Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Google Maps vs Messenger

Google Maps 4.7★ · Free to download 75
Winner Google Maps
Messenger 4.7★ · Free + IAP 65

Google Maps is generally preferred for navigation despite recent update issues, while Messenger is a solid choice for communication, though it also suffers from glitches.

Full reviews: Google Maps · Messenger

Google Maps excels in navigation accuracy and features like satellite view, but recent updates have introduced frustrating bugs. Messenger provides reliable communication, including video calls and games, but users report frequent glitches and notification problems.

Head to head

Features edge: Google MapsR2R3R5R11
Google Maps Google Maps users appreciate features like satellite view during navigation and the ability to find local businesses and services, often with detailed reviews R2R5R11. However, some users miss older features, like easily accessible addresses or the ability to search by location not currently at R3. There's also a desire for multi-trip planning and better public transport routing in some cities .
Messenger Messenger users value features like video calling, especially for cross-platform communication , and messenger games . Customization options like chat themes and emojis are also popular . However, some users report issues with audio during calls R76R79R89, missing notifications R67, and problems with marketplace reviews .
Ease of Use tieR3R4R34R43
Google Maps Google Maps is generally considered easy to use, with many users having used it for years R3R4. However, recent updates have made it less intuitive for some, with hidden addresses, changes to camera angles, and difficulty editing home addresses R3R43. Some users find the interface cluttered with ads and photo bubbles R4R34.
Messenger Messenger is generally seen as easy to use for communication . However, users report issues with logging in after switching devices , frequent auto-logouts , and a general desire for a more straightforward experience . Some find the app's connection to Meta's data practices concerning R73.
Reliability tieR4R9R13R15
Google Maps Google Maps is praised for its accuracy in navigation and routing by many users R24. However, recent updates have introduced significant reliability issues, including incorrect routing, suggesting illegal turns, outdated maps, and glitches that cause the app to lose location or crash R4R9R15R25. Some users report problems with unsupported links and music pausing R13.
Messenger Messenger is generally reliable for calls and messages, with good clarity even on low signal . However, it suffers from frequent glitches, including messages disappearing, blurry pictures, heating issues, and calls not ringing or showing up R76R79. Some users also report issues with account suspensions and identity verification .
Price/Value tieR4R50R59R73
Google Maps Google Maps is free to download and provides significant value as a navigation tool R50R59. However, some users feel that recent changes, such as the push for ad-based locations, diminish its value R4.
Messenger Messenger is free to download and offers in-app purchases. It provides value as a free communication tool, especially for cross-platform and international calls . Some users express concern about Meta's data usage practices, which they feel detracts from its value R73.
Support tieR3R4R10R18
Google Maps Reviews for Google Maps primarily focus on the app's functionality rather than direct customer support. Issues are often attributed to updates R3R4R10R18.
Messenger Messenger users report issues that would typically require support, such as account suspensions and identity verification problems, but there's no direct feedback on the quality of support received . One user explicitly states "Meta is a terrible company with even worse customer service!" .
Pick Google Maps if

you need a comprehensive navigation tool with strong local business discovery, and are willing to tolerate occasional glitches from updates.

Pick Messenger if

you need a free, versatile messaging and calling app, especially for connecting with Facebook contacts or making international calls, and can overlook frequent bugs.

Evidence note: Many Google Maps reviews are actually reviews of businesses found via Google Maps, not the app itself. These were excluded from the analysis where possible, but some may have slipped through. Messenger reviews are more consistently about the app's performance.

Frequently asked

Are recent Google Maps updates causing problems?
Yes, recent Google Maps updates have introduced several issues, including incorrect routing, hidden addresses, outdated maps, and glitches that cause the app to lose location or crash R4R9R15R25.
Does Messenger have issues with notifications or calls?
Yes, Messenger users frequently report issues with missing notifications, calls not ringing or showing up, and problems with audio during calls R67R76R79R89.
Is Google Maps better than Apple Maps?
While some users are switching back to Apple Maps due to Google Maps' recent issues R16, others still prefer Google Maps for its accuracy, satellite view, and integrated reviews, noting that Apple Maps can be faster at detecting speed limits R6R24R26.

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] Google Maps 5/5 · US Superb Bartender: Came in for a quick bite and drink. Sat at the bar where Oowauwe the bartender treated me like family. She gave a beautiful and concise rundown of the menu and drinks. After asking me what kind of cocktail I enjoy she crafted a delicious tropical Rum punch for me. It was beautiful and tasted even better. I ordered the gumbo dumplings and Brussels and I was not disappointed.
  2. [R3] Google Maps 3/5 · US Bring back featuring the address on top: I love this app, I’ve used it for years. The only reason I’m writing a review now is because with the new update, they’ve hidden the address below and you have to scroll and search for it. I now have to search for it. I have friends who don’t use this app. “Sharing the location” doesn’t work if you don’t have the app. Stop making me search and lift up rocks
  3. [R5] Google Maps 5/5 · US BEST HANDMADE ICE CREAM IN FLORIDA: BEST HANDMADE ICE CREAM IN FLORIDA 💕💕Also they have the best Matchas!!
  4. [R11] Google Maps 5/5 · US Cape Coral body and foot massage: Owen and Wendy were excellent during our first visit yesterday. We were given a gift certificate for a couple’s massage and we’re not disappointed We will return
  5. [R4] Google Maps 1/5 · US They broke a perfectly good product: I’ve used google maps almost exclusively for years. Yesterday it insisted on not using an address I selected from my address book, that I’ve used many times behind, and instead pushing locations based on ads. After restarting the process it seemed to be taking me to the right place, but in fact it took me to a separate location 8 minutes away. At this point i
  6. [R34] Google Maps 1/5 · US TURN OFF THE STUPID PHOTO BUBBLES: I CAN’T SEE THE MAP WITH THE STUPID PHOTO BUBBLES
  7. [R43] Google Maps 1/5 · US Won’t let me edit my address to the right house: Has my address in two spots and only routes to the wrong spot which is also on a different road and won’t allow me to edit it and has been causing packages to go to an abandoned building.
  8. [R9] Google Maps 3/5 · US untrustworthy: After all these years, still suggests illegal turns and nonexistent roads…
  9. [R13] Google Maps 1/5 · US Unsupported link error: Whenever I try to open a link it shows ‘Unsupported link, Google maps can’t open the link’. Too much annoying and disturbing.
  10. [R15] Google Maps 3/5 · US GLITCH: The service this application provides it’s very useful. Some glitches here and there and i guess that’s why so much updates. Today it’s not the exception places are not opening right in the middle of my screen when i click on one it pops up to the side.
  11. [R50] Google Maps 5/5 · US Amazing: Absolute amazing website so easy and functional 10/10.
  12. [R59] Google Maps 5/5 · US Awesome: I don’t see any problem so far so I’m happy!
  13. [R73] Messenger 1/5 · US Not useful: I am not understanding the utility of any of these META apps. They consume and steal your data and use it to keep you on the app yet all the content is pretty meh and underwhelming. The messenger is just another way for META to have access to your data. If only META used their money to improve the apps and provide value rather than to make it more engaging with less value.
  14. [R10] Google Maps 1/5 · US Bad map: What's with your bad satellite image update? Why did you make the images faded and poor? Bring back last year's map, it was better. Are you progressing or regressing? · translated
  15. [R18] Google Maps 3/5 · US New Update: Your new update is not economically great, need the latest update to show satellite imagery while driving.
  16. [R25] Google Maps 1/5 · US Somehow gets worse each year: Even with all the feedback I give, the navigation keeps getting worse with: - dangerous right turns immediately after highway exits - not showing highway exit numbers - routing through road closures that have already been 'accepted' as a valid change
  17. [R67] Messenger 2/5 · US Missing notifications: This is more on Facebook page where I have a notification that somebody replied to my comment and then I click on it and it's somebody else or it won't show the person. HUGE BUG!
  18. [R76] Messenger 1/5 · US no audio: i can't get my audio to work in messenger calls anymore?
  19. [R79] Messenger 1/5 · US Can’t hear: Can’t hear
  20. [R89] Messenger 5/5 · US Call: It was good only thing the sound was a little low… other than that good quality
  21. [R6] Google Maps 3/5 · US Needs Work: Calibration needs to be done for the sensor that detects speed limits because the app takes too long to switch over to a new speed- Apple Maps is faster at this. Also, please update so I can use my Siri voice as override audio because I don’t like the one Google has- it’s too sounds robotic to be helpful.
  22. [R16] Google Maps 1/5 · US Trash. BACK TO APPLE MAPS: Has been the worst maps in history. It’s back to Apple Maps for me
  23. [R24] Google Maps 3/5 · US App is getting better but could improve: I like the accuracy and that they have their own reviews u like Apple Maps. The routes needs to be updated more especially for developing areas. In my area it’s already changed over the past 5 years but google is still using stale maps.
  24. [R26] Google Maps 5/5 · US MJB: Great map I like all the options and the major is the satellite view during navigation.

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