10 Best GPS Devices For Cars, Motorcycles, And Trucks

GPS devices are now essential for frequent travelers and adventurers. Amazon sells so many things that choosing electronic equipment might be challenging. This essay will review Amazon's top five GPS gadgets, covering their pros and cons.

What To Look For When Buying A GPS?

Buying a GPS requires many considerations. From the type of your vehicle to the size of the screen, there are a bunch of factors that you must consider before buying a GPS system for your vehicle. Here are a list of the things to remember while shopping for GPS:

Screen size

Consider GPS device screen size. When driving, a larger screen makes it easier to see and engage with.

However, if you're looking to get a GPS for youe bicycle or motorcycle, then you should look for smaller sized device.

Maps

Make sure your navigational aid has the latest maps of your route. Some cellphones have free map updates, but others require a subscription.

Depending on your preference, you can choose a device with either the paid or free version of the map feature.

Voice instructions

A GPS with voice commands makes driving safer and easier. After all, it is far more easier to just focus on driving and listen to the directions from the device.

If a GPS device does not have a voice instruction function, it'll become a tedious task to navigate and drive at the same time.

Real-time traffic updates

This is one of the most important features a GPS must have. If you want to avoid traffic and arrive faster, consider buying a device with real-time traffic updates.

This saves you the hassle of waiting in line for the traffic to get cleared up. It will definitely save you hours worth of time, and also help you plan your route depending on the traffic.

Connectivity

Bluetooth enabled GPS gadgets allow you to make hands-free calls and use apps like Spotify. Find a Bluetooth-enabled gadget if you have one.

After all, the last thing you'd want while driving is to be wearing a wired headset that is connected to your GPS device. Having a bluetooth enabled device makes the entire process safer and easier.

Additional features

Some GPS systems measure fitness, weather, and sites of interest. These are totally optional features that are not necessarily important.

However, if you are the kind of person who values these kind of additional features, then you must go over the GPS features, compare them and buy the best one with the features that you want.

Price

Last but not the least, price is always an important factor when purchasing anything. GPS devices vary in price, so consider your budget and priorities before buying.

You might have to sacrifice a couple of unnecessary features if you are on a tight budget. But on the other hand, you could also get a sweet deal by choosing a different brand.

When choosing a GPS gadget, you must consider your needs and the surroundings.

1. Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Traffic

Price: $217 on Amazon

Screen Size: 6.95 Inches

Special Features: Wifi, National Parks Directory; Garmin Real Directions; Driver Alerts; Find Places By Name; Check Up Ahead; Map Coverage, Voice Assistant; Live Traffic And Weather; Traffic Cams And Parking; Hands-Free Calling; Smart Notifications; Tripadvisor

Map Type: City Tour, Street

Scanner Resolution: 480 x 272

The intelligent Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Traffic, with a 6.95-inch display and voice controls, is our debut offering. The device has North American maps preloaded, free lifetime map updates, and real-time traffic information and alarms. Nonetheless, it costs more than other GPS gadgets.

2. TomTom Go Comfort 6

Price: $199 on Amazon

Screen Size: 6 Inches

Special Features: Touchscreen, Bluetooth, Text-to-Speech, Lane Assist

Map Type: North America

Connectivity: Bluetooth

Scanner Resolution: 480 x 272

The TomTom Go Comfort 6, with a 6-inch touchscreen, real-time traffic information, and voice commands, is the next device. It syncs with your smartphone so you can call and text hands-free. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are lacking.

3. Garmin Drive 52

Price: $116 on Amazon

Screen Size: 5 Inches

Special Features: Touchscreen

Map Type: City Tour, Street

Scanner Resolution: 480 x 272

Preloaded with US maps and real-time traffic data, the Garmin Drive 52 is a good budget option. Voice commands and smartphone sync allow it to receive calls and texts, but it lacks lane assistance and speed restriction alerts found on higher-end GPS devices.

4. 6-inch TomTom VIA 1625TM

Price: $499 on Amazon

Screen Size: 6 Inches

Special Feature: Touchscreen

Map Type: North America Maps

Scanner Resolution: 480 x 272

The 6-inch TomTom VIA 1625TM with lifetime map updates is another affordable alternative. This GPS has real-time traffic updates, lane assistance, and hands-free calling, but less functions than more expensive ones.

5. Magellan TN1840SGLUC TRX7 CS PRO

Price: $529.99 on Amazon

Screen Size: 7 Inches

Special Features: TRX Trailhead map database and planning/sharing tools, Built-in 8.0-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, Instant video playback on device, Advanced trail searching, plus millions of POIs, Off-course notifications and backtrack

Map Type: USA and Canada

Scanner Resolution: 1024 x 600

The Magellan TN1840SGLUC TRX7 CS PRO is a pricey but amazing piece of equipment for motorcycles. Its rear facing trail 8 MP camera and GPS navigator make it unique. It boasts a 7-inch display, real-time traffic updates, lifetime map updates, and lane assistance. It offers a completely free map update service and track recording service.

6. Garmin DriveSmart 61

Price: $240 on Amazon

Screen Size: 6.95 Inches

Special Features: Bluetooth, Wifi

Map Type: City Tour, Street

Scanner Resolution: 1024 x 600

If you need an affordable GPS, consider the Garmin DriveSmart 61. It has Bluetooth, real-time traffic data, a 6.95-inch display, and North American maps preloaded. It has TripAdvisor reviews and Wi-Fi. Yet, the price is more than typical.

7. TomTom Rider 550

Price: $339 on Amazon

Screen Size: 4.3 Inches

Special Features: Bluetooth, Touchscreen

Map Type: City Tour, Street/topographical/tourist

Scanner Resolution: 480 x 272

Motorcyclists may like the TomTom Rider 550, which has a 4.3-inch glove-friendly display, real-time traffic information, and Wi-Fi. It also has hands-free calling, weather updates, and speed camera alerts. Nevertheless, it's not for cars.

8. Garmin Edge 530

Price: $299 on Amazon

Screen Size: 2.6 Inches

Special Features: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, 20 Hours battery life

Map Type: Worldwide, North America

Scanner Resolution: 246 x 322

Cyclists should consider the 2.6-inch Garmin Edge 530, which comes preloaded with cycling maps. VO2 max, recovery time, and turn-by-turn navigation are also available. It also supports real-time tracking and event detection. It's unsafe for vehicles.

9. Rand McNally OverDryve 8 Pro

Price: $980 on Amazon

Screen Size: 8 Inches

Special Features: Bluetooth

Map Type: North America

Scanner Resolution: 1280x800

Truckers may prefer the Rand McNally OverDryve 8 Pro, which has an 8-inch display, preloaded truck-specific maps, and real-time traffic reports. It also offers FMCSA-compliant ELD, voice controls, and hands-free dialing. It's expensive.

10. Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7

Price: $278 on Amazon

Screen Size: 8 Inches

Special Features: Touchscreen, Wifi

Map Type: USA and Canada

Scanner Resolution: 1024 x 600

Off-road enthusiasts may prefer the Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 due to its 7-inch display, preloaded topographic maps, and turn-by-turn navigation on off-road tracks. It also records and shares tracks, weather, satellite images, and more. Nevertheless, it's not for cars. This is specifically designed for motorcycles.

In conclusion, before buying a GPS device, you should research and read reviews to make sure it meets your needs.