggestions
- 🤔 Confusing interface changes

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to save/access favorite locations
- Frequent crashes or freezes
- Incorrect address/location detection
- Voice navigation issues

**Requested features**

- Option to avoid tolls or specify vehicle type
- Ability to manually edit/update maps
- Better integration with public transit
- Improved offline functionality
- More customization options for routes


### Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shell-fuel-charge-and-more/id1410234033)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

This app helps you save money on fuel and EV charging. Join a rewards program to earn discounts, pay securely from your phone, and find nearby stations. It also allows you to manage EV charging sessions.

**Highlights:** Fuel Rewards savings program, Mobile payment for fuel, EV charging station locator, Find nearby Shell stations, View fuel pricing, Access loyalty transaction history

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure payment option
- 💡 Convenient for contactless fill ups

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes
- 🐛 Unreliable payment processing
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with older devices
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance across stations
- 🔒 Security concerns with unauthorized withdrawals

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to add/update payment methods
- Frequent log-out issues
- Pump unavailability errors
- Rewards not properly tracked or applied
- Incompatibility with certain iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Ability to link Shell credit/debit cards
- Option to save receipts for longer duration
- Apple CarPlay support
- Ability to select gas type from the app
- Better customer support and communication


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Maps free?

Google Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shell free?

Shell is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Google Maps or Shell?

Shell is rated higher. Google Maps averages 4.7 out of 5 from 7.4M ratings, while Shell averages 4.8 from 88K ratings.

### Do Google Maps or Shell have ads?

Google Maps shows ads; Shell does not.

### Which is updated more often, Google Maps or Shell?

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, and Shell monthly. Most recently, Google Maps was updated on October 31, 2026 and Shell on October 31, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Google Maps or Shell?

Google Maps currently peaks at #1 in the App Store charts, and Shell at #7. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*