Best GPS Navigation Application for your Car or Truck

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Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps

Waze vs Google Maps vs Apple Maps – Which map app is the best?

If you’re a driver of a certain age you may recall the days of watching the odometer to count down the miles until your next turn, an emergency road atlas, and directions that were printed to guide you on long drives. Nowadays, digital navigation is an option on nearly every single cell phone and vehicle. While most navigation applications provide the same general information, what and how the info is displayed can vary greatly. With so many different choices, how can one figure out which one is the best? We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3 picks, Waze vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps. CarPlay® is an option in so many new vehicles that it may appear to be the leader, but Waze and Google Maps have their own built-in benefits as well.

Waze

Even though other NAV apps now use some form of user-generated traffic data, Waze was the first NAV application to use the tech too.

Waze Advantages

• Not only directions – Get real-time data about road closures, accidents, and even speed traps.
• Integration with Facebook – Post your location and share your road trip with friends and family.
• Real-time traffic updates – Other drivers input info as they are driving, which is then used to figure out the fastest way to your destination.

Google Maps

Google Maps is the most robust navigation application in this review since all of the data is provided by the massive Google search engine.

Advantages of Google Maps

• Vehicles are just the beginning – Google Maps can help you on your next bike trip, train ride, or walk.

• Traffic updates in real-time – See how much time that traffic jam is going to add to your trip.

• Street View, a Google Exclusive – See actual images of your location.

• Download capable – Download your map. No cell reception, no worries.


Apple

Apple Maps might be the easiest NAV app to use, since CarPlay® is installed in many new vehicles. ​The one disadvantage of Apple Maps is that it is only available on iOS devices.

Apple Maps Advantages

• Several unique options for Navigation – Apple has maps for public transportation, driving, and even walking routes.
• Pit Stops by Apple – Find nearby gas stations and other different attractions.
• Look Around presented by Apple – See both images and a map view of your area. This feature can be very useful if you get lost.

The Winner

It should be no surprise, but the best Navigation Application depends on what you need. If you happen to get lost easily, the Look Around option on Apple Maps will be helpful. If you use Navigation to plan your next cycling trip, then Google Maps is your best choice. However, if you just want to get from Point A to Point B in the shortest time, Waze is your choice. Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps all have their own standout features and you can’t go wrong with any of them.