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

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The Best GPS Navigation Application for your Vehicle

Want to find the best GPS navigation application for your vehicle?

Depending on your age, you might recall the days of watching the odometer like a hawk to count down the miles until your next turn, an emergency road atlas, and printed directions to guide you. These days, digital navigation is available on almost every single mobile phone and vehicle. While most NAV applications produce the same general info, what and how the info is displayed can be quite different. With so many unique choices available to choose from, how can anyone know which is the best? We have concluded that our top 3 choices are Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. CarPlay® may appear to be the leader because it is an option in so many new cars, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique built-in advantages.

Google Maps

Google Maps is the most robust navigation app in this review because all of the data is provided by Google itself.

Google Maps Biggest Benefits

• Available offline – No cell service, no problem. Download your map.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See actual images of your desired location on the map.
• Updates as they happen – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Not just for vehicles – If you want to walk, bike, or take a train then Google Maps is ready.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps might be the most used navigation app, thanks to CarPlay® integration with many brand-new vehicles. ​Apple Maps has one minor issue, it’s only found on iOS devices.

The Top Benefits

• Look Around by Apple – See both a map of your location and images of the area. Very useful if you are lost.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find unique attractions and nearby fuel stations.
• Several different options for Navigation – Get map options for public transportation, driving, and even walking.

Waze

Despite other NAV applications now use some sort of user-generated traffic info, Waze was the first navigation application to really use the technology as well.

Advantages of Waze

• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends by posting your location on your timeline.
• More than just directions – Get real-time info about construction, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Real-time traffic updates – Waze users input information while they are driving, which is used to update your route to give the quickest way to your destination.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It should be no surprise, but the best NAV App really depends on how you use it. If you get lost frequently, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be helpful. If you use Navigation to follow your next cycling road trip, Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just need to get somewhere in the fastest time possible, Waze is your best choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have unique features and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.