If you need more options, Google Maps is what you’re after.
Just need to get there and get there quickly?
Oddly, both are owned by Google.
Lifewire
Waze is designed only for drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
It uses crowdsourced data from other nearby drivers to provide real-time traffic condition updates and suggest alternate routes.
Its directions are less responsive to changing conditions and aren’t crowdsourced, but they are dependable and direct.
For power users, Google Maps offers plentiful features.
Waze is meant for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
That means no walking directions and no public transit information.
Waze usescrowdsourceddata to provide up-to-the-second driving information.
That means Waze users constantly provide real-time information about driving conditions, hazards, and speed.
This lets Waze almost instantly create new routes to take you around slowdowns.
Google Maps, on the other hand, is a bit more direct.
That makes for an easier and more consistent driving experience.
While it does offer real-time traffic information, it won’t always route you around slowdowns.
Google has no such limitation.
The first is the ability to download maps.Google Maps supports downloading maps for offline use.
Most users won’t need this feature, but only Google Maps can do it.
Google Maps also supports maps containing custom points of interest.
This is useful when traveling to new locations.
Waze doesn’t support this feature.
In other areassuch as OS support and voice commandsboth Waze and Google Maps work on iOS and Android.
On CarPlay and Android Auto, both apps can be spoken to.
Google Maps is the pick for the traveler needing the most extensive options.
But you don’t need to choose.
Both apps are free.
Both apps have their usesand most people will probably need different apps at different times.
FAQ
Waze uses real-time data to constantly adjust your route.
