Which is the Best – Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze?

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Top GPS Applications

Discover the top GPS applications.

Drivers of a certain age probably remember the days of patiently checking your odometer to count down the miles until your next exit, a backup road atlas (for emergencies), and directions that were printed to guide you on long drives. These days, digital NAV is an option on nearly every single new car and cell phone. While nearly all NAV services give the same basic info, how and what information they present can be very different. With so many different options, how can anyone figure out which one is the best? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 picks, Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. Apple CarPlay® may feel like the frontrunner because it is available in so many brand-new vehicles, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique benefits.

Google Maps

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

Google Maps Biggest Advantages

• More than just vehicles – If you want to walk, bike, or take a train then Google Maps can handle it.
• Updates as they happen – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View real images of your desired location on the map.
• Available offline – Download your map. No cell reception, no problem.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps might be the most prevalent navigation app, thanks to CarPlay® integration with many new vehicles. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that it’s only available on iOS devices.

The Biggest Benefits

• Several different options for Navigation – Get map options for walking and public transportation, along with standard driving routes.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find fuel stations that are nearby and other different attractions.
• Look Around by Apple – See both images and a map view of your area. This feature can be very useful if you get lost.

Waze

Despite other navigation applications now have some form of user-generated traffic data, Waze was the first to use the technology too.

Waze Benefits

• More than directions – Receive information about detours, accidents, and police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Post your location on your timeline and share your road trip with friends.
• Real-time updates – Other drivers update information as they drive, that information is then used to update your 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 Application truly depends on how you use it. If you get lost frequently, you can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps to help find your way. If you use NAV to follow your next big cycling road trip, Google Maps has you covered. But, if you just need to get to your destination in the shortest time possible, then Waze is your choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have features and you really can not go wrong with any of them.