Waze Google Maps, or Apple Maps – Which is the Best Navigation App?

View Inventory

The Top GPS Application for your Vehicle

Learn more about the top GPS application for your vehicle.

Drivers of a certain age might remember a time when you used directions that were printed, watching the odometer to count down the miles until your next exit, and a backup road atlas (for emergencies) to guide you on long drives. These days, electronic NAV is optional on almost every mobile phone and car. While most navigation services produce the same basic information, how and what information they present can vary greatly. With so many unique apps, how can you figure out which is the best NAV app for your car? We have decided on our top 3 picks are Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze. Apple CarPlay® may feel like the leader because it is installed in so many new vehicles, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in benefits.

Google

The most powerful map app in this review is Google Maps since all of the data is provided by Google itself.

The Advantages of Google Maps

• Not only for vehicles – If you want to take a train, walk, or bike then Google Maps is ready.
• Real-time updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.
• Street View, a Google Exclusive – View real pictures of your map location.
• Download capability – Download your map. No cell service, no worries.

Apple Maps

Since CarPlay® is installed in many new cars, Apple Maps could be the easiest NAV app to use on the market. ​Apple Maps has one minor issue, drivers must have an iOS device to use it.

Apple Maps Benefits

• Navigation options – Get map options for walking and public transportation, along with standard driving routes.
• Pit Stops from Apple – Find attractions and nearby fuel stations.
• Look Around – See both images and a map of your area. This feature can be useful if you are lost.

Waze

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

The Top Benefits of Waze

• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip with friends by posting your location.
• Get more than directions – Get data about construction, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Real-time traffic information – Other drivers input information while they are driving, which is used to figure out the fastest path to your destination.

The Winner is:

It should be no surprise, but the best NAV App depends on what drivers need. If you get lost easily, the Look Around feature on Apple Maps will be beneficial. If you use NAV for your next cycling road trip, Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just want to get somewhere in the shortest time possible, then Waze is your best choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have unique features and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them.