Which navigation system is best

All you need to do is type in where you want to go and your device plots a route, calculates the travel distance and estimated time of arrival, and displays the route on a map. You can usually choose between the fastest or the shortest route which aren't necessarily the same or specifically exclude toll roads or highways. Many traditional GPS units and apps offer live traffic updates.

These highlight congestion and either:. We found this feature to be consistently decent across all brands and models that offered it. However, apps have one advantage over GPS units:. Apps tend to be a bit better at rapidly updating temporary changes in traffic conditions beyond congestion.

Waze is particularly useful in this respect, as drivers can submit updates using the app, to inform other users in the area; a feature that is starting to appear in Google Maps but not to the extent as Waze. Since smartphone's capabilities extend beyond navigation, they fall under different laws to GPS units, with different rules across states and territories.

The laws typically refer to the GPS function as a "drivers aid. Fully licensed drivers can use the smartphone as a drivers aid. Smartphone must be securely mounted in a bracket without obscuring your field of view. Drivers can use voice commands to make or answer a call or use the audio functions e. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can use a "GPS enabled device" but the legislation doesn't specify if smartphones are an accepted device.

Drivers can use voice commands to make or answer a call and use the audio functions e. Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more. Drivers can use voice commands to make or answer calls too but you can't touch the phone while driving. Learner and P plate licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more - fully licensed , L and P.

Fully licensed, and P2 drivers over 25, can use the smartphone as a drivers aid. Drivers can legally use the phone to make or answer calls too but you can't touch the smartphone while operating your vehicle. All Learner and P1 drivers, and P2 licence holders under 25, are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more. Fully licensed and P2 drivers can use the smartphone as a drivers aid.

However, downloading updates can be frustrating. Many owners find the process painfully slow, and on some models, we agree. Occasionally updating is impossible because the navigation system lacks sufficient memory. Map display style varies between models.

One useful feature that has become standard is additional lane guidance on a split screen when approaching an off-ramp or interchange. Actual route planning is also now available with many models, a major benefit according to the feedback we've received. Also, the sophistication of route planning preferences is increasing.

Older navigation systems obliged you to choose to use freeways or avoid them; now you can mix and match to suit your preference. Another popular feature is the ability to simply tap the map to select a destination, rather than typing in an address.

It's particularly useful when you want to visit an area but don't have a precise location in mind. POIs Points of Interest are nothing new in navigation systems. POI importance varies from one owner to the next, but this feature can be extremely useful when you suddenly notice you're low on gas. Each manufacturer claims their POI functionality is better than the competition, but in truth there's little difference between them.

The same is true for live traffic information. It's a great feature to have, helping you avoid serious roadblocks or major delays, but the key differentiator is the availability of the feature, not the quality of the information provided. This wealth of live information seems tremendously useful, but most of these features are only available by connecting your navigation system to your smartphone. It's not hard to do via Bluetooth, but many owners feel the use of two devices is a bit of overkill.

Manufacturers are constantly adding new types of live information to their navigation systems. You can be alerted to a sharp bend approaching, a school zone, speed camera, even speed bumps. Some models provide weather information, or a warning that you've been driving for too long and ought to take a break.

Roadside assistance is available through some models, and you can even get help finding a parking space. We've already mentioned the option of voice control on some navigation systems. Whether finding your destination or locating the nearest coffee house, voice control allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and can increase safety. Driving directions from the navigation system are also becoming more user-friendly.

Manufacturers attempt regularly to make the navigation instructions sound more conversational. For example, the system might point out that the next turn will be at a light, or it might suggest stopping at a recognizable building. Some modern GPS models take the Bluetooth and smartphone link further. They act as a hands-free display when receiving a call.

You can see who's calling and decide whether or not to answer. They can also display text messages. The quality of information in these models will be lacking, and feature sets will be small. Maps may be poor with few, if any, updates.

These models are well worth the investment, particularly if you travel frequently to unfamiliar places. When it comes to electronic gadgets, we're always tempted by the latest model. Each new release promises so much more than the last.

But is that really the case? Our research, combined with customer feedback, resulted in a simple answer: it depends. Some consumers love to get fully involved with their devices. They explore all the ins and outs, familiarizing themselves with every feature and capability. Others just want to turn the GPS on, enter an address, and follow directions. The two leading manufacturers, Garmin and Tom Tom, cater to both groups. And the features they offer, plus the strength of their map data make these ideal choices.

Garmin DriveSmart and TomTom Go are the next generation, already advanced and getting better all the time. With more features to explore, these models appeal to electronics mavens and people who like to get the most out of their gadgets.

Road Trips by TomTom is another nice addition that lets you plan a route, or pick one already laid out, and have that on your sat nav so you can take a scenic road trip, for example, without having to plan. The Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa is crammed full of features in an otherwise minimal looking tiny bezeled and high resolution display. Multitouch controls are responsive while navigation is genuinely smart with live traffic updates and even TripAdvisor ratings for hotels and restaurants along the way.

The National Parks directory search is another nice addition here as is the "real" directions that say things like "turn left after the next McDonalds". Alexa built-in means you can control your music onboard, read messages, check your calendar, even control smart devices like pre-heating your home — all using your voice alone. You also have the option to add Garmin devices like smart backup cameras and more.

The two most important things we evaluated throughout our testing were accuracy and ease of use. For the applied portion of our testing, we drove around on a variety of roads — from small rural roads to busy city streets to the highway during rush hour, some of which had heavy delays and big detours due to construction work. We drove in familiar locales as well as areas we were unfamiliar with, noting whether the routes provided by the devices were accurate and efficient.

We also verified if 2D and 3D landmarks — for the applicable devices — were accurately represented on the screen. We looked for car navigation devices that gave clear directions with plenty of notice before a turn. We also looked for clear on-screen visuals, updated traffic alerts and a variety of points of interest such as gas stations, hotels, restaurants and stores.

We also noted how easy it was to navigate the device interface, along with how easy it was to input an address and start navigating. The best car navigation systems were easy to set up and use, provided helpful instructions, and allowed for extensive smartphone compatibility for enhanced one-touch navigation and entertainment.

Navigation The best GPS devices deliver detailed step by step directions, and will alert you as to which lane you need to be in at any given time. Instructions will be delivered audibly, and on the screen. Screen size The average screen size for car navigation systems is between 3 and 7 inches, measured diagonally across the screen just like a TV.

While smaller devices can be easily stored in your glovebox or a bag, devices with larger screens make it easier to see instructions and other on-screen options. A larger screen is also better if your device allows for split screen when approaching a junction or for other alerts. Screen resolution The best car GPS screens have a resolution of at least x pixels, although GPS devices with higher resolutions — such as those above x pixels — give you a crisper picture that is easier to view at a glance.

Touchscreen sensitivity Top-end GPS devices tend to have capacitive screens. These are highly accurate and sensitive, and allow for pinch-to-zoom gestures, similar to a smartphone.

Such gestures are not possible on a resistive touchscreen, which are usually found on lower priced or budget devices. These screens also typically have slower reaction times, along with lower resolutions and a smaller capacity for brightness. However, resistive screens do allow you to use any object to touch the screen, such as a stylus or a gloved finger. Preloaded maps Every GPS navigation system in our comparison is preloaded with maps of the United States, ready for use when you power on the device.

Most also have built-in microSD card slots to allow you to download and store maps of other countries. Map updates Look for a car navigation system with free lifetime map updates to make sure the latest road layouts, buildings and landmarks will show on your device.

Updates may happen automatically in the background or require a manual download. Most will last for at least an hour without charge, but some will stay powered for up to six hours. Along with all the essential features, the very best car navigation GPS systems have a myriad of other options designed to make your time behind the wheel easier and more enjoyable.

Voice-activated navigation It's faster to tell you car navigation system where you need to go than type it, and safer too, if you need to change destinations while driving.

Traffic alert systems Roads are unpredictable, accidents happen, roadworks breakout randomly, and sheep gather. Having a traffic alert system is a good way of keeping up to date on the current road conditions, without having to find your smartphone.

Most smartphones now come with inbuilt GPS trackers and are capable of providing an accurate navigation system. There are pros and cons to using either your smartphone or a dedicated car navigation device to get around, but which is better for you will depend on personal preference. By far, the biggest perk to using a dedicated GPS device is just that — it is dedicated to the task of providing navigational assistance.

Higher-end models offer additional functionality, including 3D map rendering, speed limit notifications, speed trap alerts and free regular map updates. Budget GPS devices can represent a decent option, but be aware of smaller, non-responsive touchscreens, and muddy interfaces, which taken all together may diminish your experience. The best car GPS devices allow for voice-activated navigation so you can keep your eyes on the road, and they give you the option to pair your smartphone with it so you can take a call without having to fumble for your phone in rush hour traffic.

You can also save offline versions of your map for these scenarios. Smartphone GPS apps — like Google Maps and Apple Maps — offer comparable functionality to dedicated navigation units, and can show on-screen maps, tell you what lane to be in and provide step-by-step navigation.