Best Car GPS: Your Reliable Companion on the Road
Getting lost on the road – this is one thing that you have probably experienced in the past. It can be frustrating and can waste a lot of time. These days, there is no more excuse for you to get lost. With an innovative GPS device, it is a lot easier to get to your destination. You will be guided accordingly on every twist and turn that you have to make.
Are you on the lookout for the best car GPS? Given the abundance of options that are available, there should be no excuse for you to make a decision in haste. To be a well-informed buyer, keep on reading the rest of this post, and we will help you come up with the right decision.
Choosing the Best Car GPS
To narrow down the possibilities, below are some of the most important considerations that you have to keep in mind.
1. Display
One of the most important parts of a GPS for the car is the screen or the display. Most of the models are anywhere from five to seven inches. It is better if it is larger, which will make it easier to see the information displayed. Nonetheless, if it is too large, it can be an obstruction in the dashboard.
More than the size of the screen, another important thing when it comes to display is the resolution of the screen. It should have bright and vivid colors. More importantly, it should be easy to see, even if you are driving in broad daylight.
2. Features
When talking about the features of the car GPS, we are actually referring to the things that it can do. It must be able to provide you with clear directions, including every turn that you have to make. Some will provide you with lane assist, providing you with a notification when it is time to switch lanes. The more advanced models will even let you know if there are traffic cameras ahead, which will prevent the possibility of committing a violation.
Take note, however, that the more features there are, the more expensive the device can be. With this, think about the features that are essential for you and those that you can forego to find one that suits your budget.
3. Long-term Cost
In the case of some models, there are recurring fees that you have to shoulder, most of which are paid annually. If you want value for money, do not opt for these models. Instead, look for one that offers lifetime update on maps and traffic. This means that the device will provide you with updated and accurate information without any additional cost on your end.
4. Ease of Use
Do not buy a car GPS that will be too complicated for you to operate. Take a look at how user-friendly it is before making the final purchase decision. One good thing to do is to read online reviews. From the experiences of other people, it will be a lot easier for you to narrow down the possibilities. To add, it should also be easy to mount the device in your car.
5. Battery Life
Your GPS will be useless if the battery is drained. With this, do not also forget to consider the quality of the battery as you try to make the right choice. See to it that the battery can be fully-charged without waiting for a long time. Meanwhile, make sure as well that it will take quite a while before the battery is drained. Most batteries can last for one to six hours.
There are different factors that will have an impact on the battery life. For instance, if the screen is brighter and larger, the GPS is sure to be power-hungry, and hence, it will drain your battery quicker. If there are too many features that are running, this will also be more power-intensive.
6. Aesthetics
Your GPS will be placed on the dashboard of your car. It is something that you and your passengers will often see. With this, it makes sense to choose one that comes with an appealing design. It should not be too chunky. To add, it will also be good if it comes with a slim edge, which will give it a sleek appearance.
7. Price
Before you even start your search for the best car GPS, make sure that you already have a set budget in mind. This will make it easier for you to trim down the possibilities. Nonetheless, keep in mind that more often than not, it is not only about the price. You should not hesitate to choose a more expensive product if this is tantamount to enjoying the best when it comes to quality and functionality.
8. Warranty
If you want to have peace of mind, see to it that the manufacturer is offering generous warranty coverage. In most cases, they will offer a one-year warranty. The good ones have a longer warranty. Within such duration, the manufacturer will offer free repair and replacement of defective parts. Nonetheless, you need to follow the terms and make sure that the problem is not due to your negligence.
Best Car GPS Reviews
Still have no idea on which one will make the top choice? In this section, we will identify five of the best products that are available, as well as the notable features that give them an edge above all others.
1. Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS
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Made by one of the most popular brands in the market, a lot of people may instantly ditch the idea of choosing this because of its high price. Nonetheless, its price should not be an issue since it has innovative features that are surely hard to match.
Among others, one of the most notable in this car GPS is its touchscreen display, which is also user-friendly. Even if you are a beginner, there should be no problem in using it. Plus, the display remains easy to see even when it is exposed to direct sunlight.
In terms of its features, it will also prove to be exceptional. For instance, it has Up Ahead display, which will provide you with notifications on the places of interest ahead, such as restaurants and hospitals. It also has Garmin Real Directions, providing you with the assurance that every bit of information is correct.
Lastly, it is also worth noting that it includes Lifetime Maps and lifetime traffic receiver. You do not need to make any purchase to update maps in the future, which is one of the many reasons why it is able to provide the best value for the money.
Pros:
- Large and high-quality display
- Can save multiple routes
- Useful lane assist feature
- Provides accurate information and direction
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- May not be as user friendly as other devices
- Higher price
2. Garmin DriveSmart 61 NA LMT-S
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This is the same popular brand, but a bit more expensive than the previous Garmin. One of the exceptional features of this product is the free lifetime maps for those who live in North America. This will equate to huge savings in the long run.
It comes with a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, which is also impressive in terms of responsiveness. Given its sensitivity, using the display will be effortless on your end. It comes with vivid colors and is also easy to see even during the day.
In terms of its features, one thing that we loved the Bluetooth connectivity, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation. The live traffic feature helps with travel time and alternate routes.
Lastly, the intelligent design of the hardware is also worth noting. The screen can show details of navigating and how to handle tricky lane changes or exits.
Pros:
- Clear and easy to read display
- Comes with an excellent mounting system
- Comes with pre-loaded maps
- Free lifetime update of maps
- Responsive navigation
Cons:
- Bluetooth may have connection issues
- Live traffic cable cost more
3. Spytec STI 2019 Model GL300MA GPS Tracker
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It is important to point out that this is different from the products that we have mentioned above. Those we have reviewed earlier are GPS navigational devices. In the case of this product, on the other hand, it is a device that is used to track lost vehicles and people. The battery can last up to 2.5 weeks, so if you are hiking or backpacking, it can provide data on where you’ve been.
It uses real-time tracking and can transmit over 4G LTE so you can keep track of the vehicles or people that you need to. One thing that you will love the most about this product is its space-efficient design. It is small enough to go almost anywhere. For elderly or teens, it can be easily attached to the belt. Using the internet, you can track the device in real time.
Nonetheless, while the price is affordable, keep in mind that you have to pay additional fees to enjoy the best features of the product. There is a monthly charge for using their services, although the good thing is that you will not be bound by any long-term contract.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact size
- Comes with an SOS button
Cons:
- Payment is required to unlock full features
- May have issues with functionality and durability
Conclusion
In sum, if there is only one product that I can personally recommend, it is AONEREX GPS Navigation 7 inch HD. The latter may be expensive, but it is made by one of the best names within the product category. From form to function, you can be confident that it will provide you with accurate information, making it easy to get to your destination.
Are you looking for other products that will change the way you drive? Click here and our buying guides will help you to make the right choice.
