Car GPS gadgets are some of the most essential technological advancements of the past 20 years. Before the GPS devices, car owners had to depend on paper maps, memory, own sense of direction, and verbal directions from other drivers. But thanks to the new car GPS navigation systems, today it’s possible to drive without fear of getting lost with the turn-by-turn directions that guide you each mile of the way. The car GPS ensures you have the most recent directions regardless of where you are driving. And with the latest GPS technology, there are lots of GPS devices for you to choose from. If you want to invest in the best car GPS, then you need to check out the devices listed here.
Our Top Picks
- Voice-activated
- The user-friendly touch screen interface
- Live traffic updates
- Free map updates
- User-friendly GPS
- Free lifetime updates
- Real-time updates
- 6.95 inches capacitive touchscreen
5 Best GPS Navigation For Car
1. Garmin Drive 61 LMT-S, 6 Inch Entry-Level GPS Navigator
First on our list of the best GPS for cars is the Garmin Drive 61 LMT-S GPS navigator. Garmin is by far one of the most renowned brands in this market and this device is one of the best products they have released so far.
This model is equipped with very useful features that you’ll love when using the Car GPS. The screen is pretty nice and bright and at about 6 inches, it’s large enough for a decent display without taking lots of windshield space. The gadget has great interactive touch screen controls and can also be controlled by voice.
The device flashes up bird-eye views and photorealistic to help orientate and also notify you of upcoming fuel stops, hospitals, restaurants, and services. This can be extremely helpful for planning supply stops on long road trips.
Key Features
- Voice-activated
- The user-friendly touch screen interface
- Live traffic updates
- Free map updates
What we like
- Magnetic placement options
- Text and email notifications
- Excellent battery
What we don’t like
- Units might overheat
2. LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
GPS units mounted outside the car are usually exposed to different kinds of environmental and weather conditions. The good news is the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker is designed for exactly that. The weatherproof outer casting usually protects the important devices from harsh sunlight, water, and dust to keep them in great working condition. The high-strength magnet makes it easier to place in the wheel well, on the chassis, or a bumper. It utilizes Google maps for pulling up location histories, setting up geo-fences, and real-time tracking capabilities.
The in-built, rechargeable battery usually lasts for up to 6 months on a full charge, which means it doesn’t need any maintenance. You can easily set up email and text notifications for tracking parameters, which means you, can quickly react to teens or elderly parents who might need help.
Key Features
- Email & text alerts
- Attaches to the car and easily fit into small pockets
- 100% waterproof in-built super strength magnet
- Ultra-compact design
What we like
- Compact and durable design
- Regular email and text alerts
- Fully waterproof
- Super strong magnet
What we don’t like
- Subscription required
3. GPS Navigation for Car
This great car GPS gadget features Bluetooth capability, smart notifications, driver alerts, voice activation, and lifetime map updates. The almost 7-inch capacity touch display has a good resolution. Used alongside a smartphone app, this gadget offers real-time live parking and live traffic. With this GPS, you’ll receive notifications for upcoming school zones, speed changes, sharp curves, a fatigue warning, speed cameras, and a nearby red light.
The display is easy to read, bright and clear even from different angles. It’s also responsive, fast, and accurate without any lag during different operations. The directions are pretty easy to follow and it quickly understands the verbal commands. It stores and saves addresses and a split-screen, which appear every time a junction appears and tells you the lane that’s more helpful.
The GPS tracker comes with in-build 8GB RAM, offers sufficient room to operate fast which also makes sure they perform smoothly and are high speed. Also, the package usually includes a GPS for a car with a user manual, USB cable, and sucker bracket, and car charger.
Key Features
- 8GB large capacity
- Multi-functions SAT NAV
- 7 Car modes
- Free lifetime update
What we like
- Receive notifications for nearby curves
- 8GB RAM
- Supports 7 car modes
- Free world maps lifetime updates
What we don’t like
- Needs subscription
4. Garmin DriveSmart 61 North America LMT-S GPS
It isn’t surprising that Garmin is back on our list for their second vehicle GPS. This is another great model from the manufacturer, though it’s more of an entry-level range.
The DriveSmart 61 features a 6.95-inch capacitive touch display, real-time services, and free lifetime updates such as select live parking and live traffic that can be used with the free phone link app. You can easily download the map and software updates using in-built Wi-Fi or with windows or mac OS’s latest upgrades. It has voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth calling. The rechargeable battery can last for one hour on a full charge.
This GPS for car unit is pretty easy to understand, accurate, loud, and fast. Also, it provides correct directions. Technically speaking, the voice commands make it more convenient to use when traveling. Also, it’s pretty easy to update utilizing the Wi-Fi. Basically, the traffic finder works perfectly and offers great alternatives for the traffic-congested areas; nevertheless, to use the feature, you should link your GPS to your phone or spend more cash on the GTM 60-power-cord/receiver.
The only downside is that the voice control could be somehow finicky and the gadget at times has issues understanding commands. Furthermore, the warnings shown on the LCD are small and hard to read, especially under bright sunlight.
Key Features
- User-friendly GPS
- Free lifetime updates
- Real-time updates
- 6.95 inches capacitive touchscreen
What we like
- Easy to use
- Free lifetime updates
- Offers real-time services like select live parking and live traffic
- Can be easily connected with your smartphone app
What we don’t like
- Small display
5. TomTom Car Sat Nav GO 620
Although Germin is one of the leading manufacturers of GPS systems, TomTom has also made its mark in the market. Today, they have delivered a wide variety of GPS systems and continue to dominate the industry.
One of the best things about this great car GPS navigation system is the 3D map display. It can be very helpful when driving in an unfamiliar area or city, as the landmarks are very easy to find on a clear 3D map. Also, you get the touchscreen controls, with the ability to zoom out/in of the map, spoken street names, and an advanced lane guide to aid navigation. The parking assist clearly highlights close parking and if you choose to drive in the urban areas you will even wonder how you even got by without a GPS.
TomTom Car Sat Nav Go 60 provides real-time, traffic updates and is highly accurate. While this is a great feature, it requires you to connect the smartphone and it will eat into your data plan. So, this is something you should always remember.
Key Features
- 6-inch capacitive touchscreen display
- Lifetime updates
- Updates through Wi-Fi
- Compatible with Google and Siri
What we like
- Smartphone messaging and hands-free calling
- Compatible with Google and Siri
- Get lifetime updates
- World lifetime maps
What we don’t like
- Requires subscription
Car GPS Buying Guide
Not sure how you determine the car GPS gadgets are better than even others? With a wide range of options for you to choose from, it could be hard to even figure out what are the best overall functionality, the best features, and the best value. Luckily, we are here help to provide you with helpful information on what makes the best car GPS.
Features To Consider When Buying The GPS For A Car
Each GPS for the car is different, but with the first look, they may look very similar. Although each GPS navigator system offers on-time directions that guide you to the right destination, every device has unique features and offers a wide range of benefits. Some of the features can be very beneficial for unique needs. Below are some of the features you should consider when looking for the top car GPS options.
Size of the Screen
The screen is one of the most essential features in any vehicle GPS. Remember you get to look at this screen for critical information, suggestions, and guidance. Therefore, you should ensure the GPS you opt for has a screen, which is big enough to see without straining or stretching your eyes. The best thing you can do is to consider screens ranging from 5 inches to 6.5 inches. This makes sure that the screen is enough to see even when behind the wheel, but not very big to block the view of the road or windshield. Also, you can check out screens that provide zoom options so you can see everything clearly while driving.
Hands-Free Functionality Or Voice Controls
You want a GPS for a car that allows improves your safety when driving and this is where voice control usually comes in. this very important feature allows you to operate the GPS device without taking your hands off the wheel. Rather than make changes to your destination or input address with your bare hands, you just need to speak to your GPS for changes and updates. These are great features that you’ll like to have when driving solo. As a result, you need to look for a car GPS that offers a safer and easier way to manage controls when on the road.
Live Traffic Updates
Over the past few years, GPS devices have usually given the best route. They did not consider other factors such as roads or traffic you would be riding on. Nevertheless, with today’s highly advanced GPS devices, many provide live traffic updates as a great feature. This is very helpful, especially if you really want to avoid traffic or take a fast route. With these live traffic updates, the GPS easily switches to the fastest route when the traffic starts to build up. Also, the GPS can provide real-time traffic updates on how long the drive can take depending on the traffic.
Lifetime Maps
Purchasing a car GPS is a good investment. Although most GPS devices are cheaper than they were a few decades ago, you want to ensure the product you choose is a great investment. Lifetime maps is one good feature that will help get a longer lifespan. The GPS device comes with lifetime maps to make sure you always get updates regarding changes to maps and roads across the country. The GPS can easily update either through the Internet connection or downloads, making changes to any roads or routes that might be different. This is a very important feature that also helps prevent any confusion.
Why Do You Need A GPS
You may be wondering whether the GPS device is a product that you really should have. Overall, today’s smartphones usually come fitted with navigation apps and maps that you can use. But the car GPS can provide several benefits that you cannot get if you depend on your phone to always guide you when driving. Below are some of the reasons you should get the best GPS for a car.
GPS Devices are Safer Than Smartphones
Any distractions while driving can be a great challenge. More than 20 people are injured every day in Australia because of distracted driving. If you look at the phone, you’ll be taking your attention off the road and you could be putting yourself as well as other drivers in real danger. Even for those that turn on their smartphone and try using the voice instructions, it might still leave you in a bad situation. However, the car GPS lets you keep your eyes on the road and easily and clearly understand all its directions. You can easily mount the GPS on your car windshield where it’s easier to see, so you can always focus on driving. You don’t have to use your hands or reach down to change the navigation in the same way you could do on your smartphone, particularly if you choose the GPS with voice recognition. It helps limit distractions to ensure you pay close attention to what you’re doing while on the road. However, you can check our review of the best car phone holders so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road while driving.
Don’t Rely On Cell Service Or Data
One of the most disappointing issues that often come with depending on your phone for navigation is the unreliable cell service. If you are not connected to the Wi-Fi, you must use the data that can be pretty expensive if you do not have an unlimited data plan and must regularly use the maps. Also, you should trust the fact that you will have cell service every time you drive. This can be a very big problem if you go to a place where there’s limited service, such as mountain areas or ranges far from cities and towns. However, a car GPS does not have such issues. The GPS works just fine no matter whether you are within the cell service range or not. Technically, you may not get the live traffic updates incase you aren’t on the grid, but the GPS device can continue to navigate without any difficulties. with this vehicle accessory, you can rest assured that you’ll never get stranded or lost.
GPS Gadgets Have A Bigger Screen
A vehicle GPS has better visibility and a bigger screen than your phone. Technically, smartphones have over the years gotten bigger. But the GPS provides a bigger screen that you can easily see even while driving. This allows a driver to focus more on driving and can easily see the GPS instructions and recommended turns. A GPS for a car is also better when it comes to navigating in direct sunlight or low light as the matte-like screens don’t provide much reflection or shine.
Best Car GPS FAQs
What’s a car GPS?
Consider that’s a very sophisticated technology, a GPS for a car is a very little gadget. It’s usually attached to the windshield or dash where it sits and shows your current location and also helps with navigation. That said, it also comes with other great features like Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition.
What’s the best size for a car GPS?
Many GPS navigator systems come with a screen between 5 inches to 6.5 inches. For our detailed list, we handpicked car GPS’s measuring 5 to 6.5 inches.
Do GPS devices have SD Card slots?
Some of the best car GPS devices feature a micro SD card slot. Technically, you can use a micro SD card of up to 64GB, which can easily store information like the updated maps.
Can I use the GPS device as a speedometer or odometer?
No, the GPS device should only be unused for navigation purposes and not to offer precise measurement of distance or speed. The factors might vary depending on the time of use and accuracy of the device.
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