Apple Maps versus Waze versus Google Maps

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Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Determine which is the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age probably recall an emergency road atlas, pre-printed directions, and the days of watching the odometer like a hawk to track the miles until your next turn to guide you. Now, computerized NAV is available on nearly every single car and cell phone. While nearly all navigation services produce the same basic information, how and what information they present can be very different. With so many unique choices, how can you know which one is the best NAV service for you? We have concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. Apple CarPlay® is installed in so many new vehicles that it may appear to be the leader, but Google Maps and Waze have their own built-in advantages as well.

Google

Google Maps is the most powerful navigation app in this comparison since all of the information is provided by the Google search engine.

Google Maps Biggest Benefits

• Not just for cars – If you want to bike, take a train, or just take a walk then Google Maps can handle it.

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

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

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


Apple Maps

Thanks to the CarPlay® integration with many brand-new cars, Apple Maps might be the easiest NAV app to use on the market. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, you must have an iOS device to use it.

The Top Benefits of Apple Maps

• Pit Stops – Find unique attractions and nearby gasoline stations.
• Several different options for NAV – Apple has map options for public transportation, driving, and even walking.
• Look Around – See both images and a map of your location. This feature can be very useful if you are lost.

Waze

Despite other navigation applications now having some kind of user-generated traffic info, Waze was the first navigation app to really use the tech too.

Waze Advantages

• Not just directions – Get real-time information about road closures, incidents, and even speed traps.
• Facebook integration – Update your timeline and share your road trip with friends and family.
• Real-time traffic info – Other drivers input info while they drive, that information is used to figure out the quickest way to your destination.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It should not be a surprise, but the best NAV App depends on how you use it. If you get lost easily, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be extremely beneficial. If you use NAV for your next cycling trip, Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just need to get somewhere in the quickest time possible, then Waze is your best choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have their own features and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.