Best GPS Navigation Systems 2018

Best GPS Navigation Systems

We have come a long way from the old days of trying to read a map while driving down the road all the way to the top rated GPS systems. I can remember those days of reading the map while trying to drive. I can also remember the next improvement when you could go to Yahoo Maps and print out directions. This worked great as long as you knew everywhere you were going and did not have to make any in route adjustments.

Now all the best GPS navigation systems out there can give you directions to just about anywhere you can imagine. The best GPS navigation system will even allow you to just pull up destinations surrounding your current location by selecting a category like food and then the GPS system pulls up all the restaurants around your location.

We reviewed the top rated GPS systems and looked to see what features and qualities that were most important when consumers asked what is the best GPS to buy.

Today’s best GPS navigation systems work by satellite and consist of a number of components to determine where you are, and are going. Of course, you have the satellite high above you with its watchful eye tracking your movements. Then you have the GPS antenna on your car which connects to your GPS navigation receiver. In addition to that a top rated GPS system has a direction and speed sensor which hooks into the GPS navigation systems navigation computer. That’ right even this device is a computer.

All of the information is then displayed on screens of various sizes with a number of different options. You will need to keep your maps updated or might find yourself lost in downtown Dallas while your car’s GPS system is telling to you to drive where no road exists. Happened to me far too many time I am embarrassed to admit. Most maps can be updated to connecting your GPS system to a computer. Some might require a SD card or DVD update, but we cannot consider an GPS system a top rated GPS system unless you can update the maps.

There are a lot of different options when it comes to GPS navigation systems.

• Screen size is most obvious is screen size. This depends a lot on your individual preferences. Typically a larger screen (within reason) is better than a small screen. The exception to that would be if it blocks your view.
• Bluetooth connectivity. This means two things to me. One is that if your car does not have an existing connection to your car so you can talk hands free then your GPS navigation system can provide that if it is rally a top rated GPS system. The second thing this means to me is that your GPS system can connect to your phone to download traffic data.
• Being rechargeable is a big plus. That way you do not have to keep it plugged in at all time and makes it into more of what we would consider a portable GPS system.
• Finds the satellite quickly. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to wait in the parking lot of a hotel watching the GPS system say “Locating Satellites”. You might be surprised how frustrating this can be unless it has happened to you!
• Easy to update Maps. I like being able to just plug my GPS system into my computer and update the map easily. A top rated GPS system should include a lifetime maps update.
• Voice recognition. This can be very helpful in setting directions and finding places. It is much easier than typing on that little keyboard. Not all units have voice recognition and it can be a little more pricey if you want it.
• Has a speed alert. This keeps up with the local speed limit and lets you know when you are speeding. These are not obtrusive warnings, usually just the color changes on the speed display or its background. It is good but, don’t rely just on your GPS navigation system to know what the speed limit is. Speed limits can change, especially in construction zones.
• Construction zone and school zone alerts. School alerts don’t change that often so they can be updated when you update the maps. Construction zones would have to be updated from your phone.
• Voice change. Sometimes you get tired of hearing the same old voice saying that you missed your turn. Sometimes, it is good the be told what to do by someone new. Ever wonder why most GPS voices are women? Just throwing that out there, not insinuating anything.

Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps, Spoken Turn-By-Turn Directions, Direct Access, Driver Alerts, and Foursquare Data

• DRIVER ALERTS – Receive alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, a fatigue warning, nearby red light and speed cameras and more
• EASY TO USE – Dedicated GPS navigators display current street, current speed, speed limit and arrival time
• GARMIN REAL DIRECTIONS – Guides like a friend, using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic light. Garmin Drive redefines “spoken turn-by-turn directions” with Garmin Real Directions, easy-to-understand driving directions that guide like a friend, using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.
• FOURSQUARE – Preloaded data from Foursquare adds millions of new and popular stores, restaurants and more. Display resolution 480 x 272 pixels
• DIRECT ACCESS – Simplifies navigating to select complex destinations, such as malls and airports

This Garmin unit has nice driver alerts and is very easy to use. It also comes preloaded with FourSquare which makes finding places much easier. Overall we rate this one as an 8 out of 10.

Garmin Drive GPS navigators provide driver alerts to encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness. Warnings include alerts for sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings and animal crossings. Additionally, Garmin Drive notifies you when driving the wrong way on a one-way street and sends warnings for nearby school zones. Receive alerts for nearby red light and speed cameras. For longer drives, a fatigue warning suggests break times and potential rest areas after hours of driving. The Up Ahead feature lets you easily see places up ahead and milestones along your route, without leaving the map view.

The Direct Access feature simplifies navigating to select complex destinations, like airports and shopping malls, by finding a place within a larger location. It will even navigate through parking lots to find the entrance nearest your destination.

Garmin Drive’s search field makes it easy to find addresses and (POIs). Simply enter a category (like ‘pizza’), an entire address (‘1234 Sycamore Lane, Anytown, USA’) or a proper name (‘Starbucks’), and Garmin Drive quickly returns your results

GPS Navigation for Car, ADiPROD 5 inches 8GB Lifetime Map Update Touch Screen Spoken Turn-to-turn Vehicle GPS Navigator with Car Charger & Back Bracket & Mount, Navigation System for Cars

• 5 Inch LCD Display, 480*272 resolution, real directions guides rich features like a friend, video, audio, pictures. Receive alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, a fatigue warning, nearby red light and speed cameras and more.
• Built-in speaker with FM transmitter function,navigation voice and music will be sent directly to the car’s speakers, volume adjustable for different need; voice remind the speed limit and making a turn, main street names(some remote areas might not be recognizable)
• Life time free maps update, feel free to contact us to update, pre-installed North & South America maps. Suitable for the use of car, truck, emergency ambulance, bus and taxi.
• The navigating software could run memory card directly, more faster than average GPS navigation, use your navigator any time in the car.
• 90 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE AND LIFETIME WARRANTY – We offer you 100% satisfaction 90 days hassle free money back guarantee, and lifetime warranty. If you have any questions about the product, please contact us via Amazon message. We will reply you in 24 hours.

Nice unit. A little better priced than the Garmin.Sometimes it pays to shop around. Does not have voice recognition but other than that not a bad unit. Rated 7 out of 10.

Car GPS Navigation, TSWA 7 inches 8GB Navigation System for Cars Lifetime Map Updates Touch Screen Spoken Turn-to-turn Alert Vehicle GPS Navigator

• 7 Inch LCD Display, 800 x 480 resolution, Real Directions guides rich features like a friend, video, audio, pictures, Receive alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, a fatigue warning, nearby red light and speed cameras and more.
• Built-in speaker with FM transmitter function,navigation voice and music will be sent directly to the car’s speakers, volume adjustable for different need; voice remind the speed limit and making a turn, main street names(some remote areas might not be recognizable)
• Life time free maps update, feel free to contact us to update, pre-installed North & South America maps. Suitable for the use of car, truck, emergency ambulance, bus and taxi.
• The navigating software could run memory card directly, more faster than average GPS navigation, use your navigator any time in the car. DC 5V 1.5A-2A
• 90 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE AND LIFETIME WARRANTY – We offer you 100% satisfaction 90 days hassle free money back guarantee, and lifetime warranty. If you have any questions about the product, please contact us via Amazon message. We will reply you in 24 hours.

Not as big of a name brand as Garmin or TomTom but this is a top rated GPS system. We gave it a 9 out of 10 rating.

Car GPS navigation, 7-inch HD voice prompt system, Capacitive Touchscreen with Sunshade Spoken, 8GB RAM gps navigator – Lifetime Map Updates (black)

 

• ◆ 7-inch high-definition capacitive touch screen touch response faster than the average resistive touch screen GPS, with sun visor, super shade function, blocking the sun during the day.
• ◆ Portable GPS installation easy, you can arbitrarily removed to another car loaded, 8G storage space is mainly used for map storage, receiving signals better, faster and more accurate than ordinary GPS navigation.
• ◆ smart voice prompts, the real man or woman’s voice playback, you do not have to always look on the GPS screen. It makes your driving safer and reduces fatigue driving
• ◆ Built-in Hi-Fi Speakers and FM Transmitter Navigation voice and music will be sent directly to the car’s speakers, the volume is adjustable; voice prompts cornering speed, the main street name (some remote areas may not know);
• ◆ Your satisfaction is our guarantee. If you are not satisfied with our navigation, please a full refund, we will bear all the shipping costs.

This is one of our top rated GPS navigation systems. Uses Google Maps. I would like to see a little longer battery life. Even with that we rated it a 10 out of 10.

Garmin DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps and Traffic, Smart Notifications, Voice Activation, and Driver Alerts

• DRIVER ALERTS – Receive alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, a fatigue warning, nearby red light and speed cameras and more
• EASY TO USE – Dedicated GPS navigators display current street, current speed, speed limit and arrival time
• GARMIN REAL DIRECTIONS – Guides like a friend, using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights. Battery life up to 1 hour
• SMARTPHONE NOTIFICATIONS – Customizable smart notifications let you display calls, texts and other app alerts on your navigation screen. Sync a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as your smartphone, to Garmin DriveSmart for hands-free calling, and receive smart notifications on your Garmin DriveSmart display.
• HANDS-FREE NAVIGATION – Bluetooth calling and voice-activated navigation allow your hands to remain safely on the wheel as you navigate and make or receive calls. 
• HANDS-FREE Calls – Receive calls, text messages and calendar reminders without ever removing your hands from the steering wheel to reach for your phone.
• WEATHER – For real-time information such as weather and traffic conditions, download Smartphone Link mobile app, which connects your Garmin DriveSmart with your compatible smartphone.
• VOICE Control – Garmin DriveSmart offers you the option of convenient voice-activated navigation. Control Garmin DriveSmart with your voice, while your hands remain safely on the wheel.

Great Garmin GPS system. Works great in the car and has voice recognition. Rated 9 out of 10.

Garmin DriveSmart GPS navigator provides driver alerts to encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness. Warnings include alerts for sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings, animal crossings and more.

Additionally, Garmin DriveSmart notifies you when driving the wrong way on a one-way street and sends warnings for nearby school zones. Receive alerts for nearby red light and speed cameras, and be prepared for sudden halts in traffic with upcoming traffic jam alerts. For longer drives, a fatigue warning suggests break times and potential rest areas after hours of driving.

TomTom VIA 1535TM 5-Inch Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps and Voice Recognition

• IQ Routes
• Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico)
• Split Screen Junction View
• Screen type 16:9 resistive screen
• Screen resolution 480 x 272 pixels
• Screen size 5″ (13 cm)

Classic TomTom GPS navigation system for cars. It has the 5″ screen so it is better for car use. It also has voice recognition. It is a popular TomTom unit. We rated it at 7 out of 10.

Your Journey… safer with hands-free navigation

No tapping, no touching. Just speak and go. Plus, the VIA 1535 TM has a bigger 5″ screen.

Let the VIA 1535 TM keep you focused on the road ahead. VIA combines Bluetooth hands-free calling and voice recognition technologies into one powerful GPS device for your car. Plus it has a 5″ screen for a better view and Free Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates. Once you drive with a TomTom device, you’ll never want to drive without one. TomTom created the first digital maps for drivers; we are a world leader in navigation. At TomTom, we realize that the best in-car navigation should be easy to use and have the best quality maps. We’re here to ensure your journey is smooth, from start to finish.

We have updated the VIA series with sleek new hardware and a 5″ screen. It’s now designed to include a better user interface, sharper graphics and more visible icons—for a better view of the road ahead.

Free Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates Roads change: so do our maps. Your TomTom device receives free up-to-the-minute traffic information and updated maps every three months. All you need to do is download a new edition of TomTom’s maps, the industry’s most accurate. And you’ll always be up-to-date.

Voice Recognition Tell your TomTom device where to go—so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. With Voice Recognition, your TomTom device can understand your spoken commands, even if you use different variations—like “Drive to an address,” “Navigate to an address” or “Go to an address.” All you have to do is speak and drive.

Garmin Drive 61 USA LMT-S GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps, Live Traffic and Live Parking, Driver Alerts, Direct Access, TripAdvisor and Foursquare data

• Easy-to-use dedicated GPS navigator with bright 6.0-Inch dual-orientation display
• Preloaded with lifetime maps of the U.S.
• Provides real-time services, such as Live traffic and select Live parking, when using free smartphone link app on your compatible smartphone
• DRIVER alerts for dangerous curves, speed changes, speed cameras, railroad crossings, Animal crossings and more
• TripAdvisor ratings for travel points of interest (poi’s) such as hotels, restaurants and attractions

This is one of the newer Garmin GPS Navigation systems. Has all the ‘bells and whistles’. We rated it a 7 out of 10.

Redefine ‘spoken turn-by-turn’ directions with Garmin Real Directions. Our easy-to-understand driving directions use recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights in addition to spoken street names, guiding you as if your best friend is sitting in the passenger seat. Just listen for Garmin Real Directions to tell you, ‘Turn left after the QT,’ or ‘Turn right after the red building.’ Following directions has never been easier.

The Direct Access feature simplifies navigating to complex destinations, such as airports or shopping malls, by finding a place within a larger location. It even helps navigate through parking lots to find the entrance nearest your destination. Additionally, parking information based on historical data is available to help you find parking near your destination.

Thanks to Foursquare, your Garmin Drive navigator is loaded with millions of additional popular places like restaurants, entertainment venues, shops and other points of interest. Next time you get in the car and take a ride, you might just find your new favorite spot.

Car GPS Navigation Vehicle GPS Sat Nav 8GB Capacitive 7 Inches Touchscreen System Included Overall America Maps Directions with 2 Car Charger

• Preloaded United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Venezuela maps If you need European Map.need Europe map ,just ask.
• 7″ CAPACITIVE TOUCHSREEN. Compared with the resistive touchscreen, reacting faster with no delay, the color natural, comfortable for your eyes
• Support TF up to 32GB ;Support Video Format : ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, 3GP, MP4,RMVB;Support Audio Format: MP3, WAV;
• FM transmitter 76.0MHz to 108MHz Transfer the GPS sound to Car Bluetooth&AV-IN : No Display Resolution: 800×480 Operating System: Windows CE 6.0 USB Interface: USB 2.0, MINI USB Batteries: Lithium Metal batteries Charging Time: 2-3 hours Charging Socket: 12V DC socket Car Charger: 12-24V/1.5A Other Applications: Games, Music player, video player, multimedia player, calculator tool, unit conversion tool, etc
• COME WITH 2 CAR CHARGERS

This GPS navigation system is from Shenen. It is a good unit, highly rated and comes with a 7″ screen for easier viewing. Overall we rated it at a 9 out of 10.

Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America

• 6” glass, pinch to zoom display with dual-orientation
• FOURSQUARE – Search million of additional new and popular restaurants, shops and more with Foursquare
• Direct Access – Simplifies navigating to select complex destinations, like malls and airports
• LIFETIME MAP UPDATES – Businesses open and close. New roads are built. Be confident your routes reflect the latest map data available. LIFETIME TRAFFIC – Free lifetime traffic avoidance, no ads or subscription fees
• Bluetooth with Smartphone Link Capability and Voice Activated Navigation

This Garmin GPS navigation system comes in a couple of different sizes, 5″, 6″ and 7″. We rated the 6″ but you can get equal results for any of them. Pick your size, this is a good unit. We rated it a 9 out of 10.

nüvi Advanced Series automotive navigators do not rely on cellular signals. nüvi is available with your choice of 5 inch, 6 inch or 7 inch display. All models feature maps of North America with lifetime updates and traffic alerts.

nüvi Advanced Series automotive navigators do not rely on cellular signals. nüvi is available with your choice of 5”, 6” or 7”display. All models feature maps of North America with lifetime1 updates and traffic2 alerts. Spoken Garmin Real Directionsguide like a friend using landmarks and traffic lights. Foursquare helps you find new and popular restaurants, shops and more.

Direct Access simplifies navigating to select complex destinations, like malls and airports. Up Ahead lets you easily find places,like food and gas stations, without leaving the map. nüvi displays current street, speed, speed limit and arrival time. Also givesschool zone alerts. Optional features, available on select nüvi models only, include: Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling3,voice-activated navigation, Smartphone Link4 compatibility and HD Digital Traffic, the best traffic avoidance available from Garmin.

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