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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

GPS Tracks vs Google Maps

GPS Tracks 4.7★ · Free to download 70
Winner Tie
Google Maps 4.7★ · Free to download 70

For general navigation and local search, Google Maps is the better choice despite recent issues, while GPS Tracks is superior for detailed outdoor activity tracking and field work.

Full reviews: GPS Tracks · Google Maps

Google Maps excels in general navigation and finding local businesses, though recent updates have negatively impacted its search functionality. GPS Tracks is highly rated for detailed outdoor tracking, field work, and offline map capabilities, but users report a steep learning curve and some reliability issues.

Head to head

Features for Navigation & Tracking tieR2R4R7R8
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is praised for its detailed tracking capabilities for activities like biking, walking, hiking, and dirtbiking, allowing users to log duration, distance, and mark new trails R2R8R20. It's also valued for field work and navigation in specific areas . Users appreciate its offline map feature, noting it as a key advantage over Google and Apple Maps R20R59. However, some users report issues with specific features like NOAA charts R4, waypoint pictures , and the inability to easily load KMZ/KML files . Recent updates have also caused problems with tracking accuracy and watchOS integration R7.
Google Maps Google Maps is generally considered the best app for general navigation . It's used for finding restaurants, gas stations, and attractions, though recent updates have severely hampered these search functionalities, often redirecting users to Google Search or AI instead of displaying results on the map R64R73R76. Users also desire features like multi-trip tabs and better integration with Apple Music .
Ease of Use tieR6R11R12R22
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks receives mixed reviews regarding ease of use. Some users find it easy and user-friendly R11R56, while others describe it as not intuitive, difficult to learn, and needing better instructions R6R12R22. Some users resort to external tools like ChatGPT to understand how to use it R12.
Google Maps Google Maps is generally perceived as easy to use for basic navigation, but recent updates have made its search function significantly more difficult and frustrating, with users struggling to find nearby locations R76R79. Issues with zooming and centering have also been reported .
Reliability & Performance tieR7R18R29R39
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks users report issues with reliability, including the app getting stuck and becoming unresponsive R18, crashing frequently R29, failing to load journeys R39, and inaccurate tracking or waypoint placement R7. Synchronization issues across devices are also a concern . Some users also report it not working with older iPhone models .
Google Maps Google Maps also faces reliability concerns. Users report issues with the app not recognizing closed roads , incorrect speed limit detection , suggesting illegal turns or non-existent roads , and markers being skewed on iPad . The app is also reported to lag, lock up , and crash when connected to Apple CarPlay . Some users experience frequent updates .
Price & Value edge: Google MapsR8R10R16R17
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks is free to download but requires payment for many features, including offline maps R10R16R53. Some users feel it's too expensive for what it offers and that similar features are available cheaper elsewhere R10. However, paying users often find it to be good value and worth the annual subscription for its features and accuracy R8R17.
Google Maps Google Maps is free to download and use, but recent updates have degraded its core search functionality, making it less valuable for some users who are now considering alternatives like Apple Maps or Waze R73R76.
Support edge: GPS TracksR42R52R56
GPS Tracks GPS Tracks receives positive feedback for its support, with users noting quick and efficient service responses R42R52R56.
Google Maps There is no specific feedback on Google Maps' direct customer support in the provided reviews. Most comments relate to app functionality rather than interaction with support staff.
Pick GPS Tracks if

You need detailed GPS tracking for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or field work, especially if offline maps are crucial for your use R2R20. You are willing to pay for a subscription to access advanced features and appreciate responsive customer support R17R42R52.

Pick Google Maps if

You need a general navigation app for driving directions and finding points of interest, and are willing to tolerate recent search functionality issues . You prioritize a free app and can work around its current limitations R73R76.

Evidence note: Google Maps reviews are heavily skewed by recent negative feedback regarding search functionality, which may not reflect its overall long-term performance or other features. Many Google Maps reviews are also about specific businesses, not the app itself (e.g., , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ). GPS Tracks reviews are more directly about the app's features and performance.

Frequently asked

Is GPS Tracks truly free?
GPS Tracks is free to download, but many of its core features, including offline maps, require an additional annual fee or in-app purchases R10R16R53.
Can Google Maps search for nearby restaurants or gas stations?
Currently, recent updates to Google Maps have severely impacted its ability to search for nearby locations like restaurants or gas stations directly within the app, often redirecting users to Google Search or AI instead of displaying results on the map R64R73R76R79.
Does GPS Tracks offer offline maps?
Yes, GPS Tracks offers offline maps, which is a highly valued feature for many users, especially for outdoor activities where internet connectivity may be limited R20R59.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Excellent GPS App: I use it when biking and walking to track progress. Also used it in the woods behind my house to see where things came out on the other side.
  2. [R4] GPS Tracks 2/5 · US NOAA charts: They do not work well zooming in and out
  3. [R7] GPS Tracks 2/5 · US Not working so well with recent macOS and watchOS updates the watch forgets it is tracking the last: Track did not match real life last time out
  4. [R8] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Compass on steroids: Nice tracking app…if you have acreage to oversee, it’s worth it
  5. [R6] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US Poor instructions: I have paid for this and been unable to use it. Finally figured out that the app needed to be updated. I would have expected notification
  6. [R11] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Easy to use: Very user friendly suits our purpose
  7. [R12] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US I want it to be better: It’s just not intuitive. Even simple things are difficult. I have to go to ChatGPT many times to ask things I need. If I ever figure it out, I would love to give it five stars. Very frustrated.
  8. [R22] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Difficult to learn: Not an easy learning curve. The directions need improvement. Author needs to assume we don’t understand much about this technology.
  9. [R18] GPS Tracks 3/5 · US Average due to weak programming: I deleted this app when it got stuck on a screen and became a brick. The programming is headed in the right direction but is not well implemented. Still, good feature set just not worth paying for until the freezing is resolved.
  10. [R29] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Déception: Interface beaucoup moins intuitive que celle MotionX-GPS. L’application plante sans cesse. Beaucoup de progrès à faire. Vivement des mises à jour !!!
  11. [R39] GPS Tracks 1/5 · GB The tracker is not loading the journey: Really sorry, but when I want to see my last trip is loading more than one hour and still doesn’t show my last trip. Definitely is outdated
  12. [R10] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US MoneyTracks: They want money for everything. Greedy developer. There are better apps around where you can have similar features way cheaper, like maps.com
  13. [R16] GPS Tracks 1/5 · US Not free: Tell price up front. I would have paíd if the price was posted before downloading. Now I do not plan to use this app.
  14. [R17] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Patriot17 FAVE FOR ONBOARD GPS: I paid. I love this program. Really accurate and valuable for sharing OPERATIVE MAPPING.
  15. [R42] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US 3 years: Using for the last 3 years for spear fishing. Marking reefs and areas. Works great w/couple small annoyances. Some features seem complicated and laggy but service response is quick and efficient. I may also be part of the problem and could learn more..
  16. [R52] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Support is superb: App works great. Using for dog walks and hiking. Very happy with it.
  17. [R56] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Very happy. User friendly.: Great service. He helps me out quickly!
  18. [R53] GPS Tracks 1/5 · GB Misleading description: I downloaded this app only because in description says off-line maps available but that’s not true. You need to pay additional annual fee for that.
  19. [R64] Google Maps 2/5 · US New updates disabled some searches: Some of the common searches like restaurants, attractions, gas etc. are not showing on the maps and redirects you to google search. The only time it works is when you’re on incognito mode.
  20. [R73] Google Maps 1/5 · US Something broke recently: I can no longer search for nearby locations without being told to use Google Search or AI. I am not going to do either, and I am going to open up Apple Maps.
  21. [R76] Google Maps 1/5 · US Wtf are you doing Google?: This new update is atrocious. You can’t find anything near you. It makes ZERO sense. I type in the word “food” or “pizza” into google maps and instead of giving me nearby business I’m shown photos based on some obscure ranking that applies to business far beyond my nearby location. This is unacceptable. It goes without saying if they don’t fix this I’m not using their pr
  22. [R79] Google Maps 1/5 · US What happened?: July 2026 Google Maps doesn’t know where anything is anymore and is asking to search Google or Try Ask Mask? Whatever the developers did to search it’s awful. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL
  23. [R20] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Great App: I was looking for an app to trace my route as I travel. This app draws a perfect line showing my route. Lots of great features too. I’m using the pro feature so I can use the offline maps. Note that Google and Apple Maps are not available offline, but there is a house version that is, and it works fine.
  24. [R59] GPS Tracks 5/5 · US Terrific navigation app!: I had MotionX-GPS but they stopped supporting the iOS in 2021 so it won’t even launch on my iPad with iOS 15. I downloaded GPS Tracks and after a few uses, I upgraded to GPS Tracks Premium. Feature rich, ability to save offline maps, tracking, waypoints, just a great NAV app!! I highly recommend it!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store