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Maps · head to head

IndoorAtlas vs Waze

IndoorAtlas logo

IndoorAtlas

Maps

Indoor positioning and navigation solutions using the Earth's magnetic field, WiFi, and Bluetooth beacons

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Waze logo

Waze

Maps

Community-driven GPS navigation app that uses real-time traffic data from its users

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: IndoorAtlas requires labor-intensive fingerprinting process, walking every corridor to build magnetic map for each venue; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IndoorAtlas and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where IndoorAtlas and Waze differ
AttributeIndoorAtlasWaze
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
Founded20122008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (iOS, Android, Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in IndoorAtlas

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

Nothing recorded that IndoorAtlas does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

IndoorAtlas

  • Routing customers to deals in large retail spacesnot Waze
  • Guiding visitors through shopping centers and airportsnot Waze
  • Optimizing workplace space with movement analyticsnot Waze
  • Tracking dwell times and visitor movement patternsnot Waze

Waze

  • Real-time navigation and route planning with live traffic updatesnot IndoorAtlas
  • Reporting hazards and roadway conditions to community driversnot IndoorAtlas
  • Finding alternative routes to avoid congestion and accidentsnot IndoorAtlas
  • Connecting with first responders and emergency servicesnot IndoorAtlas
  • Community-driven mapping and road condition improvementsnot IndoorAtlas

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

IndoorAtlas

  • Requires labor-intensive fingerprinting process, walking every corridor to build magnetic map for each venue
  • Magnetic signatures degrade over time, requiring periodic re-fingerprinting as the environment changes
  • Magnetic interference from external sources and devices disrupts positioning accuracy
  • Positioning inconsistent across different smartphone models due to magnetometer heterogeneity
  • High cost to deploy and maintain, with expensive implementation for wide-scale adaptation

Waze

  • No offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Routing reliability declined with reports of longer routes and restricted road directions
  • Privacy concerns with location data collection and location-based ads after Google acquisition
  • Stability issues including crashes on CarPlay and slow loading times

Pricing, plan by plan

IndoorAtlas

Free
  • TrialFree
    • 1 venue
    • 10 end-users
    • 14 days data retention
  • Develop Lite$59/month
    • 1 venue
    • 20 end-users
    • 30 days data retention
  • Develop$400/month
    • unlimited venues
    • 50 end-users
    • 1 hour monthly support
  • Pro$349/month per venue
    • unlimited venues and end-users
    • supports up to 10,000 m² per venue
    • basic technical support

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose IndoorAtlas if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
IndoorAtlas review

Choose Waze if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
Waze review

Questions people ask

Is IndoorAtlas or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. IndoorAtlas starts at Free and Waze at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IndoorAtlas or Waze?
IndoorAtlas starts at Free and Waze at Free.
Does IndoorAtlas or Waze run on more platforms?
Both run on iOS, Android, Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use IndoorAtlas for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is IndoorAtlas best used for?
IndoorAtlas is most often used for routing customers to deals in large retail spaces, guiding visitors through shopping centers and airports, optimizing workplace space with movement analytics, tracking dwell times and visitor movement patterns. Of those, routing customers to deals in large retail spaces and guiding visitors through shopping centers and airports are not what Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IndoorAtlas: How does IndoorAtlas determine positioning without beacons or hardware?

IndoorAtlas uses patented geomagnetic fusion technology that maps the Earth's magnetic field patterns inside buildings through a process called magnetic fingerprinting. The technology combines magnetometer data with other sensors like WiFi and Bluetooth for robust positioning.

Source
Waze: Does Waze work offline?

No, Waze relies on real-time data and does not support offline maps, limiting usability when without internet connectivity.

Source
IndoorAtlas: What is the initial setup process for IndoorAtlas?

Setup requires fingerprinting the venue by systematically walking through all corridors and spaces to build a magnetic map. The platform then identifies problematic areas through red (conflicting data), blue (insufficient coverage), and path orientation errors that require correction before the map is production-ready.

Source
Waze: How does Waze handle my location data?

Since Google's 2013 acquisition, Waze shares location history with Google's ad network and serves location-based ads. This differs from privacy-focused alternatives like Apple Maps.

Source
IndoorAtlas: What are IndoorAtlas's pricing plans?

IndoorAtlas offers production subscriptions starting at 349 euros per month per venue, with a development plan at 400 euros per month. A free tier is available for developers to start building.

Source
Waze: What platforms can I use Waze on?

Waze is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, and via web through the Live Map feature accessible from any computer or tablet.

Source
IndoorAtlas: How accurate is IndoorAtlas positioning?

IndoorAtlas claims industry-leading accuracy down to 50 centimeters using its 6-layer sensor fusion core across diverse environments, though accuracy varies based on building magnetic patterns and requires careful calibration.

Source
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