Google Maps vs. Waze: I compared the two best navigation apps, and this one wins

Waze is great for fast reroutes and real-time driver alerts.Google Maps has deep Gemini integration and more features.Both apps keep improving, but which one is truly the best?

The internet is loaded with claims that Waze leaves Google Maps in the dust. But is that really true? I'm a longtime Google Maps (and Google Earth) user. I swear by it and regularly side-eye anyone who says otherwise (especially, god forbid, Apple Maps users).

Also: Master your navigation: 41 hidden Google Maps settings you should know

I'm a tech editor, though, so 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 it in 2013.

So, if you're looking for a feature-by-feature breakdown of how Waze actually compares to Google Maps, you've come to the right place. I've tested both to find out which one will get me where I need to go faster, smarter, and better.

Let's look at all the major features of both apps to determine a clear winner. Will the final scorecard surprise me? Maybe.

The final scorecard

Let's tally up which app is the winner, based on the categories above and my evaluation.

Waze: 3 winsGoogle Maps: 6 wins

And there you have it. Google Maps edges out Waze by three categories. That said, a few of these could've easily gone either way, and a lot of it really comes down to personal preference. Still, if you want my opinion (and let's be honest, if you've made it this far, you probably do): Google Maps is the more feature-rich app, and any remaining gaps between it and Waze are shrinking fast.