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Sygic vs. Google Maps

Sygic vs. Google Maps

Sygic may not support public transport, but it is a service packed with powerful AI. Google Maps, on the other hand, is impressive and famous.

Both have been working on different features. For example, Sygic recently added support for electric cars, and Google Maps has improved personalizing and group planning.

In this text, we will explore Sygic vs. Google Maps and see the differences.

Routing

Sygic and Google Maps Interface
Sygic and Google Maps Interface

Routing is essential because you don’t want to get stuck in traffic. Google Maps gets the data from Android devices, the app itself, and many other GPS-enabled devices worldwide.

Sygic uses TomTom Traffic navigation, and the data is updated every 2 minutes from over 400 million vehicles.

To find a prominent service, I took a test drive of 5.5 miles (9 kilometers). Take a look at the below table for the results of the test drive.

ServiceETA on startETA on end
Sygic16:4216:50
Google Maps16:4516:50
Road trip results

Regarding the traffic, Google Maps was more accurate, while both could not cope with real-time traffic changes. Sygic has the feature of suggesting if a better route is available, which can help sometimes.

Voice

Sygic comes in several languages, including English, UK, US, Deutsch, Italiano, etc.

Google Maps offers many voice options, including English, Deutsch, Eesti, Filipino, Italiano, Magyar, Norsk, and Suomi.

Regarding voice commands, Google Maps is better. Google Maps voice navigation only guides when needed, while Sygic voice navigation guides even when no turning is required.

Offline navigation

Google Maps allows downloading maps of about 43 miles (70 kilometers) of the area. You can download multiple areas for free. You can also toggle on/off the offline navigation.

With Sygic, it depends on your plan. You can download the purchased regions. Sygic reported in an experiment that Google Maps is more likely to consume more storage regarding storage.

Another battle: Google Maps Against Waze

Reporting

Reporting options in Google Maps
Reporting options in Google Maps

The second most essential section of Sygic vs. Google Maps is reporting. The more features the service has, the better. Take a look at the below table for all the supported features.

FeatureSygicGoogle Maps
Speed camera✔️
Speed limit✔️
Vehicle’s speed✔️✔️
Static speed camera✔️
Mobile speed camera✔️
Crash✔️
Congestion✔️
Roadworks✔️
Road closure✔️
Object on road✔️
Disabled vehicle✔️
Fuel prices✔️
Disabled vehicle✔️
Reporting tools comparison

Transit options

Real-time Bus Tracking in Google Maps
Real-time Bus Tracking in Google Maps

There is no comparison regarding transit options. Sygic is only for private vehicles, while Google Maps supports cars, bikes, motorbikes, public transport, cycling, walking, taxi, rideshare, etc.

Some of location-dependent and may not be available in all regions.

Sygic store

Sygic offers a store where users can purchase add-ons. It comes with a handful of add-ons mentioned below.

  • Dashcam
  • Real view navigation
  • Cockpit
  • Head-up display

Each add-on can be purchased separately as well as with plans.

Other features

The last comparable section in Sygic vs. Google Maps is about other features. Here we will compare some of the unique elements of both.

Sygic

  • A small window on the right side of the screen shows how many lanes are in total and which lane the driver should be driving.
  • The parking spot feature shows nearby parking when you reach the destination.
  • The Parking feature remembers where you parked your car.
  • The SOS feature shows your location, nearest police station, hospital, petrol station, and pharmacy.
  • Journey previewing is for previewing your journey.

Google Maps

  • Lanes feature shows lanes on the top at an intersection
  • The Total lanes option shows how many lanes there are and which lane the driver should choose.
  • Businesses feature allows finding the information for millions of businesses, including their business hours, reviews, ratings, photos, etc.
  • Street view is for the street view and real-time street view to experience true navigation.

Common

  • The Nearby places option shows nearby places on the map while driving.
  • The Activity (timeline) tool saves your driving activity, while Sygic has a similar tool called the Sygic Travel book.

Who wins: Sygic or TomTom GO

Which one is better where

  • For public transport, Google Maps.
  • Google Maps is better regarding traffic, but it always stays on the route, which was suggested initially.
  • Sygic is the way to go if you are a new driver (or in a new city), as the app has many features to keep you from problems.
  • Sygic is also your friend if you want to avoid safety cameras.

The most important question is whether you want to spend money. Sygic is not free, a fine line between Sygic and Google Maps.

I hope the article Sygic vs. Google Maps helped. Feel free to share your views in the comments below to discuss more.

Edgardo

Saturday 14th of January 2023

How much memory do offline maps take up on my phone? If I go to other countries, do I have to buy offline maps? How much do they cost ? Example: Italy, France, Switzerland ?

Henry

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

I travel to the country on dirt roads and no phone service areas in australia will they work. i need to buy a new radio / head unit so do i buy one with built in sat nav or without and use an app. thanks Henry

Madhsudhan Khemchandani

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

If you are going in, I think you should go all in. A device with a navigation system would be great if you drive off-road a lot.

Dan

Sunday 14th of August 2022

The comparison chart is way off what reality is. A lot of good info about Sygic has been left out. I suggest better research.

Ron

Thursday 11th of August 2022

I'll agree with another poster that it seems like Sygic has reduced the time before you need to turn to tell you you need to, often telling you when you're literally at the point when you have to turn or miss your chance.

I will note though, one HUGE benefit for me with Sygic that Google Maps /Directions doesn't do, and has been an issue for years, is the radio interruption.

On a lot of semi-older cars I've used with Bluetooth, when the phone is linked you can't hear the Google Maps directions unless you have the radio on "Aux". Sygic, on the other hand, uses a hands-free profile trick to fake an incoming call and then reads out the like "In 100 feet, turn right" deal.

If you have a setup where GMaps can't or doesn't interrupt your radio audio if you're say on FM or Satellite radio or what not, give Sygic a try

Mino

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

Sygic *was* better than Google, but has deterioated in many aspects (05/2022): Voice once useful, is not not usable any more (German), because some words are missing. Voice commands now come too early: 5 km, 2km but then, when you have to turn, it is way too short 10-20 m(!) and you may miss the exit. Day and night display does not work automatically any more. The app is talking way too much. Once you could enter your own comments ("Boy, you are too fast...!")this feature is gone now. Mobile cameras will not be announced unless you have an abonnement.

The only advantage for Sygic is you can use it offline, when you lose connection it will still work but might change the route.