Waze review
Crowd-sourced driving directions and live traffic alerts
- Waze (Google)
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
Does it deserve #4?
The verdict
Waze is the best app for drivers who want to dodge traffic. Other drivers report crashes, hazards, police and speed cameras in real time, and Waze reroutes you around slowdowns quickly. It works well with CarPlay and Android Auto. The trade-offs are ads on the map, heavy location data collection and the odd detour through side streets. Get it for daily commutes and road trips.
- Live crowd-sourced hazard reports
- Fast traffic rerouting
- Speed camera and police alerts
- CarPlay and Android Auto support
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Reacts quickly to crashes and traffic jams
- Community reports catch hazards other apps miss
- Free, with music and podcast controls built in
What could be better
- Ads appear on the map and when you stop
- Collects a lot of location data
Drivers who want the fastest route right now on commutes and road trips
you mostly walk or use public transit
Questions about Waze
Is Waze free?
Yes. Waze is free to use and is supported by ads that appear on the map and when your car is stopped.
What is the difference between Waze and Google Maps?
Both are owned by Google. Waze focuses on driving with live reports from other drivers, while Google Maps also covers transit, walking, cycling and detailed place information.
What are the best alternatives to Waze?
The closest alternatives are Google Maps, Citymapper and Flighty. See all of them ranked on our Waze alternatives page.
Where does Waze rank?
Waze ranks #4 of 8 in our Travel & Maps ranking, with an overall score of 8.4 out of 10.