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How much data does Waze use?
Waze uses an average of 20 to 60 MB of data per hour when using active navigation, but this can easily increase when live traffic updates are more frequent. 60 MB might not seem much, but when you’re traveling abroad, driving in the countryside, or navigating a new destination, this can easily add up, especially […]
Waze uses an average of 20 to 60 MB of data per hour when using active navigation, but this can easily increase when live traffic updates are more frequent.
60 MB might not seem much, but when you’re traveling abroad, driving in the countryside, or navigating a new destination, this can easily add up, especially if you’re using international roaming.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how much data Waze uses and how you can forget about data usage using a Holafly eSIM.
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How much data does Waze use per hour?
Waze uses an average of 20-60 MB per hour. If you’re driving near areas with frequent live updates, it’s easier to average 60 to 80 MB per hour.
The catch with Waze is that you’ll be driving around, meaning that map tile loading, traffic, incidents, and user-generated reports will sync in the different areas you visit.
Still, if you take a 2-hour road trip, you’ll use anywhere from 40 to 120 MB, depending on where you’re driving through.
Over a month, light use of a few hours comes to around 30 to 50 MB. Driving one to two hours a day puts you closer to 100 to 200 MB a month.
Does Waze use a lot of data?
No, not by modern standards. An hour of navigation uses 20 to 60 MB – less than a few minutes of video streaming.
It’s the trip length that matters, not the app. A full day’s driving sits around 200 to 500 MB, and a week-long road trip can pass 2 GB before you’ve used your phone for anything else. Check how much data you need for travel before you go.
Does Waze use more data than Google Maps?
Google Maps data usage averages 87 MB per hour when using features such as satellite or 3D view, or when you’re frequently changing your final destination.
On the other hand, Waze uses 20 to 60 MB during active navigation and can reach up to 80 MB in heavy traffic due to updates, map tile loading, and other in-app features.
This means that in a Waze vs. Google Maps comparison, Google Maps uses less data per hour, but Waze is a better option if you’re driving rather than walking.
How long does 1GB of data last on Waze?
1 GB on Waze can last anywhere from 16 hours if you’re constantly going through heavy-traffic areas with constant updates to 50 hours with standard navigation.
This means you can get 1 GB of data for a road trip without worrying. But if you really want to forget data usage, get a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.
Can you use Waze without data?
No, because Waze relies on live traffic updates, incident reports, and police alerts, which are core features of the app.
Waze, like Google Maps and Apple Maps, can store limited map data for recently driven areas, but it doesn’t offer the option to download maps.
This means that for offline navigation, it’s better to download maps using the Google or Apple Maps apps, since you can download as many as you need for your entire trip.
If you really need to use Waze constantly, it’s better to use Holafly, as it offers unlimited data eSIM plans that ensure you get to your destination with live traffic updates and as many route changes as needed.
How to reduce Waze data usage
If you’re traveling with limited data or international roaming, here are some tips to reduce Waze data usage:
- Preload your trip routes over WiFi, as Waze can cache them before you drive off.
- Disable Waze’s audio ads, if the option is available, as these use the most data.
- Use alternatives like Google Maps and Apple Maps to download maps for each destination you’re visiting and avoid using data.
Navigate abroad without running out of data with Holafly
Driving somewhere new is hard enough without watching a data counter, and roaming charges add up fast on a long trip.
You can use the Holafly travel eSIM instead, which works in over 200 destinations and offers unlimited data with 5G speeds. You can plan the ideal route for your road trip without limitations.
You also get the Always On perk with every Holafly eSIM. With this, you get 1 GB of monthly backup data every month so you can stay connected when you need it most, even if it’s on the road.
The only thing you’ll need, aside from planning your route, is to check if your phone is eSIM-compatible, and you’re all set.
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
