Which is the Best – Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze?

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The Top GPS Application for your Vehicle

Learn more about the top GPS application for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age might recall an emergency road atlas, printed directions, and the days of patiently checking your odometer to track the miles until the next turn off to help guide you on road trips. Now, electronic navigation is available on almost every single cell phone and vehicle. While nearly all navigation apps provide the same general info, what and how the information is displayed can be quite different. With so many unique choices, how can you figure out which is the best? We have decided on our top 3 choices are Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. Apple CarPlay® may feel like the frontrunner because it is available in so many new vehicles, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google

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

Biggest Benefits of Google Maps

• More than just cars – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps can handle it.

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

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

• Offline availability – No cell reception, no worries. Download your map.


Apple

Since CarPlay® is installed in many brand-new vehicles, Apple Maps could be the most prevalent navigation app on the market. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, drivers must have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Biggest Advantages

• Navigation options – Get maps for walking and public transportation, along with driving routes.
• Pit Stops – Find different attractions and gasoline stations that are nearby.
• Look Around presented by Apple – See both images and a map view of your area. Very helpful if you are lost.

Waze

Even though other NAV applications now feature some kind of crowd-sourced traffic data, Waze was the first to really use the technology too.

Waze Advantages

• More than directions – Get information about construction, accidents, and even police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends and family by posting your location on your timeline.
• Updates on traffic as they happen – User update information while they drive, which is then used to figure out the fastest route based on road conditions.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation App really depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost easily, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps is beneficial. If you use NAV for your next big cycling road trip, Google Maps has you covered. However, if you just want to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest time, Waze is your only choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have features and you truly can not go wrong with any of them.