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

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Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Determine which is the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Depending on your age, you might recall a backup road atlas (for emergencies), pre-printed directions, and the days of watching the odometer like a hawk to track the miles until the next turn off to guide you. Now, electronic NAV is an option on almost every brand-new mobile phone and car. While most NAV services provide the same kind of info, what and how the information is shown can be very different. With so many different apps, how can you figure out which one is the best NAV service for your car? We’ve decided on our top 3 picks are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. Apple CarPlay® is installed in a bunch of brand-new vehicles so it may seem like the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google

The most powerful map app in this comparison is Google Maps as all of the data is provided by the massive Google search engine.

Top Benefits of Google Maps

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

• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See actual pictures of your 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 bike, take a train, or just take a walk then Google Maps is ready.


Apple Maps

Apple Maps could be the easiest navigation app to use, since CarPlay® is available in many brand-new cars. ​Apple Maps has one disadvantage, it is only available on iOS devices.

The Top Benefits

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

Waze

Even though other NAV apps now feature some form of crowd-sourced traffic information, Waze was the first navigation app to use the tech as well.

Advantages of Waze

• Real-time updates – Other drivers update info while they drive, which is used to calculate the fastest route based on current conditions.
• Get more than directions – Get real-time info about road closures, accidents, and police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Update your timeline and share your road trip with friends.

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

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