The Best GPS Navigation Units for Your Car
These days, driving is rarely as simple as going from Point A to Point B — but it can be. With millions of other cars on the road and countless miles available to travel, the last thing you want to be worried about is how to quickly and safely get to your next destination. And while your smartphone likely has a navigation system of its own, nothing beats the features and streamlined design of the GPS navigation units we’ve picked out for your car. Check out our list of the best GPS devices we’ve reviewed so that you can spend less time shopping and more time exploring the open road.
Arova GPS Navigation
Effortless Navigation with Arova
If you want a big, clear screen at an affordable price point that’s updated with the latest maps, Arova has got you covered. With a 7-inch, high-resolution monitor, you won’t have to squint your eyes to see what path you should be taking next. On top of that, this unit comes packed with safety features that help keep you safe, too. Speed camera detection, current speed notifications, and Arova’s turn-by-turn voice broadcasting in over 40 languages will not only help you get to your destination safely, but will also help make sure you enjoy the ride.
Pros:
- Has a high-resolution touchscreen that makes things easily visible
- Comes pre-installed with the latest maps
Cons:
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth support
- Shorter battery life when not plugged in, lasting roughly 1-2 hours
Garmin Dezl 580 LMT-S
Keeping You on the Go
Designed with the professional trucker in mind, the Dezl 580 LMT-S has all the features to make your route as smooth as it can be. Notifications like bridge heights, weight limits, and dangerous curve warnings will help keep you alerted to what looms ahead, allowing you to keep your focus on the road and traffic conditions immediately in front of you. Pair the navigator with your smartphone to receive text notifications, as well as live weather and traffic updates. And when you need a break, the Dezl is preloaded with the closest truck stops, weigh stations, lodging, and truck washes ahead.
But this navigator shouldn’t be viewed as a GPS just for commercial truckers — it’s perfect for the everyday traveler, too. It comes preloaded with points of interest, helping you plan your next family vacation and care for even the fussiest of children. Need to suddenly find the quickest restroom stop or restaurant? Rest assured — Garmin has you covered.
Pros:
- Packed with features for professional truckers to make long-distance travel a breeze
- Pairs with your smartphone for live alerts and notifications
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to update wirelessly without having to plug the GPS into a computer
- 16 GB of storage, so you can save all your routes without the worry of running out of space
Cons:
- Unless you’re a long-distance traveler or truck driver, it’s hard to justify this unit’s cost
- A 5” screen might be considered too small for those who prefer a larger unit
CarGad GPS Navigation
Uncompromising Value at its Best
If you’re looking for an extremely affordable GPS without all the extra frills, CarGad has you covered. Despite its low cost, it still comes pre-loaded with the latest maps, and it also features voice navigation so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. And while it doesn’t have higher-tier features like Bluetooth compatibility, it makes up for it with an FM transmitter that you can use to play the audio through your car speakers. If you’re looking for a solid GPS without having to break the bank, this one from CarGad is the perfect choice for you.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Up-to-date preloaded maps
- Has voice navigation in over 40 languages
Cons:
- Lacks Bluetooth support, relying on its FM transmitter for in-car audio
- Doesn’t have search support for restaurant ratings or local attractions
Garmin DriveSmart 51 LMT-S
The Smartest Way to Get Around Town
While most GPS navigation units are too heavy or cumbersome to use anywhere but in a car, Garmin’s DriveSmart 51 LMT-S breaks the mold. Weighing only 6.4 ounces and sporting a smaller 5” screen, this one’s portability makes it perfect for any occasion. Don’t assume that its smaller, lighter build means Garmin skimped on features, either. Its live traffic updates, Bluetooth support, and app integration help it compete with any other unit in the field. Add free lifetime updates to the list, and it’s easy to see why this is one of our favorite GPS units.
Pros:
- Lightweight enough to take anywhere you want to go, and powerful enough for just about anything you need
- Built-in WiFi for easy wireless updates
- Features Garmin’s Live Parking feature, which is especially useful in cities
Cons:
- Battery life lasts only about an hour before you need to recharge it
- Only comes with a bracket mount; suction mount and dashboard mount sold separately
TomTom Go 520
Worth Getting Your Hands On
New gadgets can be fun, but when it comes to driving, the last thing you need is to be distracted by novelty. TomTom has your absolute safety in mind with its Go 520, packed with hands-free features like Siri and Google compatibility, hands-free calling, and text-message playback. You can even control the GPS by speech: just tell the Go 520 the address you’d like to travel to and it’ll plan the quickest route. Whether you’re a new driver or a highway veteran, the TomTom Go 520 is perfect for anyone whose top priority on the road is safety.
Pros:
- Compatible with Siri and Google
- Voice control lets you operate the Go 520 hands-free, allowing you to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times
- Lifetime access to world maps
Cons:
- Slight lag in touchscreen responsiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
If my GPS navigation unit supports FM broadcasting, how do I get it to play on my car speakers?
Your GPS will transmit its audio to a specific FM radio channel, and as long as you change your car stereo to that channel, you’ll be able to hear your GPS audio loud and clear.
Do I need to be concerned about storage space?
Most of the popular GPS navigation units on today’s market have between 8-16 GB, which should be plenty of storage space for the average user. However, if you find you’re starting to reach its limit, many units also come with external memory support up to 32 GB.