The best Car GPS in the UK 2023

The car GPS has revolutionized the life of motorists. in the UK, more than 8 out of 10 motorists use it during their daily trips. TomTom, Garmin, connected, with reversing radar, with night vision... thanks to the different brands and models available on the market, users are spoilt for choice. Find the one you need with our guide to the best car GPS.

Garmin DriveSmart 65 1
8/10

Best value for money

Garmin DriveSmart 65

The best car GPS in 2021

This DriveSpart 65 GPS offers innovative features to make your travels safer, including hands-free calling while driving.

See price

This GPS seduces with its large LCD screen that displays data clearly to give you accurate and reliable information. You can thus drive without hindrance and avoid all dangers thanks to the indications of fixed and mobile danger zones. You will also have a map of more than 40 countries in Europe with the possibility of updating.

Ultra-connected and easy to use, this GPS also provides you with TripAdvisor addresses and warns you of road hazards and traffic conditions via Driver Alerts. It is Bluetooth and Wi-fi compatible. It attaches to any vertical surface. The voice command option allows you to fully control the various features.

Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S 2
7/10

Best value for money

Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S

The best entry-level car GPS

The Garmin Drive 51 displays data from many countries so you can get around quickly and safely. Surely one of the best equipped entry-level GPS!

79,99 £ on Cdiscount

Garmin presents its GPS Drive 51 LMT-S adapted to all car models. Running on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, it has a battery life of 1 hour. Thanks to the brand's extensive databases, this device is able to give you information on real time traffic or danger zones. You will also have the map of 46 European countries at your disposal.

Intuitive and very practical, its 5-inch screen allows you to read all the information clearly and instantly. Whether you're looking for a restaurant or a place to go on vacation, this GPS can help you with the best TripAdvisor addresses. It also offers Driver Alerts.

TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250 3
7/10

Best value for money

TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250

The best high-end car GPS

Multifunction, this GPS for car proposes various options to facilitate all your movements. By choosing this device from TomTom, you will have a compact, connected and powerful device.

356 £ on Rakuten

Specialized in in-car equipment, TomTom offers an effective solution to avoid traffic jams, find your way quickly and get real-time traffic information with its GPS Go professional 6250. Its 15.5-inch touch screen with 3D display allows you to navigate in complete safety. It has an autonomy of 1 hour and is powered by a rechargeable battery and a battery.

It offers several connections like wifi and Bluetooth to update the device. You also have hands-free functionality to pick up your urgent calls. With Priority Driving technology, you will have reliable and accurate information to move safely.

Coyote NAV+ 4
8/10

A great choice

Coyote NAV+

The best multifunction car GPS

If you're looking for a versatile, high-performance navigation device, Coyote NAV+ won't disappoint. You get a driving assistant for all your trips.

232 £ on Norauto

This Coyote Nav+ GPS is the most efficient solution to secure your travels, both in the city and in extra-urban areas. You'll have a device that gives you real-time data on traffic, hazards, weather disruption, etc. via voice assistance. Fully connected, it also provides 3D mapping and wifi and Bluetooth connection.

Its 5.5 inch screen displays perfectly readable data. Compact and lightweight, it is easy to install and detach. Coyote Nav+ helps you to anticipate all dangers within a 30 km radius and allows you to change lanes, to quickly find an accessible parking lot... all this in a few seconds.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best Car GPS

Any specific needs?

The best car GPS in 2021

The best entry-level car GPS

The best high-end car GPS

The best multifunction car GPS

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best Car GPS

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Garmin DriveSmart 65 5
8/10
Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S 6
7/10
TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250 7
7/10
Coyote NAV+ 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Garmin DriveSmart 65
Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S
TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250
Coyote NAV+
This DriveSpart 65 GPS offers innovative features to make your travels safer, including hands-free calling while driving.
The Garmin Drive 51 displays data from many countries so you can get around quickly and safely. Surely one of the best equipped entry-level GPS!
Multifunction, this GPS for car proposes various options to facilitate all your movements. By choosing this device from TomTom, you will have a compact, connected and powerful device.
If you're looking for a versatile, high-performance navigation device, Coyote NAV+ won't disappoint. You get a driving assistant for all your trips.
Large 6.95-inch screen
Driver Alerts
Large 6-inch screen
Voice assistance
Alert Driver Alerts and 3D Catrography
1 hour battery life
Priority driving technology for ease of movement
Touchscreen
Wifi built in for updates
Lifetime card
SIM card and Wi-Fi
Multitasking

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Buying guide - Car GPS

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How to choose your Car GPS

Car GPS is a great technological tool. Today's devices perform functions that go far beyond the simple navigation system. Here are all the criteria to take into account in order to choose the equipment corresponding to your expectations and your needs.

#1 - Mapping

The car GPS ranges provide detailed mapping. Depending on the GPS you choose, you'll have access to either national, European or global mapping. So, choose the option that fits your current habits and your plans to have the device that meets your expectations. For example, if you travel frequently, make sure you have a device that provides a map of your destination area. If you don't want to limit yourself, it would be wise to choose the GPS that provides global mapping.

#2 - Ease of use

Choose a smart device that is easy to use. When buying it, look at the simulations to see if the interface and menus are intuitive and do not present any difficulty in using it. The best way to be sure is to do a real test. But if you can't test the device, take a few minutes to read user reviews. The more positive reviews the unit receives, the more reliable it will be. Normally, the use of GPS devices is accessible to everyone. However, every driver is different, so choose a device that fits your habits perfectly.

#3 - The screen

A GPS should fit on your windshield or dashboard. It should be as unobtrusive as possible and not distract you while you're driving. Most GPS designers have taken this criterion into account and set a maximum threshold for the size of the devices. If you have good eyesight, 5-inch GPS units will work well for you. If you don't have good eyesight, go for a device that's 7 inches or larger. But make sure your choice of device is compatible with the size of the car. If your eyesight is failing, consider choosing a brand that offers good voice assistance.

Text-to-speech

This is a very interesting and practical feature that you must have. It says the names of the streets instead of just giving the direction. It will give you more precision in orientation.

#4 - The features

Today's GPS units offer several features: map, danger zone alerts, traffic info and road cuts, and many other options. Make sure your device meets the basics before you decide. Once you've checked the basics, look at additional options such as built-in Wi-Fi, hands-free calling and many other features.

#5 - Additional costs

Some high-end devices update automatically at no extra cost. Others require updates to continue to provide accurate, real-time data. Consider carefully whether a car GPS that requires no updates is more cost-effective than one that costs less but requires frequent updates.

Car GPS means safety and peace of mind when driving

The success of navigation systems can be explained by the fact that they have greatly facilitated the task of drivers. GPS systems have made it possible to limit the risks of road accidents. More and more precise over the years, this technology represents the future, given the recent appearance of driverless cars.

Thus, we can imagine that in a few years, it will be difficult to travel by car without a good car GPS. So, if you haven't yet taken the plunge, it's time to get started so as not to be overtaken by events.

The different types of Car GPS

Car GPS technology is constantly evolving. Car manufacturers and smartphone giants are good at adapting to this evolution. Thus, new equipment has appeared on the market to compete with traditional models. Here are the most common types of car GPS.

The mobile GPS

The mobile GPS is especially known for its ease of installation and use. You just have to plug it into the cigarette lighter or to the windshield via a vented support. Offered between 30 and 50 euros, the entry-level models are limited to navigation functions. With the mid-range and high-end models, you can also benefit from alert notifications, landmarks in a city or region, but also a rearview camera.

The mobile type GPS is easy to install and offers excellent value for money. However, the higher-end models are less affordable.

GPS applications to install

The

smartphone application is a revolution in terms of car GPS. There is no need to buy a specific device: you just download a dedicated application and install it on your smartphone. The same is true for PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) which are of great use to limit the connected equipment in the vehicle.

The ease of installation and use is the strength of this type of GPS. It is accessible and will greatly facilitate your task. Its performance will be proportional to that of the smartphone.

The original equipment

When

purchasing a vehicle, it is possible to subscribe to the "navigation" option. One can thus rely on a tool installed by the dealer, guaranteeing optimal compatibility with the car's electronic system.

The advantage of this first type is its reliability and interconnection with all the car's functions. However, it lacks evolution because the updates are not free. This equipment is mainly intended for people who like simplicity.

Mobile GPS or GPS application?

Mobile GPS

The mobile GPS is an independent device. You can move it and use it on any vehicle because it plugs into the cigarette lighter and is fixed with a suction cup. It is the most common type of car GPS.

This type of device is easy to install and use, you must be able to afford a top-of-the-range model to benefit from all the features and an update without additional costs.

GPS application

The GPS application is very easy to use and is getting better every day. Once you have installed this application on your smartphone, you just have to follow the instructions and it's done.

This type of GPS is ideal for tracking company vehicles. However, its performance depends on the smartphone used.

Verdict

Choose the GPS application for travel in urban areas, that is, in areas where you are assured of good access to the network. This type of device is also necessary to track the movement of employees in company vehicles.

For long trips, it would be better to use a mobile GPS to avoid being in a place without a navigation system. Moreover, it is much less risky to misplace your car GPS than your mobile phone.

Why buy a car GPS?

It is a position indicator

As its name indicates, the main purpose of GPS (or Global Positioning System) is to indicate the position of any device with which it is equipped. GPS devices receive signals from satellites and determine the location of your vehicle in several dimensions: latitude, longitude, altitude. As a result, satellite navigation data is available to everyone, everywhere, thanks to GPS.

A true co-pilot

With GPS systems offering voice guidance, the driver benefits from a quality of accompaniment worthy of a real co-pilot. The driver is guided to the next exit with useful details such as distance and location (right or left). In addition, most devices on the market have lifetime updates. You don't risk getting lost when you return to a city where urban development work has been carried out.

More practical than a mobile GPS application

With your smartphone, you can use any GPS mobile application. But there is nothing more annoying than missing an outing because of a call that overshadowed the map. Moreover, such an application is energy consuming, to the point of draining the smartphone's battery prematurely. By opting for a car GPS, you get full support, with the possibility of seeing call notifications on the screen, or taking advantage of the hands-free function.

Optimal autonomy

The autonomy also allows a car GPS to knock out the competition with a mobile GPS application. Depending on the model, it ranges from 5 to 7 hours. If necessary, the driver always has the option of plugging the device into its cigarette lighter charger for lunch breaks or untimely breaks along the way. As an added bonus, the smartphone is not put to the test, thus ensuring an optimal lifespan.

Comfort of use

A car GPS is also comfortable to use. Its holder allows you to attach it to the windshield. This arrangement optimizes readability, since the driver will have no trouble keeping his eyes on the road. It also contributes to full concentration during the entire journey. Unlike a smartphone, the device is also sturdy enough to withstand vibrations from speed bumps and other obstacles.

Driving assistance

A car GPS is also equipped with a built-in camera. This camera acts as a real assistant, sending alerts if the vehicle is too close to the one in front. The camera is also able to signal the presence of traffic signs. It is also very useful when settling a dispute following an accident. The investigators can then refer to multiple data, including the time and exact location of the accident.

Traffic information

Connected to a Wifi network, a car GPS also provides precise information on the traffic situation in the surrounding areas. This allows the driver to improvise and find an alternative route to reach his destination in time. The route calculation function plays a major role in this convenience.

Mapping

The mapping offered by a car GPS is also much more advanced than that used by mobile GPS applications. Depending on the model, it is available in national, European or world maps. What's more, top-of-the-range devices are compatible with mapping that is updated for life.

Practicality

A car GPS reveals its practicality by locating the vehicle when the driver is not able to report it. Indeed, in case of accident, theft or hacking, the car GPS could give the exact location of your vehicle. The most advanced models are equipped with a receiver with a circuit breaker capable of cutting the engine remotely.

The best brands of Car GPS

In our opinion, the best brands of Car GPS in 2022 are :

TomTom
Garmin
Coyote
Floureon

TomTom is a publisher of route planning software and a manufacturer of mobile GPS navigation systems. This Dutch company is the world reference in the field of car GPS.

Garmin is an American company that was founded in 1989. It specializes in the design of navigation systems. Its ranges of car GPS are extremely popular throughout the world.

Based in the UK, the company Coyote system is specialized in driving assistance software. Their GPS is particularly reliable and offers precise data on the route to follow, warning drivers of potential dangers.

Floureon is a German company specializing in the design of batteries, surveillance equipment and computer equipment. Its 7-inch Europe is also one of the most popular car GPS devices.

What is the price Car GPS

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

At eye level.

Install your GPS at eye level so you can see it without looking away from the road. Make sure you set up your GPS properly so you don't have to worry about falling while you're driving.

Master the use of your GPS.

Learn

how to use your GPS unit and take advantage of its safety features such as voice control. Before you go on a long trip, take the time to become familiar with your GPS unit.

Keep it up to date.

Make sure you

get updates to make sure you're following the most up-to-date route planning information. While many GPS units come with thousands of maps downloaded right out of the box, it's important that you keep their firmware up to date.

Upload or create more points of interest.

Your

GPS probably came with about 750,000 to 6 million points of interest (POIs), but these may be woefully out of date or simply not at the destinations you are interested in. Owners often don't realize that they can add custom POIs to most major GPS brands (Garmin and TomTom, for example).

Send personalized cards from your PC.

It's

often easier to plan a trip on your computer than it is using the small touch screen of your GPS. Recently, Google Maps and MapQuest have added "Send to GPS" features for greater convenience in their tools.

FAQ

What is the best car GPS?

The best car GPS depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.

What is the price range for a good car GPS?

You can find good quality devices starting at €50. To get a durable, high-performance car GPS, you'll need to spend around €100.

What are the most reliable car GPS brands?

There are many publishers who make good GPS units. If you want to use a good quality device, choose the brands TomTom or Garmin.

When should I upgrade?

Updating depends on the brand and range of the product. Some features need updating every 6 months while others need updating more often. With high-end products, you will have devices that do not require any paid updates.

Will my GPS work in other countries?

This information will be given to you when you purchase the product. Some devices offer global mapping and others are limited to national mapping. It will depend on the product you purchase.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , Consumerreports.org
  2. , Nytimes.com
  3. , Autoquarterly.com
  4. , Bestconsumerratings.guide
  5. , carbibles.com
  6. , dabestseller.com
  7. , safewise.com
  8. , gpsdaily.com
  9. , autonews.com
  10. , comparateur.leparisien.fr
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , darty.com
  13. , boulanger.com
  14. , lebonpanier.fr
  15. , mon-gps.fr
  16. , auchan.fr
  17. , tomtom.com
  18. , lesnumeriques.com
  19. , cdiscount.com
  20. , fr.wikipedia.org
  21. , gigastore.fr
  22. , abcmoteur.fr
  23. , fnac.com
  24. , amazon.co.uk
  25. , but.fr
  26. , mediamarkt.be
  27. , cora.fr
  28. , boulanger.com
  29. , tout-pour-l-auto.fr
  30. , gpszapp.net
  31. , player-top.fr
  32. , ziptuning.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Garmin DriveSmart 65 9
Garmin DriveSmart 65
Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S 10
Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S
TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250 11
TomTom Go Professional GPS 6250
Coyote NAV+ 12
Coyote NAV+

Lecteurs

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