# Google Maps vs Sygic

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Google Maps at 7.4M against Sygic's 57K. Google Maps also leads on chart position (#1 vs #110). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Google Maps sells 21 in-app purchases, starting at $0.89 per month and Sygic sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $12.49 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Google Maps against 4.5 for Sygic. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Maps has 7.4M ratings behind it against 57K, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, Sygic weekly. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Maps | Sygic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (7.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354/reviews)** | [4.5 (57K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sygic-gps-navigation-3d-maps/id585193266/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.4M** | 57K |
| Positive reviews | — | 40.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | #110 |
| Size | 463 MB | 457 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Sygic a. s.](https://appshunter.io/developer/306486843) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Maps

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

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Free · Navigation, #20 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


### Sygic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sygic-gps-navigation-3d-maps/id585193266)

**Currently charting:** #110 Top Grossing · Navigation, #147 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Navigate anywhere with offline 3D maps and real-time traffic alerts. This app offers voice-guided directions, speed camera warnings, and advanced safety features like lane assistance and a Head-up Display. It also includes specialized modes for motorcyclists and features to help save money on parking and fuel.

**Highlights:** Offline 3D maps, Real-time traffic alerts, Speed camera warnings, Voice-guided navigation, Dynamic Lane Assistant, Head-up Display (HUD), Motorbike Mode

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium+ 3 Month subscription | $12.49 | per 3 months |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $12.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $14.49 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $16.49 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $17.99 | per year |
| Premium+ subscription | $17.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $18.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $19.49 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium+ 1 Year subscription | $26.99 | per year |
| Middle East Premium | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Offline maps and navigation
- 👍 Good interface and features
- 🚗 Works well for driving
- 🌍 Global coverage
- 🔋 Doesn't require data connection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🗺️ Outdated or inaccurate maps
- 💰 Expensive with many paid add-ons
- 🤖 Poor voice guidance and instructions
- 🔍 Unreliable search and POI functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Incorrect lane guidance and turn instructions
- Issues with GPS signal detection and positioning
- Compatibility problems with newer devices and iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Improved route recalculation and traffic avoidance
- More customization options for alerts and notifications
- Better integration with CarPlay and other platforms
- Regular and transparent map updates


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Maps free?

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

### Is Sygic free?

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

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

Google Maps is rated higher. Google Maps averages 4.7 out of 5 from 7.4M ratings, while Sygic averages 4.5 from 57K ratings.

### Do Google Maps or Sygic have ads?

Both Google Maps and Sygic show ads.

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

Google Maps ships an update every 6 days, and Sygic weekly. Most recently, Google Maps was updated on October 23, 2026 and Sygic on October 23, 2026.

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

Google Maps currently peaks at #1 in the App Store charts, and Sygic at #110. 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.*