Top 5 GPS devices for vehicles in 2024

The task of the navigator is really simple: to determine where you are and where you are going. To do this, there is used a device that receives signals from the satellites of the Global Positioning System (this is what the abbreviation GPS stands for). There are more than twenty such satellites, so they give a very accurate and clear picture.
The main working unit of the navigator is a GPS receiver. This is an antenna, a motherboard, and a storage device. A display is connected to it. The information is displayed in a user-friendly form. Additionally, you can connect other peripherals. Not the last role is played by the software you use.

If you think it’s not right for you, keep reading and you’re sure to find the gps navigator that’s right for you.

Here are the top 5:

Best 5 GPS Navigators for cars in 2024:

Garmin Drive 52 & Traffic – Certified Winner of 2024

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GPS navigator with driver alerts and travel data.External memory storage: This USB mass storage device is compatible with Windows XP or newer and Mac OS X 10.4 or later..Control Method:Touch.Special Feature:Touchscreen.
Easy-to-use GPS navigator includes detailed map updates of the U.S. and Canada
Simple on-screen menus and bright, easy-to-see maps
Garmin Traffic is ready to use right out of the box without use of a smartphone
Road trip-ready with The HISTORY Channel database of notable historic sites, a U.S. national parks directory, TripAdvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare points of interest (POIs).
Included Components: Garmin Drive 52, Vehicle Suction Cup Mount, Vehicle Power Cable, Usb Cable, Quick Start Manual

Available in 5-, 6-, and 7-inch displays, the Garmin Drive 52 & traffic (2689LMT, 2789LMT) is a higher-priced option, but offers Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling. The 5-inch version has a 480 x 272-pixel capacitive touchscreen, which can be oriented vertically or horizontally and has pinch-to-zoom capability. Its rechargeable battery offers up to 2 hours of battery life off the charger.

The GPS device comes loaded with detailed maps of North America with free lifetime map updates. This device also takes advantage of Foursquare to populate its POIs, but you can also use the Smartphone Link app to check-in on Foursquare and access more detailed information about the POI, including ratings, price range, and hours of service. Also included is free lifetime traffic avoidance, Garmin Real Directions, Direct Access, and Active Lane Guidance.

This is a voice-activated navigation with an integrated microphone and speaker for hands-free calling. Like other Garmin Nuvi systems, it can be paired to the BC 30 wireless backup camera.

The Garmin Drive 52 & traffic package includes the navigation device, vehicle suction cup mount, antenna/vehicle power cable, USB cable, and quick start manual.

• Pros : Capacitive touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice recognition, available in a variety of sizes
• Cons : Low-resolution display, price

2. Garmin DriveSmart 86

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The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a very capable GPS gadget with many useful in-built functions. In addition to its high price and lack of unique features, this option seems unnecessary when weighed against the mapping features available on a smartphone.
Important data and map details are shown on this 6 GPS navigator's brilliant, high-resolution edge-to-edge touchscreen. Thanks to the hands-free calling capabilities of your compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and the helpful Garmin voice aid, you may easily ask for directions to anywhere you'd want to travel. The United States, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas are all included in the map coverage and road trip-ready coverage. The available features on the road include the HISTORY database of significant locations, a directory of U.S. national parks, traveler evaluations from Tripadvisor, and millions of points of interest from Foursquare.

A Wi-Fi connection enables simple offline maps and software upgrades. Driver alerts notify you of abrupt turns, speed changes, railroad crossings, and more to improve safety and situational awareness on the road. Not everywhere has the option to get alerts before approaching a red light or speed camera. With Alexa already installed, you can safely enjoy music, audiobooks, the news, and more without taking your focus off the road. The Wearable4U Power Bank, with the wall and car USB charging adapters, will ensure that your gadget never runs out of juice.
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a GPS navigator that will make your trips easier. You can quickly get where you need to go with the help of Garmin's voice-assisted navigation. The clear 8-inch dual-orientation display and up-to-date maps of North America guide the trip, warning of upcoming speed changes and possible dangers. TripAdvisor reviews, a list of U.S. national parks, and a database of historical landmarks may all help you plan the perfect road trip.

Specifications

• DIMENSION - 7.6"W x 4.7"H x 0.77"D (19.2 x 11.9 x 1.8 mm)
• DISPLAY SIZE - 6.8" W x 4.2" H (17.2 x 10.7 cm); 8" diag (20.3 cm)
• DISPLAY RESOLUTION - 1280 x 800 pixels
• DISPLAY TYPE - multi-touch, glass, WXGA color TFT with backlight
• WEIGHT - 10.41 oz (295.2 g)
• BATTERY TYPE - rechargeable lithium-ion
• BATTERY LIFE - up to 1 hour

If you have a smartphone compatible with the Garmin Drive app, you can see real-time information on traffic, gas prices, parking, the weather, and traffic cameras right on your screen. With Alexa Preinstalled (Use this feature at your own risk; drivers should always pay attention to the road).
Using voice commands and the Garmin Drive app on your compatible phone, you can play music, listen to audiobooks, get the news, and more without taking your hands off the wheel. GPS receiver with a 6" display. Calling without holding the phone. Integrated Alexa driver warnings are perfect for long car rides. This 8-inch GPS device has a high-resolution, edge-to-edge touchscreen that displays information well in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Tomtom Go Comfort 6

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Specifications

• DIMENSION - 16.25 x 10.48 x 2.38
• DISPLAY SIZE - 5 inch (13 cm) or 6 inch (15 cm)
• DISPLAY RESOLUTION - 480 x 272 pixels or 800 x 480 pixels
• DISPLAY TYPE - WQVGA
• WEIGHT - 201 grams
• BATTERY TYPE - rechargeable lithium-ion
• BATTERY LIFE - up to 1 hour
• MEMORY - 16 GB

Navigation Features

• TomTom Traffic: Supremely accurate traffic information enables your TomTom GO Comfort GPS navigation device to intelligently plan routes around traffic.Control Method:Voice.Special Feature:Text-to-Speech,Bluetooth,Lane Assist,Touchscreen.
• 3-month speed camera alerts: Stay updated, under the speed limit, and safer along the way. Keep going with live services by switching over to a subscription after your trial ends.
• USA, Mexico and Canada map updates at no extra cost: See what is up ahead with your GO Comfort GPS. Effortless navigation, exceptional clarity, and routes around road closures and other traffic hassles.
• Wireless Connectivity: Stay updated quickly and easily with the GO Comfort GPS navigation device. Get regular software and map updates with the convenience of built-in WiFi. No computer needed.
• RoadTrips by TomTom: Supercharge your holidays. RoadTrips brings you another world of driving and riding experiences created by our RoadTrips Community. Sync them easily to your GPS and go.
• Smartphone Messages: End the on-the-road distractions. To keep your focus on the road, opt to have your messages read out loud effortlessly via TomTom GO Comfort's functionality.

What's in the box?

• TomTom GO Comfort
• Reversible integrated mount
• Car charger & USB cable for computer
• Documentation

Comfort at its best. Wi-Fi enabled, fast updates, and phone notifications, the TomTom go comfort gives everything you need to focus on the road and stay connected. In addition, you get TomTom Smart routing, traffic and regular map updates. Connect with the TomTom My drive mobile app to plan and edit your routes before you get into the car, log on to TomTom road trips to discover, download and edit the best routes to drive around the world. Screen resolution: 480 x 272 pixels.

Discover the world's best routes, personalize them easily so you can relax and be guided on the drive. Insanely accurate traffic information enables your TomTom GO Comfort to intelligently plan routes around traffic. Your TomTom GO Comfort can read out loud messages from your phone with your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Activate live services like traffic by connecting to your smartphone via the TomTom MyDrive app. TomTom GO Comfort learns your driving habits and predicts destinations so you can drive immediately. Plan routes, check live traffic and save favorites from your smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Tomtom Go Discover 7

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Specifications

• DIMENSION - 18.7 x 2 x 12.2 cm
• DISPLAY SIZE - 7 inch
• DISPLAY RESOLUTION - 1280 x 720 pixels
• DISPLAY TYPE - WQVGA
• WEIGHT - 400 Grams; 14.1 ounces
• BATTERY TYPE - rechargeable lithium-ion
• BATTERY LIFE - up to 1 hour
• RAM - 4 GB

Navigation Features

• Trusted TomTom traffic and speed camera alerts: Stay relaxed and in control with time- and fuel- saving traffic congestion avoidance, reliable arrival times and 1 year speed cam alerts..Control Method:Touch.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
• Most accurate TomTom world maps, updated wirelessly and effortlessly: Drive with total confidence with the freshest maps which are smaller in size and faster to update, via Wi-Fi, at no extra cost.
• Largest HD 7'' screen and powerful speaker: Safer driving with crystal clear route guidance via your car GPS's screen and speaker - smooth motion, exceptional picture clarity, and vivid voice.
• 1-year fuel pricing: Save money with live fuel pricing information. Your TomTom GO Discover GPS navigator finds the cheapest prices and the best stations along your route.
• 1-year parking availability: Explore cities not car parks. Spare your time with your car GPS showing parking availability for carparks and if it's freeing up or filling up before you arrive.

What's in the box?

• TomTom GO Discover
• Reversible integrated mount
• Batteries
• Documentation

TomTom has been making maps dedicated to driving for over 25 years. Now you can update them 3x faster wirelessly and at no extra cost. Upgrade your Drive - TomTom GO Discover GO Bigger, faster and smarter. Equipped with a HD screen, faster processor and new Live Services, the TomTom GO Discover makes navigation smoother and simpler than ever.

Update your maps 3x* faster. Plan your route 4x* faster. Tap our new highly responsive touchscreen for 4x faster swiping and route calculations. *compared to previous generations. Avoid getting stuck in traffic with premium real-time TomTom Traffic. Get alternative route options and accurate arrival times. Stay one step ahead and keep under the speed limit so you get to where you're going safely. Drive confidently with your TomTom GO Discover GPS navigator and avoid surprises like road closures. Access the most up-to-date maps, now smaller in size so they're quicker to update, at no extra cost. Get live traffic updates straight to your TomTom GO Discover via your smartphone's data connection. No worries - on average, these services use 10 MB of data per month. Just leave your bluetooth on. Swipe, zoom and use features swiftly, smoothly and distortion-free on your TomTom GO Discover car GPS's highly responsive touchscreen. With 2GB RAM now up to 4x faster now. See which car parks are free or are filling up before you arrive, saving you time to explore.

Important Factors When Choosing a GPS Navigator for car?

Again, the business needs of your customers will steer you in the direction of a great tracking solution. In today's market, devices with every function are available. But why would your customers pay for premium features they don't need? For the biggest impact, weigh the GPS device costs with the essential needs of your customers.

Dig deeper and consider the following:

• Can you configure and maintain the device remotely? If the device is hard to manage from afar, you may need to go on-site more often that you want to this becomes costly.
• Is the device stable? Devices should maintain connectivity and always capture data. A device that's not capturing data, isn't providing value. To work wonders with your customers, you'll need to connect your GPS devices with the right fleet software.
• What critical feature does the device need to have? Fuel monitoring, long battery life, resistance to water or heat - think core functions first, bells and whistles later.
• What are the differences in quality and cost between hardware manufacturers? Measure hardware costs by considering the lifetime of the device, as well as the costs involved in repairs or installing new hardware. A hardware company that can offer you robust support is beneficial in the long run.
• How will network connectivity affect my customers? With 2G networks phasing out in some regions, it's important to research what infrastructure is available for your customers in the long term.

Conclusion

It was quite difficult to choose a winner among these 4 quality products, but in the end Garmin Drive 52 took first place.