Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps

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The Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Find the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age probably remember a time when you used directions that were printed out, watching the odometer like a hawk to count down the miles until your next turn off, and a backup road atlas (for emergencies) to guide you on long drives. These days, electronic NAV is an option on nearly every single brand-new cell phone and vehicle. While all NAV services produce the same basic info, how and what information they present can be very different. With so many apps, how can one figure out which one is the best? We have narrowed it down to our top 3 picks, Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® is an option in so many brand-new cars that it may feel like the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique benefits as well.

Google Maps

The most robust map app in this comparison is Google Maps as all of the info comes from Google itself.

Top Benefits

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

• Not only for cars – Google Maps can help you on your next train ride, exercise walk, or bike ride.

• Street View – See real images of your location.

• Available offline – Download your map. No cellphone service, no worries.


Apple

Apple Maps might be the most prevalent navigation app, since CarPlay® is installed in many brand-new vehicles. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, you need an iOS device to use it.

The Advantages of Apple Maps

• Pit Stops by Apple – Find attractions and nearby gasoline stations.
• Several different options for Navigation – Get maps for public transportation, driving, and even walking.
• Look Around by Apple – See both a map view of your location and images. Very helpful if you are lost.

Waze

Waze was the first to use some kind of crowd-sourced traffic data, though other NAV apps now use the info too.

The Advantages of Waze

• Real-time updates – Other drivers input information while they drive, that information is then used to figure out the fastest way to your destination.
• Get more than directions – Receive data about road closures, accidents, and speed traps.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends and family by posting your location.

Our Results Are In, The Winner of Google Maps vs Apple Maps vs Waze is:

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the best Navigation Application truly depends on what drivers need. If you happen to get lost a lot, drivers can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps. If you use Navigation to plan your next big cycling trip, then Google Maps is for you. But, if you just want to get somewhere in the quickest time, then Waze is your only choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have standout features and you really can not go wrong with any of them.