Apple Maps versus Waze versus Google Maps

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Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Determine which is the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age may recall an emergency road atlas, printed directions, and the days of watching the odometer to count down the miles until your next turn to help guide you on long drives. Nowadays, electronic navigation is available on nearly every single vehicle and cell phone. While nearly all NAV apps give the same kind of information, what and how the info is displayed can be very different. With so many unique options to choose from, how can anyone figure out which is the best? We have concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® may feel like the frontrunner because it is an option in so many new vehicles, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique built-in advantages as well.

Google

The most robust map application in this comparison is Google Maps because all of the info comes from the massive Google search engine.

Top Benefits of Google Maps

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

• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View actual images of your map location.

• Traffic in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• Vehicles are just the beginning – If you want to bike, take a train, or just take a walk then Google Maps can handle it.


Apple

Thanks to the CarPlay® integration with many new vehicles, Apple Maps could be the easiest navigation app to use on the market. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, it is only found on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Advantages

• Look Around presented by Apple – See both a map of your location and images of the area. This feature can be useful if you are lost.
• Apple Pit Stops – Find fuel stations that are nearby and other unique attractions.
• Navigation options – Get map options for driving, walking, and public transportation.

Waze

While other NAV apps now use some sort of crowd-sourced traffic information, Waze was the first to really use the technology as well.

The Advantages

• Get more than directions – Get information about road closures, incidents, and speed traps.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends by posting your location.
• Updates as they happen – Waze users input info as they drive, that information is then used to figure out the quickest way to your destination.

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

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the best NAV App truly depends on what drivers need. If you happen to get lost easily, you can use the Look Around feature on Apple Maps. If you use NAV to follow your next cycling trip, Google Maps is your best choice. However, if you just want to get from Point A to Point B in the fastest time possible, Waze is your choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have unique features and you really can not go wrong with any of them.