Driving DirectionsĪpple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze each offer satisfactory driving directions, but differ in many ways. For example, the privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo recently switched to using it for map-related searches and route planning. To make up for that, Apple released its MapKit JS code so web developers can add Apple Maps services to websites. Unlike Google Maps and Waze, Apple Maps lacks a browser-based version. Both services let you plan trips on the desktop before sending the directional information to their respective mobile apps.

In terms of web options, you can explore Google Maps and Waze via your favorite web browser. The app’s an Apple exclusive, automatically dropping it from contention if you’re an Android owner. Apple Maps comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, but there’s no Google Play Store version. Google’s Maps (a native Android app) and Waze (Google's driver-focused navigation app) are available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

You can access the three apps in different ways. That said, something is certainly being sold, but that’s behind the scenes. You don’t need to worry about additional microtransactions or ad banners. The three map apps in this showdown- Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze-are entirely free. But which map app is the best? Platform Power In fact, navigation apps are great general guides to day-to-day living, as they can highlight the cheapest gas in your area or the nearest fast food joint. In contemporary times, nearly everyone has a smartphone with a first- or third-party map app that offers driving, walking, or biking directions. Long gone are the days of pulling origami-like paper maps from your car’s glove box to determine your location.

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