Sygic vs Google Maps – Which Navigational App is Best?

Sygic is a popular navigation app that has been around since 2004, offering reliable offline navigation. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to download maps for over 200 countries, making it highly useful for travelers in areas without internet. The app is packed with features such as turn-by-turn voice navigation, 3D maps, and speed limit alerts, which make driving safer and more convenient.

For those looking for more advanced features, Sygic Premium provides real-time traffic updates, speed camera warnings, and even a Head-Up Display (HUD) for better visibility during night driving. For users asking, “Is Sygic better than Google Maps?”, Sygic’s strength clearly lies in its offline capabilities and driving-focused features.

Google Maps, launched in 2005, is one of the most widely used navigation apps, offering real-time traffic updates, route suggestions, and local business information. Unlike Sygic, Google Maps is mainly designed for online use, making it an excellent tool for users who have consistent internet access.

Over the years, Google Maps has expanded its features to include public transport routes, Street View, and detailed business listings. Whether you are driving, walking, or taking public transport, Google Maps provides clear directions with live updates, all for free. While Sygic caters more to drivers, Google Maps offers a wider range of services that make it versatile for all types of users.

When comparing the key features of Sygic vs Google Maps, both apps shine in different areas. Sygic excels with its offline maps, 3D buildings, and customizable routes that allow you to avoid toll roads and highways. On the other hand, Google Maps is more focused on real-time data, with features like traffic updates, business reviews, and public transportation integration.

Are you wondering, “Is Sygic better than Google Maps?” Let’s explore that in depth! We will start by introducing both apps separately, followed by their similarities, and then dive into a detailed comparison of their features, subscription plans, and other factors.

Sygic VS Google Maps – Similarities 

Despite their different approaches, Sygic and Google Maps share several core functionalities that make them useful for navigation. Below is a breakdown of their common features and a more detailed analysis of how they operate in these areas:

Offline Maps: 

Both apps provide offline navigation, although Sygic has a more robust offline mode. In Sygic, users can download maps for entire countries or regions, making it a true offline navigation app. Google Maps, while offering offline functionality, requires users to download specific areas manually, and many of its online features (like business listings and real-time traffic updates) are not available offline.

Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation

 Both Sygic and Google Maps offer turn-by-turn voice-guided directions, ensuring that users don’t have to constantly check their screens while driving. This feature is standard in both apps and enhances driver safety by providing hands-free instructions.

Traffic Updates

 Both apps offer real-time traffic information, but the way they deliver it differs. In Google Maps, traffic updates are available for free and are updated in real-time based on data from millions of users. Sygic, however, only provides real-time traffic updates through its premium subscription.

Also Read: Sygic vs TomTom- Detailed Comparison Features & Pricing

Business Listings

Both apps provide information about businesses along your route, though Google Maps excels in this area. Sygic offers basic information like gas stations and restaurants, but Google Maps includes much more detailed information, such as user reviews, photos, hours of operation, and even restaurant menus.

Route Planning

Both Sygic and Google Maps allow users to plan routes. Google Maps is optimized for efficiency, automatically suggesting the fastest route based on current traffic conditions. Sygic offers more customizable route planning, letting users avoid tolls, highways, or ferries.

Multiple Transport Modes

While Sygic is primarily focused on driving, both apps offer driving directions. Google Maps, however, supports a wider range of transport options, including walking, cycling, and public transportation, making it a more versatile tool for urban commuters.

Sygic vs Google Maps – Key Differences

Below is a detailed comparison of the main features of Sygic vs Google Maps, highlighting the strengths of each app in specific categories.

Offline Navigation

Sygic: 

Built around offline functionality, Sygic offers downloadable maps for over 200 countries, making it highly dependable for travelers. Once downloaded, these maps are available without an internet connection, allowing users to navigate freely even in areas without mobile coverage. 

Sygic’s offline maps also include 3D landmarks and detailed road information, ensuring that users can access high-quality navigation data at all times.

Google Maps: 

While Google Maps allows users to download specific areas for offline use, it doesn’t provide the same level of detail or flexibility as Sygic. You must manually select and download the regions you need, and even then, certain features—like real-time traffic and business reviews—are unavailable when offline.

Winner: Sygic. For those who need reliable, full-featured offline navigation, Sygic offers more comprehensive options.

Real-Time Traffic Updates

Sygic: 

Available as part of the Sygic Premium subscription, real-time traffic updates help users avoid congestion, road closures, and accidents. While the information is accurate, it’s only accessible to users who are willing to pay for the premium version of the app.

Google Maps: 

Google Maps offers real-time traffic updates for free, gathering data from millions of users worldwide. This feature is one of Google Maps’ biggest strengths, and it continuously updates based on current road conditions, providing highly accurate and timely information.

Winner: Google Maps. With free, real-time traffic updates, Google Maps is unbeatable in this category.

3D Maps and Visual Navigation

• Sygic: Sygic’s 3D maps are one of its standout features. By showing buildings, landmarks, and detailed terrain in three dimensions, it makes navigation more intuitive and visually engaging, especially in urban areas.
• Google Maps: Google Maps doesn’t offer 3D building visualizations like Sygic. However, it does provide Street View, allowing users to virtually explore locations with 360-degree imagery.

Winner: Sygic. Its 3D maps make it easier to navigate complex cityscapes and recognize landmarks.

Business Listings and Reviews

Sygic: 

Sygic offers basic business information, such as locations of gas stations, restaurants, and points of interest, but it doesn’t go into as much detail as Google Maps. The business data in Sygic is limited to essential information like names and addresses, with no user reviews, photos, or opening hours.

Google Maps: 

This is where Google Maps shines. It provides comprehensive details about local businesses, including user reviews, ratings, photos, and opening hours. You can even see menus for restaurants, contact information, and real-time crowd levels. These details are invaluable for users who are looking to explore new places or find the best-rated spots nearby.

Winner: Google Maps. Its rich database of businesses and detailed information make it the best choice for users who want more than just navigation.

Customization of Routes

Sygic: 

Sygic allows for a high degree of customization when it comes to planning your route. Users can choose to avoid toll roads, highways, ferries, or specific types of roads, which is ideal for drivers who prefer scenic routes or want to avoid additional costs.

Google Maps: 

While Google Maps does provide multiple route options, it lacks the same level of customization as Sygic. The app primarily focuses on optimizing routes based on traffic conditions, and there aren’t many ways to adjust preferences unless users manually select alternative routes.

Winner: Sygic. Its customizable route options give drivers more control over their journeys.

Speed Limit Alerts

Sygic

One of Sygic’s standout driving features is its speed limit alerts. The app displays the current speed limit for the road you’re driving on and alerts you if you exceed it, helping you avoid speeding fines and ensuring safer driving.

Google Maps

While Google Maps does provide speed limit information in some regions, it doesn’t have a dedicated speed limit alert feature like Sygic. It’s more limited in terms of speed tracking and warnings.

Winner: Sygic. Its speed limit alerts are a valuable feature for drivers who want to stay within legal limits.

7. Public Transportation

• Sygic: Sygic is primarily focused on drivers, so it doesn’t include public transportation routes or schedules. Its feature set is aimed at private vehicle navigation, so it’s not a great choice for users who rely on buses, trains, or subways.
• Google Maps: Google Maps is a versatile app that supports not only driving but also public transportation. It provides detailed schedules, real-time tracking of buses and trains, and walking routes to and from public transit stations. This makes it the go-to app for commuters in urban environments.

Winner: Google Maps. Its comprehensive public transportation integration makes it a better choice for city dwellers and commuters.

Subscription Plans: Sygic vs Google Maps

Sygic

• Free Version: Sygic offers a free version that includes basic navigation and offline maps. However, many of the advanced features, such as real-time traffic, speed camera alerts, and Head-Up Display (HUD), are locked behind a Sygic Premium subscription.
• Sygic Premium: This paid version unlocks all the premium features and can be purchased either as a lifetime license or a yearly subscription. The cost of the lifetime license varies by region but typically ranges between $30 to $50. The premium version also includes regular map updates and enhanced customer support.

Google Maps

• Completely Free: Google Maps is entirely free to use, with no premium subscription or hidden costs. All features, including real-time traffic, public transport information, and business listings, are available to every user at no additional charge.

Winner: Google Maps. It provides extensive features without any cost, making it an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious users.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Sygic vs Google Maps depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the app. If you’re someone who frequently travels in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, Sygic is the better option due to its offline navigation, 3D maps, and customizable routes. It’s especially useful for drivers who need speed limit alerts and advanced driving features like parking assistance and speed camera warnings.

On the other hand, if you need a free, all-in-one navigation tool that provides real-time traffic updates, public transportation routes, and comprehensive information about businesses, Google Maps is the clear winner. It’s a versatile app that works for drivers, commuters, and pedestrians alike, offering a wide range of features without any additional costs.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize offline functionality and premium driving features or prefer the real-time data and broad versatility of Google Maps. Both apps are excellent, but choosing the right one will depend on how you plan to use it.

FAQs

Which is better for offline navigation, Sygic or Google Maps?

Sygic is the better option for offline navigation. It allows users to download full maps for entire countries and provides robust offline features. Google Maps offers offline maps for specific areas but lacks the full functionality available when online.

Does Sygic offer real-time traffic updates?

Yes, but only with a Sygic Premium subscription. Real-time traffic data helps users avoid congestion. Google Maps, however, offers real-time traffic updates for free.

Is Google Maps completely free to use?

Yes, Google Maps is entirely free. All features, including real-time traffic updates, business information, and public transportation routes, are available to all users without any cost.

Which app provides speed limit alerts?

Sygic provides real-time speed limit alerts, helping drivers avoid speeding fines. Google Maps does not offer a dedicated speed limit alert feature.

Can I use Google Maps or Sygic for public transportation?

Google Maps is the better option for public transportation. It offers detailed schedules and real-time tracking for buses, trains, and other public transit. Sygic does not include public transportation routes.

Which app has better business listings and reviews?

Google Maps excels in this area, offering extensive information, user reviews, photos, and ratings for businesses. Sygic provides basic business information, but it’s not as comprehensive as Google Maps.

How much does Sygic Premium cost?

Sygic Premium can be purchased as a lifetime license or a yearly subscription. Prices typically range from $30 to $50, depending on region and available promotions.