Why is what3words so much better than Google Plus Codes?

Finding an exact location is easier than ever with tools like what3words and Google Plus Codes . Both have their advantages, but there’s something unique about the way what3words uses simple, familiar terms to mark any location on the planet, and it’s this slight difference that makes it a more practical choice for everyday navigation.

How does what3words beat Google Plus Codes?

what3words and Plus Codes both aim to solve the same problem: Providing precise location in places that are unclear, too large, or simply don't have an address. The main difference lies in how they do it.

With what3words, complex coordinates are converted into three easy-to-remember words, like “apple.bike.pizza” or “sunflower.bright.guitar.” Each set of words refers to a specific 3x3 meter square, so even remote locations, like a specific point on a hiking trail or a festival entrance, can have a memorable “address.”

By comparison, Google Plus Codes use a mix of letters and numbers—for example, “7FG8+5V.” While a great technical solution, it’s not as easy to remember as the actual words. For most people, the randomness of Plus Codes feels like a meaningless string, much less intuitive than familiar trios of words.

The simplicity of what3words makes it suitable for everyday life. Whether you’re meeting friends at a specific beach or sharing your exact camping location, having an address that’s easy to remember and communicate is a big plus. what3words seamlessly syncs with Google Maps to make that easy.

Here’s the best part: what3words syncs easily with Google Maps, so you don’t have to choose between the two apps. You can use what3words to get a memorable location, and then open that location in Google Maps to use all the familiar navigation features. That way, you get the best of both worlds: the ability to remember three simple words and the detailed directions that Google Maps does so well.

Why is memory important for everyday use?

Being able to remember isn’t just a nice thing, it’s a huge advantage in real-world situations. Imagine needing to quickly share your location in an emergency, or trying to explain a meeting point to someone without constantly looking at your phone. With what3words, you can communicate three simple, common words and often don’t need to repeat them. In contrast, memorizing or accurately communicating Google Plus Codes often requires looking at the code directly each time because it’s hard to remember.

For situations that require precision, what3words’ memory capabilities become even more important. Whether you’re out in nature, traveling abroad, or exploring a new city, the ability to recall and share your exact location without fumbling around for numbers and letters is a convenience that’s hard to describe.