Google Maps versus Waze: The navigation systems in comparison

In the comparison Google Maps versus Waze it becomes clear that both applications have their advantages and disadvantages as a navigation program and route planner.

Google Maps versus Waze: This is what the programs have in common

For most, Google Maps is probably synonymous with digital maps. However, the application is not the only option if you want to plan your next route on your PC or smartphone. Waze represents an alternative. Both route planners have a few things in common in their web versions.

• Start page: If you open Google Maps and Waze, the start pages are very similar at first glance. The largest part of the user interface is made up of the respective map. In the upper left corner, you will find the route planner (Google Maps) or the driving instructions (Waze). In the lower right corner, you can display your location and zoom in or out.

• Move around the map: If you want to move around the maps, this works the same for both applications. As an alternative to the plus and minus in the lower right corner, you can also zoom using the mouse wheel. You can move in the different cardinal directions in both Google Maps and Waze by holding down the left mouse button and moving the mouse.
• Route Planner: Search for a route, both applications will suggest you a best route as well as other alternative routes.

Differences between Waze and Google Maps

Besides the similarities, the two applications also differ from each other in a few ways.

• Map Layout: In Google Maps, you can use layers to switch between the default and satellite map types. In addition, it is possible to display map details about public transport, cycling, terrain, Street View, fires and air quality. In Waze, you only have one map layout available, which you cannot change.

• Markers: Google Maps shows you various important or interesting places on the map, for example landmarks, restaurants or train stations. Waze doesn’t have these indicators, but you can see closed roads, construction sites, traffic jams and controls. You can also display garbage trucks and snow plows. All these ads are reported by other users.

• Search: In Google Maps, on the home screen, you have the option to search for restaurants, museums, pharmacies, ATMs, public transportation and possible activities in the displayed map section. Then you get an overview with the locations and other important info, such as opening hours and Google ratings. There is no such option in Waze.

• Transportation: In Waze, you can only select whether you are traveling by private vehicle, cab or motorcycle. With Google Maps, you can also travel as a pedestrian or get routes for public transportation, bicycles, or airplanes.

• Community: Unlike Google Maps, Waze’s concept is built on active community participation. As a user, you can report traffic jams, closures, accidents and other points of importance for road traffic in the app on your smartphone. In the web version, you can edit the map in the map editor. To do this, you need to register or log in to Waze.

• Avoid certain roads: In Google Maps, you can select Avoid Toll Roads in the route planner. You can also avoid toll roads in the Waze app. In addition, however, you also have the option of having an environmental sticker or vignettes taken into account. Furthermore, unpaved roads and also difficult turns can be avoided. You can avoid highways and ferries in both applications.

• Speed cameras: Waze can basically warn you about speed cameras as well. Please note that as a driver of a vehicle in Germany, you are not allowed to use functions of technical devices for displaying traffic monitoring measures.

Google Maps and Waze on your smartphone

Both Google Maps and Waze can be downloaded to your smartphone. The user interfaces of the two navigation apps differ from each other in a few ways.

• Google Maps home screen: When you open Google Maps, you don’t just see your location. You can also search directly for restaurants, shopping, gas stations or other facilities. You can also open the route planner with one click. As in the web version, you can also choose between different map types and map details. You can also call up places that you have memorized.
• Star screen Waze: Waze is designed to be less comprehensive when you open the app. Initially, you will only see your current location. You can also select whether you are driving a private vehicle, cab, or motorcycle under Vehicle Settings. Here you can also make settings for vignettes and environmental badges, as well as for avoiding toll roads.
• Route Planner Google Maps: In Google Maps, you can select whether you are traveling by car, public transit, walking, or biking. You will get route suggestions for all of the options, at least if the app finds suitable ones. You can also add multiple stops to your route.
• Route planner Waze: To be able to determine a route, you first have to tap on My Waze. You can then enter a location yourself or search for suggestions in various categories (e.g. drive-in, gas station, food, pharmacies). You can also set addresses for home and work through My Waze.

Which route planner you should choose

Both Google Maps and Waze have their own advantages and, depending on your needs, may be the better choice if you want to use a route planner or digital maps.

• If you want to use the respective program primarily to get from A to B by car or motorcycle, you should take a closer look at Waze. Here you not only get several route suggestions, you can also see at a glance where there are road works or traffic jams. This works even if you haven’t selected a route yet.

• The consideration of vignettes or environmental badges also speaks for Waze. Especially the vignette option can be helpful if you want to stay frequently in countries with a corresponding obligation.

• However, if you don’t want to travel only by car or motorcycle, but also use other means of transport such as public transport or walk, Google Maps is more suitable. Here you can also check which mode of transport will take you to your destination the fastest.
• Google Maps also offers you some advantages when you explore foreign places. For example, you can search for nearby restaurants, attractions, or shopping. To find them with Waze, you would already need to know the respective address.