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

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The Top GPS Application for your Vehicle

Learn more about the top GPS application for your vehicle.

Depending on how old you are, you probably remember a time when you used pre-printed directions, watching the odometer like a hawk to track the miles until the next exit, and a backup road atlas to guide you on road trips. These days, computerized navigation is available on almost every single brand-new mobile phone and car. While nearly all NAV services give the same basic information, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many unique apps, how can you decide which is the best navigation service for you? We have narrowed it down to our top 3 choices, Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. CarPlay® is an option in so many brand-new vehicles that it may seem like the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique advantages as well.

Google Maps

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

Google Maps Advantages

• Not only for cars – Google Maps can help you on your next train ride, exercise walk, or bike ride.
• Updates as they happen – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Street View – View actual images of your desired location on the map.
• Download capability – No cell service, no problem. Download your map.

Apple Maps

Since CarPlay® is available in many new vehicles, Apple Maps might be the most prevalent navigation app available today. ​The one issue with Apple Maps is that it’s only found on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Biggest Benefits

• Pit Stops – Find nearby gas stations and other different attractions.
• NAV options – Get map options for walking and public transportation, along with standard driving routes.
• Look Around – See both a map view of your location and images. This feature can be helpful if you are lost.

Waze

Waze was the first to use some form of user-generated traffic info, though other NAV applications now use the data too.

The Biggest Benefits

• Updates as they happen – Waze users input info as they are driving, that information is used to update the route to give the fastest route based on current conditions.
• More than directions – Get data about detours, incidents, and speed traps.
• Facebook integration – Update your timeline and share your road trip with friends.

The Winner

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation Application really depends on how you use it. If you happen to get lost frequently, the Look Around option on Apple Maps can benefit you. If you use NAV to plan your next big cycling trip, then Google Maps has you covered. However, if you just want to get somewhere in the shortest time possible, then Waze is your choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have features and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.