GPS navigation was introduced back in the early aughts, limited to a few high-end vehicles. These days, the feature comes standard in most new models, but there are still plenty of older cars on the road that don’t have access. As a fix, drivers use smartphones and a compatible mount for navigation—though that isn't the best solution.
That's where portable GPS navigators comes in.
A phone that’s constantly tracking loses battery quickly, plus it can have a negative impact on long-term battery life. And if you journey anywhere without a decent signal and get lost, you're basically out of luck. Another downside is that phones have a tendency to overheat if left running under the sun for long periods of time.
Alternatively, stand-alone car GPS navigators are more reliable in remote areas, like the desert or woods, because they use satellite information as opposed to cell tower data. Their batteries last multiple hours on one charge, some up to three hours. And, they’re arguably safer to use while driving than a smartphone.
Ahead, check out our reviews and recommendations for the best car GPS navigators worth considering, along with expert advice on the most important things to help you find the right device.
For more automotive electronics, check out our pieces on the best backup cameras, phone holders, and interior MagSafe mounts.
Best Car GPS Navigators
- Best Overall: Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator
- Best Value: Garmin Drive 52 and Traffic GPS Navigator
- Best Upgrade: Garmin DriveSmart 86 Car GPS Navigator
- Best for World Travelers: TomTom Go Supreme 6-Inch GPS Navigation Device
- Best for Outdoor Adventurers: Garmin Overlander Multipurpose GPS Navigator
What to Consider
Models like the Garmin Overlander are purpose-built for outdoor activities like off-roading and hiking, and come with extensive weather sealing. Most GPS devices provide national map data right out of the box, and some models, such as the TomTom GO Supreme, contain full international map information as well.
Although they can be used without updates, most of these devices are able to download new map data to maintain accurate directions, usually through a cable tethered to your PC or a Wi-Fi connection. GPS units with smartphone compatibility can also be used as a hands-free receiver to easily take calls on the road.
Below, we've outlined a few other important points to think about before buying.
Screen Size and Resolution
One of the first things to consider while picking out a car GPS navigator is screen size and resolution. A larger high-resolution screen can make information more legible, but it can also take up extra space around your car’s dashboard. Most screens available are about five or six inches across, but the Garmin DriveSmart 86 boasts an eight-inch screen for greater clarity. A larger screen may also make it easier to access onscreen touch menus.
Installation
Most car GPS navigators mount to the windshield of the vehicle using a simple suction cup arm. However, depending on the size of your dashboard and personal preferences, it may be worth springing for a third-party mount to increase reach and functionality. There are also devices with magnetic suction cups for a stronger mount.
Charging and Battery Life
Suction-mounted devices feature a built-in battery, which can be charged using your vehicle’s 12V outlet. If you plan to take the GPS with you outside of the vehicle, battery life may be a concern. Car GPS navigators hold a charge from roughly 30 minutes to three hours. For durations longer than that, handheld survival GPS devices demand much lower power consumption.
Extra Features
Pricier GPS devices may add bonus features like lifetime map updates, real-time traffic data, and integrated media apps. Some include access to databases with restaurant and hotel recommendations and points of interest, which is a nice extra if you're on a road trip.
How We Selected
I cover the automotive space and write about vehicles and car accessories, and use first-hand experience with products during my research. Over the last five years, I've had my hands on built-in vehicle navigation systems, as well as standalone GPS units. When selecting car GPS navigators, we focused on highly-rated models and looked for devices across for a wide variety of price points to suit as many needs and budgets as possible. We compared the devices' screen sizes and resolution, along with key attributes like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smartphone pairing, easy onscreen menu navigation, and driver alerts so you can anticipate things like road blocks and sudden speed changes.
1
Best Overall
Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator
1
Best Overall
Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator
Pros
Large high-res screen with user-friendly menus- Built-in Wi-Fi for free data uploads
- Value-added point-of-interest and restaurant database
Cons
- Battery life isn't as robust as we'd like
The DriveSmart 65 is the best car GPS navigator for most people, with a high-res large screen, built-in Wi-Fi for free map and location data uploads, and Bluetooth to pair the device with your smartphone. It also punches above its price point with features like a pre-loaded National Parks directory and hotel and restaurant reviews from TripAdvisor.
Thanks to its seven-inch screen and user-friendly onscreen menus, it's easy to quickly find and switch up what you need to look at any given moment.
The driver alerts and voice commands are a big plus so you can keep your eyes on the road. Hands-free calling and hearing your text messages read aloud also helps you drive safety.
The device is ready-to-use out of the box, too, with an included traffic cable. Live traffic updates are available once your smartphone is connected.
Key Specs
| Mount Type | Suction cup |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.95 in. |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Estimated Battery Life | 1 hr. |
2
Best Value
Garmin Drive 52 and Traffic GPS Navigator
Pros
- High-res display and easy-to-use onscreen menus
- Restaurant and points of interest database
- Driver alerts for road safety
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for smartphone pairing
- Short battery life
For about $70 bucks less than our top pick, this Garmin car GPS navigator is worth a look. It has many of the same bells and whistles, including hotel and restaurant recommendations from TripAdvisor, and point-of-interest. You even get the DriveSmart 65's bright high-res display, easy-access onscreen menus, and driver alerts so you can focus on the road.
What you don't get with this model is built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to pair with your smartphone. Also, the screen size is slightly smaller at five inches and the battery life is a measly 30 minutes, so you'll definitely want to keep it plugged in.
Still, if you're currently using a smartphone to navigate, this device is a great investment.
Key Specs
| Mount Type | Suction cup |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 5 in. |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Estimated Battery Life | 30 min. |
3
Best For World Travelers
TomTom Go Supreme 6-Inch GPS Navigation Device
3
Best For World Travelers
TomTom Go Supreme 6-Inch GPS Navigation Device
Pros
- Global map updates
- Real-time traffic data
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Small screen for the price
This TomTom GPS is great for international travelers because it includes not only North American map data, but data for the entire globe. The user can also update these maps using a built-in Wi-Fi antenna to maintain accuracy and get real-time traffic data. The six-inch screen is on the smaller side for this price range, but it also gives a decent two hours of battery life per charge.
Key Specs
| Mount Type | Suction cup |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6 in. |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 600 pixels |
| Estimated Battery Life | 2 hrs. |
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4
Best Upgrade
Garmin DriveSmart 86 Car GPS Navigator
4
Best Upgrade
Garmin DriveSmart 86 Car GPS Navigator
Pros
- Extra-large high-res screen
- Alexa built in
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled for smartphone pairing
- Database with extensive travel and sightseeing info
Cons
- USB port location is a bit awkward
This premium Garmin device includes an extensive set of features, the most obvious being its high-res eight-inch screen. It also has Alexa built in and two USB ports for charging devices.
Beyond all that, the DriveSmart 86 goes head-to-head with the DriveSmart 65 for features. That includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smartphone pairing, a database of restaurant and hotel recommendations from TripAdvisor, and maps for National Parks and other points of interest. Driver alerts, live traffic and weather information, and free software updates as part of the package.
If screen size is a priority and you want access to a voice assistant, consider the $100 upgrade well spent.
Key Specs
| Mount Type | Suction cup |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8 in. |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels |
| Estimated Battery Life | 1 hr. |
5
Best for Outdoor Adventurers
Garmin Overlander Multipurpose GPS Navigator
5
Best for Outdoor Adventurers
Garmin Overlander Multipurpose GPS Navigator
Pros
- Rugged design
- Off-roading telemetry
- Built-in Wi-Fi and 64 gigs of storage
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Specialized features may not suit all users
The Overlander is built for off-roading, and comes in a durable, dust-proof casing. The GPS contains North American map data for not only roads, but for popular off-road routes as well. Additional maps can be downloaded over Wi-Fi, and installed on up to 64 GB of internal storage.
Using built-in gyroscopes, the device also keeps track of vehicle pitch and yaw angles. Battery life is up to three hours, giving the user enough time to bring the GPS along during hikes on-foot. The seven-inch screen sticks to a windshield using a magnetically-mounted suction cup arm, but compatible ram mounts can be purchased separately that allow the Overlander to be attached to things like ATV roll cages or motorcycle handlebars.
Key Specs
| Mount Type | Magnetic/suction cup |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.95 in. |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 600 pixels |
| Estimated Battery Life | 3 hrs. |
Talon Homer
Talon Homer is a writer and photographer out of South Carolina who was born with a love of cars, gaming, and advanced technology. He’s been featured in Car and Driver Magazine, Popular Mechanics and The Drive, covering consumer reporting, custom engineering projects, and transportation tech. If he’s not at the keyboard, he’s probably snapping photos at a race track or playing too much Halo.
FAQs
Upgrade Your Ride With The Best Car GPS Devices? ›
TomTom is the other big name in GPS devices, and the Go Comfort is one of its most accessible models available, with an app that syncs your phone for maps and updates. It can also display text messages from your phone, a handy feature the Garmin DriveSmart 52 doesn't have.
Is there a better GPS than Garmin? ›TomTom is the other big name in GPS devices, and the Go Comfort is one of its most accessible models available, with an app that syncs your phone for maps and updates. It can also display text messages from your phone, a handy feature the Garmin DriveSmart 52 doesn't have.
Can I upgrade my car navigation system? ›If your car uses a DVD-based navigation system, you'll need to purchase map updates from the dealer, but should be able to simply eject and old disk and insert the new one to activate the update. As these systems are typically older some brands may no longer support them with updates.
Which GPS has live traffic? ›Sygic GPS Navigation offers superb Traffic information, powered by TomTom Traffic with data collected from more than 400 million drivers. The amazingly accurate real-time traffic information is updated every 2 minutes, so you will always know: where the traffic is. how long it will take to get through it.
Which GPS has free lifetime map updates? ›Garmin GPS Units with Lifetime Map Updates.
What is the best GPS for cars to buy? ›- Best Portable Car GPS Navigation Systems For 2023.
- Garmin DriveSmart 76.
- TomTom Go Comfort 6.
- Rand McNally TND 750.
- TomTom GO Supreme.
- Garmin RV 1095.
- Methodology.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TomTom's maps, live traffic info and guidance are as dependable and clear as ever, and the Essential also comes with the excellent snap-in, snap-out magnetic mount. Garmin's DriveSmart 66 has the edge with its crisper, high-resolution screen, but if you prefer TomTom's software, the Essential is a fine alternative.
How much does it cost to update car GPS? ›Instead, updates must be purchased at a cost of $129 to $299, either through the automaker, dealership, or online. Plus, there can be an extra charge for installation. For that much money, you could buy a very nice portable GPS unit with lifetime map and traffic updates.
Is it worth getting a navigation system in a car? ›Better GPS signal: In-car navigation systems are satellite-based and should always have a signal, even in the most remote of places. They're especially handy for those who frequently travel to places with limited cellphone service.
Which GPS tracker has the most range? ›What GPS tracker has the longest range? Our pick for the longest range is the LandAirSea 54. It also has a battery life of up to six months.
What GPS can you use without service? ›
Google Maps
This is how they provide you with services like traffic updates and road closures. However, not all is lost. You can still download the maps for specific areas that you can then use when you are offline.
Includes Lifetime Map Updates
Right out of the box, the nüvi 1300LM comes bundled with nüMaps Lifetime™. Which means you can download the newest map data when it becomes available — no monthly fees or maintenance costs — for the lifetime¹ of your device.
GPS Navigator with Free Lifetime Maps for the US includes driver alerts to increase situational awareness and encourage safer driving.
How long is Garmin Lifetime maps good for? ›With FREE lifetime map updates, you always have the most up-to-date maps, points of interest and navigation information available at your fingertips. Map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates.
Which GPS system is most accurate? ›Galileo's positioning service, the High Accuracy Service (HAS) is now freely available to users around the globe. It targets a positioning accuracy better than 20 cm in the horizontal domain and 40 cm in the vertical domain, in nominal conditions of use.
What is the most accurate type of GPS? ›Differential GPS (DGPS) is more accurate than standard GPS due to its ability to correct for errors and inaccuracies in the GPS signals. DGPS receivers improve accuracy using two receivers because ground-based receivers can take accurate measurements of the error.
What is the highest accuracy of GPS? ›For example, GPS-enabled smartphones are typically accurate to within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius under open sky (view source at ION.org). However, their accuracy worsens near buildings, bridges, and trees.
Is Garmin the most accurate? ›Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters (49 feet) 95% of the time.