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Google Maps vs Waze: catalog facts
Google Maps	Waze
Best for: Everyday driving, transit and local search	Best for: Drivers who want routes that react to live traffic
Free Free to use.	Free Free to use.
Android, iOS, Web	iOS
Real-time traffic and lane guidance Public transit directions All 4 strengths for Google Maps Real-time traffic and lane guidance Public transit directions Street View imagery Extensive local business listings	Routes based on live traffic conditions Road condition updates reported by other drivers All 3 strengths for Waze Routes based on live traffic conditions Road condition updates reported by other drivers Free to use
Tied to Google's data collection Offline use limited to downloaded areas	Depends on a data connection for live traffic Closed source
Downloadable app, Web application	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Google Maps google.com/maps play.google.com/store/apps/details apps.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354 Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Waze waze.com apps.apple.com/us/app/waze-navigation-live-traffic/id323229… Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.