Author: Jennifer Allen / Source: reviewgeek.com
Smartphones can double as GPS units, but there’s no substitute for a dedicated in-car system. We rounded up the best GPS add-on systems you can stick right on your dash today and enjoy in-car guidance immediately.
While popular apps like Waze are pretty great, there are more than a few reasons why many people prefer dedicated GPS units.
A dedicated unit is always in the car, works without internet access, and offers truly distraction-free driving (as the units just serve up directions without any other distracting functionality). Even if you have a built-in unit in your car, sometimes it’s worth upgrading to a portable unit simply because the unit in your car is prohibitively expensive to update or significantly out of date.With that in mind, whether you’re traveling far afield and in need of some key directions to ensure you find your destination, or simply want a helping hand around the local area, it’s useful to have a little extra assistance. Many units also include traffic alerts and warnings about speed cameras, which is also helpful. Here are our favorite standalone GPS units to guide you on your journey.
Best All-Rounder: Garmin DriveSmart 61 ($210)
As a general all-rounder, you can’t beat the Garmin DriveSmart 61. Its 6.95 inch capacitive touch edge-to-edge display is bright and clear so there’s no risk of you missing spotting something on the map. It includes detailed maps of North America, along with free lifetime updates. It’s simple to use too, with clear on-screen buttons that anyone can figure out.
Besides turn by turn directions, you get live traffic updates, live parking information, and suggestions that offer time-saving alternate routes as and when you need them.
In addition to the core mapping functionality, there’s also great bonus features. There’s Bluetooth calling, smart notifications, and built-in Wi-Fi—with the Wi-Fi feature enabled the unit will automatically download updates from your home’s Wi-Fi network. If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth, this is an easy way to add hands-free calling to your vehicle.
Best For International Travel: TomTom Go 520 ($163)
Most car GPS units include lifetime updates for North America, but few also offer maps for the whole world. The TomTom Go 520 is one of the few that offers world maps and free lifetime traffic updates for the life of the device. If you plan on traveling even a modest amount outside of North America, this is a massive reason to purchase the TomTom over any other unit, but it’s also a fantastic unit in…
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