Apple Maps versus Waze versus Google Maps

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Best GPS App for your Vehicle

Uncover the best GPS app for your vehicle.

If you’re a driver of a certain age you might remember the days of watching the odometer to track the miles until your next turn, an emergency road atlas, and directions that were printed to help guide you on road trips. Nowadays, computerized navigation is an option on almost every mobile phone and car. While most navigation apps produce the same general info, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many unique options available to choose from, how can anyone know which is the best? We have concluded that our top 3 picks are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® is installed in so many new cars that it may appear to be the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google Maps

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

Google Maps Biggest Advantages

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

• Cars are just the start – Google Maps can help you on your next bike trip, train ride, or walk.

• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See real pictures of your map location.

• Download capability – Download your map. No cell service, no worries.


Apple

Apple Maps might be the easiest NAV app to use, since CarPlay® is installed in many new vehicles. ​The one minor flaw of Apple Maps is that it is only available on iOS devices.

Advantages of Apple Maps

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

Waze

Waze was the first to feature some kind of user-generated traffic data, though other NAV applications now use the info too.

Waze Biggest Benefits

• More than just directions – Get info about detours, roadside incidents, and even police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends by posting your location.
• Real-time updates – Other drivers input info while they are driving, which is used to update your route to give the fastest path to your destination.

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

It should be no surprise, but the best NAV App really depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost frequently, you can use the Look Around feature on Apple Maps. If you use Navigation for your next big cycling trip, Google Maps is for you. But, if you just want to get to your destination in the quickest time possible, Waze is your best choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have features and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.