4 key navigation features in Waze that Google Maps still cannot replicate

I’ve been juggling between Waze and Google Maps for quite some time now.

There’s a constant tussle between the two navigation apps, and it’s hard to deny that Waze excels at some features.

While Google Maps has narrowed the gap over the past few years, I still prefer some features in Waze.

Here are some of my favorite features that Waze does better than Google Maps.

Waze gives more specific road alerts and warnings

Essential for local navigation

Waze’s superpower is its community, and Google Maps hasn’t replicated it effectively. With Waze, you get reports from other users that can range from flooding to road restrictions.

While Google Maps has borrowed this feature from Waze, it isn’t as effective or as basic as Waze. The community-driven alerts are a major differentiator that keeps users loyal to Waze.

These reports are detailed as well, including precise bump locations and whether there is any police presence on the road.

The real-time data encourages a hyper-local culture that I don’t find in Google Maps.

But with a volunteer-maintained map editor, the depth of reporting goes to the next level. The community has added a new layer of detail that isn’t present in Google Maps.

Users in my local town add specific hazards, such as debris or potholes, that aren’t really a thing on Google Maps.

This also enabled Waze to detect school zones during specific times. Users have added other details such as bus lanes, sharp curves, merging lanes, and any weather-related impacts.

It would be an understatement to say that Waze comes alive thanks to its community. There are other unique Waze features I wish Google Maps had. I cannot imagine driving without it.

One of them is Waze’s ability to notify me before I enter and exit a speed enforcement zone.

I can’t tell you how many times Waze saved me money by helping me avoid fines. Similarly, I appreciate crucial voice alerts that are unavailable in Google Maps.

For example, Waze has notified me countless times about a certain hidden speed trap that I would not have noticed otherwise.

Since Google Maps doesn’t have an active community, Waze feels more like driving in an MMO with players helping you along the way.

Vehicle-specific features that save money and time

Setting Waze apart from others

It would be a disservice not to point out vehicle-specific features Waze offers that aren’t present in Google Maps.

Whether using a rented EV or my gas-powered vehicle, I can use settings specific to my car’s profile that impact my Waze experience.

When using my personal car, I can set the car type and the kind of fuel it uses.

Waze takes that into account when routing my daily commute and optimizes it whenever I need fuel.

But finding a gas station is basic, and Google Maps can do that too. But Waze incorporates user-reported prices at nearby stations.

Using this data lets me save money and avoid gas stations that are charging more than the norm.

When using an EV, after setting the car model and plug type, Waze filters out charging stations and recommends only those compatible with my car.

To set a charging plug type and EV model, here are the steps you’ll follow:

1. Open Waze.
2. Tap the three-line menu option.
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap Vehicle details and then Electric Vehicles.
5. Ensure the Turn on EV features option is turned on.
6. Tap Plugs and select your vehicle’s plug type.
7. Tap Networks and select your preferred charging service/network.

Thanks to the community and the settings above, I save a lot of time.

It saves me from manually searching for a compatible plug or endlessly looking for charging stations on the road without knowing their charging compatibility.

EV charging information goes beyond basic details. I also get access to the charging speeds, number of plugs, and other services a station offers.

What’s neat is that the community constantly updates charging-station data via map editors, helping me avoid surprises I might encounter with other apps.

Google Maps offers information based on my vehicle’s profile, but it lacks the community-sourced details I have become accustomed to.

Waze lets me reach my destination faster when I need it most

A feature that can be a boon and a bane.

Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police

Unlike Google Maps, Waze continuously searches for the optimal route so that I can reach my destination faster.

Waze is aggressive in finding the fastest path and automatically switches without needing a confirmation from me.

It goes back to leveraging community-based alerts, which Waze uses along with traffic sensors to reroute. When I’m stuck in traffic, this feature can be a lifesaver when I’m on a tight schedule and need to arrive on time.

Google Maps, on the other hand, is more conservative and prefers to stick to the main road rather than use the optimal route.

It’s predictable and often costs me more time, even though faster routes are available.

Sometimes I prefer Google Maps because it’s simpler and often faster, but when I’mstuck in a traffic jam, Waze can be a saving grace.

While Waze’s aggressive rerouting feature can be a boon most of the time, it can also be a bane. I often found myself on unpaved roads with many potholes, which directly affected my comfort and the car.

Thankfully, I customized Waze to avoid those roads and difficult intersections in the future, so it still finds a faster route but not at the cost of breaking my back.

Waze can be fun to use too

Driving can be entertaining

Speaking of customizations, Waze offers some cool options that aren’t as fleshed out in Google Maps.

Commuting to and from work daily can be frustrating; thankfully, Waze has features that can make your commute fun.

For example, I can load several voice packs, such as Master Chief from Halo, to give directions when driving.

I can also record my own voice, but that feels odd to me. Folks who like to hear their own voice can definitely take advantage of it.

Similar to Master Chief, Waze incorporates guest celebrity voices if I need a change. Since Waze leverages the community for many of its features, the same is true for voice packs.

I’ve downloaded countless voice packs from pipeeeeees‘ repository on GitHub, including iconic voices like Mr. T and C-3PO.

To add these custom voices, tap Download for the voice you want, and Waze will do the rest. Switching voices is also fairly easy: go to Settings > Voice and sound > Waze voice.

I recommend switching voices, as it keeps me engaged during my commute and makes repetitive drives bearable.

Waze still has an upper hand over Google Maps

Waze might be an underdog to Google Maps, but when it comes to navigation features, the former has a lot more to offer.

The community-driven data and alerts give Waze a clear advantage that Google Maps hasn’t been able to replicate successfully.

But when combined with more fun customization options and the ability to save time and money via vehicle-specific features, Waze has become an essential navigation app to have on your phone.