Waze vs Google Maps

My impression, and it involves driving in Europe and North America but not (recently) in England, is that both tools are similarly useful but that Waze is better suited to adapting and informing its user of very recent changes, such as traffic jams, road closures, detours and similar events.

If you're driving on roads not under construction and there are no accidents to which you may need to respond, I doubt you'll see much difference between the two. But if you're driving into an area that is subject to recent changes due to events such as I've noted, Waze generally seems to be the more responsive and current tool, compared to Google Maps.

I have a phone (iPhone) that has Google Maps and Apple Maps on it. I ignore the Apple Maps and have never used it since they had such awful maps and I've never looked back. I use Google Maps a lot for static looking for businesses, but never for driving.

I have a built in Garmin in the dash and used to use that - having used stand alone Garmins for many many years - until I discovered Waze.

I now use Waze exclusively both here in England and in Europe. I mounted a charger/mount for the phone to an a/c vent and it is all I ever use now. It is very nearly always right and has saved me from some awful potholes. Timings are very close, and updated whenever needed.

Five years ago I used Waze to drive from Naples to Calabria and back. I found it easier to follow than Google Maps, plus it notified when I approached a speed zone. Only problem was I missed the turnoff to the airport and ended up almost to the boat docks. Recalibrated the route and finally got to the airport to return the rental car. More driver error than Waze problem. “Scenic routes” can be an adventure.
I haven’t driven anywhere I needed detailed directions since. Use google maps at home.

Google owns Waze now, so my experience is that the mapping and routing are pretty much identical. I'd pick whichever one has the interface you like better.

My experience is that Android Auto and Apple Drive (or whatever the Apple people call it) are essential for driving overseas. Android Auto has been a lifesaver for me, though all the hours streaming my Qobuz account through the car speakers have forced me to re-think data allowances ...