It’s no doubt that almost everyone will raise their hands in support of Google Maps, with its popularity and rich functionality in navigating the world. But is this the only navigational app in the market? Absolutely not. In this article, I will try to make clear the difference between the two apps and the importance of each, so that you can make the right choice for your next navigation.
When do you need Waze?
Fastest and Rerouting
Waze App picks the fastest route and changes it right away if traffic gets bad no need to ask you first. Even if it means taking a strange back road, it just goes for it. Google Maps is more careful. It looks at road types and fuel use for your vehicle. If it finds a quicker way, it will ask you to tap and approve the change.
Traffic and incident updates
Waze is known for using live updates from drivers to help choose the best route. People can report things like traffic, roadblocks, accidents, police, or bad weather. While you drive, you can confirm or ignore these alerts, which helps keep the map current and correct for everyone. Recently, Google Maps has started to catch up. Now, users can also report things like accidents, traffic, road closures, police, and blocked lanes. These reports appear on the map and make it more useful.
Police and speed trap notifications
The app has let users report things like police, even when they’re hiding, and phone camera spots for a long time. Google Maps now has some basic reporting tools too, but it’s not as detailed yet.
When do you need Google Maps?
Public transportation and alternative travel options
Google Maps helps with walking, biking, and taking cabs. If you’re walking or using buses and trains, it gives clear directions, live schedules, and real-time updates to guide you.
Offline maps and data use
Google Maps works better offline. You can download whole areas before your trip, including step-by-step directions. This is very helpful when you’re in a remote place or traveling in another country while Waze needs fully data connection to do the work for you.
UI/UX
While Google Maps isn’t as visually polished as Waze, it has many features. It’s great for checking out neighborhoods, finding places like restaurants, parks, and shops, or learning more about a business. You can use Street View to see what a place looks like before you go. There are also many map layers, like satellite view, terrain, air quality, wildfire zones, and even 3D buildings. One of my favorite features is actually for rich discovery options to learn more.
Gemini AI voice assistance
Google Maps is integrated with Gemini Voice Assistant and I’ve used it to ask things like “What’s a good place for lunch nearby?” and got helpful, location-based suggestions. I like how well everything works together, not just for reports. So, for me, Google Maps is better though it’s a close call.
Pre-installed for most Android Smartphones
Both apps (Waze and Google Maps) work worldwide on iOS, Android, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. But Google Maps is usually already installed on most Android phones and is built into the Android Automotive system.
Final Thoughts
Without any bias and based on the above key features, Google Map is a king in the cage and your pick is your option, or better yet, have both. Let us know your experience and thoughts in the comment section.
