Summary
Google Maps and Waze are related in numerous ways, which is to be expected given that they are both owned by Google. Despite the increasing similarity between the two applications, the two services remain distinctly distinct. This is predominantly due to the fact that the two navigation applications operate in entirely distinct ways.
Google Maps vs. Waze
Google Maps is data-driven, relying on years of archives, whereas Waze obtains the majority of its information from user contributions. Waze also provides an aggressively innovative method of transportation. Notwithstanding this disparity, the distinction between the two services may appear relatively inconspicuous. Therefore, when comparing Google Maps and Waze, which navigation application is more suitable for your needs?.
Waze versus Google Maps: Availability
Google’s ownership of the majority of major platforms ensures that both Google Maps and Waze are accessible to a broad audience. Both applications are compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Android Automotive operating system. They are both available for iOS and Android devices. Thus, regardless of the device or automobile you operate, you have the option of utilizing both.
Being pre-installed on all Android devices excluding those connected to a television confers a slight advantage to Google Maps on automobiles operating Android Automotive OS. On the other hand, Waze requires explicit installation by the user. Although it is a minor setback, Google Maps does gain an advantage.
Even desktop browsers offer versions of both services; however, their functionality is restricted in that live navigation is not possible. You can still access saved information, including directions and locations, on your account for later retrieval on your mobile device.
Result: Tie
Waze vs. Google Maps: Navigation
Both Google Maps and Waze deliver users to their intended destinations. Notwithstanding the fact that they are both operated by Google, they are quite dissimilar. The determination of the “winner” is wholly contingent on one’s ability to navigate.
Google Maps is the standard application for navigation. Regardless of the approach you devise, it will discover a method to get you to the specified location. Whether you choose to travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, or transit, Google Maps has something to suggest. Google may additionally provide you with the opportunity to deviate from the intended route in the event of encountering obstacles or traffic.
Conversely, Waze is designed exclusively for users of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Instead of simply locating the quickest route to your destination and allowing you to follow it, Waze continuously analyzes traffic conditions in an effort to get you there as quickly as possible. It is an ongoing jest that in order to save five seconds on your journey, Waze would advise you to travel through an active conflict zone.
Although both services are capable of determining traffic conditions based on the volume of users, Waze takes action in this regard. Similar to Waze, Google Maps will indicate on-screen traffic or obstacles that it is aware of; however, Google will continue to guide you along the predetermined route irrespective of any changes in the situation. It may request that you choose an alternate route if the traffic becomes particularly terrible, but it does not do so in an aggressive manner.
In contrast, Google Maps has modified its route calculation methodology in recent years. The service will now incorporate several variables, such as real-time traffic conditions and the quantity of traffic signals, in order to enhance the safety and environmental friendliness of the proposed route. You will conserve fuel and reduce your likelihood of being involved in a catastrophe.
In essence, Google Maps will not solely rely on your final ETA when providing directions to your destination. And more recently, it has begun to display the exact cost of a specific route, including any tolls that may be incurred. An element that it appropriated from Waze could be incorporated.
Waze is designed to get you to your destination as soon as possible while minimizing the amount of time you spend driving. Therefore, it does not request authorization to alter your route in the middle of the journey and provides automatic directions around obstacles that have appeared. Every effort is made to move you to your destination as quickly as possible. As a consequence, Waze users frequently encounter arbitrary destination suggestions while attempting to get them to their intended locations.
This was perfectly illustrated when I looked up the directions to my parents’ residence. Waze estimated that the journey would span 213 miles and require 3 hours and 19 minutes. In contrast, Google Maps suggested a shorter route of 211 miles, albeit one that required 3 hours and 32 minutes to complete. That is essentially following the same route and does not bypass toll roads.
Waze also estimated that the distance and time required to drive to our London office would be 45 minutes and 12 seconds. Google Maps directed me on a two-minute-longer, 46-mile detour.
Waze’s system has as its drawback its dependence on other active users while they are driving. Therefore, the app is unaware of what is occurring hundreds of miles ahead if you are the only user of Waze.
Fortunately, both services permit offline map storage for later use; however, Google Maps makes this more explicit. The Offline maps feature of Google Maps enables users to download all available data within a specified area of the map. Previously, individual routes could be saved; however, it appears that this functionality has been discontinued.
Although Waze does not offer either of these features, you can cache the pertinent information for offline use by adding a route to your preferences. However, due to Waze’s dependence on real-time data, in the event of a cell service outage, users will not receive any current information regarding road conditions. Essentially, you forfeit the very element that distinguishes Waze.
In the realm of driving, the two services are essentially interchangeable; however, Waze distinguishes itself through its distinctive method of circumventing traffic congestion, rendering it an indispensable resource for drivers. If you don’t mind taking unconventional routes, Waze is the way to go.
Defendant: Waze.
Waze vs. Google Maps: Alternative and Public Transportation
This is a straightforward choice to arrive at. When utilizing public transportation or any other alternative mode of transportation, Waze does not provide any assistance or value. Exactly nothing.
Waze’s purpose is to redirect the driver whenever it detects a quicker route around obstacles; however, since you are not operating the vehicle during public transportation, this amenity is not available to you. Consequently, you will need to utilize Google Maps.
Bicycling, walking, and public transportation are all supported by Google Maps. Using Waze would simply direct you along any old road that a vehicle could traverse, which is not always the safest course of action.
Conversely, Google Maps is replete with information regarding public transportation. It initially contains comprehensive schedules and maps of global transit services and can effortlessly incorporate them into its directions. Additionally, it provides real-time updates regarding potential delays and other complications that may arise during your voyage, ensuring that you are prepared at the very least.
Google Maps is capable of generating estimates regarding the anticipated level of activity in a specific service or area through the utilization of a combination of historical data and real-time observations of the number of individuals present at that location. Additionally, it integrates with local bike and e-scooter rentals and ride-sharing services, where available.
Although not all of that is competitive, Waze has the potential to improve in the area of alternative transportation. Particularly in regions where such rental services are accessible.
Defendant: Google Maps
Google Maps versus Waze: Design and Interface
Although they are operated by the same company and perform similar functions, Google Maps and Waze have strikingly distinct aesthetics. In contrast to Google Maps, which resembles a more conventional application in appearance and presents a wealth of on-screen information, Waze adopts a considerably more straightforward approach characterized by a cartoonish design and fewer intricate details.
This distinction arises from the fact that these two applications are developed for entirely dissimilar purposes. The sole purpose of Waze is to assist drivers in navigating from point A to point B while averting traffic and road hazards. Google Maps is practically indispensable for any purpose, including navigation, exploring unfamiliar locales, and communicating with enterprises.
However, in terms of navigation, the two applications appear to be functionally equivalent. Applications streamline superfluous information and present only the essential details. This consists of your icon, the intended destination, and additional, superfluous data such as speed limits and road hazards in your trajectory.
We must award this one to Waze because it immediately eliminates superfluous information and presents only the essential details. Whether one is actively receiving directions or merely perusing the map, all elements are impeccably organized. While the additional information on Google Maps can be advantageous, it tends to obstruct the user’s view. Furthermore, particularly in metropolitan areas, it often manifests in an untidy disorderly state.
Defendant: Waze.
Waze vs. Google Maps: Advertising
Although both Google Maps and Waze feature advertisements, they differ in the manner in which they determine which types of paid content are displayed to users.
Google Maps generally refrains from prominently featuring advertisements; however, the platform has recently implemented modifications to enhance the visibility of such advertisements on the map. Utilizing a square icon as opposed to a circular one to represent a paid location or business is a good example. As previously stated, fairly subtle.
In contrast, Waze is extremely intrusive and may display distracting banner advertisements whenever you halt your motion.
When you resume movement, the advertisements vanish, so you do not need to constantly disregard them. However, they remain sizable and highly conspicuous, particularly when compared to the minor screen size of your mobile device. Waze could probably benefit from a slight reduction in intensity; if it is compelled to exhibit advertisements, at the very least it could strive to render them less obtrusive.
Defendant: Google Maps.
Comparing Google Maps and Waze: Data
Although both Google Maps and Waze significantly depend on data, Waze is more dependent on it. This is because user-submitted information forms the foundation of Waze’s entire operation. The majority of this information is routinely gathered while you are in motion while the application is open. Users may also submit reports regarding potential hazards or impediments that could hinder the progress of other motorists.
The examination of this data provides insight into the conditions on the roads and can be applied to guide or reroute motorists as required. Additionally, it assists Waze’s algorithms in enhancing the service and its maps.
Although Google Maps also provides a visual representation of road conditions, its system operates on a more extensive dataset. In addition to utilizing historical data to forecast conditions at any particular time of day, it can also retrieve real-time data from Google Maps users and traffic sensors. Despite their similarities, Google Maps has the capability to utilize a significantly greater amount of information compared to Waze.
It is therefore inconsequential if you venture into an area with few users of Google Maps. With the assistance of additional factors, the application will be able to discern current events and keep you reasonably informed.
Undoubtedly, Google Maps and Waze employ their data in notably dissimilar ways. Although both services are owned and administered by Google, this feature has not yet been migrated to Google Maps, whereas Waze actively redirects your route based on the data it receives.
Those who are observant of what Google Maps displays on-screen can monitor impending road conditions; however, it is ultimately your responsibility to choose alternate routes should they become accessible. Google Maps does not divert users to an alternate route in an automated fashion, in contrast to Waze. However, more on that later.
However, years of data collection and analysis yield numerous benefits. Even regions where individuals frequently exceed the speed limit are identifiable to Google Maps in terms of daily traffic volume on specific routes.
Google Maps always has a rudimentary understanding of the optimal route and estimated time required to reach a given destination, barring any unforeseen circumstances that may arise after the user has departed. Although Waze possesses several advantageous features, its paucity of historical and traffic sensor data is a significant drawback.
Defendant: Google Maps
Comparing Google Maps and Waze: Exploration
Waze, which functions predominantly as a navigation application, remarkably possesses discovery capabilities comparable in strength to those observed in Google Maps.
Both applications share a variety of functionalities that assist users in locating significant establishments and locations in their immediate vicinity. They feature a search bar and specialized icons that eliminate the majority of intermediary steps and provide clear distinctions. Whether your destination is a supermarket or a fueling station, you possess the necessary tools to locate them and reach them without delay.
However, as is frequently the case, Google Maps is committed to providing you with more. A greater quantity of specialized keys are present on it. Thus, whether you are looking for a retailer of sporting goods or electronics, the list of discovery icons on Google Maps will have something relevant. Conversely, Waze maintains a straightforward approach.
It is easy to contend that less is more when it comes to locating information, particularly since the search bar can perform a similar function. Nevertheless, Waze’s location labels lack the comprehensive information available on Google Maps.
The Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood is an excellent illustration of this. Google Maps provides the following details about the establishment: address, operating hours, contact information, user-submitted reviews and photos of cuisine, and indicators indicating the services that are presently available.
Although Waze did provide details regarding the closest parking facility, which was appreciated, it was limited to the bare minimum: address, phone number, and website. Comparable challenges were encountered by lesser businesses in my vicinity; however, the situation is considerably more pronounced for large chains.
The McDonald’s in closest proximity displayed operating hours and indicators for onsite service (currently only drive-thru is available), but no contact details, including the website. It seemed like the bare minimum that they could have included. After traveling five miles, the TGI Fridays remained unchanged.
Both services also offer the capability to search for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. However, Google’s most recent update is expected to enhance the ease of locating a compatible DC rapid charging for your vehicle during a drive.
Although Google Maps may not offer every possible feature, it still manages to accumulate a substantial amount of information. One of the nearby takeout establishments lacks any form of online presence, including a website that merely provides directions to its location. Notwithstanding this, Google Maps retains a substantial amount of data, encompassing operational hours, telephone numbers, and even periods of high demand.
Therefore, Waze’s provision of supplementary information is highly variable, whereas Google Maps offers virtually every conceivable detail due to its extensive compilation of data from numerous sources.
Furthermore, it is unknown whether the discovery options on Waze will receive the same enhancements that were declared for Google Maps in May. Taking into account the time of day will significantly refine the recommendations that Google Maps presents to you. Thus, we shall be required to observe and speculate.
Defendant: Google Maps
Google Maps versus Waze: Hazards and traffic
In the past, Waze was the sole provider of traffic and road hazard information; however, Google Maps has recently begun to surpass it. At present, the two are functionally equivalent with the exception of a few minor distinctions.
Waze is extremely aggressive in its efforts to direct you around obstacles reported by other users. To the extent that you might find yourself traversing peculiar winding roads in an attempt to reduce your Mean Advance Time (ETA) by a few seconds. It is necessary to appreciate its commitment. It is acceptable that Google Maps does not yet go to such extreme extent.
Although both Waze and Google Maps enable users to report hazards as they occur, their information does not consistently align, particularly when utilizing Google Maps. For example, the portion of the expressway that leads me to London is virtually encircled with speed cameras. At least one camera must be stationed every mile to monitor and enforce the 50 mph speed limit. Waze’s graphics for the majority of those cameras are minimal, and it displays a warning whenever I pass one while driving.
In contrast, Google Maps performs substantially subpar in both aspects. Google Maps allows users to report speed cameras and other significant road hazards; however, during the 45-mile journey from my residence to London, the application displayed a mere two cameras. Although Waze does not appear to offer everything, it has a substantial quantity more than Google Maps. One might anticipate that Google’s data collection system would exhibit greater precision than Waze’s crowdsourced methodology.
While Google Maps is not entirely lagging behind, Waze maintains the upper hand due to its more active user base.
Defendant: Waze
Waze versus Google Maps: hands-free navigation
Waze and Google Maps both utilize hands-free controls in the same manner. You have the option of employing the “Hey Google” function of Google Assistant or manually entering commands via the on-screen microphone.
That is straightforward on an Android device, as Google Assistant is pre-installed. iPhone users are required to complete additional procedures. Siri will execute commands for both applications; however, in the absence of further specification, it will default to Apple Maps. Therefore, instead of simply saying “directions home,” say “directions home with Waze.” Alternatively, you can download Google Assistant to perform all tasks on your behalf or use the on-screen microphone to toggle voice command mode.
Deactivating the “Hey Siri” function while the Google Maps application is active is also possible via the Navigation section of the preferences menu. This allows you to utilize the “Okay Google” command as you would on an Android device.
Aside from that, there appears to be no discernible distinction between the two applications with regard to their command systems. Using an assistant, one can modify the present route, discover forthcoming events, assess traffic conditions, and perform other similar tasks. Additionally, you can utilize voice commands to report traffic, road hazards, and other issues that arise during your travels. By installing the Google Assistant application, these features are also accessible on iOS.
Therefore, irrespective of the device you employ or the option you select, your experience ought to be essentially the same.
Result: Tie
Waze vs. Google Maps: Customization
There are numerous customization options available in Waze, especially in the voice section. Waze, particularly for English speakers, offers multiple voice options per country or region, whereas Google typically only provides one.
Although celebrity voices are occasionally included for promotional purposes, they are not considered permanent additions to the application. Similar to when Microsoft and Waze added Halo’s Master Chief’s voice. Furthermore, in the event that you decline to comply with automated guidance, Waze will provide you with the option to record your own voice for its use.
Additionally, while navigating, Waze allows you to select one of ten vehicle symbols to appear on-screen. These icons may take the form of a motorcycle, a Formula One race car, or the standard arrow. Additionally, modifications to your “mood” allow you to essentially personalize the avatar that others will observe on your maps. Contribute an adequate amount of time to driving or to Waze’s dataset to gain access to a unique mood featuring a gilded crown.
You have the option to alter the on-screen icon of Google Maps to one of three vehicles and to a different language or region for the voice. However, that is essentially the extent of its customization capabilities. Nevertheless, that is a choice if you desire to navigate while a kind British automaton provides guidance.
While customization constitutes a relatively minor aspect of both applications’ functionalities, those seeking to enhance the personalization of their navigation app should consider Waze. Similarly, Waze is the optimal choice if you desire variety and wish to replace the monotonous default voice.
Defendant: Waze
The Bottom Line
Google Maps is without a doubt the more comprehensive navigation service available. It not only provides a substantial quantity more than Waze, but it is also considerably more comprehensive and possesses a vast array of resources. Moreover, irrespective of the mode of transportation you opt for, Google Maps provides the necessary tools to facilitate your journey.
In contrast, Waze is very limited, providing navigation services only for drivers. Despite this, it provides a service that Google Maps simply cannot match, which is quite peculiar considering how long it has been a subsidiary of Google. Why? The motivations behind Google’s decision to retain both services while excluding Waze’s breakthrough feature from Google Maps remain somewhat ambiguous. However, that is the way things stand.
You’ll want to use Waze if you’re a motorist who simply wants to reach your destination as soon as possible without regard for the means. Although Google Maps has the capability to detect and predict road conditions, it does not exhibit the same level of proactivity in diverting your route when circumstances become hazardous.
However, in the absence of operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle, Waze serves no purpose. Its use case is extremely limited, a gap that Google Maps readily satisfies. It follows that Google Maps is frequently the sole viable option, not merely the victor.
