Waze vs Google Maps| Which is better to choose? 

A few years ago, Google Maps was the dominant navigational app worldwide. However, with the emergence of Waze, travellers are debating whether to use it or Google Maps. Waze is a navigation app that provides traffic updates, while Google Maps is a mapping tool that offers location details with street view. 

People usually feel indecisive when choosing Waze or Google Maps for their needs. A proper understanding of both apps can help you make a better decision. 

In this article, I will discuss the strengths and limitations of each app. I will compare the features and performance of Waze vs Google Maps to choose the better navigational app according to your needs. 

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Overview of Waze vs Google Maps

Waze

Waze is a navigational app that provides users with information about road hazards, traffic conditions, and accidents. It helps travellers to avoid travelling on busy or closed roads. You can enjoy user-friendly travel navigation on Android devices. The app provides accurate navigational information about the road conditions. 

Google Maps

Google Maps is the navigational platform worldwide. It specialises in offering accurate navigational assistance. Google Maps provides real-time traffic information and nearby route alternatives. It supports Android or iOS devices with a user-friendly interface. Users can experience the preference. 

The key difference between Waze and Google Maps

Both apps have similar functions, but these differ from each other based on given factors.

1. Navigation

For a better navigation experience between Waze and Google Maps consider the one according to your preferences. 

• Waze is the ideal app for real-time updates and community-driven data. The app provides every minute of information about road conditions and traffic. It helps the drivers to get accurate information about routes to avoid delays. The community-driven navigation reports the incidents in the app.
• Google Maps is a seamless solution for seamless integration. It is known by travellers for excellent mapping, precise navigation, and traffic updates. The app shows the gas stations, tolls, and shortcuts nearby in your travelling route. You see the offline maps and street view to improve the functionality. 

3. Apps Interface

The interfaces of both apps are different from each other. 

• Waze has a simple interface that is easy to use and understand. It highlights the major routes of travel. The interface is super easy to use without any whistle. The essential buttons are attached to the screen. The app has a cartoon-like interface and road as the animated character.  
• Google Maps is a navigational app. You can find a location to visit. There is the option to check the reviews and photos. From the device screen, you have to find the buttons in the app. Google Maps app looks more professional and more details are given in the app. 

4. Location View

• Waze doesn’t offer the location or street view to the user.
• Google Maps offers a feature called Street View. This feature allows you to see the area around your location, helping you find locations more easily. The updated app also has a Street View feature. 

5. Data Usage 

Waze and Google Maps use the internet to find the location during travel. However, these apps don’t require much data. 

• While travelling for one day, Waze uses 5 to 10 MB of data. The data consumption may increase when using advanced features. Compared to Google Maps, the Waze app uses more data because it provides the latest data and live traffic updates to the user. 
• The data consumption in Google Maps depends on the features you use. For example, if you use street view or load maps, the data consumption will be higher. On the other hand, the average data consumption for simple directions is 5MB per hour. Google Maps uses historical data, so it consumes less data. For a deeper dive into managing mobile data overseas, refer to our comprehensive guide on What is Data Roaming? Pros, Cons, Reasons you may Need it.

6. Location Discovery 

• The Waze app shows the necessary spots you need while traveling such as gas stations and parking. There are some popular businesses on the map that you can search while driving to find the location.  
• Google can discover the places you want to visit. If you are travelling to your destination for the first time and don’t know much about the place, it helps to find the exact location. The app includes the features of Google reviews, photos, menus, and phone numbers. 

Waze vs Google Maps, which is better to choose? 

Google Maps is much easier to use than Waze. It has more unique features and requires less data to work properly. The app suggests new places according to your preferences. However, the interface and design of Google Maps are more complex to understand. Waze is simple and easy to use. Both apps provide good privacy services.

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Conclusion

Comparing both the apps I concluded the results that Google Maps has more better features than Waze. The most advanced feature that Waze doesn’t have is street view. This feature helps travellers to find the route quickly. Google Maps also helps to find the new places around you nearby. Waze and Google Maps work similarly, but Google Maps is a winner due to its extra advanced features.  

FAQs

What is the disadvantage of Waze?

Waze is a better navigational app for short routes like bypasses. However, it sometimes instructs drivers to shorten routes, which is unreasonable and often dubious.

Does Google own Waze?

Yes, Waze was owned by Google in 2013. It is a unique and modern alternative to Google Maps. 

What is the disadvantage of Google Maps? 

Google Maps requires an internet connection to work properly. It will stop working in areas with poor internet coverage. The service also stores and collects the user's data.