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

Apple Maps vs MAPS.ME

Apple Maps 2.4★ · Free + IAP 45
Winner MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME 4.7★ · Free + IAP 70

MAPS.ME is generally preferred for its reliable offline capabilities and global coverage, while Apple Maps struggles with consistent navigation accuracy and frequent bugs.

Full reviews: Apple Maps · MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME offers robust offline map functionality, making it ideal for travel without internet, despite recent complaints about subscription models and ads. Apple Maps, while visually appealing, faces significant user frustration due to navigation inaccuracies, slow updates, and app stability issues.

Head to head

Features tieR8R11R14R15
Apple Maps Apple Maps users appreciate its real-time traffic reports and voice GPS, with some praising its landscape views in major cities R11. However, many users request additional features like a speedometer R14R15, the ability to mark points and measure distances , and better integration of business reviews . Some also desire flight direction options R8 and improved public transport information . Recent complaints include the introduction of ads R19R36R43.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME is highly valued for its offline map capabilities, which users find essential for travel and in areas with no internet R65R71R110R118. It's praised for including small details and being up-to-date in many countries R65. However, users report limitations in finding businesses and the inability to input addresses directly . Recent updates have introduced intrusive ads and paywalls for features that were previously free, like downloading multiple maps R63R66R87.
Ease of Use tieR6R16R21R40
Apple Maps Apple Maps is generally considered user-friendly and easy to use by some . However, many users find the navigation disorienting without a 'north-up' option in turn-by-turn mode R6. The voice interface can be annoying with too many prompts R16, and the app sometimes reroutes without consent R40. Users also report issues with filters being ignored R21 and difficulty adjusting home addresses .
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME is often described as easy to use, especially for offline navigation R110. However, some users find it difficult to use for walking and report issues with the search function not finding streets . The constant pop-ups for subscription deals are a major source of frustration, making the app annoying to open and use R66. Users also complain about having to constantly download new maps .
Reliability edge: MAPS.MER3R4R7R9
Apple Maps Apple Maps has significant reliability issues, with users reporting frequent app crashes when switching apps R3, navigation stopping in the background R3, and the app showing the user off the freeway or in a lake R7. Many reviews highlight inaccurate directions, leading to unnecessary detours, duplicate locations, or being sent miles in the wrong direction R4R12R16. Map updates are perceived as slow, leading to outdated lane guidance and road information R9. Some users experience the app not working at all, showing no directions available .
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME is generally praised for its accuracy and reliability, especially for offline use in various countries and even challenging terrains like mountains R65R118. However, some users report that places are not where the map indicates , and in some regions, maps are outdated . There are also instances of being navigated on dreadful or dangerous roads . Some users experience the app crashing or having difficulty downloading maps .
Price/Value edge: Apple MapsR1R19R36R43
Apple Maps Apple Maps is a free default app R1, but users are frustrated by the recent introduction of ads R19R36R43. Some users feel forced to use it because it's the default R1.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME was historically free and open-source, but many users are now upset about a shift to a subscription model, with charges for previously free features like unlimited map downloads R63R66R76R87. There are numerous complaints about unexpected charges, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and feeling scammed . The free version is heavily impacted by intrusive ads and constant prompts to upgrade to a Pro subscription R66.
Support tieR9R10R31R78
Apple Maps Apple Maps users express frustration with a lack of response to complaints R31 and slow map updates R9. There's a general sentiment that Apple isn't doing enough to fix basic problems R10.
MAPS.ME MAPS.ME users report issues with customer support, specifically regarding difficulties canceling subscriptions and getting refunds . Some also mention problems accessing Pro features after paying R78.
Pick Apple Maps if

You primarily use Apple devices and prefer a visually sleek interface for basic navigation, especially in major cities where its landscape views are appreciated R11. You value privacy features over other apps R6 and want a free, default option without the hassle of managing subscriptions R1R19.

Pick MAPS.ME if

You frequently travel internationally or to areas with unreliable internet access and require dependable offline maps R65R71R110R118. You need a map that is generally accurate for detailed routes, including hiking and remote locations .

Evidence note: Apple Maps has a significantly lower lifetime rating, which is reflected in the high volume of negative recent reviews detailing critical navigation and reliability issues. MAPS.ME's higher lifetime rating is challenged by recent reviews expressing strong dissatisfaction with its new subscription model and intrusive ads, indicating a decline in user satisfaction for its free tier.

Frequently asked

Does Apple Maps have a speedometer?
No, Apple Maps does not currently have a speedometer feature, which is a common request from users who rely on it for navigation R14R15.
Can MAPS.ME be used offline?
Yes, MAPS.ME is highly regarded for its offline map capabilities, allowing users to navigate without an internet connection, which is a major benefit for travelers R65R71R110R118.
Why is Apple Maps getting so many negative reviews recently?
Recent negative reviews for Apple Maps frequently cite issues with navigation accuracy, such as providing incorrect directions, duplicate locations, or unnecessary detours R4R12R16, as well as app stability problems like crashes and navigation stopping in the background R3R7.
Has MAPS.ME changed its pricing model?
Yes, MAPS.ME has shifted from a largely free and open-source model to a subscription-based one, with many users reporting charges for features like unlimited map downloads that were previously free, and experiencing intrusive ads in the free version R63R66R76R87.

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. [R8] Apple Maps 4/5 · US Maps: I wish the direction had a airplane direction
  2. [R11] Apple Maps 5/5 · US Apple maps review: thank you for helping me get around places it uses real time reports and traffic to help me understand the best route. It has voice GPS reporting and the best of all it has I don’t know it’s called but it has the landscape in major cities like Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Richmond, Orlando, Miami Fort Lauderdale IDK land i’m just gonna take a quick detour, hey
  3. [R14] Apple Maps 5/5 · US Speed meter please: Can you please add the speed meter? And more information about the routes we choose it.
  4. [R15] Apple Maps 3/5 · US Needs to add speedometer to GPS: I had to remove Google Maps because I was running out of space on my phone. Had to make Apple Maps my main GPS. The only thing missing is a speedometer. The standalone posted speed Sign is not always accurate. As far as with the speed sign is on the actual road.. This is an update that Apple needs to make with Apple Maps.
  5. [R6] Apple Maps 3/5 · US Needs north-up in turn by turn mode: I really want to like this app. I appreciate the privacy respecting features of it over pretty much every other GPS app out there at this point. But it's missing one crucial feature for me: the ability to set turned by your navigation to "north up" mode. If you're someone who is used to reading actual maps, it's disorienting for the perspective to always be cha
  6. [R16] Apple Maps 1/5 · US This app is insult to over 20 years of GPS technology: Which do you want to hear about, Apple? The annoying hand-holding voice interface that will tell you to turn 5 times approaching a simple turn and then throw in one more DURING the turn? Or we could talk about directions that include driving 2 or 3 miles in the wrong direction only to be told to U-TURN? Your app is stupid.
  7. [R21] Apple Maps 3/5 · US Partial matches are annoying: Using filters means I don’t want to see everything else, so seeing a bunch of stuff on the map that I’m trying to not see is annoying… like I could include those by expanding my search if I wanted? I don’t see why maps is second guessing filters I set… Like it completely defeats the point of a filter, why have it at all then?
  8. [R40] Apple Maps 1/5 · US STOP RE ROUTING WITHOUT CONSENT!!!: Read the title. I love the app in every way except that. I chose a certain route for a reason. Don’t re route me without giving me a choice like it used to do. I absolutely HATE that feature. Leave it alone or ask if I’d like to change. Don’t just do it for me. I would leave 5 stars if it wasn’t for that 1 problem. FIX IT APPLE. Stop forcing it on us.
  9. [R3] Apple Maps 3/5 · US App crash: Apple Maps navigation constantly stops when switching apps. I start directions, go to WhatsApp or another app for a second, and when I check back the navigation has already exited or stopped guiding me. Very frustrating while driving. Background mode doesn’t work reliably. Please fix this Apple, it should keep running smoothly in the background like other navigation apps. iPhone 14 Pro
  10. [R4] Apple Maps 1/5 · US A mapping service that allows duplicate locations nearly sent me to the hospital: Two locations for ONE BUILDING on a college campus, at least a mile apart, when we had to walk to an audition in 95 degree Texas heat. Why would a mapping service ever allow duplicate locations? We walked for a little under an hour and covered nearly 3 miles on foot thanks to Apple Maps screwing up and allowing DUPLI
  11. [R7] Apple Maps 2/5 · US Wth: For the past six months, Apple Maps, when I have been driving suddenly will show me off the freeway 6 miles away and then back on the freeway and then it hops me around for like 20 minutes trying to figure out that I am still on the freeway that I’ve been on for 20 minutes and keeps changing the times and what exit I have to get off at the last second because it thinks that I am somewhere tha
  12. [R9] Apple Maps 3/5 · US Opportunities: 7/8/26- why no map updates? Why so slow? As a result of slow updates, lane guidance is wrong What is the reason it takes so long to update the maps used in the app. Roads in my area on FM1960 rd e and rd w from Huffman Texas to Hwy 59 overpass in humble have been completed 2-3 months ago and lane guidance is out of date. Why are you all still reporting red light cameras I Humble?
  13. [R1] Apple Maps 1/5 · US Default App: The fact that I cannot make another map app my default gives you 1 star. If the app was good we shouldn’t have to be forced to use it.
  14. [R19] Apple Maps 1/5 · US Ads don’t belong: I’m now greeted with a reminder that the Maps app will now contain ads. Just what Maps needed. I’m so done with this app.
  15. [R36] Apple Maps 3/5 · US Like it better than Google: Works well, some issues here and there but worse aspect is the new ads. More garbage I don’t need or want.
  16. [R43] Apple Maps 1/5 · US Ads: You got to be kidding me? Putting ads in maps is insane. I’m going third party till this is fixed.
  17. [R10] Apple Maps 1/5 · US I’d give zero stars if I could: This used to be my go to app all the time up until like three months ago and now it is completely broken and you can’t go anywhere because the app won’t let you and Apple is doing nothing to fix it so I would not recommend anyone getting this app and anyone who has this app I would recommend deleting it because until Apple actually does a basic problem that it has t
  18. [R31] Apple Maps 2/5 · US Getting changes: Was great till about 6 months ago the quit giving me a faster route almost as if the road was not there other routes add 5-10 minutes and lots of speed bumps I’ve sent in complaints about it and never get a response
  19. [R78] MAPS.ME 3/5 · US Unable to access Pro: I signed up for Pro a while ago, but the app now won’t let me access my maps and saved places. It says that I cannot use my phone number (which was originally used to upgrade). Developers need to fix this!
  20. [R65] MAPS.ME 5/5 · US Great travel maps app: I’ve been using maps me for years and it’s never let me down. The maps are up to date and accurate to even small details are included. I’ve used it in several countries and loved using it.
  21. [R71] MAPS.ME 5/5 · US Love it: Must download to use without wifi. That’s a blessing. Just gotta be up to date. It will get you where you need to go without internet. That’s a A+ for me.
  22. [R110] MAPS.ME 5/5 · US Off-Line!: I really like how easy it is to use offline. I used a Garmin for years because it ran offline. Now I just use maps. Me
  23. [R118] MAPS.ME 5/5 · US Best Offline: Helpful even in the Sahara desert.
  24. [R12] Apple Maps 3/5 · US As much as I tried to love this: Occasionally takes me on totally unnecessary detours like getting off the highway only to get back onto it after paying an additional toll.
  25. [R63] MAPS.ME 3/5 · US used to be awesome: been using maps.me for years and its annoying they have started to take away features and started charging annual subscription for those features
  26. [R66] MAPS.ME 3/5 · US Meh: You can download max two american states. And boy if you plan to use it with internet prepare to be hit with a promotion for their $4 a month subscription every time you open the app! Herewego is better, this one’s way too intrusive. P.S- They asked for my review and the system didn’t post it because it isn’t 5 stars.
  27. [R76] MAPS.ME 1/5 · US Money, money, money: J’utilise Maps.me depuis plus de 10 ans. L’application m’a accompagné à travers le monde. Néanmoins, l’appât du gain fait qu’on passe d’une application open source gratuite à une planche à billet. 5 euros par moi pour une application de navigation. Bye bye je m’en vais trouver une nouvelle application ( il y en a plein sur le marché) Quand l’appât du gain détruit un applicat
  28. [R87] MAPS.ME 3/5 · GB Such a shame: One of my favourite apps ruined by charging to download maps. Makes it unusable 👎🏻 Put it back to how it used to be!

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