Google Maps vs Waze vs Apple Maps

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The Best Navigation App for your Car or Truck

Which is the best navigation app for your car or truck?

If you’re a driver of a certain age you probably remember the days of patiently watching the odometer to count down the miles until the next exit, an emergency road atlas, and pre-printed directions to help guide you. These days, electronic NAV is optional on nearly every new vehicle and mobile phone. While all navigation apps provide the same kind of information, what and how the info is displayed can vary greatly. With so many different apps, how can you figure out which is the best NAV service for you? We have decided on our top 3 picks are Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. CarPlay® may seem like the leader because it is available in so many new vehicles, but Google Maps and Waze have their own unique benefits.

Google

Google Maps is the most powerful navigation application in this comparison as all of the data is provided by the Google search engine.

Google Maps Biggest Advantages

• Download capability – No cell reception, no worries. Download your map.

• Google Exclusive: Street View – View real images of your location.

• Real-time updates – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• Vehicles are just the beginning – Google Maps can help you on your next train ride, exercise walk, or bike ride.


Apple

Apple Maps could very well be the easiest navigation app to use, since CarPlay® is available in many brand-new vehicles. ​Apple Maps has one minor flaw, it is only available on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Benefits

• Look Around by Apple – See both images and a map view of your area. Very useful if you are lost.
• Apple Pit Stops – Find different attractions and fuel stations that are nearby.
• Navigation options – Get map options for public transportation, driving, and even walking.

Waze

Waze was the first to feature some sort of user-generated traffic data, though other navigation apps now use the data too.

Waze Benefits

• Real-time traffic updates – Other drivers update information as they drive, which is then used to update the route to give the fastest path to your destination.
• More than just directions – Receive real-time data about detours, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Integration with Facebook – Share your road trip by posting your location.

Our Results Are In, The Winner is:

It shouldn’t be a shock, but the best Navigation App truly depends on how you use it. If you get lost a lot, drivers can use the Look Around option on Apple Maps. If you use Navigation to plan your next big cycling trip, Google Maps is your best choice. But, if you just need to get from Point A to Point B in the shortest time possible, Waze is your choice. Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps all have unique standout features and you really can not go wrong with any of them.