Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps – Which Should I Choose?

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If you are a driver of a certain age you probably remember the days of pre-printed directions, patiently checking your odometer to track the miles until the next turn, and a backup road atlas to guide you. Nowadays, electronic NAV is an option on nearly every single cell phone and vehicle. While nearly all NAV apps produce the same kind of information, what and how the information is shown can be very different. With so many different options, how can you decide which is the best? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 choices, Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. Apple CarPlay® may seem like the leader because it is an option in so many new vehicles, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique built-in benefits.

Google

Google Maps is the most powerful NAV app in this review as all of the data is provided by the Google search engine.

The Advantages of Google Maps

• Available offline – No cellphone service, no problem. Download your map.
• Google Exclusive: Street View – View actual images of your location on the map.
• Instant traffic updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Cars are just the beginning – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps can handle it.

Apple Maps

Thanks to the CarPlay® integration with many brand-new vehicles, Apple Maps could very well be the most prevalent NAV app available today. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, it is only available on iOS devices.

The Biggest Benefits of Apple Maps

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

Waze

Despite other navigation applications now feature some form of user-generated traffic information, Waze was the first NAV application to use the technology too.

The Advantages of Waze

• Facebook integration – Share your road trip by posting your location.
• Not only directions – Receive real-time data about road closures, accidents, and even police alerts.
• Real-time traffic information – Other drivers update information while they are driving, that info is then used to figure out the fastest way to your destination.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a shock, but the best NAV App depends on how you use it. If you get lost frequently, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps is helpful. If you use NAV for your next cycling trip, then Google Maps is your best choice. However, if you just want to get somewhere in the fastest time possible, Waze is your choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have their own standout features and you truly can not go wrong with any of them.