Satellite navigation systems (sat navs) and other navigation apps play a significant role in our daily lives. Their voices guide us on our journeys and have become an essential part of our routines. Therefore, it is crucial that the voices are pleasant and engaging.
In recent years, the customization of sat nav voices has gained popularity, allowing users to choose from a variety of options, ranging from celebrities to professional voice actors. But what qualities make the perfect sat nav voice?
Research studies have indicated that deeper voices are perceived as more trustworthy, especially upon initial impressions, for both genders. In addition, voices with less monotony and higher variance are considered more engaging.
With this research in mind, Uswitch conducted an analysis of the default UK voices of the most common navigation apps – Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze – to determine which one offers the best voice experience. Uswitch also evaluated over 100 celebrity voices to identify the best and worst choices for navigation.
Which navigation apps have the best voices?
| Rank | App | Depth (Hz) |
| 1 | Apple Maps | 92 |
| 2 | Google Maps | 152 |
| 3 | Waze (Kate) | 167 |
Depth, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the pitch or frequency of the voice. A lower value indicates a deeper voice, which is often perceived as more calming and authoritative.
1. Apple Maps – 92 Hz
Apple Maps features the deepest voice among the three apps, with a depth of 92 Hz. This lower pitch can provide a sense of calm and reliability to drivers. It is noteworthy that the default voice for Apple Maps is male, while Google Maps and Waze use female voices.
2. Google Maps – 152 Hz
Google Maps has a moderate depth of 152 Hz, offering a balanced option for users who prefer a female voice. While not as deep as Apple Maps, it is deeper than the default voice on Waze.
3. Waze – 167 Hz
Waze provides users with a variety of voice options, but the default voice in the UK has the highest pitch at 167 Hz. This higher pitch can be perceived as lively or energetic, but it also runs the risk of being distracting.
| Rank | App | Variance |
| 1 | Google Maps | 25.92 |
| 2 | Apple Maps | 13.39 |
| 3 | Waze (Kate) | 12.31 |
Variance measures the dynamic range of the voice. A higher variance indicates an expressive and engaging voice, while a lower variance suggests a more monotone delivery.
1. Google Maps – 25.92
Google Maps leads in variance with 25.92, showcasing a highly dynamic voice. This variance suggests that the voice significantly changes in pitch, providing a more engaging experience for users.
2. Apple Maps – 13.39
Apple Maps has a moderate variance of 13.39, striking a balance between monotony and expressiveness. The voice offers some pitch variation, making it engaging without being overly distracting.
3. Waze – 12.31
Waze, with a variance of 12.31, exhibits the least pitch variation. While this consistency can be perceived as stable, it also runs the risk of causing inattention.
Which celebrities have the best sat nav voices?
| Rank | Name | Depth (Hz) | Variance | Overall score /10 |
| 1 | Morgan Freeman | 67 | 28.95 | 8.96 |
| 2 | Stephen Fry | 62 | 24.62 | 8.69 |
| 3 | Liam Neeson | 58 | 21.81 | 8.39 |
| 4 | James Earl Jones | 57 | 19.79 | 8.33 |
| 5 | Bryan Cranston | 61 | 22.04 | 8.32 |
| 6 | Colin Firth | 72 | 25.43 | 8.24 |
| 7 | Vin Diesel | 58 | 17.33 | 7.66 |
| 8 | Al Pacino | 80 | 26.04 | 7.44 |
| 9 | David Attenborough | 91 | 34.81 | 7.29 |
| 10 | Morrissey | 73 | 19.41 | 7.23 |
1. Morgan Freeman – 8.96 out of 10
Depth: 67 Hz
Variance: 28.95
Morgan Freeman tops the list with a deep, calm, and authoritative voice, scoring 8.96 out of 10. Known for his wisdom and comfort, Freeman’s voice is a popular choice for navigation due to its rich tone and reliability.
2. Stephen Fry – 8.66 out of 10
Depth: 62 Hz
Variance: 24.62
Stephen Fry follows closely with his iconic British accent and articulate speech, scoring 8.66 out of 10. Fry’s voice is engaging and distinct, providing users with a pleasant navigation experience.
3. Liam Neeson – 8.39 out of 10
Depth: 58 Hz
Variance: 21.81
Liam Neeson ranks third for his voice depth of 58 Hz and variance of 21.81, scoring 8.39 out of 10. Known for his gravitas, Neeson’s voice offers reassurance and engagement during journeys.
Which female celebrities have the best sat nav voices?
| Rank | Name | Depth (Hz) | Variance | Overall score /10 |
| 1 | Cate Blanchett | 92 | 27.42 | 6.62 |
| 2 | Theresa May | 113 | 36.20 | 6.56 |
| 3 | Oprah Winfrey | 97 | 28.83 | 6.53 |
| 4 | Helen Mirren | 127 | 37.30 | 5.92 |
| 5 | Meryl Streep | 122 | 30.86 | 5.77 |
| 6 | Nigella Lawson | 129 | 33.90 | 5.74 |
| 7 | Hillary Clinton | 119 | 28.66 | 5.73 |
| 8 | Jennifer Aniston | 129 | 32.21 | 5.64 |
| 9 | Carey Mulligan | 119 | 27.20 | 5.55 |
| 10 | Angelina Jolie | 128 | 30.27 | 5.52 |
1. Cate Blanchett – 6.62 out of 10
Depth: 92 Hz
Variance: 27.42
Cate Blanchett leads the list of top female celebrities with a voice depth of 92 Hz and a variance of 27.42. Known for her rich and resonant voice, Blanchett offers a unique and versatile tone for navigation.
2. Theresa May – 6.56 out of 10
Depth: 113 Hz
Variance: 36.20
Theresa May ranks second with a higher pitch of 113 Hz and a variance of 36.20. Her voice reflects clarity and authority, making it a suitable choice for navigation purposes.
3. Oprah Winfrey – 6.53 out of 10
Depth: 97 Hz
Variance: 28.83
Oprah Winfrey closely follows in third place with a pitch of 97 Hz and a variance of 28.83. Winfrey’s warm and persuasive voice adds a comforting touch to navigation experiences.
Leoni Moninska, a car insurance expert at Uswitch, emphasizes the importance of avoiding distractions while driving, especially from navigation tools such as sat navs. Distractions can significantly increase the risk of accidents on the road by diverting a driver’s attention away from their primary task.
The dangers of distractions while driving
Driving distractions come in various forms, including mobile phone use, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving. These distractions can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, potentially leading to accidents. It is imperative that navigation tools enhance driving safety rather than pose additional risks.
Using sat navs safely
To ensure the safe use of sat navs and other navigation aids, consider the following tips:
- Preparation is key: Input your destination and review the route before starting your journey. Familiarize yourself with major turns to avoid last-minute lane changes.
- Mount properly: Ensure your device is mounted in a visible position without obstructing your view of the road. The device should be easily accessible with a quick glance, without distracting you.
- Voice commands over visuals: Utilize voice navigation features to receive directions without needing to look at the screen.
- Minimize distractions: Keep in-car distractions to a minimum by setting up your radio or playlist before driving, refraining from eating, or engaging in intense conversations, and asking passengers to help you focus.
- Don’t panic over missed directions: If you miss a turn, remain calm and avoid making sudden, unsafe maneuvers. Trust that your sat nav will reroute you or find a safe place to pull over and reevaluate your route.
- Take regular breaks on long journeys: Fatigue can amplify the effects of distractions. Plan regular breaks to rest and rejuvenate during long trips, ideally every two hours.
- Educate yourself on features: Familiarize yourself with the features of your sat nav, such as traffic updates, speed camera alerts, and lane guidance, before your journey to use them effectively without distractions.
By following these guidelines, drivers can benefit from navigation tools while maintaining their attention and safety on the road. Remember, safe driving should always remain the top priority, with navigation tools serving as aids to enhance the driving experience.
Methodology
Uswitch’s research was based on scientific studies indicating the trustworthiness of deeper voices and the engagement of voices with higher variance.
To determine the best sat nav voices, Uswitch analyzed default UK voices from Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze. Each voice was recorded for approximately ten minutes and analyzed using Vocular to assess depth and variance.
Celebrity voice scores were obtained from Vocular by normalizing depth and variance scores for each individual and calculating an average for overall evaluation.