A free and data-driven navigation app
Waze is a free travel and navigation app that relies on user data to offer traffic alerts and information on roadblocks and the location of cops.
Designed for Android, the application doesn’t just give you a live map but adjusts the route in real-time. You can even use the app to find cheap gas stations along your way, inform others of your ETA, and listen to your favorite songs without leaving the platform.
What is Waze?
Waze is an easy-to-use navigation application you can download on your device for free. The app provides real-time route guidance and maps based on the information offered to it by its many users. That includes information on traffic congestion, construction work, accidents, and the location of the traffic police.
Apart from this, the free app also monitors user movement to recommend route changes that get you to your destination faster. Users who provide Waze with data get points and access to additional functions and features. With a million downloads under its belt, the navigation app is considered to be one of the most popular in its category.
Until 2013, Waze was an independent company before being bought by Google. However, that hasn’t changed the software much. The app continues to work independently and doesn’t rely on Google’s map software. That said, Waze is still quite popular and is a solid alternative to Google Maps.
Is Waze better than Google Maps?
As mentioned earlier, Waze is a good alternative to Google Maps. However, the apps have stark differences. While Maps offers walking routes and transit information, along with driving directions, Waze is primarily focused on guiding drivers. It doesn’t include any topographic data or 3D buildings, both of which are available on Google Maps.
Instead, Waze relies on user-generated reports to relay accurate information to drivers. That means, that when you’re using Waze maps on your device, you’ll get instant alerts about the situation on the road, along with faster route suggestions.
Additionally, you can use the navigation app without a Waze account. However, signing up lets you contribute to the community and gain points for future gifts.
Offers various features
When you download the Waze app on your smartphone, you not only get access to its navigation system but to a range of additional features as well. The platform gives users turn-by-turn driving instructions with the help of voice commands and alerts users of any accidents or hazards on the road. You can also choose the voice that’ll help guide you to your location.
Additionally, the app lets users play songs and listen to podcasts without leaving the platform. ETA information gets updated in real-time, so you can let other people know the tentative time of your arrival. The app also offers a carpool service that can connect you with other people going via your destination. Wazers, or users that provide Waze traffic updates, can earn rewards for their contributions.
Is Waze accurate?
As you’re driving and using Waze maps, you’ll see several items appear on the screen. These items often feature speed cameras, accidents, roadblocks, police cars, and more.
With the help of this information, you can easily avoid getting stuck and wasting hours. Instead, you can opt for another route that Waze suggests in real-time.
Recommends route changes
To help you circumvent traffic jams and road accidents, Waze provides accurate information as well as reroute suggestions. This information is gathered in real-time and provided by Waze users traveling via the same route. That said, there are times when you may end up on an unusual route recommended by Waze. To avoid such a scenario, it’s better to stick to the main roads instead of going via the route suggested by the app.
Supports Android Auto
If you have an infotainment system installed in your car, you’ll like this feature.
The Waze download includes a recent update in its software to offer Android Auto support. That means, when traveling in your car, you can easily view the map provided by Waze, along with all its features on the infotainment display available in your car.
Stores an offline map
Though Waze is an online navigation app, it does store a copy of your route offline. By doing this, it makes sure that even if you lose your internet connection, you’ll be able to follow the road to your destination.
If you stray from the route already planned, though, you will not get any rerouting suggestions. In this case, you would need a stable connection so Waze can give you real-time route recommendations.
The interface could be better
While Waze gives users access to many features, the app does have a drawback. Its interface isn’t very user-friendly, with small icons tucked away on different corners of the layout. Though the map is clear for users to read, performing any action on the screen sometimes takes a while. Additionally, when the vehicle isn’t moving, Waze tends to show pop-up ads about nearby businesses, a feature that users may find distracting.
Is Waze free?
Yes. Waze is free to download and doesn’t have any paid versions.
However, the application is supported by advertisements, which means users have to see pop-up ads when the car isn’t moving. If you dismiss an ad, you may have to see another one before you start driving.
Are there any alternatives?
Waze download offers real-time traffic alerts, route suggestions, and other information. But, it does show ads that users may not find so appealing. So, if you’re looking for alternatives, you should check out Google Maps, Petal Maps, Citymapper, and MAPS.ME.
New features
Waze has begun rolling out a highly anticipated feature: reduced speed limit alerts. This rollout comes as part of a series of updates initially announced in April, including speed bump alerts, improved navigation for roundabouts, and enhanced information about users' favorite routes.
The latest update introduces notifications for upcoming speed changes, designed to give drivers ample time to adjust their speed gradually. This feature is crucial for preventing sudden braking, which can lead to accidents and phantom traffic jams. The alerts function similarly to Waze's existing railroad crossing notifications, appearing approximately 500 meters before a flagged location. Drivers will see a speed limit indicator on the map and receive a pop-up alert on their screens, ensuring they can slow down safely and avoid surprises.
Speed bump alerts and improved navigation: This rollout follows the recent introduction of speed bump notifications, which started appearing for users last month. Additionally, Waze has enhanced its navigation for roundabouts and provided more detailed information on users' preferred routes, making driving safer and more convenient.
Stage-based rollout: The deployment of these new features is happening in stages, as map editors gradually add the necessary data to the app. This means that while some users may already be seeing these alerts on their devices, others might need to wait a bit longer until all speed limit changes are integrated into the Waze system.
Users are encouraged to report any discrepancies they encounter to help improve the accuracy of the alerts. Overall, these updates represent another step forward in Waze’s ongoing mission to enhance driver safety and convenience.
Importance of speed change notifications
Speed changes, especially those that lower speed limits, occur frequently on both urban and country roads. These changes can catch drivers off guard, leading to abrupt braking and increased risk of collisions. Waze aims to mitigate these risks by providing advance warnings, allowing drivers to decelerate smoothly and safely.
Availability and accuracy
The new alerts have been observed on both iPhone and CarPlay, and they are expected to be available on Android and Android Auto as well. Since speed limit changes are added by map editors rather than reported by users, the accuracy and completeness of this data depend on the local editor community. Some users might notice incomplete or incorrect speed limit information, so it’s essential to pay attention to actual road signage.
Customization and control
For those who prefer not to receive these notifications, Waze offers an option to disable them. Users can navigate to the Settings screen, go to Alerts and Reports > Reports > Reduced speed ahead, and toggle off the “Show on map / Alert while driving” feature. However, it's important to note that these alerts only appear if you are driving over the speed limit, providing a helpful reminder to slow down and avoid potential tickets.
Should I download Waze?
If you’re looking for a navigation application that works offline, gives you real-time traffic updates, and connects with your car’s infotainment system, you should download Waze.
The software offers voice commands, music playback, Android Auto support, a carpool option, and instant route changes, among other features.
