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Head-to-head · Offline Maps Apps

Apple Maps vs AMap (Gaode Maps)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Apple Maps #1 in Offline Maps Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Apple Maps
AMap (Gaode Maps) #6 in Offline Maps Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit AMap

Apple Maps leads on 0 checks, AMap (Gaode Maps) on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApple Maps · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAMap (Gaode Maps) · 3 of 4

Apple Maps scores higher on our rubric for offline maps apps: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

AMap (Gaode Maps) offers offline place search; Apple Maps doesn't publish it.

Apple Maps is the better fit for apple users wanting offline directions. AMap (Gaode Maps) is the better fit for drivers and transit users in supported regions.

  • Apple Maps fits best

    Apple users wanting offline directions

  • AMap (Gaode Maps) fits best

    Drivers and transit users in supported regions

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apple Maps 9.3/10 Visit ↗ AMap (Gaode Maps) 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #1 in Offline Maps Apps #6 in Offline Maps Apps
Best for Apple users wanting offline directions Drivers and transit users in supported regions
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Desktop Mobile, Cloud
Platforms iOS, macOS iOS, Android, Web
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo
Features Apple Maps 2/4 · AMap (Gaode Maps) 3/4
Offline map downloads ✓ ✓
Turn-by-turn navigation ✓ ✓
Outdoor navigation — —
Offline place search Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Map coverage Regional Regional
Platforms iOS, macOS iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, web
Our review
Pros
  • Download selected areas for offline maps, directions, and place details
  • Provides driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions
  • Connects with CarPlay, Apple Watch, Siri, and Mac route planning
  • Download map data for offline viewing and city-limited place search
  • Offline driving navigation works with downloaded route-area data
  • Plans driving, public-transit, cycling and mixed routes
Cons
  • Offline map availability varies by country and region
  • Supported offline features vary by country and region
  • Outdoor features are not included
  • Offline place search is limited to the currently displayed city
  • Offline route planning requires data for every city along the route
  • Offline coverage is focused on mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
Our verdict

Apple Maps brings navigation and place discovery to Apple devices, with driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions alongside location search and place details. Its offline maps let users download selected areas for navigation and…

Read the review →

AMap (Gaode Maps) is a mapping and navigation app focused on travel and local services in China. It suits drivers and transit users in supported regions who want route guidance alongside nearby-place search. The app is free and available…

Read the review →
  1. Apple MapsOffline Maps Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. AMap (Gaode Maps)Offline Maps Apps 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apple Maps — where it wins

    • Download selected areas for offline maps, directions, and place details
    • Provides driving, walking, cycling, and transit directions
    • Connects with CarPlay, Apple Watch, Siri, and Mac route planning

    Where it doesn't

    • Offline map availability varies by country and region
    • Supported offline features vary by country and region
    • Outdoor features are not included

  • AMap (Gaode Maps) — where it wins

    • Download map data for offline viewing and city-limited place search
    • Offline driving navigation works with downloaded route-area data
    • Plans driving, public-transit, cycling and mixed routes

    Where it doesn't

    • Offline place search is limited to the currently displayed city
    • Offline route planning requires data for every city along the route
    • Offline coverage is focused on mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
  • Apple Maps9.3/10 · Free plan

    A free Apple navigation app with offline maps and directions in supported areas.

    Visit Apple MapsFull verdict →
  • AMap (Gaode Maps)8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free mapping app with offline driving support and regionally focused coverage.

    Visit AMapFull verdict →

More comparisons

All offline maps apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on offline maps apps

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update