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

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The Top Navigation App for your Vehicle

Find the top navigation app for your vehicle.

Depending on your age, you may remember the days of patiently checking the odometer to track the miles until your next turn off, a backup road atlas (for emergencies), and directions that were printed to guide you on long drives. Nowadays, computerized NAV is an option on nearly every single new vehicle and mobile phone. While nearly all NAV services provide the same kind of info, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many different apps to choose from, how can you figure out which one is the best NAV app for your car? We have decided on our top 3 picks are Google Maps vs. Waze vs. Apple Maps. Apple CarPlay® is available in so many brand-new cars that it may feel like the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in advantages.

Google Maps

The most robust NAV app in this review is Google Maps because all of the data comes from Google itself.

Google Maps Advantages

• Traffic updates in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• More than cars – If you want to bike, take a train, or just take a walk then Google Maps can handle it.
• Street View – View actual images of your map location.
• Download capability – No cellphone reception, no worries. Download your map.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps might be the easiest NAV app to use, thanks to CarPlay® integration with many brand-new cars. ​Apple Maps has one minor issue, it is only available on iOS devices.

The Biggest Benefits of Apple Maps

• Look Around – See both images and a map view of your area. This feature can be very useful if you get lost.
• Apple Pit Stops – Find attractions and fuel stations that are nearby.
• Several options for NAV – Get map options for public transportation, driving, and even walking.

Waze

Waze was the first to use some form of user-generated traffic data, though other navigation applications now use the information as well.

Waze Biggest Advantages

• Get more than directions – Receive real-time info about construction, accidents, and police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip by posting your location.
• Updates as they happen – Other drivers input information while they are driving, which is used to calculate the quickest way to your destination.

The Winner is:

It should be no surprise, but the best NAV Application depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost a lot, drivers can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps. If you use NAV to follow your next big cycling trip, Google Maps is for you. But, if you just want to get to your destination in the quickest time possible, Waze is your best choice. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all have their own features and you really can not go wrong with any of them.