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

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Best GPS App for your Vehicle

Uncover the best GPS app for your vehicle.

If you’re a driver of a certain age you may recall the days of directions that were printed, watching the odometer like a hawk to track the miles until the next exit, and a backup road atlas (for emergencies) to guide you. These days, electronic navigation is optional on almost every vehicle and cell phone. While most NAV services give the same basic information, how and what information they present can be quite different. With so many unique apps, how can anyone know which one is the best navigation software for you? We have concluded that our top 3 suggestions are Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. Apple CarPlay® is an option in so many brand-new cars that it may appear to be the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique advantages.

Google Maps

Google Maps is the most robust NAV app in this review as all of the info comes from Google itself.

Google Maps Advantages

• Traffic in an instant – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• Not just for cars – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps is ready.

• Google Exclusive: Street View – See actual images of your location on the map.

• Download capable – No cell reception, no problem. Download your map.


Apple Maps

Thanks to the CarPlay® integration with many new cars, Apple Maps might be the most used NAV app available today. ​The one issue with Apple Maps is that it is only found on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Advantages

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

Waze

While other NAV applications now feature some kind of crowd-sourced traffic information, Waze was the first to really use the technology as well.

The Advantages

• Not only directions – Receive info about road closures, roadside incidents, and police alerts.
• Integration with Facebook – Update your timeline and share your road trip.
• Real-time traffic updates – User update information as they are driving, which is used to update the route to give the quickest route based on current conditions.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the best NAV Application really depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost easily, the Look Around option on Apple Maps is helpful. If you use Navigation to follow your next cycling trip, Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just need to get to your destination in the fastest time possible, then Waze is your choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have features and you can not go wrong with any of them.