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Google Maps VS Google My Maps

Compare Google Maps VS Google My Maps and see what are their differences

Google Maps logo Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Google My Maps logo Google My Maps

Create your own custom maps using Google Maps.
  • Google Maps
    Image date //
    2024-01-08
  • Google My Maps Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-06-28

Google Maps features and specs

  • Detailed Information
    Google Maps provides extensive details about locations, including photos, reviews, operating hours, and contact information.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform boasts an intuitive design that is easy to navigate for both casual users and professionals.
  • Real-Time Updates
    Offers real-time traffic updates, accident reports, and road closures to help users avoid delays.
  • Multi-modal Directions
    Supports directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation, offering flexibility for different commuting needs.
  • Street View
    Provides 360-degree panoramic views of streets, enabling users to virtually explore neighborhoods before visiting.
  • Offline Maps
    Allows users to download maps for offline use, which is useful in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
  • Integration with Other Services
    Easily integrates with other Google services like Google Calendar, making it convenient to plan trips and appointments.

Possible disadvantages of Google Maps

  • Privacy Concerns
    The service collects extensive user data, raising privacy issues regarding how this information is used and shared.
  • Battery Consumption
    Real-time features and GPS usage can significantly drain the battery life of mobile devices.
  • Inaccuracies
    Despite frequent updates, some information may be outdated or inaccurate, such as business hours or road conditions.
  • Data Usage
    Uses a considerable amount of data, which can be problematic for users with limited data plans.
  • Overreliance
    Users may become overly dependent on the service for navigation, potentially reducing their ability to navigate without digital assistance.
  • Ad Integration
    Contains sponsored content and ads, which can sometimes disrupt the user experience.
  • Complexity
    Additional features and layers of information can make it overwhelming for users who just need basic navigation.

Google My Maps features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Google My Maps offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows users of all levels to create and customize maps without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Integration with Google Services
    Being part of the Google ecosystem, My Maps integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Maps, facilitating easy sharing and access.
  • Customization Options
    Users can personalize maps with various markers, lines, and shapes, as well as import data from spreadsheets to create customized layers and visualizations.
  • Collaboration Features
    My Maps supports multiple users working on the same map, making it ideal for team projects and collaborative planning.
  • Offline Accessibility
    Maps created with Google My Maps can be accessed offline, which is useful for travel planning in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Possible disadvantages of Google My Maps

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Google My Maps lacks some advanced GIS features that are available in professional mapping software, limiting its use for complex geospatial analyses.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    As with many Google products, there are concerns about data privacy and how location data and user information might be used by Google.
  • Import File Limitations
    There are limitations on the size and type of files that can be imported, which can be restrictive for users needing to work with large datasets.
  • Performance Issues
    Performance might degrade with maps containing a large number of layers or data points, leading to longer loading times and reduced functionality.
  • Dependency on Internet
    While maps can be viewed offline, initial map creation and significant editing tasks require a stable internet connection, which can be a disadvantage in remote areas.

Analysis of Google Maps

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Google Maps is widely regarded as a good and effective tool for navigation and location-based services.

Why this product is good

  • Google Maps is considered to be a highly reliable and comprehensive mapping service due to its extensive database, regular updates, user-friendly interface, and integration with other Google services. It offers real-time traffic updates, various map views, and detailed directions for driving, walking, biking, and public transportation.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking reliable directions and navigation.
  • Users needing real-time traffic and transit updates.
  • Travelers looking for local business information and reviews.
  • Anyone requiring integration with other Google services like Calendar or Contacts.

Google Maps videos

New Apple Maps Features That Beat Google Maps!

More videos:

  • Review - Unhelpful Google Maps Reviews - Sub Safari
  • Review - Epic Google Maps Reviews by Local Guides | The Review Review Episode 3

Google My Maps videos

No Google My Maps videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Maps and Google My Maps)
Maps
95 95%
5% 5
Web Mapping
94 94%
6% 6
Mapping And GIS
91 91%
9% 9
Travel & Location
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Google Maps and Google My Maps

Google Maps Reviews

Best Tools for Planning a Vacation to Ireland in 2025
Google Maps has been a popular navigation assistant for many years and offers not just driving directions but help finding local restaurants, accommodation and more.
8 Best Alternatives to Google Travel Trip Summaries
If you appreciated the ability to sync Google Trip Summaries with Google Maps, the closing of Trip Summaries doesnโ€™t mean you can no longer sync itineraries to Google Maps. Wanderlog allows you to export any itinerary you create within the app to Google Maps, allowing you to see the location of every attraction you want to visit and gain information on how to travel between...
Source: wanderlog.com
The 8 Best Bike Navigation Apps Ridden & Rated
UX-wise, weโ€™ve given Google Maps a near-perfect nine. The clutter-free layout and recognisable graphics. How would they score a ten? Weโ€™d love Google Maps to expand its immersive view (a flyby 3D model of a given route) beyond major cities like London.
Source: loop.cc
The Best Travel Apps for 2025
My number one go-to travel app is Google Maps. On the ground, it shows you where you are and how to get to where you need to go, whether by foot, public transit, car, or bicycle. Google Maps is equally helpful when you want to explore what's around, including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Often, the listing for sites and businesses include hours of operation,...
Source: www.pcmag.com
7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
Google Maps is often the go-to navigation app for many of us. But what if youโ€™re looking for something a little different? There are many alternatives to Google Maps that provide similar features and functions.

Google My Maps Reviews

The Best Map Makers For 2022
Google My Maps is best used for adding markers and creating custom routes (for driving, biking or walking) between these markers. Each of these are organized within layers. I find it especially useful for creating biking and walking routes:

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Google Maps and Google My Maps, you can also consider the following products

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

mamap.io - Easily create and embed a customizable, interactive map with markers, images and search functionality in just a few minutes. Enhance your user experience and streamline navigation.

OpenStreetMap - OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Leaflet - Leaflet is a modern, lightweight open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps.

Apple Maps - Maps features an all-new design with smart features to make finding and getting to your destination easier than ever.

Atlist - Atlist makes it easy to create beautiful, custom Google Maps with multiple markers. No code required.