Flitsmeister or Apple Maps: which app is best?

Flitsmeister vs Apple Cards comparison

Flitsmeister has been a popular app for years, mainly because of the warning about speed cameras. On the other hand, Apple Maps is also widely used among Apple users. Especially since Apple Maps also has speed cameras in the Netherlands and the speed limits are visible in Apple Maps, you may be wondering which app is best to use. In this article we focus on the differences between Flitsmeister and Apple Maps. We focus on three parts: navigation, speed cameras and warnings and other features. We also look at the privacy differences.

• Navigation
• Speed ​​cameras
• Other
• Privacy
• Conclusion

Navigation: Flitsmeister or Apple Maps?

For this part we look at the most important aspects during navigation, such as calculating the route, displaying the maps and guidance during navigation. How do the two apps score in this area?

Flashmeister

Flitsmeister has its origins as an app that warns about speed cameras, but since February 2018 it also has its own navigation. At first we weren’t very pleased with the navigation, as the map could be quite unclear (with an abundance of irrelevant information, such as house numbers). In 2023 this is already a lot better, because the map looks a lot calmer. What we do think is a shame is that there is a big difference between the map during navigation and without active navigation. Funny detail: without active navigation, Flitsmeister uses the Apple Maps display.

We think that the navigation itself could be improved, especially when it comes to instructions. This way the view remains fairly static, while other navigation apps often zoom in and out for extra overview. Adjusting the route based on your location or the crowds can also be improved. Searching for interesting locations (so-called POIs) is also not ideal. This means you cannot quickly filter for a gas station, for example.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps always received (justified) criticism that the map material was not up to date and sent you in the wrong direction. We now think that Apple Maps has become a lot better. We have been using Apple Maps non-stop for the past few years and rarely or never have any problems with route guidance. The maps and instructions are clear, while the voice guidance is also pleasant. We also like the operation of the app, where you can easily share your route live and add a stopover. Since the updated Apple Maps have been introduced in the Netherlands and Belgium, the display is also a bit clearer with 3D buildings once you zoom in far enough. That gives additional recognition points.

Our winner: Apple Maps

If you look purely at the aspects surrounding navigation and route guidance, then Apple Maps is the winner for us. The instructions are clearer, the maps are clearer and there are more functions to quickly get to the right location. If you are purely looking for a clear app for navigation, Apple Maps is more than sufficient in our opinion.

Speed ​​Cameras and Warnings: Flitsmeister vs Apple Maps

For the speed cameras and warnings section, we actually pay attention to four points: whether or not to warn about speed cameras, mobile speed cameras and speed checks, current and accurate display of maximum speed, other warnings related to navigation and being able to report inconveniences along the way.

Flashmeister

The fact that Flitsmeister, as the name suggests, once started as a flash app is still noticeable today. As far as we are concerned, this is still the reason to use the app, although the focus is increasingly on other aspects surrounding traffic. The flash notifications are always accurate and clear and via the settings you decide what you want to receive a warning about and what the sound sounds like. This means you can immediately recognize what kind of warning it is. What we also find useful is the warning for section checks and keeping track of your average speed on this section.

Flitsmeister also makes it easy to report something yourself. In just a few taps you can report a speed camera or other inconveniences, such as bad road surfaces, an accident or an object on the road. Because the information is collected from all users, it is often up to date and you always know what you might encounter along the way. Other extras that come in handy are warnings for confusing railway crossings and the approaching of an ambulance. The app also shows the maximum speed on the road and your current own speed.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps has had speed cameras in the Netherlands since March 2021. Although we think this is a nice addition, the app is still a rookie in this area. For example, the app does not warn about mobile speed cameras and it is not always clear what exactly a speed camera is used for. Apple Maps knows nothing about route checks. These are all functions that you will find in Flitsmeister. Apple Maps does show maximum speeds, but not on all roads. Flitsmeister does this significantly better. Apple Maps also lacks the ability to show your own speed.

You can also report speed cameras, accidents and danger in Apple Maps, but the processing of the data is better at Flitsmeister. In Apple Maps it often takes longer before your notification is visible to other users. Moreover, you can report many more things to Flitsmeister.

Our winner: Flitsmeister

The clear winner in this area is Flitsmeister. That is not surprising, because a large part of the focus of the app is in this area. Speed ​​cameras (both mobile and fixed), section checks, accidents and much more: Flitsmeister keeps you informed of all impending traffic situations. Flitsmeister can therefore also be used in the background, because the app also sends a clear message for each warning, including a recognizable sound.

Other features Flitsmeister vs Apple Maps

There are of course many other features that play a role in which app is most useful for you. Recently, Flitsmeister has been offering more and more functions that can come in handy while on the road, while Apple Maps also has useful extras.

Flashmeister

These are some features of Flitsmeister that may come in handy:

• Favorite roads, including a list of speed cameras, traffic jams and construction works
• Built-in parking function
• Trip registration (paid)
• Pit stop (tire replacement, paid)
• Keeping statistics (top speed, 0-100 sprint, etc.)
• CarPlay app (also in the background for speed cameras)

One side note is that lately there has been more criticism that Flitsmeister offers too many extra functions that are not necessary for everyone, which means that the app does a lot. The focus is increasingly on the all-round traffic and navigation app instead of speed cameras and other warnings. The app can therefore be a bit overwhelming and have functions that you may never use.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps offers these additional functions and options, among others:

• Siri support
• Create guides and collections of locations
• Extensive information about locations (such as opening hours and reviews)
• Public transport routes
• Reserve a table at participating restaurants
• Look Around

Privacy Flitsmeister vs Apple Maps

Because Flitsmeister also uses information that users provide themselves on a larger scale (such as reporting speed cameras), Flitsmeister also collects more usage data. For example, the privacy labels show that Flitsmeister can link the location and other contact details to you. Flitsmeister can also store and process your location data, although this is done anonymously. Flitsmeister will never provide your data to third parties, as can be read in the privacy conditions. Apple Maps only uses data that is not linked to you. Apple cannot know where you have been. All data is synced between your devices via end-to-end encryption. Read more in the Apple Maps privacy policy.

Flitsmeister vs Apple Cards

Conclusion Flitsmeister vs Apple Cards

Which navigation app is best for you depends entirely on what you are looking for in a navigation app. As far as we are concerned, the combination between, for example, Flitsmeister and Apple Maps is ideal. We mainly use Flitsmeister for accurate warnings and speed cameras, while the navigation of Apple Maps is more than enough for us and offers the best options for us. However, since the introduction of speed limits and more warnings for speed cameras and accidents, we can get by better and better with just Apple Maps. But if you really spend a lot of time on the road and want a warning of every speed camera, accident and other inconveniences along the way, Flitsmeister remains a must. Are you just looking for a clear app that takes you from A to B, without you having to do anything extra? Then Apple Maps alone is also a great option. We wouldn’t use Flitsmeister for navigation alone, but the app is certainly an addition in the background or for other extra functions. If you know all your routes inside out and just want to know where you can be flashed, then only Flitsmeister will suffice. In fact, Apple Maps can’t warn you about speed cameras without starting navigation.

If both apps are not for you, you can always turn to one of the many other navigation apps. For example, Waze is a popular alternative, where accurate flash notifications and more are also available. Read more about that in our guide to the best navigation apps for iPhone and iPad.