Who does it better: Google Maps or your built-in sat-nav?

One of the selling points of new cars is the built-in satellite navigation system. But if you’re like me, you still prefer to plug in your phone and use your trusty Google Maps app to get you from A to B. So it got me wondering, which system is actually better?

We’ve evaluated Google Maps and car sat-nav features such as traffic conditions, map updates, voice commands, connections and legalities to style the debate, who does it better?

Traffic conditions

Google uses user data to understand traffic conditions. For example, if 100 drivers are using Google Maps on their phone and then suddenly stop all at once, Google knows there's a traffic jam. They can then use this data to predict journey times and routes for other drivers.

Meanwhile, the sat-nav functions slightly differently. Generic sat-navs only show your current location by connecting to satellites (hence the name).

More expensive units show real-time traffic conditions by collating information from other sat-navs in the area, traffic security information from police, private providers and traffic cameras. This information is then fed back to help your sat-nav select the best route.

The problem is that when you set your destination, sat-navs may know of a traffic jam further along your trip, and even though you are hours away from the incident, it will force you to detour then.

Winner: Google Maps

Map updates

Google Maps is updated every second of every day. If you have Google Maps open on your phone, you are actually sending data to Google.

This data can help build patterns such as peak-hour traffic jams that are then used to predict directions and estimated times. Things such as long-term road closures or roadworks, new businesses, new roads or estates and opening hours can be reported by users (and government roads and transport authorities) and will usually show up on Google Maps within a week.

Meanwhile, sat-navs often require you to pay to update your car with the new maps, as and when it’s available. If you have an older car model, you may need to order the map loaded on an SD card or CD in the post which you then use to update the sat-nav.

In newer cars, you may be able to download the new map version onto a microSD card and update that way, or it may be done during regular servicing. This can often cost hundreds of dollars, and once it’s installed, it’s already out of date.

Winner: Google Maps

Voice commands

If you’ve rented cars before, you’ll very quickly realise that not all car sat-navs are created equally, and flawed voice commands can be one of the most infuriating features. Some sat-navs still rely on preset voice commands specific to that car, so unless you know them, you won’t get much done.

Newer systems do use natural language processing, which works much better once you get used to it. This is where Google Maps really takes the win, as Google’s machine learning and natural language processing skills can develop a better understanding of what the user is actually trying to say.

Winner: Google Maps

Connection

Unlike Google Maps, car sat-navs don't use your mobile data, instead, they use GPS signalling. So you don’t need to worry about losing your mobile network connection out in the bush or chewing through your data allowance.

Car sat-nav maps won’t disappear if a call comes through or if your passenger is fiddling around with the music on Spotify. They are also preferable if you’re driving overseas as you don’t need to use expensive roaming settings.

Winner: Car sat-navs

Legal and safety

Your phone must be secured in a commercially manufactured phone holder if you want to use Google Maps while driving. If it’s not properly secured, touching your phone while driving is a serious offence that could cost you at least $400.

But having your phone within arms reach makes it tempting to quickly reply to a text message, so it’s safer to keep it out of sight and use your built-in sat-nav. Many sat-navs have safety features that prohibit you from typing while the car is moving, so this is where voice commands and steering wheel buttons can be useful.

Winner: Car sat-navs

Related: Google Maps update to include eco-friendly travel route options, air quality

Related: The best apps to help you find your way while travelling

Related: Screw GPS: Why we all need to embrace the old school road map