Which is Better – Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps?

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Best GPS Navigation Application for your Car or Truck

What is the best GPS navigation application for your car or truck?

Drivers of a certain age might remember an emergency road atlas, pre-printed directions, and the days of patiently checking your odometer to count down the miles until the next exit to guide you. These days, digital navigation is an option on almost every new car and cell phone. While nearly all NAV applications give the same basic information, what and how the info is displayed can vary greatly. With so many different options, how can you know which one is the best navigation app for you? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 suggestions, Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® may feel like the frontrunner because it is available in so many brand-new vehicles, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique benefits as well.

Google Maps

Google Maps is the most robust NAV application in this review because all of the info is provided by Google itself.

Advantages

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

Apple Maps

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

The Biggest Benefits of Apple Maps

• Look Around by Apple – See both a map view of your location and images. Very useful if you get lost.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find unique attractions and nearby fuel stations.
• Navigation options – Apple has map options for walking and public transportation, along with driving routes.

Waze

Waze was the first to feature some sort of crowd-sourced traffic info, though other navigation applications now use the data as well.

The Advantages

• Facebook integration – Update your timeline with your location and share your road trip with friends and family.
• Not just directions – Receive real-time data about road closures, incidents, and police alerts.
• Updates on traffic as they happen – User update information as they drive, that information is used to figure out the fastest way to your destination.

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

It should not be a shock, but the best NAV Application truly depends on what drivers need. If you get lost easily, drivers can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps to help orient yourself. If you use NAV for your next cycling trip, Google Maps has you covered. However, if you just want to get from Point A to Point B in the shortest time, then Waze is your choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have unique features and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.