Google may own Waze, but that doesn't mean your own Maps and Waze product are the same. Actually, the two still struggle to master their browsing needs. So which one is better? Turns out it depends.
To keep things simple, we are going to divide this into three categories: navigation, search for things and other functions. Any navigation app should be simple and only work, because the last idea you need to worry about when moving into unfamiliar territory is playing around with the app that is supposed to take you where you are going.
Navigation: Go from A to B
Apparently, navigation is the most important part of any navigation application. They must get you where you really need to go.
When it comes down to it, Both Google Maps and Waze get the job done!! And that's not surprising, since Waze and Google share a lot of maps and traffic data. Having said this, there are big differences.
Waze enables people to create and submit maps. It also enables people to easily report problems with existing maps.. And those reports tend to integrate into maps pretty quickly.. In rural and remote areas, You will often find user-created maps on Waze where there are simply no decent maps available in the Google Maps search engine..
Having said this, Google Maps also comes with a significant advantage over Waze. Although Waze only offers car navigation, Google Maps also offers navigation if you are walking, by bike or using public transport. In those situations, Google Maps is the best option.
Just for driving directions, I have personally used Waze and Maps quite extensively, both in rural and urban areas, densely populated. For me, despite this, Waze took me down more questionable routes than Google Maps. I have found this especially true in congested areas.
Here is an example. In dallas, Waze got me pretty out of the way, just to easily get back on the most congested interstate in the whole city (I-35). And that's exactly what I was trying to avoid. When using Maps and Waze to go to the same destination in downtown Dallas multiple times, Maps did not use this route (not even a similar one) not even once. Despite this, Waze insisted on it.
I'm not sure if it's because it was the most direct route or what, but it was getting more and more annoying, to the point where I had to stop using Waze when driving to that particular location. And it's not the only time I've had those kinds of issues with Waze..
Now, to be fair, most of the time Waze and Maps used very similar routes in all my other tests. But I have to give Google Maps the edge in the navigation category. This is because it reliably gives me better routes, but also because it offers additional navigation options if I go by bicycle, walking or taking the bus or subway.
Winner: Google Maps
Find things: restaurants, gas stations and everything else
If getting you where you are going is the most important aspect of any good navigation app, then knowing the surroundings is easily second on that list; actually, the two almost go hand in hand.
When it comes to knowing what's around you, both Waze and Maps do a good job. You can search for locations by name and practically find what you are looking for. You can also use your voice to tell anyone to find a place and they will both do it., even though I personally think Maps is a bit better for finding places, Or maybe it's just the fact that you locate the place and then immediately start browsing. instead of asking for more information like Waze does.
In the Google Maps search engine, can scroll the map and easily detect many locations. Waze tends to show far fewer locations, and those are only of specific types (service stations, as an example) and larger icons for companies that advertise on Waze. Next, as an example, there are two shots of the same location in the Google Maps search engine (left) y Waze (right).
Both Google Maps and Waze can show you not only the location of the companies you are looking for, but also their opening hours, phone number, departments and more. Google Maps tends to have details on more businesses than Waze, especially the locals. But Waze also allows its users to create their own pages for businesses or attractions and then share them..
In the end, this is another very close category. Personally, I give Google Maps the advantage because it is easier to scroll the map and detect interesting nearby places, and because they tend to have better location information than Waze.
Winner: Google Maps
Additional functions: police detection, other navigation options
So this all other things. Waze's claim to fame, decidedly, is the crowdsourcing aspect. It's really cool and, Let's be honest, is he true reason why people even consider Waze instead of Maps in the first place.
While Waze Users Drive, they can send all kinds of information in real time to Waze very easily. This includes things like the location of police speed traps, stopped cars, accidents, debris on the road and all kinds of things. As other Waze drivers pass the same location and receive a notification about the nuisance, can vote up or down to let Waze know if you are still present.
It's a shiny characteristic.
The way each application handles data offline is also interesting. Google Maps enables you to download a specific area for offline navigation, so that you can start browsing without a data connection. You can even navigate an entire route without the need for data. Compared, Waze only downloads route data after navigation has started, and only for that particular browsing session, which is much less useful. Of course, if you lose data while driving, should still be good, but that is the extent of its usefulness.
RELATED: How to Download Google Maps Data for Offline Navigation on Android or iPhone
And then there are the fun things that don't really matter, such as voice customization. Waze offers it, Maps no. Pretty simple, and I'm not convinced that that really should matter in this argument., Oh well, maybe it's important to you.
It's really hard to call a winner here. On one side, Waze offers multi-source ability to find out what driving crashes are on your way and some fun voice options. Google Maps allows you to download maps offline, so you can be more prepared in case you lose connection.
It is up to you which one best suits your needs, but personally i think waze has the advantage of the extra features.
Winner: Waze
Then, which is better?
You can call this TL; DR if you want, but here are the nuts and bolts:
- Use Maps if you want possibly better routes, offline browsing, more sights and walking navigation options, biking and public transport.
- Use Waze if you have access to data from collective sources in real time, as a police activity, accidents and debris, is essential for you.
It really is that simple. Both apps will get you to your destination, and both have a great set of features. Actually, I switch between the two quite often, I use Maps when I want the best navigation features, and Waze when I know where I'm going and I just want the crowd-sourced traffic data. The best of both worlds there.
