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Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps

Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps – Which map app is the best?

Drivers of a certain age might recall the days of watching the odometer to count down the miles until the next turn off, an emergency road atlas, and directions that were printed to help guide you on road trips. Nowadays, computerized NAV is available on nearly every mobile phone and car. While most navigation applications provide the same basic information, what and how the info is displayed can be quite different. With so many apps, how can you figure out which is the best? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 choices, Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. CarPlay® is installed in a bunch of new cars that it may seem like the leader, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique benefits as well.

Waze

Despite other navigation apps now use some kind of crowd-sourced traffic data, Waze was the first to really use the tech too.

Waze Biggest Advantages

• Get more than directions – Receive real-time data about detours, accidents, and police alerts.
• Facebook integration – Share your road trip with friends and family by posting your location on your timeline.
• Real-time traffic info – User update info as they are driving, which is then used to update your route to give the fastest route based on road conditions.

Google

The most robust navigation app in this review is Google Maps as all of the data is provided by the massive Google search engine.

Google Maps Biggest Advantages

• Updates in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• More than just cars – If you want to bike, take a train, or just take a walk then Google Maps can handle it.

• Street View – View real images of your desired location on the map.

• Available offline – Download your map. No cell service, no problem.


Apple

Since CarPlay® is an option in many brand-new vehicles, Apple Maps might be the most prevalent NAV app on the market. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, you need an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Benefits

• Look Around – See both a map view of your location and images of the area. This feature can be very helpful if you are lost.
• Pit Stops – Find unique attractions and nearby gas stations.
• Several options for NAV – Get map options for driving, walking, and public transportation.

The Winner is:

It should not be a shock, but the best NAV App really depends on what drivers need. If you happen to get lost frequently, drivers can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps. If you use Navigation to plan your next big cycling trip, Google Maps has you covered. However, if you just need to get from Point A to Point B in the fastest time, then Waze is your choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have unique standout features and you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you select.