Waze vs Google Maps vs 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?

Depending on your age, you may remember a backup road atlas, pre-printed directions, and the days of patiently checking your odometer to count down the miles until the next exit to help guide you. Now, electronic NAV is available on nearly every car and mobile phone. While all navigation applications give the same general info, what and how the information is shown can vary greatly. With so many different choices available to choose from, how can you decide which one is the best NAV software for your vehicle? We’ve concluded that our top 3 choices are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. Apple CarPlay® is installed in a bunch of new cars that it may seem like the frontrunner, but Waze and Google Maps have their own unique built-in advantages.

Google Maps

The most powerful map application in this review is Google Maps since all of the data is provided by the Google search engine.

Top Benefits

• Traffic updates in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Not just for cars – Google Maps can help you on your next bike trip, train ride, or walk.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View actual images of your map location.
• Available offline – No cellphone reception, no worries. Download your map.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps might be the most used NAV app, since CarPlay® is installed in many brand-new cars. ​The one minor flaw of Apple Maps is that drivers must have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Advantages

• Apple Pit Stops – Find gasoline stations that are nearby and other unique attractions.
• Navigation options – Apple has map options for driving, walking, and public transportation.
• Look Around – See both images and a map view of your location. This feature can be very helpful if you are lost.

Waze

Even though other NAV apps now have some kind of user-generated traffic info, Waze was the first to really use the tech too.

Waze Advantages

• Updates in real-time – Waze users update information while they are driving, which is then used to figure out the quickest path to your destination.
• Get more than directions – Get real-time information about road closures, roadside incidents, and police alerts.
• Facebook integration – Share your road trip by posting your location on your timeline.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the best Navigation App really depends on what you need. If you get lost frequently, drivers can use the Look Around feature on Apple Maps. If you use NAV to follow your next big cycling trip, then Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just need to get to your destination in the quickest time, then Waze is your only choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have their own standout features and you really can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.