GPS Units or Google Maps?

Several factors will likely influence your choice between stand-alone GPS units and Google Maps. How much are you willing to pay for the service? Would you spend more money for better accuracy and professional features? Do you plan to use GPS for your business?

Knowing how these and other factors affect your choice should make it easier for you to determine whether it makes more sense for you to choose GPS units or Google Maps. Let's compare and contrast the options to make an informed decision. You might decide that it makes more sense to choose GPS units over Google Maps.

Google Maps Is Popular for Good Reasons

Google Maps stands out as the top mapping app in the United States. Nearly 24.5 million people downloaded the app in 2021. Why do so many people like Google Maps? Probably because it meets several of their needs. Google Maps:

• Doesn't cost any money to use.

• Works on practically any smartphone.

• Provides information about locations, including businesses and attractions.

• Offers directions for drivers, walkers, cyclists, and public transit users.

If you need a basic GPS app that helps you get from point A to point B, it makes sense to choose Google Maps.

Why Would Some Choose a Stand-Alone GPS Device?

If Google Maps meets the needs of most users, why would anyone purchase a stand-alone GPS device and pay for professional services?

Comparing the Accuracy of GPS Units and Google Maps

Google Maps promises to find your location within 20 meters. That means Google Maps could think you're up to 65 feet away from your actual location. You can potentially get a more accurate location by connecting to a Wi-Fi network. More likely than not, you will only have Wi-Fi access inside or near a building.

For comparison, the LandAirSea (LAS) 54 uses a combination of GPS and 4G LTE technologies to give users location accuracy within 1.8 meters, just slightly below 6 feet. If you want better accuracy, you clearly want to choose GPS units over Google Maps. Even with the latest smartphone, Google Maps cannot promise to meet the expectations of a stand-alone GPS device.

GPS Units Have the Latest Maps and Travel Data 

Additionally, you can count on professional GPS software to give you the latest maps. Google Maps does a reasonably good job updating its maps and collecting traffic information. With a stand-alone unit, though, you get a team of developers focused on making sure every user has access to updated information. 

GPS Devices Have Professional Software With Extra Features

Google Maps can give you reliable driving directions, but it can't perform many functions that professional GPS software offers. Silvercloud software from LAS lets users:

• Share their locations with trusted contacts.
• Turn devices on or off.
• Create geofences and boundaries.
• Receive alerts when GPS units cross predetermined borders.
• Get notifications when drivers speed.
• Track cars, trucks, boats, crates, shipping containers, and other assets. 
• View complete histories of where GPS units have been.

Google Maps Might Not Work Well on Some Smartphones

Google Maps' performance will vary depending on the type of device you own. An older phone cannot transfer data as quickly as a newer model. If you have an older phone, you might find that Google Maps struggles to keep up with your movements.

Google Maps also needs to compete with other apps on your phone. If you plan to stream music while you drive, the music app might interfere with Maps. Interference can also come from other apps, including those designed for texting, phone calls, and social media. 

LAS designs its stand-alone GPS units to communicate with satellites and software. The devices don't need to do anything else, so all the processing power goes to communicating the unit's location. 

Many GPS Units Have Affordable Prices

Some people will always prefer Google Maps because they don't have to pay a monthly fee. That's fine as long as it meets their needs. It's important to consider the overall price of using GPS units or Google Maps, though.

You can expect to spend at least $500 on a mid-range smartphone. A new iPhone can easily cost $1,000 or more. Google Maps doesn't cost anything, but you spend a lot of money on the device you need to use the app.

The LAS Sync only costs about $25. You will need to pay a monthly subscription fee to use all of the device's features, but LAS has flexible options with prices based on how often you want to receive location data. You can also lower your overall cost by paying for an entire year instead of making monthly payments. 

In the long run, GPS units will cost more than Google Maps, but the difference isn't as extreme as you think, and you get much more for your money.

How LAS Can Help