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Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze: Which navigation app truly rules the road?

By Tsveta Ermenkova

Published: Mar 27, 2024, 11:04 AM

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Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze: Which navigation app truly rules the road?

Gone are the days when squinting at the sun was the go-to for navigation. Sure, it works in a pinch, but with today's tech, why bother? Now, it's all about firing up your favorite navigation app, cueing up your tunes, and cruising worry-free.

But navigation apps are more than just digital compasses. They're your personal road companions, guiding you to pit stops, fuel-ups, mouthwatering burgers, quirky attractions, and yes, even helping you dodge speed traps.

According to a recent survey, Google Maps takes the crown for speed trap dodging, with Waze and Apple Maps following close behind. So, what sets these apps apart? Do you need to pick a side, or can you mix and match? Let's unpack the world of navigation apps.

Navigation apps: Your roadside allies

Whether you're a commuter, road-tripper, or taxi driver, navigation apps are super helpful. iPhones rock Apple Maps out of the box, while Android phones ship with Google Maps, so it’s not even necessary to go to the trouble of downloading external apps. But hey, you've got options. Ever heard of Waze or Moovit, for example?

Each app has its perks and quirks. Let's compare Waze, Apple Maps, and Google Maps across:

Battery drain
Data usage
User interfaces
Content and features
Offline functionality

Battery drain: A race against the red bar

While navigation apps are incredibly helpful, their constant GPS usage and background processes can take a toll on your phone's battery life. And let's face it, battery life is super important, especially on the road. So, it's definitely an upside for an app to be battery-sufficient.

Factors affecting battery drain:

GPS usage: The core function of navigation apps relies on GPS, which consumes significant battery. Frequent location updates further drain the battery
Screen brightness: A bright screen, especially during daytime navigation, contributes to battery drain
Data usage: Apps that rely on live traffic updates or real-time rerouting require constant data connection, impacting battery life
Background processes: Some apps keep background services running even when not actively used, draining battery

It's a tough call to declare a single winner, given the array of phone models, usage habits, and app versions out there. While there's no official data, user feedback, and real-world experience shed some light. Generally, some apps tend to be more battery-friendly than others. Out of Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze, here's the lowdown from most battery drain to least:

Waze: Renowned for its community-driven traffic updates, Waze's constant background location updates for traffic data gathering and real-time rerouting can be a drain on your battery.
Google Maps: Strikes a good balance between features and battery usage. It might use slightly less battery than Waze, particularly with features like live traffic turned off. However, frequent location updates and high-resolution maps can still eat up some juice.
Apple Maps: Recent updates have amped up Apple Maps' battery efficiency. User feedback suggests it might be the most battery-friendly option among the trio, especially on iPhones. This could be due to optimizations for Apple devices and potentially less aggressive background processes compared to Waze.

Remember, running the app in the background is an easy way to conserve battery life.

Mobile data usage: Apple or Google?

Every byte counts when you're surfing on mobile data, and when it comes to its usage, actual consumption can differ based on factors like network speed, map details displayed, and features used (live traffic, rerouting). According to statistics, Apple Maps takes the lead in data usage, with an estimated consumption of 1.83 MB per 20 minutes.

Apple Maps: 1.83 MB per 20 minutes
Google Maps: 0.73 MB per 20 minutes
Waze: 0.23 MB per 20 minutes

Google Maps, on the other hand, uses 0.73 MB. However, data usage can increase with features like live traffic turned on or using high-resolution satellite imagery. Interestingly, Waze, also owned by Google, uses the least amount at 0.23 MB per 20 minutes. This could be because Waze relies more on community-sourced traffic data, potentially reducing the need for extensive data download.

User interfaces: Beauty is in the eye of the scroller

Apple Maps on the left, Google Maps in the center, Waze on the right

So, let's talk about something more personal – the user interface. Comparing how the navigation apps look and feel can be a bit of a puzzle since we all have our own tastes. But hey, let’s see how they stack up against each other. First off, let’s check out the pros and cons of the Google Maps interface. If you have any other thoughts, feel free to drop them in the comments.

So, when it comes to Google Maps, there are a few things that come to mind:

Pros:

It's got a clean and familiar layout
The map is big and easy to read
The search bar is right there for quick destination searches
And those traffic updates? They're right on the map, super clear

Cons:

Sometimes, it feels like there's too much stuff in the menu
And the icons are kinda small, so you might need a few extra taps

Now, let’s check out Apple Maps:

Pros:

It's got that sleek, minimalist vibe that fits right in with iOS
The map is nice and clean, no clutter
Have you seen the 3D Flyover feature? Pretty cool stuff
Plus, it's got clear lane guidance for those tricky highway exits

Cons:

You don’t have as much freedom to customize stuff compared to Google Maps
And those point-of-interest icons? They could stand out a bit more

And, of course, we can't forget about Waze:

Pros:

The interface is all vibrant and interactive and feels like you're part of a community
You get those real-time traffic updates and user-generated alerts front and center
And big buttons make it easy to report stuff like hazards or police sightings

Cons:

Sometimes it feels like there’s just too much going on, a bit overwhelming
You might need a bit of time to figure out what all the buttons do
And the map itself? It’s not always as clear as the others

So, in the end, it really comes down to personal preference. Try them all out and see which one clicks for you. Personally, I've got all three on my phone, not because I have to, but because I like to mix things up depending on what I need. But if I had to pick a favorite, it’s gotta be Google Maps, although I own an iPhone. It just gives me all the info I need, plain and simple.

Content and features: The Swiss army knife of apps

The 3D feature of Apple Maps (Image Credit–Apple)

When it comes to features and content about different points of interest (POIs), Google Maps is the real MVP. It's packed with all the goods, like detailed reviews, ratings, photos, and even videos for some restaurants. Plus, you can book reservations or order food straight from the app.

Not long ago, Apple Maps stepped up its game with Apple Business Connect, offering similar info and letting businesses update their details. And guess what? iPhone users can now also order food or make reservations right from the card. Now, let’s check out some of the features of Apple Maps:

Some cool 3D building visuals in select cities
Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance
Real-time traffic conditions with color-coded overlays
Multi-stop routing for planning trips with multiple stops
Look Around: A street-level view feature for exploring places virtually
Lane guidance for tricky interchanges
And hey, it’s all about user privacy – your data stays on your Apple device

Now, onto Google Maps:

Everything from Apple Maps, plus more
Detailed street maps, high-res satellite imagery, tons of POI info with reviews and pics, and 3D building visuals in many areas
Live traffic updates with incident reports and ETAs
Extensive public transit directions with real-time info
Street View: Take a virtual stroll with panoramic street-level imagery
Indoor maps for shopping malls, airports, and big buildings
Offline maps for when you’re off the grid
Google Assistant integration for voice commands while navigating

And last but not least, let’s take a look at Waze:

Get real-time traffic updates straight from the Waze community
Speed limit warnings and alerts for upcoming cameras
Gas station price comparisons along your route
Plus, earn points and badges for contributing reports

Offline navigation: Lost in the no-signal abyss?

The Offline maps feature introduced with iOS 17 (Image Credit–Apple)

When you find yourself without a signal but still need to get to where you're going, offline maps come to the rescue. Nowadays, not many folks are lugging around paper maps in their cars, so it's handy that both Apple and Google Maps offer offline map options. With iOS 17, Apple jumped on board by introducing offline maps, allowing users to download maps for use when there's no connection.

Google Maps has had this feature for a while, which is pretty nifty. It's great to see both big players offering this option, as it can be a real lifesaver. However, Waze is a bit behind the curve in this department. While it's got some cool features, like using real-time traffic conditions to find the quickest route, it still doesn't offer a straightforward offline mode.

Here's the deal with Waze: It relies on a data connection to do its magic. So, if you're offline, you might hit a snag. But hey, if you've previously looked up info on your area of interest, Waze's maps might still be available offline. So, it's not a total bust, but it's definitely something to keep in mind.

The final countdown: Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze?

Image Credit–Waze

When it comes down to choosing between Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze, it's all about what works best for you. Personally (as I already mentioned), I've got all three on my iPhone, and I use them for different reasons. Google Maps is my trusty sidekick when I need valuable info about places and the most accurate routes in my neck of the woods. If I'm off the beaten path, Google Maps is my go-to.

Now, let's talk about Waze. It's got its perks, like keeping me informed about what's happening on the road ahead. But sometimes, it takes me on routes that are... let's just say, less than ideal, if they even exist, but that is a story for another time. It's had its fair share of mishaps, but hey, it can still come in handy when you need to dodge a traffic jam or avoid a speeding ticket.

As for Apple Maps, it's my go-to when I just need some background guidance. It's there when I need it, simple and straightforward.

With so many navigation apps out there, you're bound to find one that fits your needs like a glove. So, go ahead, explore your options, and find the one that suits you best.

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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.