Top Car GPS Devices

Navigating the world often relies on GPS technology. While many modern cars boast built-in navigation systems, and smartphones offer GPS capabilities, plenty of drivers still find themselves needing a dedicated handheld GPS device. Older vehicles, entry-level cars, and even rental cars often lack integrated navigation. Furthermore, using a smartphone for navigation can drain battery life and incur roaming charges while traveling. Luckily, several companies continue to produce quality handheld GPS devices that offer a reliable and convenient alternative. The market offers a range of options to suit different budgets and needs.

Handheld GPS Device Options

Here’s a look at some popular handheld GPS devices currently available:

1. Garmin Nuvi 2589LMT: This series, available in 5-, 6-, and 7-inch displays, is a premium option equipped with Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling. The 5-inch version features a 480 x 272-pixel capacitive touchscreen, supporting both vertical and horizontal orientation, along with pinch-to-zoom functionality. Its rechargeable battery provides up to 2 hours of use on a single charge.

   The Nuvi 2589LMT comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America and offers free lifetime map updates. It utilizes Foursquare for its points of interest (POIs), and the Smartphone Link app allows users to check-in on Foursquare and access detailed information about POIs, including ratings, price ranges, and hours of operation. Other features include free lifetime traffic avoidance, Garmin Real Directions, Direct Access, and Active Lane Guidance. The voice-activated navigation system includes an integrated microphone and speaker for hands-free calling. It is also compatible with the BC 30 wireless backup camera.

   The package includes the navigation device, vehicle suction cup mount, antenna/vehicle power cable, USB cable, and a quick start manual.

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   • Pros: Capacitive touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice recognition, available in multiple sizes.
   • Cons: Lower resolution display relative to newer devices, higher price point.

2. Garmin Nuvi 2639LMT: This device sports a bright, 6-inch high-resolution (800 x 480 pixels) capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom capability. It comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America, complete with free lifetime map updates. Similar to other Garmin Nuvi devices, the 2639LMT leverages Foursquare for its extensive database of POIs.

   The GPS device also provides lifetime traffic information, delivering free traffic updates directly to the device without ads or subscription fees. Like other Garmin devices, it operates independently of cellular signals, ensuring functionality even in areas with poor or no cellular coverage.

   Additional features include Direct Access, Active Lane Guidance, and compatibility with the BC 30 wireless backup camera. Its built-in rechargeable battery offers up to one hour of battery life when disconnected from a power source.

   The package includes the GPS device, vehicle suction cup mount, antenna/vehicle power cable, USB cable, and a quick start manual.

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   • Pros: High-resolution capacitive display, pinch-to-zoom, Direct Access, Active Lane Guidance, Foursquare POIs.
   • Cons: The screen can be reflective, potentially causing visibility issues in bright sunlight.

3. Garmin Nuvi 57LMT: A popular and highly-rated option, the Garmin Nuvi 57LMT features a 5-inch display and offers optional lifetime maps or lifetime maps and traffic data. It is designed for ease of use, with a dual-orientation display and preloaded maps of the lower 49 U.S. states. A key advantage is its independence from cellular signals, making it reliable in areas with limited or no coverage.

   The Nuvi 57LMT integrates with Foursquare, providing access to millions of POIs, including businesses, stores, restaurants, and other destinations. The “Direct Access” feature simplifies navigation to complex locations. For instance, it can provide specific location details for stores within a mall: “Arriving at Woodfield Mall. Anthropologie is inside, on the upper level.”

   The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to two hours of battery life. This is beneficial when you need to charge your phone and only have a single charging port in your vehicle.

   The Nuvi 57LMT displays the speed limit, current speed, and estimated arrival time, and it provides audible and visual alerts when approaching school zones. The unit is also compatible with the BC 30 wireless backup camera, sold separately.

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   However, it features a resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels. Resistive touchscreens are generally less responsive and user-friendly than the capacitive touchscreens found on modern smartphones. Some users have reported difficulties inputting information due to the touchscreen’s limitations.

   Each unit includes the navigation device, vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, and quick start manual.

   • Pros: Dual-orientation display, lifetime maps and traffic data (available at an additional cost), Direct Access feature, rechargeable battery.
   • Cons: Lower resolution, resistive touchscreen.

4. Garmin Drive 50 LM: As one of the more budget-friendly options, the Garmin Drive 50 LM features a 5-inch resistive display with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels. It incorporates driver alerts to promote safer driving and enhance awareness. The device warns drivers of upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings, and even animal crossings. For longer journeys, the Drive 50 LM includes a fatigue warning that suggests break times and identifies potential rest areas after prolonged driving. An additional helpful feature is “Up Ahead,” which allows drivers to easily view upcoming places and milestones along their route without exiting the map view.

   It also features Garmin Real Directions, which provides easy-to-understand directions using recognizable landmarks, buildings, and traffic lights, such as “Turn right after the red building.” Like other Garmin units, it integrates Foursquare for access to millions of POIs. The Garmin Drive 50 LM also includes Direct Access and compatibility with the BC 30 wireless backup camera.

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   Each package includes the navigation unit preloaded with detailed maps for either the lower 49 U.S. states or Canada, a vehicle power cable, vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, and a quick start manual.

   • Pros: Affordable price, Up Ahead and Direct Access features, driver alerts, Foursquare POIs.
   • Cons: Lower resolution, resistive touchscreen.

5. TomTom VIA 1525TM: TomTom is another reputable brand in the handheld GPS market. The VIA 1525TM offers essential navigation features, free lifetime traffic updates, and free lifetime map updates, all within a 5-inch touchscreen device. The screen boasts a high-resolution display of 800 x 480 pixels, resulting in a clearer and sharper image. However, like other devices in its price range, it utilizes a resistive touchscreen.

   The TomTom VIA 1525TM includes a built-in battery that provides up to one hour of operation without being plugged in. It is also available in 4.3- and 6-inch sizes, in addition to the 5-inch model.

   A notable feature is the Advanced Lane Guidance, which assists drivers in preparing for upcoming directional changes by clearly highlighting the correct driving lane on the display. Users can update maps and software by connecting the TomTom VIA device to their computer. The company releases new maps seasonally, incorporating road changes and revised speed limits.

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   Each package includes the navigation unit, an easily reversible mount, USB cable, car charger, car charger with an integrated traffic receiver, and documentation.

   • Pros: Lifetime maps and traffic, high-resolution display, Advanced Lane Guidance, variety of sizes.
   • Cons: The display’s vibrancy can be diminished in direct sunlight, resistive touchscreen.

6. Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S: The Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S stands out with its large and easy-to-see display. This premium GPS device features a 6.95-inch capacitive, high-resolution 1024 x 600-pixel edge-to-edge display. It supports multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom, making it similar to using a smartphone. The advanced GPS device offers real-time services such as live traffic and parking updates, Bluetooth calling, smart notifications, and voice-activated navigation. Map and software updates are conveniently transferred via built-in Wi-Fi.

   The DriveSmart 61 LMT-S also incorporates driver alerts for sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings, and animal crossings. It notifies drivers if they are traveling the wrong way on a one-way street and alerts them to nearby schools and school zones.

   If you own a compatible Garmin smartwatch, this device can be paired to send navigation information directly to your wrist, even after you’ve parked and are walking to your destination. The smartwatch can also help you locate your parked car using compass guidance.

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   The Garmin DriveSmart integrates TripAdvisor, allowing users to view ratings for travel-related POIs, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

   The package includes the navigation device, vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, USB cable, and a quick start manual.

   • Pros: High-resolution, edge-to-edge, capacitive display, multi-touch, pinch-to-zoom, Wi-Fi, Garmin smartwatch pairing, TripAdvisor integration.
   • Cons: Higher price point compared to other options.