Which App is better: Waze vs Google Maps

[pc747]

I remember using Waze for the first time back when I had the OG Droid. It was touted as the app to find speed traps, but after experiencing it heat up my battery to the point you could smell the heat coming from it I felt like it was not for me.

Over the years Waze continued to grow and eventually was purchased by Google. But for me Google Maps was my bread and butter. It was owned by Google, the interface continually improved, and overall it was just the best map app for what I needed.

But this year I may have to do a double take. I found that for longer drives Google Map is key (or if you want a basic popular route) but where it lacks is city driving. I don't know how many times I grew frustrated with Google steering me right into a traffic jam. And that is where Waze come in.

For your daily commute back and forth Waze does a better job at showing you different routes and what to expect along those routes. Example is you may have a 40 mile highway route that would normally be fastest but currently is showing an accident at the tail end that will currently turn your 30 min commute into a lot longer. Where as along the street routes you are driving 55 miles through everyday street traffic and traffic lights but is showing that you could get home in 45 mins going that way.

To me being able to make a determination before I hit the road helps as well as being able to be alerted of alternate routes to take mid commute to steer around traffic. Yes Google Maps do that as well but Waze seems to do a better job making that information known earlier so you can make your move now to merge vs right when you are slowing down because of all the brake lights in front of you.

Where Waze lack is in overall looks. I feel like Google maps look cleaner and the satellite view helps for spotting where you are at and what you are looking for. But Waze will alert you of potential hazards along your commute.

Two different apps doing similar things owned by the same company. So which app do you prefer Waze or Google Maps?

 

[cr6]

I love not having to worry about traffic!

S5 tap'n

 

[dezymond]

I tried Waze a few times, but never really stuck with it. It's definitely a more interactive experience and is better at updating real-time traffic, but I never found it to show a significant difference in my commute compared to Google Maps.

So my go-to has been and still is, Google Maps. I do hope to see more Waze features integration in the next few updates with Google Maps though.

 

[FoxKat]

I agree. I tried it a few times, but it seems to be less intuitive and requires more steps to get the same results. In the end, if a 30 minute trip with Google takes let's say 28 minutes with another app (Waze), it's just no big deal. Since most trips are 10-30 minutes in length for typical travel there just isn't enough variance in order to make it worth the extra interaction required.

 

[Mustang02]

Waze all the way. Maps is too bland. I've had Waze since it was released. Showing construction and other hazards before you map your route is huge! The mph they added about 6-8 months ago is helpful too. Way points. I think maps just got this but Waze has had it for years.

Oh there is construction, let me click a button and see what other routes, may take me longer but dont have it.

 

[mountainbikermark]

I haven't tried Waze but the last 2 times I used Maps it was woefully off. I ended up using Here to find where I needed to go. The new gentle voice of "turn here or there" was nice but she took me to places that were WAY off from my destinations.

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[Efin]

I have Waze but like PC said it's lack of satellite view and being used to Maps has kept me on Maps.
I have been sent to places through maps that were so convoluted that I wondered if the phone had been left in a pool of beer before making the route. I will try Waze again, someday.

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

 

[Gudasau]

I've been using Waze for a couple of years, three, I guess. I like it for it's community interaction. It's saved me a lot of time and headaches on my commutes by letting me know of upcoming traffic tu to accidents, road hazards, and sudden road closures. I no longer notice any major heat-up from my battery and the drain seems to be equivalent to Maps.
At one point, one of the downloadable voices was Morgan Freeman which absolutely rocked! Sadly, it's no longer an option, but the app still is the best for my driving needs.

 

[Mustang02]

I've been using Waze for a couple of years, three, I guess. I like it for it's community interaction. It's saved me a lot of time and headaches on my commutes by letting me know of upcoming traffic tu to accidents, road hazards, and sudden road closures. I no longer notice any major heat-up from my battery and the drain seems to be equivalent to Maps.
At one point, one of the downloadable voices was Morgan Freeman which absolutely rocked! Sadly, it's no longer an option, but the app still is the best for my driving needs.

I loved the Morgan freeman voice. I'd pay for it!!

 

[Gudasau]

I loved the Morgan freeman voice. I'd pay for it!!

I would too! He would make me laugh during each drive. On one trip, I missed my turn and turned around in a parking lot to head back. He said something to the effect, "Good move, keep the enemy guessing" LOL!

 

[Efin]

Just noticed that pictured map is my area... Why would you want to go to LA? ...

 

[chiragpatell]

I think Google map is batter then waze because it's work a lot batter as user point of view.

 

[Rachael Alice]

definitely there is no any doubt about Google maps is the best as compare to waze. it come with more functionality and more user friendly. in future if waze come with other extraordinary feature then people think about to use it.

 

[JiveTurkee]

Google owns Waze.

Waze is more of a social media type app.

Google Maps is more straightforward.

I use Google Maps daily but I use Waze on longer trips.