Waze Versus Garmin

It's Waze Versus Garmin NuviFans of our site know that we are big supporters of the Waze application available on Apple iPhone and Android.  We have written several articles on this terrific application which you can read here and here.  I recently began to notice that I barely use my Garmin GPS any longer.  Why is that?  Well to answer that question, we take a look at Waze versus Garmin.

So I began to think about the advantages and disadvantages (if any) and listed the advantages and disadvantages below.

Head to Head Comparison

Cost – Waze is absolutely free versus Garmin which will cost $100 and up depending upon the model.  Waze Versus Garmin Winner:  Waze

Maps – Garmin updates their maps and if you have a GPS with a lifetime map subscription there is no cost for map updates.  If you do not have a GPS with lifetime map updates, you will need to purchase it from Garmin.  Waze updates their maps regularly and solicits map corrections from the user base.  I actually had an opportunity to report a map correction and the response from them came in less than one day.  Waze Versus Garmin Winner:  Waze

Driving Directions – If purchasing the latest Garmin, you will receive lane assist which is real helpful when driving on large highways.  The Garmin GPS will show a blown up map of the road and tell you which lanes to get into.  Waze does not include this feature.  Both will guide you around traffic if you have that feature and will reroute quickly if you are off course. Waze Versus Garmin Winner:  Garmin

Traffic – Waze has full-time live traffic reports which are supported by traffic networks, real-time measurements and social interactions of the user base.  Some Garmin models have traffic available but at an extra cost (warning don’t lose the Garmin traffic power cable or it will cost you another $60 for a replacement).  The Garmin traffic feature uses the FM radio frequency and is only available in large metropolitan areas.  For example, out here in northwest New Jersey, traffic is rarely available but begins to receive reports as I head towards New York City. Waze Versus Garmin Winner:  Waze

Integration – A lot of this depends upon if your vehicle supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.  Interestingly, not every manufacturer does.  For example, as of this date, Tesla does not support either.  So the answer to this question will vary depending upon which model and year vehicle you have.  If your vehicle supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, there is nothing better than viewing Waze on your car’s console.  If not, it’s a tie.

The Verdict

So there you have it.  Both Garmin and Waze have advantages and disadvantages.  The above reflects my own personal opinion, you might have different experiences.  You will need to base your decision on your own personal needs.  There is still a need for dedicated GPS devices like the Garmin but there’s a huge market for anything free, especially a great application like Waze.

If you would like to read a good article on smartphone car mounts which are useful with GPS applications such as Waze, you may view it here.  We also have an excellent overview of car mounts for Garmin here as well as a Guide to Buying a Garmin GPS.