The Waze vs. Google Maps debate has raged for years — here’s the verdict.
A quick Google search will surface article after article claiming that Waze is far better than Google Maps. But is that actually true? I’m a longtime Google Maps (and Google Earth) user. I swear by the app, and I regularly side-eye anyone who says otherwise — especially, god forbid, Apple Maps users.
I’m also a tech editor, though, which means I do my best to set aside personal bias in the name of journalism. Every now and then, I force myself to try alternative navigation apps — and that includes Waze, which, in case you didn’t know, Google acquired in 2013.
So, if you’re looking for a true feature-by-feature breakdown of how Waze compares to Google Maps, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tried both, and I’m here to tell you which one really gets you where you need to go faster, smarter, and better. Is Waze or Google Maps better?
Let’s break down all the major features to find a clear winner. Will the final scorecard surprise us both? Maybe. Navigation with real-time rerouting
Waze is for people who want to get where they are going — fast.
It prioritizes the quickest route and will automatically reroute you the second traffic gets messy. There’s no asking for permission. it just does it, even if it means taking you down a weird side street. Google Maps, on the other hand, takes a more measured approach. It considers things like road types and even fuel efficiency for different vehicle types. It’ll suggest a faster route if one pops up, and you have to tap to approve.
Personally, I like having the final say. If an app wants to reroute me last-minute, I’d rather know where I’m headed — and approve it — before I take the turn. But if your top priority is shaving off seconds, Waze is the way to go. I’ll give this one to Waze for that alone, but it’s close.Public transit and other travel modes
Waze is just for drivers. Literally. Like, people driving cars or motorcycles. There’s no using it for walking, biking, buses, or trains. Basically, if you’re not behind the wheel, Waze can’t help you. Google Maps, however, has it all. Whether you’re headed somewhere on foot or figuring out a multi-leg public transit trip, it’s got detailed routes, live schedules, and real-time updates.Traffic and incident reporting
Waze has long stood out for its live, driver-submitted information that helps it decide how to reroute you in real time. Users can report everything from traffic jams and road hazards to construction, speed traps, and even bad weather. As you drive, you can confirm or dismiss alerts to help keep the map accurate and up to date.
Lately, though, Google Maps has been catching up. It now also lets users report crashes, slowdowns, road closures, speed traps, and even lane blockages. These reports show up on the map, which is helpful. But, unlike Waze, Google Maps won’t automatically reroute you based on that real-time info.
