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

 

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Top GPS Applications

Discover the top GPS applications.

Drivers of a certain age probably remember the days of pre-printed directions, patiently checking your odometer to track the miles until your next turn off, and an emergency road atlas to guide you on long drives. Now, computerized NAV is an option on nearly every single brand-new mobile phone and car. While nearly all navigation applications give the same general info, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many choices, how can one decide which one is the best? We have decided on our top 3 picks are Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. Apple CarPlay® is available in so many brand-new vehicles that it may appear to be the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique advantages as well.

Google Maps

The most powerful map app in this comparison is Google Maps because all of the data is provided by Google itself.

Advantages of Google Maps

• More than just vehicles – Google Maps can help you on your next train ride, exercise walk, or bike ride.
• Traffic in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See actual pictures of your location on the map.
• Offline availability – No cellphone reception, no problem. Download your map.

Apple

Apple Maps might be the most prevalent NAV app, thanks to CarPlay® integration with many brand-new vehicles. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that drivers need an iOS device to use it.

The Top Benefits

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

Waze

Despite other NAV apps now having some form of crowd-sourced traffic data, Waze was the first NAV app to really use the tech as well.

Biggest Benefits

• Facebook integration – Share your road trip by posting your location.
• More than just directions – Get real-time information about detours, incidents, and speed traps.
• Updates on traffic as they happen – Waze users input info while they are driving, which is used to figure out the quickest route based on road conditions.

The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a shock, but the best Navigation Application depends on what drivers need. If you get lost frequently, drivers can use the Look Around feature on Apple Maps. If you use NAV for your next big cycling trip, Google Maps is for you. But, if you just need to get somewhere in the fastest time, then Waze is your best choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have standout features and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them.