MapQuest vs Waze:Which is more popular by branded search?
In August 2026, Waze had more branded searches than MapQuest among navigation apps worldwide. Waze was estimated to have 2.2M branded searches compared to MapQuest’s 1.2M, and held a 1.2% Share of Search versus MapQuest’s 0.64%. These are worldwide searches for English-language branded terms.
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Which is more popular in search, MapQuest or Waze?
Compare the apps people navigate with. Branded searches tell you how often people look for a brand by name or related terms. Comparing these searches across competitors helps you see how popular each brand is over time.
Share of Search by month for Waze, MapQuest. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of search table
| Month | Google Maps | Waze | MapQuest | Apple Maps | TomTom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 97.7% | 1.2% | 0.64% | 0.36% | 0.16% |
| Nov 2025 | 97.8% | 1.2% | 0.53% | 0.36% | 0.13% |
| Dec 2025 | 97.5% | 1.4% | 0.65% | 0.29% | 0.16% |
| Jan 2026 | 97.8% | 1.2% | 0.53% | 0.36% | 0.13% |
| Feb 2026 | 97.2% | 1.4% | 0.64% | 0.53% | 0.16% |
| Mar 2026 | 97.6% | 1.2% | 0.64% | 0.43% | 0.13% |
| Apr 2026 | 97.7% | 1.2% | 0.64% | 0.36% | 0.16% |
| May 2026 | 97.8% | 1.2% | 0.53% | 0.36% | 0.16% |
| Jun 2026 | 97.8% | 1.2% | 0.53% | 0.36% | 0.13% |
| Jul 2026 | 97.6% | 1.2% | 0.53% | 0.29% | 0.43% |
| Aug 2026 | 97.7% | 1.2% | 0.64% | 0.36% | 0.16% |
| Sep 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
How has the MapQuest and Waze comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Waze was ahead of MapQuest in every measured month of the 11 months ending August 2026.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, MapQuest’s estimated Share of Search among navigation apps worldwide held steady at 0.64%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 1.2M.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, Waze’s estimated Share of Search among navigation apps worldwide held steady at 1.2%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 2.2M.
How did search popularity change for navigation apps worldwide in August 2026?
0 changes
Neither MapQuest nor Waze moved beyond provider rounding among navigation apps in August 2026.
How each brand is measured
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using MapQuest’s and Waze’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.