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

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Top GPS Applications

Discover the top GPS applications.

Depending on your age, you might remember a time when you used printed directions, watching the odometer to track the miles until your next turn, and an emergency road atlas to guide you. These days, computerized NAV is available on nearly every new mobile phone and car. While all navigation apps produce the same general info, what and how the information is shown can be quite different. With so many choices available to select from, how can you decide which one is the best? We’ve concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. Apple CarPlay® is installed in so many brand-new vehicles that it may appear to be the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google Maps

The most robust map application in this review is Google Maps as all of the data comes from the Google search engine.

Biggest Benefits

• Real-time traffic updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• Not only for cars – If you want to walk, bike, or take a train then Google Maps is ready.

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

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


Apple

Since CarPlay® is installed in many new vehicles, Apple Maps might be the easiest navigation app to use on the market. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that drivers need an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Benefits

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

Waze

Waze was the first to feature some form of crowd-sourced traffic data, though other navigation applications now use the data as well.

Top Benefits of Waze

• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends by posting your location on your timeline.
• More than just directions – Receive real-time info about construction, roadside incidents, and police alerts.
• Real-time info – User update information as they are driving, that info is used to figure out the quickest path to your destination.

The Winner

It should not be a shock, but the best NAV App depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost easily, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps will be extremely helpful. If you use NAV for your next cycling road trip, then Google Maps has you covered. But, if you just want to get somewhere in the quickest time possible, then Waze is your only choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have their own standout features and you truly can not go wrong, no matter which one you choose.