Best Car GPS Navigators For 2022

Best Overall

Garmin DriveSmart 66

Why We Picked It

Across its product line, Garmin provides the best visual and audible directions, as well as many handy navigational extras. And the DriveSmart 66 stands out with a gorgeous, high-resolution 6.0-inch display, driver-friendly voice control and several other handy extras, including Amazon Alexa capability. It can also be connected with Garmin’s backup camera.

Pros & Cons

The 6.0-inch capacitive touchscreen is super sharp and allows easy multi-touch zooming
Includes intuitive voice control, Bluetooth for connecting with Garmin’s smartphone app and Wi-Fi for easy updating
Pairing it with Garmin’s smartphone app lets you see live traffic info, weather, fuel prices and parking

More expensive than most smaller GPS models.
As with all dashtop GPS devices, the 66’s traffic info isn’t up to what you get from Google Maps or Apple Maps
Map updates for countries outside of North America can be pricey

Best Value

Garmin Drive 52

Sale

$149.99

(-$50.00) (33%)

Why We Picked It

The Garmin Drive 52 provides the same great navigation as the DriveSmart 66, but without the extras. If you just want to save some bucks, it’s a great choice. And if you want traffic alerts, the Drive 52 & Traffic is about $40 more.

Pros & Cons

Very good visual and audible navigation at a lower price
Like the DriveSmart 66, it also gives you several handy navigational extras, like driver alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, FourSquare data, US National Park info, and a guide to historic sites
Can be connected with a Garmin backup camera

Its display is smaller and less crisp than the DriveSmart 66’s
You don’t get traffic info, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi updating
Can't be paired with Garmin’s smartphone app for live information

Best For Navigating Overseas

TomTom GO Discover 7

Why We Picked It

TomTom’s top-of-the-line model, available with a sharp 7.0-inch display, provides many of the same features as Garmin’s DriveSmart models. And it will save you money on new maps when navigating overseas. But it’s not up to the DriveSmart 66 overall.

Pros & Cons

Provides free “world” map coverage (with most other models, you need to pay extra for maps outside North America)
Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a multi-touch display and a slick powered magnetic mount
Provides real-time traffic, fuel prices and parking info via the TomTom smartphone app

It lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models
After the first year, you have to pay for live fuel prices and parking info
More expensive than most of our other recommended models

Best Value for Navigating Overseas

TomTom GO Supreme 5

Why We Picked It

The 5.0-inch version of the GO Supreme provides the same comprehensive “world” map coverage and most of the features of the 7-inch GO Discover, but in a smaller, less expensive package. A 6.0-inch version is also available for $50 more.

Pros & Cons

Smaller and less expensive than the TomTom GO Discover
Provides free “world” map coverage (most other GPS models charge extra for maps outside North America)
Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a slick powered magnetic mount and real-time traffic info via the TomTom smartphone app

It has a lower-resolution display than the TomTom GO Discover or Garmin DriveSmart 66
Lacks the GO Discover’s more responsive touchscreen
Lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models

Best For RVs

Garmin RV 890

Sale

$499.99

(-$93.91) (19%)

Why We Picked It

This 8.0-inch GPS navigator is great for larger dashboards and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Best of all, its directions are custom tailored for your RV or pull-behind trailer, based on the vehicle’s specific size and weight, so you won’t have any unpleasant routing surprises. The RV 890 gives you all of Garmin’s usual nav extras, as well as a directory of RV parks and services and info from other RV-related sources.

Pros & Cons

Calculates the best routes, based on your RV’s size and weight
Provides handy voice control, Bluetooth connectivity to Garmin’s smartphone app and Wi-Fi updating
Compatible with Garmin’s PowerSwitch for controlling RV accessories

Measuring about 8 x 5 inches, it takes up more room on the dash than smaller models
More expensive than traditional GPS devices
As with all dashtop GPS devices, the RV 890’s’s traffic info isn’t up to what you get from Google Maps or Apple Maps

Bestselling Car Navigation GPS Units on Amazon

Sponsored

Bestseller No. 1

Android 10.1 Double Din 10 Inch Car Stereo Audio HD 1080P Touchscreen in-Dash GPS Navigation Head Unit WiFi/Bluetooth/FM Radio for Car Support Android/iOS Mirror Link with Rear View Camera

【About This Car Stereo Radio】：Screen size: 10 inch, installation size: 178*100*4.5mm (L*W*D), radio with 2.5D 10-inch large screen, built-in 4.0 Bluetooth, 4 cores, 1+16G large memory, Android 10.1 version, new UPC chip, support WIFI/Bluetooth/FM connection, and USB fast charge, add a piece of happiness to you
【GPS Navigation + Bulit-in WIFI】:The car radio has built-in GPS to accept, and users can buy it directly from the Play Store for offline navigation. After connecting to wifi, you can use various maps perfectly and browse the web online. You can go anywhere without getting lost and adding a joy to the tedious journey!
【Rear View Camera + 1080P】：Equipped with a rear-view camera, after successfully connecting to the car, the reverse gear will be automatically switched, and the rear of the car can be monitored at any time. The reversing line is displayed on the player, which can help you safely park in reverse gear.The 10-inch 1024*600 ultra-high-definition digital screen, ultra-high-definition visual experience, even if you stare at the screen for a long time, you will not feel tired.

Bestseller No. 2

456 Reviews

[New] ATOTO S8 Standard 7 inch Double-DIN Car Stereo Android in-Dash Navigation, Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, USB Tethering, 2BT, HD Rearview with LRV, IPS Display, SCVC, 3G+32G, S8G2A74SD

S8 Gen2 is the second generation of ATOTO S8 Android car stereo, and its Soc applies a 12nm manufacturing process (higher efficiency, lower consumption), ARM Cortext Octa-Core processor (High performance), and latest ATOTO AICE UI 11.0 (deep customization on Android Q). New ATOTO S8 can bring confidence and satisfaction under various operations. There are 3 options available for internet access - Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth & USB Tethering (Traditional Android car stereos only have a Wi-Fi option).
Speed Compensated Volume Control (SCVC)- Automatically adjusts S8's system volume as vehicle speed changes, to adjust for road and wind noise (applicable in 50mph or up. Software algorithms based on GPS positioning).S8 enables six touch gestures that support a two-finger / three-finger tap to enter the multi-task menu quickly, switch between preset 9 EQ modes, adjust the screen brightness, etc., which improves the operation safety during driving. The split-screen display is supported too.
Dual Bluetooth (BT1 5.0 & BT2 4.1) allow S8 to have multi-connections with phone and BT devices meanwhile. BT2 can connect to a phone Bluetooth to get internet or Bluetooth OBD2 device to scan or read engine codes. BT1 works as Bluetooth Handsfree & A2DP audio, and helps wake up the phone's voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant) and lock/unlock screen to protect personal privacy. S8 supports wired Android Auto & CarPlay, besides, wireless CarPlay is supported since September 1st, 2021.

Bestseller No. 3

ZHNN Android 9.1 Double Din Car Stereo Radio 9.7 inch Vertical Touchscreen Head Unit with GPS in-Dash Navigation,Bluetooth,FM,WiFi,Support Rear Camera Input&Mirror; Link

9.7'' Double Din Stereo : Quad Core, Android 9.1, 16GB flash memory bring you a smooth operation and a fast response.9.7 inch vertical touch screen with high quality capacitive touch screen with high resolution 1024*768 and the multi-touch,Five-finger long press touch screen activated touchscreen if the screen doesn't work
Built-in WIFI and hotspot receiver: 9.7 inch GPS navigation for car,it's easy to connect, which allows you to feel free to download apps you like from Android Market or Google Play Store, to surf the internet, to use online navigation, and to enjoy online music.Please note not support Samsung 5G hotspot connection.
Mirror Link& Bluetooth: Double din touch screen car radios support hands-free calling, Phonebook, calling records download, audio stream music. The screen of your smartphone can also be mirrored on units screen.Please note this car stereo isn't compatible with Samsung's mirror link.

Bestseller No. 4

23 Reviews

UNITOPSCI Android Car Stereo with CD DVD Player Double Din，in Dash GPS Navigation 6.2 Inch Touch Screen Car Radio WiFi Bluetooth FM Backup Camera USB SD CD DVD Multimedia Player Mirror Link SWC

【Android Car Stereo with DVD/CD Player】Double din android car radio with 6.2 inch HD touch screen, 1GB RAM + 16GB ROM, 1024*600 resolution, support 1080P HD video/ auxiliary input/DVD/CD player/ MP3/MP4 player, giving you more fun and an excellent visual experience. The size of this car stereo with DVD/CD Player is 178*100*160mm. please check this size to your car center console outline if it will fit. And the radio comes with naked wires, please purchase separately if you need
【Support GPS Navigation and WIFI Function】Built-in GPS navigation, you can use offline map pre-install, or connected to WIFI/ WIFI hot spot to use online map, it is compatible with Android Map, Navitel, igo, Map, ect. Never get lost with the in dash GPS navigation. With built-in WIFI module, you can download the online maps, music, videos or applications in this car radio with DVD/CD player, which makes your driving more enjoyable and convenient
【Bluetooth & FM Radio】Built in Bluetooth 4.0 function, the car radio supports hands free calling, which is more safer when driving car, support phone book download, Bluetooth music play, enrich your boring driving journey. FM radio with high-quality digital stereo, you can listen to radio, music and news, enjoy your life with this double din car multimedia player

Bestseller No. 5

527 Reviews

BOSION Navigation Win CE product 6.2-inch Double DIN in Dash Car Dvd Player Car Stereo Touch Screen Support SWC USB Sd Mp3 FM AM Radio for Universal Car With Backup Camera

2.【 Mirror Link】Mirror Link allows users to cast what's displayed on phone to BOSION Navigation screen via USB/WiFi.It can access some of your favorite apps directly on car dash.
3.【MULTI FUNCTION】Multicolored LED button，Car radio support AM: 522KHz-1620KHz; FM: 87.5MHz-108.0MHz; RDS.Station Memory function can record your favorite radio station. Also you can play musics via SD card/phone and USB Connector. The Built-in Bluetooth for Wireless Music Streaming and Built-in Microphone for Hands-Free Calling.
4.【GPS NAVIGATION & MULTI-COLORED BUTTON】 GPS BXLIYER card preloaded on a free standard map of 8 GB. You will find it easier to go to a new or complex place, travel has never been so convenient! Personlize with your favorite color.

Bestseller No. 6

49 Reviews

Double Din Car Stereo Android Bluetooth Car Radio 7'' Touchscreen GPS Navigation Indash Head Unit with WiFi Mirror Link FM Radio 2USB with Rear View Camera

Upgrade Car Audio Receivers: Android Car Stereo, with GPS Navigation/FM Radio, included reversing camera. Car stereo (1GB + 16GB /12V / 2 DIN) which allows you to use and download any app like YouTube, Spotify, Twitter, etc. With 1080P high definition and 7 inch Full capacitance touch screen, easy to operation and provide you a perfect visual experience.
Support Bluetooth / WiFi / Mirror Link / Steering Wheel Control (SWC). Connect to your phone via Bluetooth for hands-free answering and making calls, playing music and saving contacts and MP3 playback records intelligently. Get WiFi-Mirror Link or USB-Mirror Link from Android phone in 1 second (iPhone only supports WiFi-Mirror Link).
WIFI /GPS Navigation: Users can purchase directly from play store for offline navigation. online maps can be used after wifi connecting, make your driving more enjoyable.

SaleBestseller No. 7

255 Reviews

Double Din Car Stereo 10.1 Inch Android Navigation Stereo Touch Screen in Dash Car Radio with Bluetooth FM Radio Receiver Support WiFi Mirror Link, Steering Wheel Control, Rear View Camera, Dual USB

【2 Din Car Stereo】Head unit panel size: 250mm(top width)*145mm(high)*240(bottom width), installation dimension: 178mm(7in)*100mm(3.93in). 1024*600 HD 2.5D tempered glass touch screen, with double USB adapter input, RCA output/input port.
【Bluetooth & FM Radio Receiver】2 din car audio built-in Bluetooth 4.0, BT car radio supports A2DP/hands free/phone book/Bluetooth music player. Car stereo receiver supports FM with 18 preset stations, which can search channels in full-automatic ways.
【Built-in WIFI And GPS Navigation】The Android 9.1 car MP5 player can connect to WIFI to use online map or you download offline maps: click "Here Wego" APP to enter the app interface, click the "folder" on the left corner of screen, click download maps, choose suitable one to download.

Bestseller No. 8

109 Reviews

10.1 Inch Android Car Radio Double Din Stereo with GPS Navigation Touch Screen Car Radios with Backup Camera, Support WiFi Bluetooth FM, Mirror Link+Dual USB

Android Radio 10.1 Inch: Double Din Android radio with 1GB RAM + 16GB ROM, smoother and more sensitive. With 10.1 inch touchscreen, brighter, more responsive. Connect to WiFi or hotspot, easily to download various app, like YouTube, Facebook.
In-Dash GPS Car Stereo System: 10 Android car stereo built in GPS receiver, support online and offline maps. Pre-install "HereWego” app for offline map. Online navigation apps can be downloaded when connected with WiFi.
Phone Link+SWC: 10.1 Inch Android car stereo can display all your phone content via mirror link. 2 Din Car radio supports steering wheel control (KEY1 & KEY2) for most common car models (Do not support cars need a Canbus).

Bestseller No. 9

5,001 Reviews

ATOTO A6 Android Car Navigation Stereo with Dual Bluetooth & Phone Fast Charge - PRO A6Y2721PRB-G 2GB / 32GB 2DIN in Dash Entertainment Multimedia Radio,Gesture Operation,WiFi, Support 256G SD &More;

ATOTO A6 Pro has all the features available previously on A6 Premium (vehicle pecific FM/AM Radio tuner with RDS, builtin GPS Navigation module, AUX Audio/video input,Backup camera/dash camera input/TPMS/Dab+ input, Dual Bluetooth for handsfree & data transfer, steering wheel audio control,Quick Booting, max 2A quick charge), and some extra & exclusive features;
Exclusive features are: 1).Latest Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX feature - Streams Wired Quality Sound, Wirelessly,(to enable this feature,your smartphone needs to support Bluetooth aptX,too); 2).Ultra powerful Toshiba pre-amplifier inside with higher RMS power output & excellent performance. Car speakers from 2Ω to 8 Ω are all supported; Most preamplifiers can only power 4 Ω- 8 Ω,but certain users may add 2Ω door speakers to replace factory one for powerful listening;
3).Latest 178° full-viewing angle IPS display screen with higher contrast significantly improves the viewing experience in daylight! 4).Dual Wi-Fi band connection support means even if the routers/public hotspots are set AP band of 5Ghz, A6 Pro can still connect to it for internet access! Besides reversing camera video input, extra two video inputs (CVBS signal) allow users to connect up to 2 cameras simultaneously for special purpose (side camera view, front off-road camera view)

Bestseller No. 10

1,417 Reviews

Car Stereo in Dash Single DIN 7 Inch HD Flip Out Touch Screen Radio GPS Head Unit Support Bluetooth Hands-Free GPS Navigation Mirror Link FM USB SD MP5 with Backup Camera Built-in Microphone UNITOPSCI

★7 inch HD digital LCD folding touch screen, flip out car stereo, dynamic menu interface,this car audio which builds in high quality stereo audio, allow easier access to high fidelity audio. And support rear view camera and GPS navigation. Friendly reminder: This is manual pull out and pull back screen radio and it doesn't have CD DVD player, NOT Android system.
★Built-in bluetooth, make phone calls safer and practical than ever,you just need to quickly connect to Bluetooth to answer hands-free calls,make calls and be hands-free with no distractions, and you can also play and control your music and apps.
★Mirror link function works with Android phone (4.0-7.0) via phone' original USB cable, the screen of your smartphone can be mirrored on units screen. Support FM radio stations play, Full digital electronic control search radio stations, high-performance digital tuning FM radio automatically scans, 18 stations memory.

Methodology: Portable GPS

Forbes Wheels compared the specs, features and pricing of more than 30 portable GPS devices, and we tested the leading models. They were evaluated on display quality, ease of use, map coverage and extra convenience features, such as voice control, Wi-Fi updating, Bluetooth connectivity and handy alerts and information sources. We also checked expert and user reviews to identify where people have had problems with them. Here, we’re recommending the five best overall values for people with different needs.

Why buy a portable GPS instead of using my phone?

Many people do use a phone for navigation. A portable GPS, portable navigation device, or dashtop GPS (same thing) has built-in maps and you can start a trip anywhere, even in remote areas. A smartphone requires a cellular signal to set up a trip and download map information; a portable GPS has maps built in. A portable GPS also has a screen up to 7.0 inches diagonal, larger than most phones. If you have an older car without Bluetooth, the GPS device’s microphone and speakers provide hands-free calling.

What makes one GPS cost more than another?

Screen size and features set them apart. Features include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for connections to your smartphone for traffic data or device updates, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, photo radar (traffic camera) alerts, or connection to a backup camera.

Can I use my GPS device outside the US?

The device is sold most often with maps for the US, US-Canada or North America. Some devices let you buy additional maps for other continents. A couple come with world maps.

Do I lose my route if the power cord comes unplugged?

12-volt power runs the device. Virtually all devices have an internal battery good for 30-60 minutes to handle power interruptions, or for last-mile navigation, meaning walking from a parked car to the final destination.

How do I enter the destination?

A keypad pops up on the screen, you type in address. Most have predictive typing: Enter part of the address, the device autofills the field or entire address if you’ve been there before. Most let you speak the address or choose from favorite and recent destinations. The map information usually includes businesses, museums, hotels, gas stations and medical services as well as street addresses.

How accurate is a portable GPS?

Within one car length, roughly. It’s not accurate enough to know if the car is in the left or right lane of a divided interstate highway but it does have the accuracy to tell you which street to turn onto at the right time. A GPS can also use clearly defined turns to re-confirm the car’s position. It may be momentarily confused coming out of a parking garage.

What does GPS stand for?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System.

Is a GPS better than Google Maps?

A dedicated GPS unit is not compromised by other functions. That means it's only drawing power and signal for one purpose and is less likely to slow down, quit or drain the battery as fast as a smartphone running Google Maps or a similar software. However, some GPS units have data services onboard that can show live traffic but require an active smartphone connection. All in all, your smartphone's free GPS apps will be updated more frequently, have better suggestions and will not require a second device to function.

How do I find the best GPS system?

The latest trend in portable GPS devices is larger displays, which makes it easier to see the map and route information as well as input searches on the screen. Garmin’s and TomTom’s newest models have screens that range from six to eight inches, with even larger ones available for RVs and other specialty vehicles. All of our recommended models provide accurate on-screen and spoken directions, and they come with free lifetime map updates. The best have extra features that make them more helpful and easier to use. Here, we’ve selected the models that give you the best combination of features, usability and price for different needs.

Best Portable Car GPS Navigation Systems For 2022

Methodology: Portable GPS