Are you looking for the best sat nav that you can use for your car, motorbike or cycle? We can provide you with great information on the best recommended sat navs that people can use when on their journeys! There is an extensive range of sat navs that are now available to purchase online!
However, choosing a sat nav to pick can be information overload and somewhat confusing, if you’re not too sure what you’re looking for!
They all have different screen sizes and various additional options like connected services, Bluetooth mode, voice recognition, and so much more, which is why the choice can be too complicated. Here is an extensive list that can help you choose the best one for you and your vehicle.
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To ensure you are crystal clear on what Sat Nav you need to buy: here is a table that has the key features that you need to look out for:
- Speed Camera Alerts
- Map Updates
- Sat Nav Screen Size
- Amazon Star Rating
- Traffic Updates
You may think you don’t need to purchase a dedicated, standalone sat nav for navigation/directions. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have its own pre-built system, it can be still done by your smartphone. You can simply use apps such as Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps applications.
However, these maps may be far from perfect and present their flaws. You may need to have a USB cable with you to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. If you want to go wireless or opt to use your phone’s display on a windscreen mount, you may possibly run the risk of the battery running low before you get to your final destination.
The other reason why it is better to get a proper sat nav instead of depending on your phone is because it has so many other features that it can provide. Since it frequently undergoes map updates, the sat nav will always be the most up to date.
Also, another benefit is, the maps are stored on the device. With this, you will never go lost whenever your phone runs out of data or loses its signal.
There are even some models that allow for voice controls, live traffic information, free safety camera alerts, and a built-in dash cam that has safety features like a warning for collision and lane departure.
Nowadays, sat navs also feature their own SIM card or Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to plug the sat nav into the computer anymore to update mapping data. Whenever you consider purchasing the best sat nav for you, you need to be focused more on the connectivity, battery life, features, and price.
Most importantly, you need to consider which has the best mapping system. Do you find it easier to read the maps of TomTom, or does Garmin have simpler spoken instructions that are easier to understand? Finding this information out can make the difference between the experience you have with any brand of Sat Nav.
All these small things do make a difference in how your experience goes!
So, let us start and go on a journey to decide which are the best sat-navs available nowadays!
If you want to know the best options for sat navs, check out this article so you will have great ideas on which options to choose!
Mio Spirit 5400 LM
Key Specifications:
- GPS Chipset SE4150L
- Mstar 800 MHz Processor
- Touchscreen
- Display Type & Size: 4.3″
- Display Resolution of 480 x 272 pixel
- With Mini USB Power Connector
- Has a size of 3.15″ x 4.72″ x 0.51″
- Weight: 4.73 ounces
- With Color Display
Key Features:
- Lifetime Map Updates
- Road Speed Limit Information
- Spoken street names(TTS)
- Lane Guidance
- IQ Routes™
- 3D Junction View
- LearnMe Pro™
- Pedestrian Mode
- Trip Planner
- Near Me
- Find My Car
- Tunnel guidance
- Truck ModeOptional (1 Month Free Trial)
- With a Desktop Application: Download MioMore
- Priced at approximately £100
- Updates or Coverage: Free and Covers Europe
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
The sat nav Mio Spirit 5400 LM is the cheapest on our list as it only features the bare basics. It has a 4.3-inch screen with a notably lower resolution and is slower to respond than the TomTom and Garmin units that we have on our list. Since the screen suffers from the glare of direct sunlight, it can be hard to see it during the daytime.
Instead of avoiding congestion, we discovered that the 5400 LM usually leads people to subsequent traffic jams and busy main roads during peak times. It may show your estimated arrival time and distance to the destination, but it has hits and misses in speed camera alerts that you may depend on.
Buy NowTomTom G.O. Basic
Key Specifications:
- Up to 1-hour of battery life
- With Easy Reversible Vehicle Mount
- Has 16 G.B. Internal Memory
- Can Be Connected to Wi-Fi
- Has TomTom Services through Smartphone
Key Features:
- Free speed camera alerts for three months
- It comes with lifetime maps for Europe
- Has traffic updates
- Screen size: 5”
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
When the end of COVID restrictions come, it may be likely for people to go on road trips even if it is just within the U.K.
Whenever you are planning to do this, it would be handy to get the TomTom RoadTrips community. You can go on a new route that you can share with the community wherever you may be. You may also have your favourite routes shared as well.
Since it is illegal to be using your mobile phone when you drive, once you sync it with your TomTom G.O. Basic, it can read your messages out to you as you drive so you can avoid any unwanted distractions.
Since TomTom G.O. Basic is backed with comprehensive traffic data levels, it boasts trustworthy arrival times so you can get home on time without stress.
Buy NowTomTom Go Camper
Key Specifications:
- It comes with an Adhesive Disk, Magnetic Mount, and Car Charger
- With a 15-centimetre or 16-inch display size
- Has 16 G.B. of internal memory
- With an active magnetic mount
- It has a battery life capable of lasting for up to one hour
Key Features:
- Priced at approximately £349.99
- Has POI and Routing for Car, Camper, and Caravan
- Includes Updates of the World Map
- Has Speed Camera and Traffic Alerts through its built-in SIM
- Updates through Wi-Fi®
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Here is a standalone sat nav for people who own motorhomes or caravans. Even if this sat nav comes at a high price, it has a sizable screen of six inches and impressive features that include handling calls hands-free and voice control. It can even allow you to have your routes tailored according to your vehicle’s maximum permitted speed, weight, and size.
Buy NowGarmin Drive 51LMT-S
Key specifications:
- Has the physical dimensions of 5.5″ x 3.3″ x 0.7″
- With a display resolution of 272 x480 pixels
- Display type of WQVGA colour TFT with white backlight and glass capacitive touch
- With dual-orientation display
- It weighs 6.1 oz
- It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Has battery life that lasts up to 1 hour
- With 16-gigabyte internal storage
Key features:
- Comes with traffic updates and traffic lane assist with junction view
- Has free lifetime updates for Ireland and U.K. maps
- Provides alerts for speed cameras
- Priced at approximately £120
- With free coverage and updates in Ireland and the U.K.
- Includes map updates
- Displays the speed limit of most major roads in the U.S. and Europe
- Provides driver alerts for school zones, sharp curves, speed camera warnings, red lights, and more
- With smart notifications available through the app
- Comes with software and Wi-Fi® map updates
- Provides access to live services through the app like weather and traffic
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
When it comes to the battle of non-live devices, you can see a better map interface with TomTom Start 52, but it can be simpler to use the Garmin Drive 51. Aside from that, it has a more responsive touchscreen.
As you go on the road, the voice guidance of Garmin’s Real Directions was excellent as it provides clear instructions turn-by-turn aided with the use of buildings, landmarks, and traffic lights as cues for directions.
The straightforward sat nav, the Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S, may not be fooled as it has so many features. You can have this nifty sat nav paired with your smartphone if you want to get ratings from Tripadvisor, parking information, and traffic alerts that you can get even before you go behind the wheel.
It can be vital for meticulous planners and stressed or nervous drivers to get the Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S as it can help remove uncertainty whenever you are travelling to a new place.
Because of its driver-awareness features, you will be alerted to hazards such as school crossings, speed changes, rail crossings, as well as the sharp bends of the roads. Since that is the case, it will be useful to have this whenever you travel to an unknown route.
Aside from that, DriveSmart 51 does not come with pre-installed traffic updates. Because of that, you don’t have to worry if the information is outdated. Instead, users would have to pair the device with their phone to get the latest traffic information. Yet, some people may consider this too much work whenever they need to use their device every day.
When it comes to usability, it can be easy to use DriveSmart 51 as it has a simple menu to navigate. Moreover, it has Real Directions instructions and is sleek because of its decently-sized display screen.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 7-inch touchscreen display
- With a 32 G.B. Memory
- It does not support the microSD card
- It has a battery life of 116 minutes in between charges
- Connects through USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Does not have a built-in SIM
- It has a 7” screen size
Key Features:
- Priced at approximately £246.01
- It comes with voice control.
- Has access to world maps
- Provides Traffic Information
- Comes with Speed Cameras
- Navigation features: Comes with map updates for a lifetime with live traffic data, live speed camera alerts, voice control, off-road parking, and fuel prices for one year.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Reasons to buy TomTom Go Discover are its responsive touch, giant screen, clear and great maps, off-street parking information, fuel price, and speed camera. However, it may not be great to buy this because of the cost of their live services, chunky design, and large bezels.
The straightforward navigation device TomTom Go Discover does not have fancy features as it is ultimately about utility and not fancy tricks or showbiz moves. Without a doubt, TomTom can deliver great usability. It begins with legible and clear maps that will allow you to get the best possible lane guidance for business. The best thing about this is that it can be really easy and quick to use.
This device can be quite costly, especially if you consider the price of the live subscription after a trial of one year. However, because of its pure navigation without the frills you want to go after, you will never go wrong with this TomTom.
Even if it does not come with the older Sat Nav Go Premium’s IFTTT programming functions, TomTom Go Discover can be better than it in every possible way. It appears to be nippier with a crisper and bigger six-inch or seven-inch H.D. screen.
The resolution of the former is 1280 x 720, while the latter comes with a 1280 x 800 resolution. With this, it can be easy to look for destinations. It has high-quality voice instructions that come with highly visual feedback in helping people make their way through busy cities and navigating junctions.
It comes with an exceptionally great bundled dashboard or windscreen mount that securely holds the hefty 7-inch model in its position.
With this, you can also get live traffic data using your smartphone with lifetime map updates for Europe and the U.K. Off-road parking, live fuel prices, and speed camera alerts are thrown in for the first year. Still, you would eventually have to pay for a subscription for this.
The voice controls of TomTom may remain quite restrictive. Aside from that, you may hit and miss the recognition front. However, this is among the recommended sat navs that can help you navigate your way around. It can be a great rival to the DriveSmart 65 of Garmin, even if it is more expensive.
TomTom has consistently been at the top of its game whenever offering the latest gadgetry is involved. That is true for the new Go Discover model. If you want to make sure that it’s updated with every latest information, including fuel prices and new roads, just have the device connected to your phone through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
At the screen’s right-hand side is a handy vertical strip that shows information useful for your journey that includes charging points, fuel stations, junctions, and speed cameras that could depend on the car you are driving.
It even boasts a great feature whenever you drive in the average-speed zone. The vertical bar will turn into a speed monitor that can alert you to go beyond the average speed limit in the restriction’s distance that you don’t get a speeding fine.
Buy NowTomTom Start 52
Key Specifications:
- Price: Around £120
- SD Slot: microSD
- Display: 5-inch
- Battery: 1 hour
- Internal storage: 8GB
Key Features:
- Fast startup
- Speed camera locations for three months
- Lifetime updates and coverage for the U.K. Maps
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Disadvantage:
- Cheerful and cheap but does not have live traffic
Because of its sleek mounting, it can be easy to install TomTom Start 62. It can be easy to navigate this when you get there because it has a responsive screen and familiar and simple menus. Whenever you are on the move, it can easily read map layout and more accurate directions than the Drive 51’s.
On the sidebar, you can see your distance to the destination, including so many waypoints in an uncluttered format. TomTom Start 52 may have impressive voice commands, but the one from Garmin has better timing. With this, you can get free speed-camera alerts for three months that you have to pay after that.
TomTom Start 62 has a U.S. incarnation that is a bit too expensive. However, in the U.K., it is a great candidate in the sub £100 sector. For some, it can be too restricted because it does not have live traffic data. Others consider it straightforward enough with its fast startup time, great directions, and clear display.
It comes with a resistive screen that may not be as nice as the more expensive devices’ capacitive ones. However, it works great as you can have map updates for a lifetime that will remain current in the following years. Even if it may not be that spectacular, it can be solid enough.
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Key Specifications:
- 5-inch touchscreen display
- 16 G.B. of memory
- Supports up to 32 G.B. microSD car
- Battery life between recharges is up to 60 minutes
- It has a screen size of 5 or 6 inches.
- Dimensions: TBC
- Weight: TBC
Key Features:
- Connectivity through USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- It comes with a built-in SIM
- Has voice control capabilities
- Provides maps of the world
- Gives Traffic Information
- Knows Locations of Speed Cameras
- Free world map updates
- Lifetime alerts from the speed camera alerts
- It comes with traffic updates
- Share your arrival time and location
- Works with Google Assistant and Apple Sir
- Lifetime traffic and speed camera
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Disadvantage:
- It has a design that is chunky compared to Garmin, with some features only available for Android
Here is another sat nav that is supremely accurate as it can intelligently plan every route.
You can take this with you whenever some of the distance is travelled on foot. It can be particularly useful to have whenever you need to park a bit far from your destination.
It can be possible for your TomTom G.O. Premium to hook up with the IFTT (If This Then That) integration platform. IFTT will have your thermostat synced with your virtual assistance, garage doors, thermostat, and as well as your lights.
Just like the RoadTrips feature, TomTom G.O. Premium also has My Drive. With this handy app, you can plan your route before getting behind the wheel. TomTom Go Premium is the smartest, best connected, and most feature-packed navigation device available in the market.
It packs so many features that allow it to compete with any smartphone. It is a state-of-the-art Sat Nav as it has a design that can assist anyone throughout their journey, starting before they get inside their vehicle up to the last steps of their destination. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so you will get maps and software that is frequently updated.
With the TomTom MyDrive companion app, you can pre-plan your route and send a destination to the device. As you go through your drive, TomTom G.O. Premium can share information about your contracts’ location and arrival time for those who use an Android phone.
Once you get to your destination, the sat nav will allow the TomTom MyDrive app to give you directions on foot so you can get to your final destination. You can get the Go Premium with either a six or 5-inch display.
Buy NowMio Spirit 8670 LM
Key Specifications:
- HardwareGPS ChipsetMediaTek MT3337E
- Processor type: Mstar 2532, 800 MHz
- Touchscreen
- It has a Display Size of 6.2”
- With a 480 x 800 Display Resolution
- Battery Type: 1100 mAh
- Power Connector Mini USB
- TMC
- Memory / RAM 128MB
- It has a micro SD Card Slot
- With 64-Gigabyte Max. SD Card Storage
- It comes with a Speaker
- Dimensions: 4″ x 6.81″ x 0.7″
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Handsfree
- Colour Display
- SoftwareLifetime Map Updates
- Lifetime Safety Camera Updates
- Road Speed Limit Information
- Spoken street names(TTS)
- Lane Guidance
- IQ Routes™
- 3D Junction View
- LearnMe Pro™
- Pedestrian Mode
- Trip Planner
- Near Me
- Find My Car
- Tunnel guidance
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Calling
- Truck ModeOptional
- PND Operating SystemWindows CE 6.0
- Price: Around £160
- Lifetime Map Updates
- Safety Camera Data
- Built-in Bluetooth®
- Real-time traffic information (TMC)
- Updates or Coverage: Free for Europe
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
At 6.2 inches, Mio is not just the biggest of the live devices that we have tested. It is also, according to some margin, the cheapest. Aside from that, it includes lifetime traffic and map updates. Even if it may be easy to use the menus, it has a touchscreen that is not as responsive as Garmin or TomTom.
Since Mio is geared towards cars, including trucks, it can occasionally use busier roads to provide routes. Because of that, it can be frustrating as you often go to congested areas during peak hours that can make your travel longer compared to other live devices that choose a better route whenever there is traffic.
Whenever there are traffic alerts, it displays and shows the exact delay and kind of traffic. Even if the instructions were accurate, the screen was not as clear as the others, and it was the last that alerted us about an incoming turn.
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Key Specifications:
- 6-inch resistive screen
- Reliable navigation
- Lifetime map updates
- Updates via Wi-Fi®
- Live traffic data
- European Maps and Traffic Updates
- 3-month Speed Camera Services trial
- Size: 6″
- Easy Reversible Mount
- USB cable & car charger
- Provides detailed map coverage for the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus 73%, Belgium, Denmark, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Gibraltar, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Hungary, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation 97%, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey 99%, Ukraine, United Kingdom, The Vatican City
- Gives detailed traffic coverage for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Andorra, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Mozambique, Egyp, Keny, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bahrain, India, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates
- Gives Speed Camera Coverage for these nations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, United States, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Indonesia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Thailand, The Netherlands, Ukraine, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom
Key Features:
- Danger Zones are available for France.
- Provides Updates through Wi-Fi® so you can get the latest software and maps through the built-in Wi-Fi without the need for a computer.
- The TomTom MyDrive allows you to save favourites, check live traffic, and plan routes from your P.C., tablet, or smartphone.
- It comes with TomTom Road Trips so you can discover the best hand-picked and researched driving roads that TomTom hand-picked for you.
- TomTom Europe Map consistently undergoes updates so you can drive with the latest maps without the added expenses.
- With TomTom Traffic, you can get intelligent routes that can help you in avoiding traffic in real-time.
- Has Smartphone Messages so you can read out your text messages from your smartphone.
- It comes with a Speed Cameras Trial for three months that provides warnings to notify you when there is a speed camera nearby.
- TomTom Services through Smartphone: Through the TomTom MyDrive app, you can activate live services such as traffic once you connect to your smartphone.
- Its Fast Quad-core Processor can be faster to startup, calculate routes, and search for destinations.
- Has Advanced Lane Guidance that can prepare for intersections and exits highlights the recommended driving lane for your route.
- Enables the prediction of your destination as TomTom G.O. Basic learns about your driving habits to allow you to immediately drive.
- Allows for a Quick Search as your sat nav shows you the lists of destinations once you begin to type.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Here is the entry-level sat-nav of TomTom, and similar to its Garmin equivalent, it is clear that there were signs of cost-cutting. It has a suction-cup mount that is an essential part of the unit. Even if this version has a better resolution than the smaller model, it is quite resistive and not that responsive.
The search tool can auto-complete what you are attempting to enter so you won’t make mistakes or slow down your inputs.
Surprisingly, it has so many features that you can update through Wi-Fi and use Bluetooth to connect it to your smartphone for live updates in traffic. It can also read out the incoming texts. Because of these, it can feel faster compared to the Garmin whenever you search for a destination, navigate the menus.
TomTom’s traffic avoidance and lane guidance features can work just as well as what it has on its premium sat navs. It may be sad if the traffic camera warnings would only last for a trial of three months, but this can still be the best among the starter sat navs.
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Key Specifications:
- Weight: 8.57 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.81″ x 3.9″ x 0.75″
- Connects to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- With Internal Solid-State Memory
- It has a 17.8cm Touchscreen Display
- Battery life can reach up to 60 minutes in between charges
- With a microSD card that supports up to 64 G.B.
- Does not have a built-in SIM
Key Features:
- Has a Premium Design
- Connectivity through USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- Has Maps All Over Europe
- Capable of Voice control
- Knows Speed Cameras
- It has an easy to use interface
- Gives Traffic Information
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Last 2017, the biggest trend in tech was the reduction of bezels that L.G. could do, which is why Garmin and Samsung also became a part of the hype. It can easily be the best looking sat nav that anyone has ever seen.
The Garmin DriveLuxe 61 LMT-S goes head-to-head against TomTom GO 6200 as it has a bigger display than its arch-rival, which is 17.7 cm. TomTom has a 15 cm screen. However, it only has the European and not the Worldwide maps. Despite that, with the money, you can get traffic and map updates for a lifetime.
Other goodies included are smartphone connectivity through the free Smartphone Link app that can allow you to update or add maps on a device either through the USB or your home router’s wireless connection. The Garmin DriveLuxe 61 LMT-S is not like the TomTom G.O.
It uses a click-in mount that can make it more difficult to remove. Also included are TripAdvisor’s information on Points Of Interest, so you will always see something interesting wherever you want to go.
It is a sat nav that is super slick for people who use their smartphones.
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Key Specifications:
- It comes with a 5” or 6” capacitive touchscreen
- Great WVGA Screen resolution
- It has an hour of battery life
- It comes with an active magnetic mount
- It has an internal memory of 16 gigabytes
Key Features:
- Lifetime map updates
- Voice control
- Live parking
- pRLive traffic data
- With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for hands-free calls
- Provides speed camera alerts for the first six months
- Has software updates
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
TomTom Sat Nav Go Essential can add navigation basics, especially when paired with a smartphone. With it, you can ask your sat nav to include some whistles and bells to the navigation basics, especially if paired with a smartphone.
You may also ask your sat nav to read out any incoming messages or make hands-free calls. It can also be possible for you to ask for help from Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant, but it can be a touch and go in practice. In itself, the sat nav can take voice commands that can allow you to ask to go on your way home or go to an address.
However, it can be quite challenging to use voice in entering addresses. Despite that, it can be great at recognising the places you were able to go to.
Even if it has a touchscreen that looks a bit dim and fuzzy on its 5-inch version, it can be easier than the Sat Nav Go Basic as it is easier to enter text, pinch to zoom, and scroll as it is more responsive and capacitive.
It even comes with the active magnetic mount of TomTom that can help you snap it into place whenever you feel that you’re ready to go so that you can immediately pop it out once you arrive.
Garmin DriveSmart 55 may have a better value and more modern style, but if you think that having the look and feel of TomTom is better, it would be great to check out the Sat Nav Go Essential.
Buy NowTomTom Go 620: Even if it costs a lot, it also does a lot
Key specifications:
- Display: 6-inch
- Battery: up to 1 hour
- Internal storage: 16GB
- SD slot: microSD
Key Features:
- Lifetime world maps
- Siri and Google Now support
- Lifetime speed camera alerts
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Even if this may be more expensive compared to the others, it can do more. With TomTom Go 620, you can get a lifetime of maps for the whole world plus lifetime traffic information through your smartphone and lifetime updates on the locations of speed cameras.
It has Wi-Fi software that can provide smartphone notifications, hands-free calls, and map updates with its six-inch capacitive touchscreen. With this impressive device, you can see 3D buildings of cities that cover most of the world, and it supports a huge range of languages. Because of its free traffic camera service, it can be an attractive investment in the long term.
Buy NowTOMTOM GO 6200: Full of features that can take you anywhere!
Key Specifications:
- It has a 5.91-inch touchscreen display
- With 16-Gigabytes of memory
- Supports up to 32-Gigabytes with its microSD card
- Has a maximum of one hour of battery life in between recharges
- Comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
- With a Built-in SIM
- Allows for Voice control
- Has Worldwide Map Information
- Gives Traffic Information
- Knows Locations of Speed Cameras
- Dimensions: 0.75″ x 6.42″ x 4.17″
- Weight: 9.28 ounces
Key Features:
- Connectable through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Lifetime data SIM
- Lifetime updates
- Easy to use interface
- Class-leading route guidance
Disadvantage:
- It has a build similar to plastic
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
TomTom Go 6200 should be at the top of the list because it is easy to use, has legendary route guidance, and everything is available for a lifetime, including traffic alerts, safety cameras, and map updates for numerous countries. All of these are delivered because of their built-in Lifetime SIM.
The other goodies included are the built-in Bluetooth that you can pair with your smartphone, including the integration with Siri and Google Now. Since TomTom GO 6200 also includes connectivity to Wi-Fi, you can have map updates through your home network even if you don’t connect your device to the P.C.
Aside from that, it also has a magnetic dock that is easy to fit, including intelligent route mapping that can learn how you drive. The settings are then adapted accordingly.
If you want to get the best sat nav available for your money, this is one of the most recommended
Buy NowGarmin DriveAssist 50LMT-D: The essential DriveSmart that has an added dashcam
Key Specifications:
- With a battery that can last for 30 minutes
- It comes with a 5-inch display
- No information about an internal storage
- It has a MicroSD slot
Key Features:
- Lifetime mapping and live traffic
- It has a 5-inch screen
- Provides crash and dash cam warnings
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
DriveSmart 50 can become a template that can add so many things to it because of its DriveAssist. It has a dash camera that records your trips and gives evidence that you can use whenever you hit or get hit by another vehicle.
With its accident avoidance technology, it doesn’t do anything to your car. Still, it tries to provide a warning when you get too close to another lane or get too near that you are tailgating the vehicle in front of you. Having this may be good for those who need driver’s assistance, but it may appear too noisy for others.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 5.5-inch screen
- With a Touch Screen
- Has a 3D-Map View
- With Lifetime Map Updates
- Provides Speed Camera Alerts
- With Integrated Camera
- Enabled Compatibility with Smartphones
- It comes with Built-In Wi-Fi
Key Features:
- Provides Live Traffic Data
- With Live Information About Weather and Parking
- Has Lifetime Map Updates
- With POI from Foursquare and Tripadvisor
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The DriveSmart 55 is the baby of the Garmin DriveSmart family that appears similar to an old-school phablet without the bezels at the front. It has a 5.5-inch 720-pixel capacitive screen with an edge-to-edge design. Because of that, the displays and maps of Garmin look great and allow the search of destinations to be so much easier.
If you choose to purchase the more expensive Full Europe version, you will get full voice commands.
As you move up to the DriveSmart range, you can get more features that include live parking, weather updates, and live traffic from your smartphone, as well as on-screen notifications and hands-free calls. It comes with very clear turn-by-turn instructions that are complete with 3-dimensional plans for complicated junctions.
You can use the split-screen Up Ahead feature of Garmin to always check the available food outlets, petrol stations, and more as you travel. Aside from that, the model can be updated using Wi-Fi.
If you would like to have a wonderful sat-nav that does not have a massive outlay, we recommend that you get this.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 12.9-centimetre touchscreen display
- With a 16-Gigabyte memory
- Provides up to 64-Gigabytes of microSD card support
- Up to 60 minutes between recharges for battery
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Does not have a built-in SIM
- Capable of Voice Control
- With maps of Europe
- Provides information about traffic and speed cameras
- Dimensions: 5.55″ x 3.19″ x 0.63″
- Weight: 8.15 ounces
- Price: Around £329.99
Key Features:
- It comes with a multi-touch display
- Has a great size
- Provides point-of-interest information from Foursquare and TripAdvisor
- Indicates the speed limit
- Has lane assist that comes with the view of the junction
- With free coverage and updates in North America and Europe
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Garmin’s 51 LMT-D provides the same set of features as the 61 LMT-S, but its screen is smaller. It may be a disadvantage for some, but many drivers think it’s better to have a smaller and less distracting sat nav that is stuck on the windscreen or perched on top of their dashboard.
It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that allows connection to your phone that you can update mapping data. It also comes with traffic information, speed camera alerts, and 60 minutes of battery life to save you from plugging it if you are on a short journey.
Included in this sat nav is Foursquare and TripAdvisor’s point-of-interest information, so you will always have a place to visit wherever you may be in Europe.
Some of the readers may want to have the design that TomTom has. However, if you prefer Garmin because you want to have a full-fledged sat nav that doesn’t have a huge display, this may be the recommended one for you.
Even if this Garmin does not have enough screen size, it provides an upmarket feel because of its easy-to-use magnetic mount and metal body. Aside from that, it’s intuitive and with a great menu. Compared to TomTom, it is more responsive and has the easiest address inputs on the test.
Even though Garmin chose the ideal routes, it could not provide a lot of traffic jam alerts like TomTom. Moreover, it did not have an accurate arrival time either. It has a clear map layout that doesn’t agree with the clutter of the general screen layout. Yet, it provides the best voice guidance and impressive Wi-Fi for phone connectivity and wireless updates.
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Key specifications:
- It has a 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen
- With a touchscreen interface
- Connects to Bluetooth
- Has 3D map view
- With the Map Coverage of Europe
- It can be connected through a USB
- Great for Geocaching
Key features:
- Provides Live Traffic Data
- Has Live Parking Information
- With Lifetime Map Updates
- Gives Speed Camera Alerts
- Has POI from Foursquare and Tripadvisor
- Capable of Voice Control
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The DriveSmart 65 is Garmin’s top-of-the-range DriveSmart sat-nav, with a 6.95in screen, voice commands, and all the trimmings. It’s a big-screen beauty, thanks to its 1,024 x 600 resolution and huge, bright capacitive display, and while it might seem silly having such a big panel, it does make tapping buttons or getting instructions at a glance a lot easier.
That’s a good thing since, as with the TomTom Go Essential, voice commands are touch and go. You also get built-in Amazon Alexa, although this is more useful for reminders, news, weather, and Amazon Music than for sat-nav voice control.
Otherwise, it’s a close match for the TomTom on features, with hands-free calling through your smartphone, plus live traffic, live parking, and speed camera alerts when connected via Garmin’s app.
Garmin’s Real Directions landmark guidance and 3D junction views are an asset when you’re driving unfamiliar roads, and instructions are delivered well before you need them – if occasionally a little too long before.
The DriveSmart 65 is arguably the best of the new-school sat-navs, provided you don’t find it distracting to have something that’s practically a tablet on your dashboard. Even if its screen is a bit smaller compared to TomTom’s, its display can almost fill up the whole device, so the design can be neater.
Its smaller screen may not always be a shortfall for cars that have smaller windscreens as it won’t obscure your view. For owners that have older used cars without built-in Bluetooth connectivity, they would find the ability of DriveSmart to make hands-free calls useful as well.
Wi-Fi is what the Garmin device uses so it can update information such as speed camera alerts and maps. With this, you can have live traffic data like congestion due to accidents or roadworks. This functionality even allows it to connect to any wireless reversing camera.
It was also easier to enter destinations with TomTom Go Discover as its voice activation works well even with minimal understanding. Aside from that, since it is £50 cheaper compared to TomTom, Garmin is clearly the winner.
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Key specifications:
- With a 16-Gigabyte Memory
- It has a 5.12-inch touchscreen
- Supports a microSD card of up to 32-Gigabytes
- With up to an hour in between battery recharges
- Provides connectivity through USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Does not have a built-in SIM
- Capable of Voice Control
- Has Worldwide Maps
- Provides Traffic Information
- Gives Details on Locations for Speed Cameras
Key Features:
- Connects through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- It comes with a 3-month safety camera trial
- With Lifetime traffic and map updates
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
If you want to have the features of the TomTom GO 6200 but may not have the readies, we recommend that you get the mid-range TomTom Go Via 53.
It has a lot of the assets of the more expensive TomTom but allows some to become eschewed as others are time-limited. Why is that? To begin with, you only have safety camera updates for three months out of the box. Because of that, you may have to pay for an annual subscription once the trial period is done.
TomTom Go Via 53 also does not have the lifetime SIM of TomTom GO 6200. Because of that, you have to use Bluetooth to pair it with your smartphone if you want to get live traffic updates. This may obviously affect the data plan that you have on your mobile. It may also not be easy to detach or attach because it uses a non-magnetic mount.
The great thing about this is that TomTom Via 53 has almost everything else included, like the ability to have your lifetime maps updated by connecting them to your home network through Wi-Fi. Since it is compatible with Google Now and Siri, it can also have your text messages read out that can be great for driving hands-free.
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Key Specifications:
- With a 5-inch resistive screen
- Includes batteries
- Human Interface Input Touchscreen
- With a WQVGA colour TFT with white backlight display that has a resistive touch
- Dimensions: 3.3″ x 5.5″ x 0.8″
- Provides a map of the street and city tour
- It comes with an hour of Battery Life
- With a 272 x 480 Scanner Resolution
Key Features:
- Provides Live Traffic Data
- With Lifetime Map Updates
- Gives Speed Camera Alerts
- Has POI from Foursquare and Tripadvisor
- 5” GPS navigator that has traffic alerts
- Easy-to-use and includes detailed map updates of Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.
- With easy-to-see and bright maps as well as simple on-screen menus
- Compatible with backup camera
- Has Garmin Traffic that you can readily use right out of the box without the need for a smartphone
- Road trip–ready with The HISTORY Channel database of notable historic sites, a U.S. national parks directory, TripAdvisor traveller ratings and millions of Foursquare points of interest (POIs)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The Garmin Drive 52 comes with all of the sat nav basics without the frills as it provides clear directions, sensible routes, and a 3D view that can help whenever you are in a junction. It includes real directions with reference landmarks and delivers instructions in a clear and timely manner.
Similar to the more expensive DriveSmart models, it has Foursquare and Tripadvisor’s points of interest, including weather forecasts, speed camera warnings and live traffic alerts. When it comes to live traffic alerts, you need to have this connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth by running the Smartphone Link app of Garmin.
Despite that, usability is compromised because the screen noticeably looks dimmer compared to the display of Garmin’s DriveSmart models. Moreover, it has a lower 272 x 480 resolution. Even if it is resistive instead of capacitive, it can be surprisingly responsive according to these standards. You may also have to use a USB to hook it up to a P.C. to download updates.
This smaller Garmin unit is at five inches and is equipped with a lot of features available in the more expensive 65 models. Whenever you want a highly-specced sat nav that is easy to use and has a price tag that provides value for money, it would be worth considering 52.
It gives decent alerts about traffic. However, the more expensive TomTom and Garmin devices can be more accurate during the test and provide better alternative routes that can avoid congestion. Even if it is relatively small, it was easy to follow the map display and has clear voice instructions.
As an example, it highlights the ‘danger zone’ warning whenever you are near speed cameras or schools.
Buy NowTOMTOM VIA 62: Has a Big Screen for a Low Price
Key Specifications:
- It has a 5.98-inch display
- With 8-Gigabytes of memory
- Supports microSD card
- Has a maximum of 60 minutes of battery life in between recharges
- With Bluetooth connectivity
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Does not have a built-in SIM
- Not capable of voice control
- Has maps of Europe
- With information about traffic
- Provide information about speed cameras for free for the first three months
- Dimensions: 0.94″ x 6.42″ x 4.13″
- It has a weight of 9.88 ounces
Key Features:
- With the Quick Search, you don’t need to enter the full address
- Has lifetime maps of Europe
- It comes with a large screen at a low price
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
As a great all-rounder, TomTom Via 62 allows your phone to connect to hands-free calls and contact the traffic servers of TomTom. However, this may not be great for those who want to use hands-free calls or stream music to their car stereo.
It has a resistive 6-inch display that is not that capacitive but works well enough that it provides clear and crisp maps. It may not be the kind of device that can make your heart sing, but it will allow you to get to where you want to be with fewer problems.
TomTom Via 62 is a wonderful contender for drivers who need a sat nav that has a big touch screen as this comes at six inches at an affordable price. Like the lesser version of Via 6200, the Go Via 62 does not have some of the integrated features like the built-in SIM card.
Instead of that, Via 62 makes use of the services through a smartphone that will allow you to use the data connection of your smartphone so the sat nav will get speed camera locations and real-time information about traffic. However, you don’t need to worry if this can hog all of your phone data, as TomTom claims that their sat nav only uses less than 10-megabytes every month.
With the Bluetooth connection, you can have hands-free calls with your smartphone. TomTom’s ‘Advanced Lane Guidance’ uses graphics in order to clearly show the right lane you should be wherever you are at a junction.
Since TomTom is also offering constantly-updated data on mapping, you can have this installed by performing a software update after plugging it into your computer.
When it comes to battery life, it is similar to a lot of the sat navs in this market range that lasts for one hour.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 6.22-inch touchscreen display
- With an Internal Solid-State Memory
- It supports microSD cards with up to 64-Gigabytes and includes a 16-Gigabyte card
- Battery life in between recharges is not stated
- Connectivity through USB and Bluetooth
- It does not have a Built-In SIM
- Built-in SIM: No
- Voice control: Not stated
- Maps: Europe
- Traffic Information: Yes
- Speed Cameras: Yes
- Dimensions: 6.81″ x 4″ x 0.74″
- Weight: 10.41 ounces
Key Features:
- It has a built-in dashcam
- Lifetime updates
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Disadvantage:
- May not provide comprehensive Europe maps
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
In this list, the Mio MiVue Drive 65 L.M. is the only sat nav that has the Extreme H.D. dash cam on its rear. It is not just useful in recording the other road users’ madcap antics.
The reason for this is that the sat nav includes a couple of incredibly useful features for driver safety that makes use of the F1.8 1296p @ 30fps camera that helps people with its FCWS (Forward Collision Warning System) and LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System). Both of these can help people avoid getting involved in any nasty pranks.
When it comes to the sat nav, the Rio MiVue 65 L.M. has a lifetime map, a big 15.8-centimetre display, as well as updates for the safety camera and traffic for as long as you are the owner of the device.
However, there is a caveat included with the Lifetime maps. It includes almost all of the European nations except for Estonia, France, Lithuania, Switzerland, and Latvia. However, you may separately rent or buy the maps.
Nevertheless, you can get great value for your money with Mio Mivue Drive 65 L.M.
Buy NowMOTORCYCLE SAT NAVS
If you want to roam around on two wheels and perfectly navigate to your destination, here are the best sat navs motorbikes:
BEELINE MOTO
With Beeline Moto, you can get all of the information you need to get from one point to another without any distractions.
Key Specifications:
- It has a 1-inch (26mm) display
- Does not provide support for the microSD card
- With 30 hours of battery life in between recharges
- With low energy Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
- It does not have a built-in SIM and voice control
- With worldwide maps coverage
- It does not provide information about speed cameras and traffic
- It has a diameter of 1.97 inches with a depth of less than one inch (0.7165 inches)
- It comes in a weight of 45.12 ounces
Key Features:
- It comes in an elegant design
- With a great battery life
- Informative without any distractions
Disadvantages:
- The bezel can be smaller
- It does not have speed camera alerts
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The highly simple motorbike sat nav Beeline Moto may not be a do-it-all device similar to the bigger in-car and motorcycle sat navs. However, this is the reason why it is appealing. It can leave you free to check out the road instead of the screen.
With the Moto, you use Google Maps on your phone when it comes to routing, and it uses a simple arrow interface to deliver navigation instructions. People feel that it can deliver sufficient information to guide everyone to their destination without the need to get bombarded with so much information that can distract them.
If you need to have detailed camera and traffic information, colour routing, and Bluetooth audio, this motorbike sat nav may not be good for you. However, if you need something affordable, simple, and unobtrusive that can help you get from one place to another, it would be great to choose Beeline Moto.
Buy NowKey Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 3.39″ x 5.2″ x 0.55″
- 664 Mhz Processor
- 5” LCD Touchscreen
- Memory Expansion: MicroSD
- 1-Year warranty
Key Features:
- Includes Free Maps
- Includes updates at no added cost, so your Navman will be updated with the latest maps
- With 3D Landmark Guidance
- Allows for easy voice directions with the use of local geography and landmarks
- Provides Speed Limit Alert
- Tells the actual speed limit for the road where you are travelling
- Has Smart Find™ Keyword Search
- In case you don’t know the address, you can type in your desired destination.
- Has spoken street names with detailed voice guidance
- It comes with Premium Safety Alerts
- Warns about school zones, red-light and speed cameras, and more
- With Advanced Lane Guidance.
- It gives advice on the best lane you should be in when there is an upcoming junction or turn
- Has Smart Route™
- It shows the best routes that you can take any time of the day, according to historical traffic data.
- Allows for the search of Fuel Type
- With the keyword search Smart Find, you can enter the specific type of fuel that you need
- Provides Parking Assistance
- Enables you to fast track to the nearest parking station that has a list of options on the map screen
- With the Cafe Shortcut Button
- Comes with 3D Junction Views
- It has a 3D picture with arrows so you can clearly find the best way to go
- Allows you to fast track to the nearest coffee house or café from the main menu
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Since it is illegal to use the phone while driving, the risk may be too great. It would be better to use the GPS so you can get to the place where you need to go. Whether you want to go on short hops all over town or have long trips, the Navman MOVE130M has so many features that are easy to use that you can keep on moving in the right direction.
With the free maps, you can stay updated with the changes in speed limits or roads. It comes with verbal and visual Speed Limit Alerts that can help you avoid fines. It also depicts real signage with 3D Junction Views that can clearly show the best lane to take whenever you are in a complicated intersection.
With Landmark Guidance Plus, you can easily recognise landmarks as they can guide you where you need to go. It also provides School Zone alerts, so you will be reminded if you need to slow down. With SmartFind keyword search, you can search for a place by using a part of an address like Shaftesbury Avenue or the name of a place like “Costa Coffee.”
Key Specifications:
- It has a 0.39-inch touchscreen display
- Supports the microSD card
- Up to four hours of battery life in-between recharges
- Connects through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Has maps of Western Europe
- Provides Traffic Information
- Knows Locations of Speed Cameras
- Dimensions: 3.39″ x 0.98″ x 4.92″
- Has Maps of Western Europe
- Weight: 8.50 ounces
Key Features:
- Extended battery life
- With a touchscreen that can work with gloves
- Resistant to weather
- It comes with a warnings system specific to the bike
Disadvantages:
- More costly than other car systems
- The rest of Europe may cost an additional £50
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Even if spending so many pounds on a sat nav for a car may be debatable, it would still be great for motorbike riders to get this. There are a lot of options that are bike-friendly, including a shock-resistant and rugged body, IPX7 waterproofing, and a touchscreen that can work even if you wear gloves.
This model has a display of 4.3 inches and maps of Western Europe. In case you want to get a bigger 5-inch screen or have maps of the whole of Europe, you may have to spend more.
The bike sat navs are great because of their battery life, as this Garmin has claimed to last for four hours. It can be a lot if you want to go out on a Sunday morning. In case you want to go on a long adventure, you may have to consider bringing the charger.
It also has a bike-specific warning system that can remind you when you need to wear a helmet and provide alerts if there are sharp corners ahead.
Included in the mapping data are points of interest specific to the bike like dealers, motorcycle repair shops, and more.
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Key Specifications:
- Has 16-Gigabytes of memory
- With an 11-centimetre WQVGA touchscreen display
- Supports microSD card
- Has a maximum of 6 hours of battery life in between recharges
- With USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Has maps of Europe
- With Traffic Information
- Knows locations of Speed Cameras
- It does not have a built-in SIM and voice control
- Dimensions: 5.39″ x 3.48″ x 1.2″
- Weight: 9.88 oz
- Price: Around £500
Key Features:
- Weather- and drop-proof to IPX7
- Lifetime maps
- Lifetime traffic alerts
- Lifetime speed camera alerts
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in
Reasons To Avoid
-Nothing really
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Here is the updated version of one of the people’s favourite bike sat navs in the previous years that is better than before.
Included in its improvements are the higher resolution 4.33-inch WQVA touchscreen that can be easy to read even if the sun is bright. It has adjustable sensitivity to touch that can work even if you wear heavy or light gloves.
Aside from that, TomTom Rider 550 also has a new quad-core processor that allows for smoother and faster navigation and operation that you can easily update through Wi-Fi.
Aside from being drop and weather-proof, TomTom G.O. Rider 550 also includes so many features that would be delightful to riders like Road Trips wherein bikers get carefully curated routes that can send them on the most spectacular journeys with scenic stops that are marked along the way as well as hilly and winding roads instead of straights.
Moreover, with Bluetooth connectivity and class-leading route guidance, you can have it paired with your smartphone. It can even be possible for you to have your smartphone messages read aloud through your headset or get on hands-free calls with Siri and Google Now.
Aside from that, you can also get Lifetime TomTom Traffic warnings and Lifetime Speed Camera and Lifetime Map updates that include the known jam tailbacks and accident black spots.
Even if the premium pack comes at a hefty price of around £500, it includes an anti-theft kit and car mount that you can specifically use for your bike.
The other reason why it comes at a high price is that it features the Lifetime World maps of TomTom that is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi so it can receive updates over the air. Since it is from TomTom, it has a crisp display with easy-to-follow instructions as well as a handy sidebar that can inform you if there are live traffic jams and speed cameras.
Since you can mount it on your bike, bikers would want to make sure that their sat-nav device is weather-resistant and durable. TomTom is protected well because of its strong outer casing. Since bikers are usually seeking fun and windy roads that have picturesque views of the motorways, TomTom was great in choosing the routes that can meet these needs.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 2.36-inch touchscreen display
- With 1-Megabyte of memory
- It does not support a microSD card
- Has 5 hours of battery life in between recharges
- Connects through Wi-Fi, micro-USB, and Bluetooth
- Does not have a built-in SIM
- No Voice Control
- With Maps of Europe
- Tells locations of Speed Cameras
- Provides Traffic Information
- Dimensions: 4.06″ x 4.21″ x 4.17″
- Weight: 10.93 ounces
Key Features:
- Weather-proof to IPX7
- Lifetime maps and safety camera alerts
- Bluetooth built-in
Disadvantages:
- Smartphone pairing needed
- Limited functionality
Rating: Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Wherever you live, may it be in London, Birmingham, or Glasgow, you will need the TomTom Vio. It has a design that can fit on the scooters’ tubular mirror sticks as it delivers driving directions turn-by-turn from your smartphone’s dedicated TomTom Via app through Bluetooth. With this, you can concentrate on where you can get your next latte.
It is available in seven different colours, which are black, blue, green, yellow, red, pink, and white that can match your lifestyle and your scooter. It has a weather-proof 2.36-inch circular colour display that can display your route with safety camera alerts that informs you if there are any incoming calls.
This also has a touchscreen that can work even if you wear gloves which can be a great style statement in using sat-navs.
Buy NowGet your motor(home) runnin’ with GARMIN CAMPER 770 LMT-D
Key Specifications:
- With a 6.97-inch WSVGA touchscreen
- Supports the microSD card
- Has up to an hour of battery life in between recharges
- Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- No Built-In SIM
- With Voice Control
- Has Traffic Maps of Europe
- Provides Traffic Information
- With Speed Cameras
- Weight: 8.57 lbs
- Dimensions: 3.5″ x 5.98″
Key Features:
- Large 6.97-inch display
- Has Live traffic updates through DAB
- With quick updates via Wi-Fi
- Includes campsite data
- Allows for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection
Disadvantages:
- Really short battery life
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Here is a great sat nav that you can use if you have a caravan or camper van. To start with, it has a really big 6.97-inch touchscreen display that you can use to easily plan and navigate your route. Aside from that, these may not be any ordinary routes as you can inform the Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D about the size of your van for it to plot your route properly.
It includes campsite data, so you won’t just find a place where you can rest overnight. You will also become aware of the available facilities before you get there. It can even inform you of the local weather and available parking facilities of your destination through Garmin’s Live Services.
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D even has a built-in Wi-Fi that can quickly update without the need to use cables as you can have it hooked up to your smartphone through Bluetooth. You can even use the LiveTrack feature so you can inform your family and friends about your exact location.
The great thing about this is that Garmin was able to team up with FourSquare and Trip Advisor to provide a point of interest, attraction, and restaurant reviews. The Trip Planner tool of Camper 770 LMT-D can also suggest great places you can stop along your route.
Despite all those great things, this sat nav has a really short battery life that only lasts for an hour if it is not plugged into power.
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Key Specifications:
- With a display of 3.5 inches
- Has 8-Gigabytes of memory
- Does not support microSD card
- With a battery life that lasts up to ten hours
- Only has GPS Connectivity
- No Built-In SIM and Voice Control
- With Maps of Europe
- Does not provide information about traffic or speed cameras
- Dimensions: 0.75″ x 2.68″ x 4.53″
- Weight: 5.33 ounces
Key Features:
- Waterproof
- Extended battery life of ten hours
- Bike-friendly sat nav
Disadvantages:
- No Bluetooth
- Does not track heart rate, speed, and other metrics
- It has a fairly small display
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
For bike sat navs, it would be a great start to get Mio’s Cyclo 210. It would make so much sense to get dedicated sat navs like this that you can strap to your bicycle’s handlebars as these would surely not fall off and destroy your highly expensive smartphone.
The entry-level cycling sat nav of Mio has the basics like the mapping of entire Europe, extended battery life of ten hours, IP5X water resistance that can allow it to survive the splash of water, and a simple touchscreen interface that you can poke at as you ride.
Just like how Garmin can assist you in searching for amenities specific to bikers, Mio is doing the same for cyclists as it has maps that are full of emergency locations, drink and food stops, bike shops, and more. It also has the OpenstreetMaps’ pre-installed data that can help in navigating cycle paths so you can avoid the busy main roads.
Finally, it has the surprising feature that allows you to set the duration, distance, or time that can serve up to three random cycle routes that you can choose from.
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Key Specifications:
- It has a 2.99-inch touchscreen display
- With 4-Gigabytes of memory
- Does not support microSD card
- Has 15 hours of battery life between recharges
- Connectivity through USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- No Voice Control and Built-In SIM
- Has Maps of Western Europe
- It does not provide information about traffic and speed cameras
- Dimensions: 2.28″x4.41″x0.79″
- Weight: 4.02 ounces
Key Features:
- With preloaded cycle maps
- Has built-in BlueTooth
- Weather-proof to IPX7
- Incident detection
Disadvantage:
- There are more affordable bike sat navs available
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Here is Garmin’s second-most expensive cycling computer that costs a lot. However, if you love to bike, this sat nav is incredibly capable and it is worth every penny. That is because it includes preloaded cycling maps of Europe with round-trip routing that can help you in exploring wherever you may be. Included in these maps are both bike paths and roads, as well as essential information for cyclists like guides on the steepness of hills and Points of Interest that are bike-related.
It even has a feature that you hope you won’t use but is incredibly helpful: the built-in incident detection. With its built-in accelerometer, it can automatically detect if you had an accident and inform your emergency contact about your location.
If you have your smartphone paired with the Garmin Edge Explore 1000, you can take incoming calls, get route and weather updates, and allow your relatives and friends to know where you are through the LiveTrack feature of Garmin.
Because of these advantages, you may feel that this can be essential in your cycling toolkit. It can be helpful to get repeated instructions before your manoeuvre as you can get alerts to sharp bends, speed cameras, and other hazards. This can even provide a great performance as you can also have it linked to your phone to get traffic alerts.
Buy NowGARMIN ZUMO 396
Key Specifications:
- Display: 4.3-inch touchscreen (glove-friendly)
- Includes support for microSD card
- Has a maximum of 4 hours of battery life in between recharges
- Connectivity through USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- No Voice Control and Built-in SIM
- Has World Maps
- Provides information about traffic and location of speed cameras
- Dimensions: 4.92″x3.39″x0.98″
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
Key Features:
- Has Automatic Incident Notifications
- Provides Rider Alerts
- Resistant to harsh weather, U.V. rays, and fuel vapours
- Gives Adventurous Routes
- Weather-proof to IPX7
Disadvantage:
- Can take your eyes off the road
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
If you’re a person who is good on two to four wheels, the Garmin Zumo 396 is a great Sat Nav for you.
It has lifetime world maps, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, safety camera alerts, and traffic updates. Aside from that, it is resistant to harsh weather, U.V. rays, fuel vapours and weather-proof to IPX7.
Included in the Zumo is a special feature that riders love. It has the Adventure Route that looks for the hilly and curvy roads from the start to the end of the destination, so you will not spend so much of your time on any boring motorway. It can be easy for anyone to read the display even if the sunlight is bright as it also has adjustable screen sensitivity that can allow you to carry on using it even if you wear thick or thin gloves.
Aside from that, it even has a built-in Wi-Fi that you can use for easy software and map updates without the need for a computer. It also has helpful alerts for riders whenever there are any upcoming hazards, speed cameras, or sharp curves.
Lastly, in case you end up in a hedge upside down, the Zumo will automatically send a message that includes your GPS coordinates to your emergency contact—because of that, having this can help in saving your life whenever you get into a bad situation.
Even if it is cheaper, Garmin is specially equipped with some of the features that you can see in the more expensive TomTom. It has a great lineup of route choices whenever you search using the ‘Adventurous Routing’ feature that you can choose from hilly and twisty routes.
Similar to TomTom, it comes with a built-in Wi-Fi, so it can be easy and quick to update this. Yet, users need to have their phone paired with the Zumo 396, so you can get map and traffic updates. However, the ones from TomTom were better because they were more precise.
Despite that, from the rider’s perspective, it is easy to follow and read, and you could even answer phone calls while you are on the move.
Buy NowFor sat navs, their biggest competition may be the mobile phone navigation app. Since there are free apps like Waze and Google Maps, getting sat nav devices may not be needed. However, both of these have their pros and cons.
Just like what we discussed, mobile phone apps are free, and you don’t need another device that can take up the space in your car. Yet, these apps can take a lot of your phone’s storage space that would not happen if you had a dedicated sat-nav.
Aside from that, sat navs have navigation features that are more sophisticated compared to mobile phone apps. These can even provide better traffic information. Furthermore, having a separate sat nav device can allow you to leave it in your vehicle when you park.
If you use a phone, you need to have the wires disconnected and have them removed from your car phone holder. It can be fiddly, especially if your car phone holder is temperamental.
The key thing that you need to consider is that it is easy to operate. The best sat navs should allow you to find your destination, choose your route, and search for nearby amenities as straightforward as possible.
Having a screen in your car may distract you, so the interfaces have a design that can lessen driver interaction. A lot now have voice controls that you can save with the use of the touchscreen. If you can reach for the screen, you will be happy to have one that has the same capacitive technology that smartphones use.
Models that are older and cheaper may tend to be with resistive touchscreens that need to add more pressure whenever you hit a key and not give a clear image.
Since Sat navs get signals from the GPS satellites, they can calculate your location and the direction you are moving. This data is what they use with their maps so they can plan a route to your destination and have your progress tracked along with it. With sat navs, you will get directions on where and when you have to change lanes, turn, or go on a roundabout exit.
Now, basically, sat navs have a lifetime of map updates, so you should not feel confused about the disappearance or appearance of the road, various road layouts, and the roundabouts of your route.
Furthermore, two of the leading manufacturers, TomTom and Garmin, have now experienced years in honing their voice guidance and map displays with timely and clear directions that can take you through what you have to do and when you can do it.
In case there are differences, they may come down to things like 3D junction displays that will show your path through various complicated junctions or series of turns that can make every difference whenever fast-moving traffic surrounds you, or you’re on a road that is unfamiliar to you.
Some of Garmin’s sat navs also provide street views when you are near your destination so that you wouldn’t miss a building or a final turn. They may even use visual cues to assist you, like suggesting a turn after you pass by a landmark like a mall.
Nowadays, you can even find the biggest time-saving feature that is live traffic updates on some of the affordable sat navs. Sat navs from well-known manufacturers can monitor the traffic on major roads as it proactively provides warnings that will allow you to avoid any significant hold-up while you are planning or driving.
The other great bonus is the speed camera alerts, but you may need to pay for a subscription so they will be up to date.
Is there anything else I need to look out for?
Companies that manufacture sat navs have taken the approach “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” on smartphones as they add features that can work with smartphones or include useful features. Some even double as Bluetooth systems for the vehicle that enables people to take or make calls through the built-in speaker and microphone.
Having this can be useful whenever your vehicle does not have any integrated support. Others can use their mobile connection to get live updates in traffic or have text message notifications displayed on the sat nav screen. Some even have a built-in SIM of their own so that you won’t take up too much of your smartphone’s monthly allowance in data.
People are now also seeing sat navs that are hooked into other services like Foursquare and Tripadvisor that can take people to cinemas, restaurants, takeaways, and other interesting places in the area. Even if you can have this on your phone, it would be great if this is integrated with your sat nav.
Garmin is also manufacturing sat navs that have a built-in dashcam. With this, you can record the things that are happening on the road in front of you. You can also get drive alerts that are camera-assisted, so you will know if you are driving near a car or drifting away from your lane.
When you are about to approach some destination, you can even have an arrow placed on the live-camera view so you can easily reach for it.
