If you are driving over Christmas, it is important to know which is the best route to take. As many drivers clog up the roads, sometimes your usual route might not be the most efficient.
Many drivers turn to using sat nav to help calculate the best journey to take, with the two titans in the industry Waze and Google Maps. The question is, which is best?
Fundamentally, both are designed to do the same job: get you from A to B in the most logical way possible. However, both apps have their quirks and features unique to one another.
Google Maps: The All-Rounder
Google Maps is the default choice for millions of people worldwide. It’s not just a navigation tool; it’s a full-blown mapping service. Here’s why it’s so popular:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling, or using public transport, Google Maps has you covered.
- Business Listings & Reviews: Looking for a coffee shop or petrol station? Google Maps shows options with reviews, photos, and opening hours.
- Offline Maps: Perfect for areas with poor signal – download maps in advance and navigate without data.
- Multi-Modal Directions: Ideal for city dwellers who mix driving with trains or buses.
- CarPlay & Android Auto Support: Google Maps integrates seamlessly with both platforms, giving you voice-guided navigation and real-time traffic updates on your car’s display.
Best for: Everyday navigation, trip planning, and exploring new places.
Waze: The Community-Driven Option
Waze takes a different approach. It’s all about real-time, user-generated updates. Think of it as navigation with a social twist. The cartoon-style makes for a fun, dynamic navigation system like no other and can be good fun, especially on a longer drive - Plus it might keep the kids entertained with its fun elements.
- Live Traffic Reports: Waze users report accidents, speed cameras, and road closures in real time.
- Dynamic Routing: If there’s a traffic jam ahead, Waze will reroute you instantly.
- Hazard Alerts: From potholes to police checks, Waze keeps you informed.
- Fun Factor: Customisable voices, quirky icons, and a sense of community make Waze feel less corporate.
- CarPlay & Android Auto Support: Waze works brilliantly with both, so you can enjoy its real-time alerts without fiddling with your phone.
Best for: Drivers who want the fastest route and up-to-the-minute traffic info, especially in busy urban areas.
Key Differences
| Feature | Google Maps | Waze |
| Offline Navigation | Yes | No |
| Public Transport Info | Yes | No |
| Real-Time Traffic | Yes (Data-driven) | Yes (Community-driven) |
| S[eed Camera Alerts | Limited | Yes |
| Hidden Police Alerts | Limited | Yes |
| CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
Other Alternatives Worth Considering
While Waze and Google Maps dominate, there are other options:
- Apple Maps: Great for iPhone users, with smooth integration into iOS and CarPlay. It’s improved massively in recent years and now offers lane guidance and cycling routes.
- HERE WeGo: Excellent for offline navigation and international travel.
- TomTom GO Navigation: A solid choice for those who prefer a more traditional sat-nav experience, with strong traffic data.
- Citymapper: Ideal for public transport users in major cities.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a do-it-all app that works for driving, walking, and public transport, Google Maps is hard to beat. But if you’re a driver who hates traffic and loves real-time updates, Waze is your best friend.
For many people, the answer is simple: use both. Google Maps for planning and exploring, Waze for the daily commute.
Both apps integrate well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so whichever you choose, you’ll get a safe, hands-free experience. Ultimately, it comes down to your driving style: do you value comprehensive information and offline maps, or do you want the fastest route with community-driven alerts?