Is Waze Better Than Google Maps? Google Maps Vs Waze

Google Maps offers reliable navigation with real-time traffic, while Waze relies on user input for up-to-the-minute alerts and emphasizes social interaction and gamification. Choose based on accurate directions (Google Maps) or community-driven updates (Waze).

Every driver’s ultimate goal is to go from point A to point B as quickly as feasible. Having the correct directions makes a huge difference, whether you’re a rideshare driver or rushing to get somewhere on time. The best way to get to our destination is what navigation apps provide us in this situation. Additionally, it is a sense that there would be some variations among the numerous apps that are currently available.

Google Maps and Waze are the final two finalists when it comes to selecting the best navigation app. The most dependable and effective navigation apps are these two ones, which are owned by Google. There are several parallels between Google Maps and Waze, including the fact that they are both owned by Google. Despite the fact that they share a lot of features and have a lot in common, the two services operate very differently from one another.  Which navigation program is better between Waze and Google Maps, despite the fact that there can be just a slight difference between the two services? So here is a guide on Google Maps Vs Waze. 

Decoding Facts of Waze Vs Google Maps 2023

Availability- Google Maps vs Waze

• Winner: Tie

Google is infamous for having its hands in every metaphorical cookie jar, so both Waze and Google Maps are readily accessible. Both apps are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and are available for iOS and Android devices. Therefore, you have the choice to use both, regardless of the gadget you use or the vehicle you drive. 

Since Google Maps is one of the pre-installed apps on any Android TV that isn’t a TV, it has a slight advantage on vehicles running Android Automotive OS. Waze, on the other hand, is still catching up to Google’s car-friendly OS and has some work to do. There are even versions accessible through desktop browsers, however they are constrained by the lack of live navigation. You may still look up directions, places, and save things to your account to access them later on your phone.

Navigation- Waze Vs Google Maps 

• Winner: Waze

Both Google Maps and Waze will, at their core, get you where you need to go. Having said that, they are quite dissimilar even though Google runs both. The “winner” ultimately comes down to how you get around. The standard navigation app is Google Maps. No matter how you intend to get there, if you punch in a location, the system will find a method to achieve it. Google Maps includes information for traveling by foot, car, bicycle, or bus. Google can even warn you about potential roadblocks or traffic along the way and provide alternative routes. Waze, on the other hand, is designed solely for motorcycle and automobile users. Waze constantly assesses the environment to try to bring you to your destination as quickly as possible, rather than just selecting the quickest single path and leaving you to it.

Both systems can use the number of users on the route to estimate traffic conditions, but Waze actually takes action. The difference between Google Maps and Waze is that Google will gladly send you on the same pre-set path regardless of how things alter. Both services will indicate traffic or impediments they are aware of on-screen. Depending on how bad the traffic gets, it might ask if you’d like to take a different route, but it’s not overly pushy about it. However, Google Maps modified the method it determines its routes last year. The service will now make the recommended route safer and greener using a number of variables, such as current traffic conditions and the number of red lights.  Although the two programs are virtually identical when it comes to driving, Waze’s distinctive method of navigating around delays makes it an indispensable tool for drivers. Waze is the way to go, provided you’re okay with taking unusual detours.

Data- Google Maps vs Waze

• Winner: Google Maps

Both Google Maps and Waze rely extensively on data, but Waze more so. That’s because user-submitted data forms the foundation of Waze’s whole business model. A large portion of it is automatically gathered just by the act of driving around while using the app. Users can also report any risks or impediments that might obstruct other motorists. The evaluation of all that data provides a picture of what is happening on the roads and can be used to advise or reroute people as needed. It also aids the algorithms that improve Waze’s service and maps.

Although its technology is based on a larger database of data, Google Maps’ algorithm can also see a picture of the state of the roads. It can gather real-time data from traffic sensors and Google Maps users as well as historical data to predict the weather at any given moment of the day. Both systems share similarities, but Google Maps can use more data than Waze can.

Because of this, it doesn’t matter if you stray into a region where few people use Google Maps. Based on other indicators, the app will be able to determine what is happening and keep you reasonably informed.

Waze and Google Maps obviously use their data in very different ways. Although both services are owned and run by Google, Waze actively redirects your route based on the data it gets; however, this feature has yet to be added to Google Maps. If you pay attention to what Google Maps displays on the screen, you can keep track of forthcoming road conditions, but it’s up to you to choose such detours if they become available. In contrast to Waze, Google Maps won’t automatically suggest a new route for you.

Public and Alternate Transportation- Waze Vs Google Maps 

• Winner: Google Maps

Making a decision on this is simple. Waze has nothing to offer whether you’re using the bus, the train, or another kind of alternative transportation. nothing at all. Waze is designed to reroute you as a driver anytime it detects a faster route around an impediment, but since you aren’t the one driving on public transportation, you obviously don’t have that privilege. You will therefore need to use Google Maps.

Google Maps support the use of bicycles, walking, and public transportation. It’s not always a good idea to use Waze because it will just direct you down any old route that a car can take. On the other hand, Google Maps is brimming over with data on public transportation. To begin with, it comes with complete timetables and maps for transit services all around the world and can seamlessly incorporate these into its directions. Additionally, it provides real-time notifications on any delays and other problems you might encounter while traveling, allowing you to at least be prepared for concerns.

By combining past data with the number of people it can detect in that location at any one time, Google Maps can also predict how crowded a specific service or location will be. Even local ride-sharing services and, when possible, bike and e-scooter rentals are integrated into the system. Waze cannot compete with all of that, but there is still room for improvement in the area of alternate transportation. Particularly in the locations where those rental services are offered.

Interface and Design- Google Maps vs Waze

• Winner: Waze

Despite coming from the same firm and performing comparable functions, Google Maps and Waze have very different visual styles. Waze adopts a much simpler strategy with fewer details and a cartoonish design, in contrast to Google Maps, which has the appearance of more traditional software and all the on-screen information that goes with it. These two apps’ completely distinct purposes are what accounts for their differences. Waze is a service that only helps drivers get from point A to point while avoiding traffic and other road dangers. Google Maps is helpful for pretty much everything, including navigating, learning about new things, and even contacting businesses. However, the two apps appear to perform exactly the same when it comes to navigation.  The apps eliminate all the extraneous information and just display what you require. This includes your icon, the location you must be at, and some extraneous information like speed limits and potential road hazards.

Waze deserves credit for this one because it eliminates all the extraneous information immediately and only provides you with the required information. Everything is neat and orderly whether you are asking for directions or simply perusing the map. Although the extra information in Google Maps is useful, it can obstruct your view. And to be honest, if you live in a large city, it can occasionally appear to be a complete mess.

Advertising- Waze Vs Google Maps 

• Winner: Google Maps

Waze and Google Maps both include advertising, but each handles paid content types that are displayed differently. 

While Google Maps generally avoids overt advertising, it has lately made adjustments to make adverts easier to spot on the map. A nice example is using a square icon rather than a round one for a company or site that has paid to be there. 

Waze, meanwhile, is quite intrusive and has the ability to flash annoying banner adverts whenever you stop moving. You don’t need to constantly ignore the adverts because they disappear when you start moving again. However, even with a decreased screen size on your phone, they are still quite prominent and apparent. Since Waze must show commercials, it could at least strive to make them less intrusive. 

Discovery- Google Maps vs Waze

• Winner: Google Maps

Waze is primarily a navigation tool, but it also includes surprisingly good discovery features that are comparable to those in Google Maps. Both applications let you locate significant establishments and landmarks in your neighbourhood with a lot of similar features. They have a search bar and specific buttons that obviate most of the necessary processes and make it clear what each one does. You have the resources to find them and get there swiftly whether you’re looking for a petrol station or a grocery store.

But Google Maps is all about providing you with more, as appears to be the case frequently. Waze, though, keeps things straightforward. Location cards on Waze don’t provide as much data as those on Google Maps.

 Waze provided information on the closest parking lot, which was excellent, but it just provided the bare essentials: an address, a phone number, and a website. Google Maps still manages to take up a lot of information. One of the nearby takeaway joints has no online presence at all; they don’t even have a location-specific webpage. Google Maps still includes a ton of information about them, including their phone number, opening hours, and even when they get crowded. Waze’s availability of additional information is therefore inconsistent, while Google Maps essentially offers everything you might want.

Hands-free control- Waze Vs Google Maps 

• Winner: Tie

The hands-free controls on Google Maps and Waze work in the same way. You have two choices: use Google Assistant’s “Hey Google” feature to speak commands for you or press the on-screen microphone each time you wish to issue one. Using an Android device is simple because Google Assistant is pre-installed. Users of iPhones must take some additional actions. Siri can send commands to any app, but Apple Maps is sent by default if you don’t specify. Request “directions home with Waze,” not just “directions home.” Toggle voice command mode instead by tapping the on-screen microphone, or download Google Assistant to handle everything for you. While the Google Maps app is open, you can disable the “Hey Siri” command in the Navigation part of the settings menu. This entitles you to utilize the “Ok Google” command just like you would on an Android device.

Traffic and hazards- Google Maps vs Waze

• Winner: Waze

Waze used to be the only app for managing traffic and potential hazards on the road, but Google Maps has been catching up. With the exception of a few minor differences, the two currently perform identical tasks. In order to get you around obstructions that other users have reported, Waze is quite aggressive. So much so that you can find yourself taking weird, twisting streets in an effort to reduce your ETA by a few seconds. You have to respect its commitment. 

Both Google Maps and Waze allow you to report these risks as you come across them, but they don’t match up sometimes, especially if you’re using Google Maps.  Waze has the advantage because its user base isn’t quite as passive, even though Google Maps isn’t far behind.

Waze Vs Google Maps 2023: Which One is Right for You

Google Maps is the superior choice for individuals that place a high value on accuracy and dependability in navigation. It offers more tools for exploring and discovering places, including reviews and ratings, photographs, and Street View. It also contains a larger database of routes and destinations. Additionally, Google Maps’ UI is simpler, making it simpler for individuals who don’t require extra capabilities.

Waze is the app to use for a more communal and involved driving experience. Through its community-based approach, users may share information with one another and receive more precise and recent information on traffic, accidents, and other road hazards. Waze also provides elements that can make driving fun, such as distinctive voice navigators, tailored alerts, and a playful UI. So the winner of Google Maps Vs Waze is clear!