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Maps · head to head

TomTom vs Waze

TomTom logo

TomTom

Maps

Global leader in navigation and mapping products, offering maps, traffic information, navigation

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: TomTom free app lacks specific feature details on landing page; 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 TomTom and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where TomTom and Waze differ
AttributeTomTomWaze
PlatformsiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
Founded19912008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), 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 TomTom

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

Nothing recorded that TomTom 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.

TomTom

  • Turn-by-turn car navigation with offline downloadable mapsnot Waze
  • Live traffic rerouting and incident/hazard alertsnot Waze
  • Speed camera and speed-limit warningsnot Waze
  • Truck-specific routing (vehicle dimensions, hazardous cargo restrictions, rest stops) via GO Expertnot Waze
  • EV charging station location and fuel price lookup (Android)not Waze

Waze

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

Where each one falls short

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

TomTom

  • Free app lacks specific feature details on landing page
  • Monetization model not transparent
  • No published pricing for premium features
  • No information about subscription tiers or in-app purchases

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

TomTom

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TomTom review.

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose TomTom if

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

Choose Waze if

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

Questions people ask

Is TomTom or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. TomTom 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, TomTom or Waze?
TomTom starts at Free and Waze at Free.
Does TomTom or Waze run on more platforms?
TomTom runs on iOS, Android. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use TomTom for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is TomTom best used for?
TomTom is most often used for turn-by-turn car navigation with offline downloadable maps, live traffic rerouting and incident/hazard alerts, speed camera and speed-limit warnings, truck-specific routing (vehicle dimensions, hazardous cargo restrictions, rest stops) via go expert. Of those, turn-by-turn car navigation with offline downloadable maps and live traffic rerouting and incident/hazard alerts are not what Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

TomTom: Is the TomTom app free to download and use?

Yes, the TomTom app is available as a free download. The page states 'Download for free' with no mention of paid tiers on the landing page.

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
TomTom: Are there paid features or premium tiers for TomTom?

The landing page does not disclose any pricing information for premium features or subscription tiers. Users must download the app to discover any in-app monetization details.

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
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
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