Mappls vs Google Maps: Which Navigation App Has the Edge?
For local Indian navigation, Mappls is simply better. Five unique features make it stand out against Google Maps, especially for Indian drivers and commuters. The key difference? Mappls builds on decades of homegrown mapping, government data, and partnerships like ISRO integration, while Google Maps sticks to global, crowdsourced data and legacy features. In 2021, Mappls rebranded from MapmyIndia to bolster its position as India’s digital maps champion, and, after India’s data privacy push, it surged in popularity among car makers, bike OEMs, and everyday users.
What Is Mappls?
Mappls is India’s leading digital mapping app, originally launched as MapmyIndia in 1995 and rebranded in 2021. Today, it powers navigation for major Indian automotive OEMs and is widely adopted by government agencies looking for localised, India-first mapping solutions.
Key Differences at a Glance
|
Feature |
Mappls |
Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Source |
Indian gov + on-ground, ISRO partnerships |
Proprietary, global and crowdsourced |
|
Privacy |
Data on India-based, indigenous servers |
Data on US-based servers, more collection |
|
Coverage |
Hyperlocal India (rural, tier-2/3 cities) |
Global, strong in big cities |
|
Offline maps |
Yes, India-optimised, small file sizes |
Yes, larger download, global focus |
Features Breakdown
Map Accuracy and Coverage
Mappls is built for India, pinpointing house-level locations via unique Mappls Pins, accurately mapping narrow lanes and even remote villages with the help of DIGIPIN integration. Example: Mappls found a by-lane in North Chennai that Google Maps listed wrong, enabling doorstep deliveries even in complex colonies. Google Maps is unbeaten globally and is still better for international addresses and tourist hotspots.
Navigation and Real-Time Traffic
Mappls shines with hyperlocal real-time updates; its live traffic signal timers in Bengaluru (AI-powered, integrated with city authorities) show actual countdowns at 169 signals, making rush-hour decisions easier. During Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi, Mappls rerouted around congestion while Google lagged by a few minutes, no shame, but important for commuters.
Privacy and Data Storage
Mappls keeps all user data in India, ticking the compliance box set by India’s 2023 data law and appealing to privacy-focused users uneasy about sharing their location with US-based entities. Google Maps, meanwhile, still gathers broad personal data and keeps it overseas. It’s a trade-off: convenience for privacy.
Offline Maps
Both have offline mode, but Mappls is optimised for India, regularly updated, and faster to download on mobile data. Google Maps offers larger, global areas, but downloads take up more space and are updated less frequently for Indian road changes.
Points of Interest (POI) and Local Search
Mappls excels at regional detail, with thousands of local businesses, small shops, and government offices indexed in major and minor cities. Users can add or modify places in local languages. Google Maps has more global reviews and international brands, but Mappls delivers more accurate POIs for places like a roadside dhaba in Pune.
Additional Features
Mappls:
-
Mappls PIN (digital address system)
-
Toll and trip cost calculators (fuel, toll, EV cost estimate)
-
3D junction views (realistic flyover/interchange mapping)
-
Live traffic signal countdowns (Bengaluru)
-
India-specific hazard alerts (potholes, speed breakers, cameras, black spots)
Google Maps:
-
Street View (limited in India, more global)
-
Indoor navigation (only at select global venues)
-
Deeper cross-app ecosystem integration
-
Google Maps has Street View, which Mappls doesn’t—though in India, Street View coverage is spotty anyway, so not a huge loss.
Disclaimer:
This comparison is based on currently available features and public information as of October 2025. Individual experiences may vary depending on location, usage needs, and future updates released by Mappls or Google Maps. The post expresses opinion for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or official review by either app provider.
