It’s hard to imagine life before the advent of GPS navigation for cars, and ever since Mazda introduced it in 1990, it has become a staple for every car owner. The GPS navigation system did away with the need for overly large maps, which were usually confusing to some, and with the addition of voice assistants, things got even easier. It can be assumed that every car owner has one, but what if you’re about to get your first car? There are a lot of GPS navigation systems for vehicles, and picking one can be a daunting task with all the features and attributes. To help you navigate this minefield, we would examine 11 of the best car navigation systems for you to buy.
Sometimes, you want your navigation system to do more than just show you the way, and that’s why systems like the BOSS Audio Systems BVNV9384RC Car GPS Navigation are getting more popular. Able to act as a SatNav and a DVD player, this is a versatile system that is useful and effective. The BOSS audio systems is way more than just a navigation device; it is an all-in-one entertainment system. It is Bluetooth enabled, capable of taking phone calls, and you can control your music, including your Spotify and Pandora libraries, through it.
There’s, of course, the DVD player plays DVDs, and with the addition of an auxiliary port, you can choose how you listen to your music. A video output allows you to hook up an extra screen so you can watch videos on both screens. This is ideal during long trips when the kids at the back need something to distract them, and your seat partner in front also wants to join in the fun. You get 80watts of power and a three-year warranty once you purchase from Amazon. Our guide to the best hunting GPS features some amazing devices for outdoor enthusiasts, so check them out.
Auxiliary port to listen to music
Bluetooth enabled and can take calls
Functioning DVD player
Updated maps for all 50 states in America
- BrandBOSS Audio Systems
- ModelBVNV9384RC
- Weight5.5 pounds
Video output to connect extra screen
Subwoofer pre-amp outputs for improved speaker performance
2D and 3D maps
Is buggy on occasion
The touch screen when calling someone is challenging to navigate
Navigating through the system is inefficient
Who wouldn’t love a GPS navigation system that actively looks out for you and seeks to keep you safe? That’s what the Garmin Drive 51 USA LM GPS Navigator System does for you. Equipped with a smart driver alert feature, this SatNav warns drivers of potentially dangerous curves ahead. This is incredibly useful when you are plying a route that you’ve never been on before.
Your safety isn’t the only thing the Garmin Drive looks out for; it also seeks to ensure your comfort and well-being. To this end, the gadget has TripAdvisor ratings for points of interest that you want to visit. Therefore, if you happen to pick a less than ideal hotel to stay in, this GPS can help you change your mind. It can also help you identify restaurants and other attractions that you might want to stop at. It also features a 90-day limited warranty that comes in handy in case you are unsatisfied.
Alerts drivers of dangerous turns
TripAdvisor ratings for places of interest
90-day limited warranty
It points out restaurants and other attractions
- BrandAmazon Renewed
- Weight4 ounces
It alerts you about red light cameras
Setting it up isn’t difficult
It comes with Amazon Renewed guarantee
Transferring a previously saved location is difficult
Some consumers have complained about its brittleness
Accuracy dwindles over time
The TomTom VIA 1525SE GPS Navigation Device is a tiny device with huge features. It measures five inches, which is smaller than some of the other GPS systems. The size isn’t as much of a problem as one would think, as it still delivers crisp visuals and a responsive touch screen. It keeps you in the loop in terms of real-time traffic, which helps you decide on whether to take alternate routes. It also keeps up-to-date on the maps for the United States. Sticking with the effectiveness of the software, updates are made continuously available, and the GPS connects to your computer regularly for free updates with improvements and bug fixes. One of its more powerful systems is the advanced lane guidance, which ensures that you’re on the right lane to turn into key junctions. The device comes with a USB cable and charger. It also makes an amazing gift for car lovers.
Five-inch touch screen
Free software updates
Advanced lane guidance for safer driving
USB cable and charger
- BrandTomTom
- Model1AA5.017.01
- Weight1 pound
Up-to-date maps
Accurate traffic updates
Helps reduce missed turns
Consumers complain that it freezes during updates
Some have found the display as small
Money charged for map updates
The Aonerex 7-inch Touchscreen GPS Navigation System is a beautifully designed device that is easy on the eye and practical when in use. As the name implies, it features a seven-inch screen that is easy to use and responsive with a clear picture. If you’re in a neighborhood you’re unfamiliar with, the navigation system highlights shops, ATMs, restaurants, stores, and camping areas. The Aonerex has 8GB of ROM and 256mb of RAM that comes with it. The voice prompt is very lifelike and feels like another presence in the car with you. This also helps combat tiredness and lethargy, especially when traveling over long distances alone. It also has maps for North America, and those for other parts of the world are available upon request. You may also like some of the best car waxes from our list, so be sure to check them out.
Easily mount on the window or car panel
Clear picture
Maps for various regions available upon request
Excellent voice guidance option
- BrandAonerex
- Weight1.83 pounds
Easy to use seven-inch screen
Free map updates
Strong signal
Not very user-friendly
No manual
Car GPS Navigation System Buying Guide
Features To Look For In-Car GPS Navigation Systems
When looking to buy a GPS navigation system for a car, it is necessary to consider some of the following things.
Maps - You would get lost if you do not pay attention to the maps that come with a GPS. It is critical to make sure your maps are up-to-date. Most options on this list feature SatNavs that come with updated maps and this is important as you could go missing with the wrong instructions
Language - What use is a GPS navigator if you can’t understand where it’s pointing you at? English is one of the most common languages spoken in the world, but it isn’t the only language. Ensure that you get a SatNav that has your language on it to be able to use it effectively. If you speak a more obscure language, something like the Junsun GPS might be useful as it has up to 30 languages it works with.
Storage - This is pivotal as your GPS takes on a lot of information. If you’re someone who moves around a lot, the different map updates could start to take up a lot of space. This is why you must get a GPS that has adequate space for you to store all you need to on it. Most navigation systems come with 256MB, and while this is decent, it isn’t always enough. Look out for brands that support memory cards. Also, ensure that it supports large memory cards just in case.
Size - If your SatNav is too small, it might be difficult to see where it’s pointing at you. Conversely, if it is too big, you might have a problem finding somewhere to store it. It is best to stick with what works best for you. If you have difficulty seeing, then a more extensive GPS will work for you, and if on the other hand, you can handle a small screen with ease, then go for it as mounting it will be more comfortable and less obtrusive.
Ease of Use - Some GPS systems are complicated to use. This isn’t helped by the fact that some manuals don’t even tally with the device. If you have a problem like this, you might be forced to rely on video tutorials and so on. To avoid all that stress, you can simply ensure that the GPS navigation system you’re looking to buy is easy to use. This might not be evident at first, but a good hack is to go through product reviews (like this one :D) and check out customer reviews to see what others have to say about the ease of use.
Types Of Car GPS Navigation Systems
Here we’ll quickly look at the types of GPS systems available
In-Dash GPS Systems - These are the GPS systems that come with the car you drive. These have become more prevalent in recent times and have several advantages. One of which is the extra information available to you when you use an In-dash GPS. Since it comes with the car, you also never have to worry about the radio or an incoming call drowning out the GPS’ instructions. This is not to say it doesn’t have its fair share of pitfalls. For one, you can’t take it out of the car with you, and therefore, if you have more than one car, and only one has an In-dash GPS, you are left in a bit of a bind when using your other vehicle (s).
Smartphones - With the advent of Google maps, most people now turn to their smartphones when trying to look up a place. This is very convenient because of how central our mobile phones have become in our lives. This means you can always have a map in your pocket wherever you go. It does have a few problems; for instance, if you go out of service range, you no longer get proper directions. Also, using the maps on the phone quickly drains the battery, and this is worrying if you are trying to find your way in or out of a place.
Handheld GPS - These are the ones you can use with your cars. It’s handy as it comes preloaded with maps that can be used online and offline. It sometimes also serves other roles like a music player and DVD watcher. Like all the other, it has its own issues as some SatNavs don’t display real-time traffic.
Whatever it is you decide to do, just ensure that you’re getting the best product that works for you.
