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Waze vs what3words

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Waze icon
Waze
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what3words

Waze vs what3words: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Waze what3words
Sugggest Score — —
Category Travel & Location Travel & Location

Product Overview

Waze
Waze

Description: Waze is a community-based GPS navigation app that provides real-time traffic and road info based on crowd sourced data. Users report accidents, police, hazards, etc. to alert other drivers.

Type: software

what3words
what3words

Description: what3words is a geocoding system that divides the world into 3 meter squares and assigns each square a unique 3 word address. It allows people to easily share their precise location.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Waze
Waze Features
  • Real-time traffic updates
  • Accident/hazard reporting
  • Speed limit and speed camera alerts
  • Social features and gamification
  • Crowdsourced mapping
  • Navigation and turn-by-turn directions
  • Offline maps
what3words
what3words Features
  • Divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique 3 word address
  • Allows people to identify and share precise locations using just 3 words
  • Available as a mobile app and online map interface
  • Supports voice input for addresses
  • Provides APIs for integration into other apps and services

Pros & Cons Analysis

Waze
Waze
Pros
  • Free to use
  • Very accurate, real-time traffic data
  • Great for avoiding traffic jams
  • Social features connect drivers
  • Rewards points for reporting/editing maps
Cons
  • Drains phone battery
  • Potential privacy concerns
  • Relies on user reports (not 100% comprehensive)
  • Can suggest unsafe/illegal routes to save time
what3words
what3words
Pros
  • Easy to remember and share location addresses
  • More precise than street addresses
  • Works offline
  • Wide language support
  • Free for consumers
Cons
  • Requires app download or web access
  • Limited adoption so far
  • Addresses can change over time
  • Paid APIs for commercial use
  • Limited to predefined 3 word dictionary

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Learn More About Each Product

Waze
Waze
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
what3words
what3words
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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