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Maps & Navigation · head to head

Apple Maps vs MapQuest

Apple Maps logo

Apple Maps

Maps & Navigation

Web mapping and navigation application developed by Apple Inc

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
M

MapQuest

Maps & Navigation

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple Maps live traffic updates, public transit info, and satellite view all require an active internet connection, offline mode (iOS 17+) is limited to pre-downloaded areas for driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions; MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Maps and MapQuest actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Maps and MapQuest differ
AttributeApple MapsMapQuest
PlatformsiOS, macOS, WebWeb
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (freemium), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps & Navigation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Maps

Nothing recorded that MapQuest does not also cover.

Only in MapQuest

Nothing recorded that Apple Maps does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Maps

  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigationnot MapQuest
  • Public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries)not MapQuest
  • Offline turn-by-turn directions for pre-downloaded areas (iOS 17+)not MapQuest
  • Augmented-reality immersive walking directions in supported citiesnot MapQuest
  • Saving custom hiking/walking routes, including U.S. national park hikes, for offline accessnot MapQuest

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot Apple Maps
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot Apple Maps

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Maps

  • Live traffic updates, public transit info, and satellite view all require an active internet connection, offline mode (iOS 17+) is limited to pre-downloaded areas for driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions
  • Apple Maps for the web is only in public beta, not a full-featured release
  • Feature depth (e.g. immersive walking AR directions, detailed transit) is strongest on newer iPhones/iOS versions, leaving older devices with a reduced experience

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Maps

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Maps review.

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Maps if

  • You work on iOS, macOS, Web.
Apple Maps review

Choose MapQuest if

Nothing in the data separates MapQuest from Apple Maps on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

MapQuest review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Maps or MapQuest better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Maps starts at On request and MapQuest at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Maps or MapQuest?
Apple Maps starts at On request and MapQuest at On request.
Does Apple Maps or MapQuest run on more platforms?
Apple Maps runs on iOS, macOS, Web. MapQuest runs on Web.
What is Apple Maps best used for?
Apple Maps is most often used for turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation, public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries), offline turn-by-turn directions for pre-downloaded areas (ios 17+), augmented-reality immersive walking directions in supported cities. Of those, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation and public transit directions with real-time schedules (subways, buses, trains, ferries) are not what MapQuest is typically brought in for.
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