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

 

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The Top GPS Navigation Applications for your Car

Identify the top GPS navigation applications for your car.

If you’re a driver of a certain age you probably recall the days of directions that were printed out, watching the odometer to track the miles until the next exit, and an emergency road atlas to guide you on long drives. These days, computerized NAV is optional on nearly every single mobile phone and vehicle. While most navigation services provide the same general info, how and what information they present can be very different. With so many different apps, how can you decide which one is the best NAV software for you? We have concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® is installed in so many new vehicles that it may seem like the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique benefits as well.

Google Maps

The most robust NAV application in this comparison is Google Maps as all of the data comes from the massive Google search engine.

Google Maps Biggest Advantages

• Download capability – Download your map. No cell reception, no problem.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View real pictures of your desired location on the map.
• Traffic updates in an instant – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Cars are just the beginning – If you want to walk, bike, or take a train then Google Maps is ready.

Apple

Thanks to the CarPlay® integration with many new vehicles, Apple Maps might be the most used NAV app available today. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that you must have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Biggest Benefits

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

Waze

Waze was the first to have some sort of crowd-sourced traffic information, though other NAV apps now use the info too.

The Top Benefits of Waze

• Facebook integration – Share your road trip with friends and family by posting your location.
• Get more than directions – Get information about detours, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Updates on traffic in real-time – Other drivers update information while they are driving, that information is then used to calculate the quickest way to your destination.

Our Results Are In, The Winner of Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps is:

It should not be a shock, but the best Navigation 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 to plan your next cycling road trip, Google Maps is your best choice. However, if you just need to get to your destination in the shortest time possible, Waze is your best choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have standout features and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them.