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When ZDNET recommends a product or service, that recommendation is the result of hours of thorough testing, research, and careful comparison shopping. Their editorial team gathers information from a range of reliable sources, including official vendor and retailer listings, as well as independent review sites. One important part of their process is reading through customer reviews to understand what matters most to everyday users—those who actually own and use the products or services being assessed.
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**Waze vs. Google Maps: Which Navigation App Is Best?**
It’s common to find articles claiming that Waze is superior to Google Maps, but how true is that? The author of the comparison is a long-time Google Maps (and Google Earth) user, but also a tech editor who strives to remain objective. To provide a balanced perspective, they regularly test alternative navigation apps—including Waze, which has been owned by Google since 2013.
Below is a feature-by-feature comparison of Waze and Google Maps, highlighting where each app excels and which is the better choice depending on your needs.
**Routing Speed and Rerouting**
Waze is designed for drivers who value speed above all else. It prioritizes the fastest possible route and will automatically reroute you the moment it detects heavy traffic, sometimes even taking you down less conventional side streets. The app doesn’t ask for your permission before changing routes—it just does it. This approach can be ideal for those whose priority is getting to their destination as quickly as possible.
Google Maps, on the other hand, takes a more thoughtful approach. It considers factors like road types and even fuel efficiency based on the type of vehicle you’re driving. The app is getting smarter, too: directions can now use landmarks rather than just distances, making them easier to follow. While Google Maps will suggest a faster route if one becomes available, you have to tap to approve the change—giving you more control.
If you want to approve rerouting decisions, Google Maps is the better choice. But if saving every possible minute is your priority, Waze is the winner here.
**Modes of Transportation**
Waze is strictly for drivers—cars or motorcycles only. It doesn’t offer walking, biking, or public transit routes. By contrast, Google Maps is a true multi-modal navigation tool, providing