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

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The Top GPS Application for your Vehicle

Learn more about the top GPS application for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age may remember the days of patiently watching the odometer to track the miles until your next exit, an emergency road atlas, and directions that were printed to guide you on long drives. These days, digital navigation is optional on nearly every brand-new mobile phone and vehicle. While nearly all NAV applications provide the same general information, how and what information they present can be quite different. With so many options available to select from, how can anyone decide which is the best? We’ve concluded that our top 3 picks are Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. Apple CarPlay® is an option in a bunch of brand-new vehicles so it may appear to be the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique benefits as well.

Google

Google Maps is the most robust navigation app in this review since all of the info is provided by the massive Google search engine.

The Top Benefits of Google Maps

• Instant updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

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

• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View real images of your location on the map.

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


Apple

Since CarPlay® is an option in many brand-new vehicles, Apple Maps might be the easiest NAV app to use available today. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that it’s only found on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Benefits

• Look Around – See both images and a map view of your location. Very useful if you are lost.
• Pit Stops by Apple – Find unique attractions and nearby fuel stations.
• Several unique options for NAV – Apple has maps for driving, walking, and public transportation.

Waze

While other NAV applications now have some kind of user-generated traffic data, Waze was the first NAV application to use the tech too.

Waze Biggest Benefits

• Facebook integration – Share your road trip by posting your location on your timeline.
• Get more than directions – Get real-time data about road closures, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Real-time traffic information – Waze users input information as they are driving, which is used to update the route to give the quickest way to your destination.

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

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation App truly depends on what drivers need. If you get lost frequently, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be extremely helpful. If you use Navigation to follow your next big cycling trip, Google Maps has you covered. But, if you just need to get to your destination in the shortest time, then Waze is your choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have standout features and you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you pick.