Google Maps vs Waze vs Apple Maps

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Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Determine which is the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Depending on how old you are, you probably remember the days of printed directions, patiently watching the odometer to count down the miles until your next turn, and a backup road atlas to guide you. These days, computerized NAV is optional on almost every new car and cell phone. While most NAV apps produce the same basic information, how and what information they present can be quite different. With so many different apps to choose from, how can anyone decide which one is the best navigation service for your car? We have narrowed it down to our top 3 suggestions, Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. CarPlay® is an option in a bunch of new cars that may feel like the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google Maps

Google Maps is the most robust navigation application in this comparison as all of the info is provided by the massive Google search engine.

Advantages of Google Maps

• Offline availability – Download your map. No cell service, no problem.

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

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

• More than cars – Google Maps can help you on your next bike trip, train ride, or walk.


Apple

Apple Maps might be the most prevalent navigation app, since CarPlay® is available in many new cars. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that it’s only available on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Benefits

• Look Around presented by Apple – See both a map view of your location and images. This feature can be very useful if you get lost.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find gas stations that are nearby and other unique attractions.
• NAV options – Apple has map options for driving, walking, and public transportation.

Waze

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

Waze Advantages

• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends and family by posting your location on your timeline.
• Not just directions – Receive real-time data about road closures, incidents, and speed traps.
• Updates as they happen – User update info as they are driving, that information is then used to update your route to give the fastest way to your destination.

The Winner

It should be no surprise, but the best NAV App depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost a lot, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be helpful and beneficial. 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, then Waze is your best choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have standout features and you really can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.