Man compares Waze and Google Maps and ends up realizing it's not even a debate as one is too far ahead
Published on Aug 03, 2026 at 2:03 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 03, 2026 at 2:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The Waze and Google Maps debate has been going on for a long while now, and the irony is that we sometimes forget they’re owned by the same company.
But even though the tech giant owns both navigation apps, they aren’t that similar, which probably explains why not a day goes by without a new comparison.
On that front, a senior software writer ran an interesting test.
And the conclusion heavily favors one of these two apps.
There is one clear winner in his view
Writing for PCMag, software writer Jordan Minor drew direct comparisons between the two navigation apps, trying to keep things as ‘scientific’ as possible.
He started by comparing the offline versions of the apps, which already gave us some food for thought.
That’s because, in his opinion, Google Maps is miles better, because it was a ‘lot more helpful’ when used offline.
“You also must be online when you start a trip. Your trip won’t end if your connection drops, but you will lose access to all the helpful information the app provides, such as accident alerts and sudden road closures notifications,” he noted.
Score one for Google Maps.
And then score two for Google Maps, because when it came to Map Details, the app’s Immersive Navigation and 3D features are too good and Waze simply couldn’t compete.
But he did find something Waze has that Maps doesn’t.
Waze has one redeeming feature that Google Maps doesn’t
One of the main reasons why Google Maps bought Waze was the app’s live update features.
Waze – as most people know – benefits from real-time updates and feedback directly from drivers.
Google has that feature too, of course, but it’s probably not as sophisticated.
It still wasn’t enough, though.
In the end, Maps was rewarded 4.5 out of 5, while Waze only got 3.5 out of 5.
Conspiracy theorists would maybe tell us this was done on purpose.
As in, Google bought Waze and the company is now making it good, but not so good it becomes better than Maps.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
