When it comes to navigation apps, Google Maps and Apple Maps are often the go-to choices for many people. However, most comparisons are done in the US, UK, and Canada, which may not represent the experience in other parts of the world. In this blog, I will share my experience living in the UAE and how the popular navigation apps stack up against each other from a different perspective.
First off, let’s talk about the driving experience. While Google Maps and Apple Maps are commonly used, I found that Waze stood out in several areas. Waze has lane assist, which shows the specific lane you need to be in for your next turn, making navigation less confusing, especially in a country like the UAE where a wrong exit can add significant time to your journey. Additionally, Waze relies heavily on crowd-sourcing to enhance the navigation experience, providing real-time updates on speed traps and accurate speed limits.
In terms of reporting incidents, Waze offers more options and is more popular than Apple Maps, providing more reliable and up-to-date information. When it comes to voice-guided navigation, Waze goes the extra mile by mentioning the actual lanes to follow, making it more useful for drivers.
Moving on to exploring new places, Google Maps and Waze offer more features and information compared to Apple Maps. Google Maps shows ratings directly on the map, making it easier to choose highly-rated options. Waze, on the other hand, falls short in this category, showing irrelevant options like grocery stores and gas stations.
When it comes to user interface and user experience, each app has its pros and cons. While Waze has thicker lines for easier visibility, Google Maps excels in interaction with the app, requiring fewer taps to start and end navigation.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best navigation experience, especially for driving, Waze is the way to go. Google Maps dominates in exploring new places, while Apple Maps may lag behind in features and information outside of the US and Canada. Each app has its strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Let me know in the comments which navigation app you prefer, and stay tuned for more insights in the future. Thank you for reading!
