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

 

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Top GPS Applications

Discover the top GPS applications.

Drivers of a certain age probably recall the days of directions that were printed out, watching the odometer to count down the miles until your next exit, and a backup road atlas (for emergencies) to guide you. Now, digital NAV is optional on nearly every cell phone and vehicle. While most NAV apps give the same basic information, what and how the info is displayed can be very different. With so many unique choices to choose from, how can anyone decide which one is the best? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 choices, Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. Apple CarPlay® is installed in a bunch of brand-new cars that may seem like the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique benefits as well.

Google

Google Maps is the most robust navigation application in this review since all of the data is provided by the Google search engine.

Top Benefits

• More than vehicles – Google Maps can help you on your next bike trip, train ride, or walk.
• Instant traffic updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See actual pictures of your location.
• Download capability – No cellphone service, no worries. Download your map.

Apple

Apple Maps might be the most used NAV app, since CarPlay® is available in many brand-new cars. ​The one minor flaw of Apple Maps is that you need an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Biggest Benefits

• Several unique options for NAV – Get maps for walking and public transportation, along with driving routes.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find different attractions and gas stations that are close.
• Look Around – See both a map view of your location and images. This feature can be very helpful if you get lost.

Waze

Despite other NAV apps now having some kind of user-generated traffic data, Waze was the first NAV app to really use the technology as well.

The Advantages of Waze

• Integration with Facebook – Update your timeline and share your road trip with friends.
• Not just directions – Get data about road closures, incidents, and police alerts.
• Real-time traffic information – Waze users update info as they drive, that information is used to figure out the fastest route based on current conditions.

The Winner

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation App really depends on what drivers need. If you happen to get lost frequently, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps is helpful. If you use NAV to plan your next cycling trip, Google Maps is for you. But, if you just need to get to your destination in the quickest time possible, Waze is your choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have their own features and you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you select.