Waze
Crowd-powered GPS navigation with live traffic, hazard alerts and automatic rerouting
by waze · listed Oct 21, 2026
Quick verdict
If you drive regularly in traffic, Waze is worth installing for its community alerts and quick rerouting. Keep another map app around for transit, walking or spotty coverage.
Best for Commuters and everyday drivers who want live traffic, hazard alerts and fast rerouting
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 21, 2026. How we review
Waze review
Waze is a turn-by-turn navigation app built around reports from other drivers. As you drive, it combines live traffic data with community alerts about crashes, roadworks, police, potholes, speed cameras and closures, then reroutes you when something slows the road ahead. It also shows speed limits, lane guidance, toll prices, fuel prices, EV charging spots and nearby parking. It suits commuters and everyday drivers who care more about avoiding delays than about exploring a map.
In daily use you set a destination and mostly listen. Voice prompts warn you about hazards before you reach them, and reporting an incident takes a couple of taps. Routes can change mid-trip when traffic shifts, which saves time on busy commutes but can send you down side streets you would not have picked. It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so it fits on a car screen as well as a phone.
Why we picked it: For routine drives in busy areas, its community alerts and quick rerouting make arrival times more predictable than many standard map apps.
Watch out for: It shows ads, relies on a data connection and active local drivers, and has little to offer for walking or public transport.
What we like
- Live rerouting around traffic, crashes and closures
- Community alerts for police, speed cameras and road hazards
- Speed limit warnings and multi-lane guidance
- Toll, fuel price, EV charging and parking info along the route
- Works with CarPlay and Android Auto
What could be better
- Built for driving only, with no transit or walking directions
- Alerts are less reliable in areas with few active users
- Rerouting can favour residential back roads
- Shows ads and collects location data while you drive
Questions about Waze
Is Waze free?
Yes. Waze is free on both iPhone and Android with no in-app purchases, and it is supported by ads shown in the app.
Does Waze work offline?
Not really. Waze needs a data connection for routing and live traffic, and it does not offer full offline map downloads the way some other navigation apps do.
Can I use Waze in my car's display?
Yes, Waze supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can run it on compatible car screens.
What about privacy?
Waze uses your location while you drive to calculate traffic and routes. It is owned by Google, so review its privacy settings and policy if that matters to you.
How does it compare to Google Maps?
Waze focuses on driving and community hazard reports, while Google Maps covers more ground, including transit, walking, cycling and offline maps.
From the developer: how Waze describes itself
Know what's ahead on the road with the help from other drivers. Waze is a live map that harnesses the local knowledge of tens of millions of drivers around the world. Drivers safely and confidently reach their everyday destinations thanks to Waze map’s GPS navigation, live traffic updates, real-time safety alerts (including construction, accidents, crashes, police, potholes, and more), and accurate ETAs.
Make your next drive more predictable and stress-free: • Get there faster with real-time directions, accurate ETAs, and automatic rerouting based on live traffic, incidents, and road closures • Even if you know the way, avoid surprises on the road ahead with safety alerts for accidents, crashes, construction, objects on the road, potholes, speed bumps, sharp curves, bad weather, emergency vehicles, railroad crossings, and more • Steer clear of tickets by knowing where police and red light & speed cameras are located • Share what’s happening on the road with other drivers by reporting live incidents and hazards • Stay informed of upcoming speed limit changes, and keep your speedometer in check • Know which lane to be in with multi-lane guidance • See toll pricing and choose to avoid tolls along your routes • Add road passes and vignettes for HOV lanes and restricted traffic zones • Find gas / fuel stations & prices and EV charging stations along your route • Locate and compare parking lots and their prices near your destination • Use voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation from a variety of languages, local accents, and your favorite celebrities • Plan your next drive by checking ETAs by future departure or arrival times • Use your favorite audio apps (for podcasts, music, news, audiobooks) directly within Waze • Sync Waze to your car’s built-in display through Apple CarPlay
* Some features are not available in all countries
* Waze navigation is not intended for emergency or oversized vehicles
You can manage your in-app Waze Privacy Settings at any time. Learn more about the Waze privacy policy here, www.waze.com/legal/privacy.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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