Best online maps: Bing vs Google vs MapQuest

The bonus round: Extras

Here, we look at each mapping service for intangibles that could elevate a service above the competition.

Both Bing and Google Maps link businesses to searches, so when you type in an address, a list of businesses at that location pop up in the left hand column. Bing's listings are more comprehensive and accurate than Google's, but Google adds user reviews of the business listings directly within its results (Bing doesn't have this feature).

MapQuest doesn't provide business listings, but it does have two features that its competitors lack: a mildly useful 'gas prices' function that lets you find cheap fuel nearby, and the ability to rearrange destinations on a multiple-stop trip (input by the user) to produce the most efficient route.

Scores: Out of 10

Google: 5

Bing: 6

MapQuest: 6

Overall scores

Google Maps is our clear winner, winning almost every test category we looked at. But Bing is a strong up-and-comer that will undoubtedly benefit from a larger database over time, especially with its Streetside project. As for MapQuest, its age is definitely showing. We hope that its upcoming new version will pay off and make it a strong contender once again.

Google: 47 (out of 60)

Bing: 37

MapQuest: 30