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

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The Best Navigation Apps

Need to discover the best navigation apps?

Drivers of a certain age may recall a time when you used directions that were printed out, watching the odometer like a hawk to count down the miles until your next turn, and a backup road atlas (for emergencies) to guide you. Nowadays, computerized NAV is optional on almost every single cell phone and vehicle. While most navigation services give the same kind of info, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many unique choices available to choose from, how can one know which one is the best NAV software for you? We’ve concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. Apple CarPlay® is an option in so many brand-new vehicles that it may feel like the leader, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique built-in benefits as well.

Google

The most powerful map app in this review is Google Maps because all of the data is provided by the Google search engine.

Google Maps Advantages

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

• Not only for cars – Google Maps can help you on your next train ride, exercise walk, or bike ride.

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

• Download capability – Download your map. No cellphone reception, no problem.


Apple

Since CarPlay® is an option in many new vehicles, Apple Maps could be the most used NAV app available today. ​Apple Maps has one minor flaw, it’s only available on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Biggest Advantages

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

Waze

Waze was the first to have some form of crowd-sourced traffic info, though other navigation applications now use the data too.

Biggest Benefits of Waze

• Facebook integration – Update your timeline with your location and share your road trip with friends.
• More than just directions – Receive real-time data about detours, roadside incidents, and speed traps.
• Real-time updates – Waze users update info while they are driving, that information is used to calculate the quickest route based on road conditions.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation Application really depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost frequently, the Look Around option on Apple Maps is helpful. If you use Navigation to follow your next cycling road trip, Google Maps is for you. However, if you just need to get from Point A to Point B in the shortest time possible, Waze is your choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have their own standout features and you truly can not go wrong with any of them.