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 how
Here'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.
