Google Maps vs. Waze: I compared the two best navigation apps, and this one wins

Waze is great for fast reroutes and real-time alerts, while Google Maps delivers deep Gemini integration and more features. Here's my pick after extensive testing.

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: Master your navigation: 41 hidden Google Maps settings you should know

I'm a tech editor, though, so I do my best to set aside personal bias in the ...