We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more. Even though many new cars sold today have the option of adding an in-dash global navigation satellite system, nothing beats the convenience of having a portable unit. However, one glance at the market can confuse anyone who simply wants a global positioning system GPS navigator with useful features and good performance.
For more information about how to pick a good GPS receiver, have a look at the buyer's guide below. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 offers up lots of useful features at a price point that is relatively low, which makes this a great value proposition. The 5. The display edges are minimal which gives it compact dimensions while having a larger screen. The DriveSmart 55 comes preloaded with street maps for the U. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Bahamas which gives this an advantage over your cell phone where you would need to download each one separately and take up a large amount of memory.
Built-in WiFi keeps maps up to date with free lifetime updates. The voice guidance on the global positioning system GPS technology is solid, and you can even connect your cell phone via Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
Using your phone and the Garmin Drive app unlocks even more features such as live parking, photoLive traffic cameras where available , and text message notifications. If you prefer a larger screen, the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is available with a 6.
It includes all the features of the DriveSmart 55 in a larger, easier-to-view display. It includes many of the features the Garmin DriveSmart 55 has with a few compromises. These features are enough to consider it over the DriveSmart 55 but some corners had to be cut to keep the price down such as a smaller, lower resolution screen, larger bezels, and support for only the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The TomTom Go Comfort has the value proposition locked down with a plethora of features from an industry leader. If you do not plan on exploring some of the islands and do not need a higher resolution screen, the Go Comfort should be at the top of your list. Dash cams provide a recording for an eyewitness account as it will continuously record your drive and store footage if it senses an impact. Since it is equipped with global positioning system GPS as well, it will track where the event occurred.
Not only does the dash cam record video, it is utilized to alert the driver when traffic has started moving, when following the vehicle ahead too closely, or if you drift off the road or into oncoming traffic by triggering a lane departure warning.
The JVC KW-NTHDT offers everything that you'll need to navigate the road effectively, and carries various features from movie playback to live warnings for emergencies in the area where you are. Any of these five tested models provide Best Overall. Garmin DriveSmart 55 And Traffic.
Why We Picked It. Its 5. Best Value. Garmin Drive Very good visual and audible navigation at a lower price. Like the DriveSmart 55, it also gives you several handy navigational extras, like driver alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, FourSquare data, US National Park info, and a guide to historic sites. Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa. With the large 6. The larger screen takes up more room on your windshield or dashtop. Best for Navigating Overseas.
TomTom Go Supreme 6. Most others charge extra for maps outside North America. Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a slick powered magnetic mount and a multi-touch display. Has real-time traffic info via the TomTom smartphone app. It has a lower-resolution display and a more basic voice control system than the Garmin DriveSmart It lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models.
Best Value from TomTom. TomTom Via M. Its 5-inch touchscreen is easily readable. This basic model lacks many handy extras like traffic info, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-touch display. No Wi-Fi updating,. Bestseller No. ZHNN Android 9. Pure Android Dasaita Android Android Double Din Car Stereo Many people do use a phone for navigation.
A portable GPS , portable navigation device , or dashtop GPS same thing has built-in maps and you can start a trip anywhere, even in remote areas. A smartphone requires a cellular signal to set up a trip and download map information; a portable GPS has maps built in. A portable GPS also has a screen up to 7 inches diagonal, larger than most phones. Screen size and features set them apart.
Features include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for connections to your smartphone for traffic data or device updates, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, photo radar traffic camera alerts, or connection to a backup camera.
Some devices let you buy additional maps for other continents. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. Click here to cancel reply. Name required. Email will not be published required.
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SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn more. Smart Home FAQ. Best Car Navigation Systems. We reviewed the best vehicle GPS systems to help you find your way. Best overall. Garmin DriveSmart Voice control.
On-screen smartphone notifications. View on Amazon. Read Review. Best for RVs and trailers. Garmin RV RV-specific route alerts. Hands-free operation. Best for safety. Garmin Drive Lifetime maps. Landmark directions. Best for international travel. TomTom GO World maps. Hands-free calling. By Kasey Tross. July 26, Share Article. Best car navigation systems Garmin DriveSmart Compare the best car GPS navigation systems. The best car GPS navigation system reviews. Garmin DriveSmart Best overall.
Large screen. TripAdvisor review info.
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