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Waze vs Google Maps: catalog facts
Waze	Google Maps
Best for: Drivers who want routes that react to live traffic	Best for: Everyday driving, transit and local search
Free Free to use.	Free Free to use.
iOS	Android, iOS, Web
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	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
Depends on a data connection for live traffic Closed source	Tied to Google's data collection Offline use limited to downloaded areas
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
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	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

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