There are many navigation applications but the truth is that the most popular are Waze and Google Maps. Both are free applications and belong to Google and despite the things that bring them together there are also many that distinguish them. For this reason, it is not always easy to choose which of Google’s navigation applications to use. But in fact there are good reasons to choose one of them and as such, you will actually abandon Google Maps and switch to Waze!
Now you’re going to abandon Google Maps and switch to Waze!
Route planning
Both applications are owned by Google, so you would expect them to generate the same routes for a specific trip. However, this is rarely the case. This is because Waze is designed to get you to your destination in the shortest possible time and will be happy to take you on a slightly awkward route if it means avoiding traffic congestion or an accident. Google Maps usually generates a more direct route, but it may end up being a little slower.
Better hazard reporting
Waze is based on a social network of Waze users whose data is shared with all other users. Waze uses information about how fast other users are traveling to estimate the level of traffic on the roads and uses this information to create the most efficient routes. However, users can also add their own data, such as traffic accidents, speed cameras and other hazards.
These warnings are usually very accurate. For example, we regularly receive warnings about vehicles stopped on the side of the road, and these are almost always exactly where the warning says they will be. If they are not, I can quickly tap the screen to indicate that the danger no longer exists. Waze also recently added new hazard warning options, including speed bumps and tolls.
Google Maps has a hazard sign function, but this is still quite new and depends on other users using it. Many may not be aware that hazard warnings are an option in Google Maps, but they have been an essential part of Waze for years.
Customization options
Have you ever driven more distracted and not even listened to the instructions on your navigation app and passed the curve you should have taken? It’s easy to do, especially with the same monotonous voice talking to you every few minutes. Waze gives it a twist by offering you a wide variety of different voices, including some great celebrity voices.
Many of these voices are short-term options that are used as promotional tools or that only appear during the holidays. In addition to voices, it is also possible to customize the icon that appears on the map to show your location to other Waze users, which allows you to indicate your current mood.
Faster rerouting
The initial route generated by Waze is the ideal route based on current traffic conditions. However, things can change during the trip. Some roads may become busier, making you slower, or there may be accidents or other hazards that make your current route less ideal.
If this happens, Waze suggests an alternative route and informs you of the time you can save by switching to that route. It will do so quite aggressively. If a faster route is found, Waze will usually notify you, which means the route may change several times during your trip.
Find the cheapest fuel faster
Both apps let you search for gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations on or near your route. However, Waze has a big advantage over Google Maps in this aspect. Although Google Maps indicates the location of service stations, it does not give you any information about the price to pay.
In the Waze app, you will not only see the location of the gas stations, but you will also be able to see the prices. This information can be sent by the service stations themselves or by other Waze users. This allows you to quickly find the cheapest place to fill up without going too far out of your way.
In fact, these are great reasons to switch to Waze.
