# Google Maps vs GPS Map Navigation

The clearest difference is rating: Google Maps at 4.7 against GPS Map Navigation's 3.2. Google Maps also leads on ratings volume (7.4M vs 18) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). GPS Map Navigation's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Google Maps sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $0.89 per month and GPS Map Navigation sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Google Maps holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Maps has 7.4M ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Google Maps's written reviews are positive against 33% of GPS Map Navigation's.

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, GPS Map Navigation monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and August 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Maps | GPS Map Navigation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (7.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354/reviews)** | [3.2 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-map-navigation/id1666524189/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.4M** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | **43.5% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | — |
| Size | 466 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [SWAINFO SOLUTIONS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650786446) |

## 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 (22)**

| 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 |
| Google AI Pro (5 TB) | $19.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| Google AI Pro (2 TB) | $19.99 | per month |
| 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


### GPS Map Navigation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-map-navigation/id1666524189)

Navigate your world with real-time traffic, lane-level directions, and voice guidance. Discover nearby services, explore different map layers, and save favorite locations for hassle-free driving. Includes speed camera alerts and offline map support.

**Highlights:** Real-time traffic conditions, Lane-level directions, Turn-by-turn voice navigation, Nearby services discovery, Speed camera alerts, Offline map support, Save favorite locations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One month subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| 6 Month Subscription | $5.99 | per 6 months |
| Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Life Time Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Maps free?

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

### Is GPS Map Navigation free?

GPS Map Navigation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Google Maps or GPS Map Navigation?

Google Maps is rated higher. Google Maps averages 4.7 out of 5 from 7.4M ratings, while GPS Map Navigation averages 3.2 from 18 ratings.

### Do Google Maps or GPS Map Navigation have ads?

Google Maps shows ads; GPS Map Navigation does not.

### Which is updated more often, Google Maps or GPS Map Navigation?

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, and GPS Map Navigation monthly. Most recently, Google Maps was updated on September 26, 2026 and GPS Map Navigation on August 1, 2026.

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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.*