Google Maps and Waze are two very similar tools from the same owner that have big differences. While it is true that Maps is the most popular in terms of mapping and driving applications, there are also others like Waze that are among the favourites of many users.

In this opportunity, you will know the great differences between both tools and thus you will discover why some users choose one over the other.

Differences between Google Maps and Waze

Focus

The first thing that can be noticed when using both tools is that Waze has a greater social component while Google Maps has a much more complete service.

Interface

On the one hand, Google Maps has a standard Material Design interface, with a design that matches the rest of the company’s apps. As for Waze, it has its own design that is often described as childish.

A particular feature is that Maps is like any Google application and Waze is more like the GPS of a lifetime. Beyond looking childish, its interface is typical of GPS navigators, with larger data, greater use of colour and more frequent drawings

Navigation Route

Both applications usually use different routes in navigation due to their configuration.

The main action that both applications have is to take you to the destination. Its difference is that Waze adjusts the routes more quickly to any incident. However, as Waze is owned by Google, it is clear that the application shares much of the route-finding DNA that Maps has.

Google Maps, for its part, allows you to readjust and calculate your routes, giving priority to other features such as safety and ecology over the fastest one.

In case of heavier traffic, it is advisable to explore Waze because it is usually more effective in helping to avoid traffic jams by responding to road incidents faster than Google Maps.

As for rural areas or where there is a large community of Waze users, there will not be much difference between the two applications.