Welcome to my review of Waze Vs. Google Maps.
I have used primarily Waze and Google maps while driving cross country. One day I use Google, the next I use Waze. I try to alternate between a wide array of scenarios: short drives to the gas station and supermarket, and long drives 8+ hours away to a state park I’ve never been to before. Except for a brief affair with “HERE weGO”, I have exclusively used Waze and Google maps, and – as far as I know- they are widely regarded as the two best gps solutions.
Please note that I did not try every feature of each application and cannot claim to be an absolute expert on either piece of software, but I bet I nerded out on it enough to give a good perspective.
I have arranged my review starting with the aspects I consider most important listed first.
Navigation
Google Maps: Generally, navigation is very good. The nice lady reads directions with plenty time to spare if you need to switch lanes. About half of the time I navigate without sound, and prefer simply taking a quick look at the screen to see my next direction. In one quick look at the top of the app I can see my next direction and how far I have to reach it. Google maps is rarely incorrect. In fact, only twice during the road trip did it lead me astray (and only once out of those two times did Waze correctly know where to go when Google did not.) Both apps will occasionally miss the mark, but I couldn’t make out a pattern when things went astray. I was hoping that I could say “Google maps is better for rural destinations and Waze is better for metropolitan areas”, but that isn’t the case.
Waze: Generally, Waze is also very good at navigation. If you rely on navigation via audio directions read aloud, Waze is the better option. Waze provides more information via audio than Google does. For instance, Google might say “Exit left onto Exit 28” while you are on an 8 lane highway entering an interchange in heavy traffic through multiple forks. Waze will say “Use the left-most lane to exit left onto Exit 28, and then keep right”. While driving in heavy traffic in unfamiliar territory through merge zones and interchanges this extra information can, and will, lead to fewer missed turns. Also, if you are like me and prefer to navigate sans audio, it may behoove you to give Waze a try. Although both apps provide on screen information regarding your next course of action, Waze makes it easier to see your next two courses of action. This helps in scenarios similar to the one described above.
The verdict: I prefer Waze for navigation, because I have found that I miss fewer turns with it. That’s the point, isn’t it?
Planning a Trip
Google Maps: With the ability to see user reviews in the app, search for virtually every destination and business on Earth, and use the “explore” function to find awesome coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, Google hands down wins this category.
Waze: It is easier to share your route and ETA with Waze in my opinion, but obviously Google user reviews and research capability as well as the “explore” feature are non-existent in this app. When it comes to exploring and planning an adventure, there’s no comparison. Google wins.
The verdict: Waze simply is not meant for this function. I doubt many people use their gps app to explore and research new areas, but I do. I’ve found countless amazing coffee shops and restaurants thanks to Google’s explore function. This round goes to Google.
User Interface
Google Maps: The user interface is ok, and reasonable enough considering how many features are jam packed into the software. It’s nothing special, but doesn’t leave anything to be desired either. It’s plain, but I kind of like plain. All the information I need is right there. There’s even some information that I don’t need, but find very helpful anyhow.
Waze: The company has definitely put more emphasis on their user interface, but I’m not sure it’s for me. It has a more “cartoony” feel to it. I wasn’t initially thrilled, but the bright colors and exaggerated roadways have grown on me.
The verdict: Again, even though it was not initially what I thought I liked, Waze is my preference. It’s easy to type in a destination and get on the road, and the user interface really leaves nothing to be desired.
Real Time Traffic and Accidents
Google Maps: Google maps will alert you of traffic ahead and give you the option to choose an alternative route if desired. More often than not, though, everyone else is using Google maps and also takes the detour- which means you end up in traffic anyway. Most of the time it is better to stay on the main highway and wait the extra 10 minutes rather than taking the suggested detour, but it all depends on the severity of the accident or traffic.
Waze: Like Google, Waze will alert you of accidents and traffic ahead and offer a suggested alternate route. Unlike Google, Waze uses an algorithm to suggest when the optimal time to leave your location is based on normal traffic patterns and your destination. It appears to use this algorithm in real time based on your current location, continuously checking if you are still on the fastest route based on usual traffic patterns down the road. On long road trips, the feature has actually helped save me considerable time. As far as I’m aware, Google has nothing like this. This was by far my favorite surprise when using Waze. It doesn’t happen often, and it usually only happens when driving 5 or more hours at once, but when it does you will sing for joy as you watch 20 minutes get slashed off your estimated arrival time.
Another HUGE advantage of Waze is the ability to quickly flag accidents, hazards, and police cars along the route- alerting other users of their presence. If other users have recently reported a cop setting a speed trap 2 miles up the road, Waze will let you know. If users have reported a road hazard, Waze will let you know before your reach it. This can help with safety. For example, while driving in upstate New York a rather large log was blocking part of the left lane of an off-ramp, and it was sitting in a blind spot. Fortunately I was using Waze and was warned about it. Honestly, I might have hit it if I hadn’t been warned, since it was hidden around a tight curve. This is seriously a great feature.
The verdict: On long drives, Waze seems to do a better job of getting me to my destination quicker, but not all the time. Worst case scenario is that I take the same route recommended by google and arrive at the same time Google would have gotten me there. Best case scenario is that 20 or 30 minutes gets slashed off a day of 9 hours of driving. That’s worth it. Waze wins this round.
Searching along the route
Google Maps: Searching along the route with Google maps is awesome. It shows how many minutes a detour will add to your trip, and you can scroll around to see basically any business on Earth.
Waze: The functionality is similar in Waze, but Waze doesn’t have access to the sheer volume of data that Google does. Waze will show all the basics, like gas stations, fast food, Walmart, but you won’t be able to choose from user reviewed local diners or coffee shops.
The verdict: For searching along the route for the basics either app will do. Anything more than a basic pit stop will warrant a tap on your Google maps icon, because it’s the better choice here.
Extras
Google Maps: I could spend all day researching places to visit in Google maps and starring, saving, or tagging places as “want to go”. It’s such a great tool to use while planning a trip to a new area. I use it in conjunction with Google trips while I plan activities.
Waze: Although I never tried it, Waze offers users the option to connect with other “wazers” to form carpool groups, since it knows where you live and work. Apparently, it can pair you up with other people with similar commutes. Also, if you’re into this kind of thing, Waze offers you the choice of creating a little avatar and posting little tidbits for other users to see as they travel. Big negative alert: when you are sitting at a stop light Waze will display ads. It doesn’t interfere with navigation, but I still hate it popping up on my screen.
Conclusion
Google maps is still my daily driver. I’ll use Waze for longer trips. I think that sums it up! Turns out, they are both excellent and I will use them both in the future, just for different purposes. Thanks for reading!