Google Maps vs. Waze: I've driven 100+ miles with the two best navigation apps - this one's better

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways 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: I tested Google Maps vs. Apple Maps to find the best navigation app - and this one winsI'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, including Waze, which, in case you didn't know, Google acquired 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. Is Waze or Google Maps 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. CategoryWinnerWhy it wins Navigation and rerouting WazeInstantly reroutes you based on real-time traffic, with no permission needed. Transit and travel modes Google MapsSupports walking, biking, buses, trains, and more. Traffic and incident reporting Waze (near tie)Real-time, driver-powered alerts with live confirmation, voice reporting, and rerouting. Police and speed trap alerts WazeMore detailed reports, including hidden police and mobile phone detection. Offline maps and data use Google MapsFull offline map downloads with turn-by-turn directions. Interface and design Google MapsRich tools: Street View, map layers, business info, Ask Maps, Lens, and more. AI voice assistance Google MapsGemini is live in both apps, but it is more fully integrated in Google Maps. EV navigation and charging Google MapsSmarter EV charger availability and battery predictions for supported vehicles. Availability and compatibility Google MapsPreinstalled on Android, works across more platforms out of the box. Total: Waze: 3 winsGoogle Maps: 6 winsAnd 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. FAQs When should you use Waze over Google Maps? If you care most about avoiding traffic, hazards, and speed traps, Waze is your app. It's faster at rerouting and more focused on drivers. But if you need a navigation app that will give you oodles of information about businesses, parking, nearby things to do, and landmarks, and one that works across transit types, travel modes, and vehicles, Google Maps is the way to go. Also: You can turn off Gemini in Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more - here's howHere's a quick decision tree if you're on the fence about which app to use and when. Use Waze if... You're driving and want the fastest possible route.You love seeing live, detailed road alerts (speed traps, hazards, cops).You want hands-free hazard reporting while driving.You enjoy quirky features (fun voices, avatars).You don't need walking, biking, or transit directions.Use Google Maps if... You take public transit, walk, or bike.You want detailed business info and reviews.You want to use Street View, Immersive Navigation, and map layers.You travel internationally or need offline maps.You drive an EV and want charger availability or battery predictions.You want to use deep Gemini AI voice assistance. Can Waze be used offline? Not really. Waze requires a data connection to function properly. It might cache part of a route, but it doesn't offer true offline maps, as Google Maps does. Does Google Maps show police like Waze? Google Maps has some basic reporting tools for things like police, but it is not as detailed as Waze's real-time, user-generated alerts. Can you use Waze for walking or biking? No. Waze is strictly for drivers. If you're walking, biking, or taking transit, use Google Maps. Does Waze have Street View or historical timeline data? No. Waze doesn't support Street View or historical timeline data. If you want to visually explore a location before you go (like seeing what a building entrance looks like or checking parking availability), you'll need to use Google Maps, which offers full Street View integration. Google Maps also allows you to go back in time to see a place as it looked in the past (up to 20 years ago). Also: How to blur your home on Google Street View - and why you should do it ASAP Does Google Maps or Waze have an Incognito mode? Yes. Google Maps has an Incognito mode that lets you browse and navigate without saving your activity to your Google account, so your searches, routes, and visited places aren't recorded in your location history or personalized recommendations. Waze doesn't have a true Incognito mode, but you can go "invisible" by hiding your live location and username from other drivers. To enable Incognito mode in Google Maps, tap your profile photo and select "Turn on Incognito mode."To hide in Waze, tap Menu > View Profile > Go invisible to hide.