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

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Best GPS App for your Vehicle

Uncover the best GPS app for your vehicle.

Depending on your age, you may remember the days of patiently checking the odometer to track the miles until your next turn off, a backup road atlas (for emergencies), and directions that were printed to guide you on road trips. Nowadays, digital navigation is available on nearly every vehicle and cell phone. While nearly all navigation services produce the same basic info, what and how the info is displayed can be very different. With so many different apps, how can one figure out which one is the best? We have narrowed it down to our top 3 suggestions, Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. Apple CarPlay® is available in so many new vehicles that it may feel like the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique built-in advantages.

Google Maps

The most powerful map app in this comparison is Google Maps as all of the data is provided by Google itself.

The Top Benefits of Google Maps

• Download capable – No cell service, no problem. Download your map.

• Google Exclusive: Street View – See real images of your map location.

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

• Cars are just the start – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps is ready.


Apple

Apple Maps could very well be the most prevalent NAV app, since CarPlay® is available in many new cars. ​The one minor flaw of Apple Maps is that drivers are required to have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Advantages

• Pit Stops – Find attractions and fuel stations that are nearby.
• Several unique options for NAV – Get maps for public transportation, driving, and even walking routes.
• Look Around by Apple – See both images and a map of your location. This feature can be helpful if you are lost.

Waze

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

Waze Benefits

• More than directions – Get real-time info about construction, incidents, and police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Post your location and share your road trip with friends and family.
• Real-time updates – Other drivers update info as they are driving, that information is then used to calculate the fastest route based on road conditions.

The Winner of Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation App really depends on what drivers need. If you get lost easily, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps is beneficial. If you use Navigation to plan your next cycling road trip, then Google Maps has you covered. But, if you just need to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest time, then Waze is your only choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have unique features and you really can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.