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Maps · head to head

MapQuest vs Waze

MapQuest logo

MapQuest

Maps

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
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

  • Only Waze has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand; 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 MapQuest and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where MapQuest and Waze differ
AttributeMapQuestWaze
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebiOS, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2008

Identical on both: 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 MapQuest

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

Nothing recorded that MapQuest 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.

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot Waze
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot Waze

Waze

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

Where each one falls short

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

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

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

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapQuest if

Nothing in the data separates MapQuest from Waze on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

MapQuest review

Choose Waze if

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

Questions people ask

Is MapQuest or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. MapQuest starts at On request and Waze at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapQuest or Waze?
Waze has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapQuest and Free for Waze.
Does MapQuest or Waze run on more platforms?
MapQuest runs on Web. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Waze for free?
Yes. Waze has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapQuest starts at On request.
What is MapQuest best used for?
MapQuest is most often used for geocoding, routing and static maps over an api, adding directions and place search to an application. Of those, geocoding, routing and static maps over an api and adding directions and place search to an application are not what Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MapQuest: What is the cheapest way to use MapQuest APIs?

The MapQuestGO plan offers 50,000 free transactions for a limited time, then charges $0.0045 per transaction. Monthly subscription plans start at $119/month for 30,000 transactions.

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
MapQuest: Can I cache or store geocoding results on a monthly MapQuest plan?

No. Storing or caching geocodes is not allowed on monthly plans. Only Enterprise accounts can store geocodes off-map with the Extended Rights Geocoding feature.

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
MapQuest: What happens if I exceed my MapQuest monthly transaction limit?

The MapQuest pricing page does not specify overage charges. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time to scale up.

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
MapQuest: Can I change my MapQuest plan mid-cycle?

Yes. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time, making it easy to scale as needs evolve.

Source
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