Rating of the best GPS navigators — Top 10 from experts

Best Inexpensive GPS Navigators

There are few good models among cheap navigators, but with a budget of at least 40-50$, you can find quite worthy models.

Globex GE711 — a quality device without unnecessary bells and whistles

A classic auto tablet with a widescreen 7-inch color display. Despite the small amount of RAM (256 MB), the ARM A7 chipset ensures good performance of the device at low power consumption, increasing the battery life of the device up to 2 hours.

The duration of the «cold» start is 35 seconds, «hot» — only 2. The autonavigator is equipped with a powerful GPS module and licensed software from Navitel. It easily plots routes and can display objects in 3D mode.

8 gigs of internal memory and an expansion slot that supports up to 32 GB allow you to store a solid base of cards. And this device can be used as a portable media center.

Advantages:

• Good assembly;
• Functionality;
• Fast and accurate work;
• Connector for turning on the rear view camera;
• The cost is 4-5.50 $.

Flaws:

• No GSM module;
• A small amount of RAM, although this does not affect the speed of work.

Globex GE711 is a fast and quite powerful navigator for its price with a high-quality screen.

Prology iMap-5800 — compact model

The portable car navigator is equipped with a small 5-inch LCD display, which is distinguished by good readability, contrast and color reproduction. Despite the relatively weak chipset (MStar 800 MHz) and 128 MB of RAM, the picture on the screen is updated quickly.

The Prology iMap-5800 runs on the Windows CE platform and is equipped with Navitel software. The main memory is 4 gigabytes.

The functionality of this model is standard for navigators of the budget segment: route planning, voice alerts, built-in maps, video and photo viewing, listening to music. Battery life 1.5 hours.

Advantages:

• Good display;
• Precise positioning;
• Stable communication with satellites;
• Ability to download maps from a PC;
• Price from 40 dollars.

Flaws:

• Lack of GSM module and wireless connection technologies.

Prology iMap-5800 is a budget «workhorse» without unnecessary troubles. The hardware capacity on paper is not impressive, but in fact the navigator works clearly — without freezes and jams, that is, it performs its main task for five.

The best GPS navigators for Android

Android navigators are more familiar to owners of similar smartphones and tablets. They are also fast and receive software updates more often.

Lesko Pioneer DVR700PI Max — always in touch

This auto tablet has a good 7-inch IPS display, and the quad-core MTK8321 processor and 1 gigabyte of RAM are responsible for the speed.

For permanent data storage, the device has 16 GB of internal memory. The most important plus is the Internet capabilities of the navigator: in addition to the slot for two SIM cards, there is already a Wi-Fi module.

A good addition to the basic functionality will be the presence of a rear camera, which, when installed on a standard stand, can act as a car recorder. Pioneer Max is based on Android 6.0, has software from Navitel and IGO.

Also on the tablet are two cameras: 2 and 5 MP. Alas, at night the quality of their shooting is lame, but after all, we are talking about just an additional function.

Advantages:

• Powerful hardware;
• Capacious battery 3000 mAh, which lasts for 6 hours;
• Wide range of Internet access;
• Making calls in autonavigator mode;
• There is a DVR function (however, you need to start it manually);
• Suitable for trucks.

Flaws:

• The company is little known and is not sold everywhere.

According to users, the disadvantage of the Lesko model is the long time it takes to search for satellites when you first turn it on. But then the autotablet works flawlessly.

Navitel T700 3G — for international travel

The hybrid multifunctional navigator in the form factor of a tablet is equipped with a 7″ IPS matrix and runs on the basis of the sixth Android. On board is the same MTK8321 chipset, 1/16 GB of memory with the possibility of expanding the ROM up to 128 gigs.

The T700 model supports all major wireless technologies: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and third-generation GSM (there are two slots for SIM cards inside).

The navigator comes with Navitel programs and a detailed database of maps for 47 countries. However, all third-party applications for motorists also work correctly here. And when connected to the network, the Navitel traffic jam application becomes available to the owner.

Advantages:

• Stable operation while running multiple applications;
• Capacious 2800 mAh battery;
• High navigation accuracy;
• The Speedcam feature alerts you to stationary cameras on the road.

Flaws:

• Poor quality of the rear camera;
• Lack of GLONASS.

Navitel T700 can do everything that a regular tablet can do: from making calls and chatting to surfing the Internet and watching movies. It’s just that this gadget has a navigation bias and shows itself perfectly in this capacity both in the expanses of the former CIS and on European roads.

The best GPS navigators for Windows CE

These models are a little more thoughtful and will not give you a beautiful picture on the screen — just as they will not please you with rich functionality. But if you need a navigator without games and dozens of third-party applications, there are worthy devices among Windows devices.

Dunobil Ultra 5.0 — simple and reliable

The Dunobil autonavigator does not have impressive characteristics, although they are enough for the stable operation of the device. The frequency of the mid-budget Mstar processor is 800 MHz, the RAM is only 128 MB, but this is enough for smooth drawing of maps.

All thanks to the low load on the hardware. To control the sensor, a thin stylus is included, which is hidden inside the “tablet” case.

The device has a 5-inch screen. The 4 GB internal memory can be expanded up to 32 GB with a flash drive. As a software shell, a Navitel license with its own database and the ability to download maps of the area is already installed here.

In addition, the functions of route calculation, voice messages and receiving information about traffic jams are available. Of the additional features of the navigator, it is worth noting MP3 and video players, as well as a built-in FM transmitter.

Advantages:

• Quality screen;
• Excellent build quality;
• Due to its low weight, it holds well on the complete suction cup;
• Runs faster than Android navigators;
• Instantly finds satellites;
• Price up to 50 dollars.

Flaws:

• There is no private Internet access.

Theoretically, Dunobil Ultra can still be connected to the World Wide Web, but only through a Bluetooth DUN bundle — a mobile phone’s GPRS modem.

Lexand SA5 HD + — the most enduring navigator for trips to the outback

Another 5-inch device based on Windows CE with an adapted Navitel shell. It is inexpensive, but it works smartly — even a cold start here takes no more than 35-40 seconds (hot up to 10).

Functionally, Lexand is in many ways similar to the previous navigator, but it has twice the battery capacity — 110 mAh. And most importantly, it is already becoming possible to work in 3G networks.

At first, there were a lot of complaints about this model, mainly due to incorrect software operation (difficult routes, freezing). But recently Navitel has cleaned up the flaws, and now SA5 has become a worthy representative of the budget segment.

Advantages:

• Tenacious and easily tolerates falls;
• Nimble work;
• Convenient interface;
• Well-implemented voice accompaniment;
• Gives excellent readability of raster maps;
• Can be used as a dialer.

Flaws:

• The screen fades in the sun.

The main disadvantage of Lexand SA5 users consider the difficulty of connecting to a modem to access the Internet. But if this moment is unimportant for you, the GPS-navigator will not cause any negative impressions.

Best Garmin GPS Navigators

Garmin has always been famous for the quality of its navigators, and the Swiss brand also has the richest selection of highly specialized models.

Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT — an advanced device for cars

This functional model has everything you need for full navigation. The device is equipped with a 5-inch capacitive display and a base of maps of Europe has already been loaded into its memory.

The built-in battery provides autonomous operation of the device for 60 minutes. If necessary, you can connect a rear camera to the gadget.

The GPS navigator works with Nokia’s Here cartography, but all its capabilities can only be revealed when paired with a Garmin phone.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules allow you to receive notifications from your smartphone, update the database and software in a timely manner, and use the device as a hands-free headset.

It supports the navigator and voice commands, and also warns about all difficult sections of the road: dangerous turns, one-way traffic, children’s institutions nearby, etc.

Advantages:

• Sturdy body that can survive more than one fall;
• Responsive sensor;
• Voice control;
• Visual recommendations on complex interchanges;
• Foursquare support;
• Possibility of pairing with branded smart-watches;
• Competently builds routes, offering alternative options.

Flaws:

• Does not find individual building blocks.

With detailed city maps, DriveSmart is ideal for residents of metropolitan areas and people who frequent them. It is also good for long distance travel.

Garmin Zumo 396 LMT — a motorcycle navigator with a craving for adventure

This option is more compact and has a 4.3″ screen. Yes, and the navigation functions of the motodevice are adapted to the requirements of bike owners.

The device not only paves the way on the map, but also shares the necessary data with other participants in the group race. And thanks to the Adventurous Routing function, it can build an exciting route in conditionally passable areas, avoiding busy routes.

The motor navigator also has other useful features: a hands-free mode for calls, displaying messages and managing music tracks when paired with a smartphone.

Zumo also reports on road hazards and road sections monitored by Speedcam. And in the event of a serious accident, it automatically sends the coordinates of the accident to the specified recipients.

Advantages:

• Properly tailored for motorcyclists functionality;
• Good moisture protection IPX7;
• Does not go blind in the sun;
• Responds to touch with gloves;
• Function of control of fuel with calculation of a way on the rests;
• Clear voice prompts with visual landmarks on the route.

Flaws:

• Price 350 $;
• Most models only come with maps of Europe.

Motorcyclists don’t have a wide choice of navigators for long-distance travel, but the Zumo 396 is by far the best among them.

The best multifunctional GPS navigators

Many auto-tablet navigators have standard cameras, but this does not mean that they can be used as full-fledged DVRs.

This requires functional hybrids that will be equally good in both forms. And if you add a radar detector to them, you will no longer need any other electronics in the cabin.

Navitel RE900 — Navigator and DVR 2-in-1

One of the best representatives of multifunctional hybrids is equipped with an OmniVision matrix with a five-layer glass lens, which provides high-quality shooting in all weather conditions.

The presence of a G-sensor guarantees the safety of videos created in emergency situations (in case of a collision).

The navigator itself is no larger than a smartphone and has a 5-inch screen. You can display the image from the camera on top of the route map in the «picture in picture» mode.

The device received a complete set of wireless communications: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, as well as a GSM module for a standard SIM card. It has 16 gigs of storage, to which you can add another 64 using microSD.

Advantages:

• Pre-installed licensed Navitel software;
• Access to the database of speed cameras;
• Excellent hardware stuffing;
• Accurate GPS work;
• Built-in FM transmitter;
• Ability to make calls;
• All basic functionality of Android devices.

Flaws:

• Does not always affix GPS tags;
• Unsuccessful regular fastening.

After buying a RE900 hybrid, you still have to look for another mount so that the suction cup does not fall into the frame. Otherwise, the navigator is good for its price, and the Android OS will help expand its functionality even more.

Eplutus GR-71 — 3-in-1 model with a radar detector

A full-fledged combine that performs the functions of a DVR, GPS navigator and radar detector, also has a built-in FM transmitter.

The capabilities of the device can be expanded further with the help of Play Market programs, since the auto tablet runs on Android (although not the latest version).

An inexpensive 7-inch device, of course, will not please with transcendental characteristics, but it will cope well with all the tasks assigned to it, which is rare for multifunctional gadgets.

The 8 MP camera takes decent pictures, shoots Full HD video and has a good 170° field of view. The GPS module catches up to 32 satellites, and the detector recognizes Strelka, Krecheta and other complexes on the road.

Advantages:

• Good viewing angle and recording quality;
• Excellent display with a resolution of 800×480;
• Perfectly catches all cameras, both stationary and portable;
• Automatic saving of records when G-sensor is triggered.

Flaws:

• Fourth Android;
• A large range of prices — from 6 to 100$.

Eplutus is a surprisingly successful device that can adequately perform all the functions inherent in it. Even as a radar detector, it is not bad, although there is also a merit of the navigation module here — it is GPS that notifies about stationary cameras.

The best travel (sports) GPS-navigators

Profile travel devices differ from their automotive counterparts in their compact size and greater autonomy. They also have shock-resistant protected cases and powerful GPS modules that guarantee a constant connection with satellites.

True, the same Garmin still reigns supreme in this niche — other manufacturers do not have successful solutions.

eTrex 20x — indestructible navigator

The reliable device in the ergonomic protected case conforming to the ip X7 standard is completely waterproof.

The display is a color TFT-matrix with a diagonal of 2.2 inches. The device is powered by 2 AA batteries, which will last for 24 hours of autonomous navigation.

The GPS module can work with GPS and GLONASS satellites, while a cold start does not take more than 30 seconds. The eTrex has a pretty decent 3.7GB of storage, but it’s expandable with a microSD card.

Advantages:

• Waterproof and ergonomic body;
• Quietly works at -20..-25 °С;
• Simple interface;
• Color and high-quality display for this form factor;
• Confident signal reception;
• Fully multilingual.

Flaws:

• The joystick is not blocked and works all the time in the pocket;
• High cost — about 12-140$.

The eTrex 20x is a good option for fishermen, mushroom pickers and hikers who mainly travel in open areas. In the forest, the navigator catches satellite signals much worse.

Garmin GPSMAP 64ST — paired with a smartphone

Another waterproof navigator from Garmin in a shockproof case and with an external receiver antenna (like on old mobile phones). But here it is already possible to change cartography using bases on a memory card, as well as synchronization with a smartphone via Bluetooth.

All information from the navigator is periodically reset to the phone, which makes it possible to control the route even if the GPS device is lost. The device is powered by dual branded batteries — you can’t put ordinary batteries here.

Advantages:

• Large amount of built-in memory (8 GB);
• Work in the GLONASS system;
• When using a battery, you can charge the device from the cigarette lighter;
• Built-in compass with compensator;
• Color screen 2.6″;
• Easier control thanks to the added buttons.

Flaws:

• High cost — 250 $;
• Not the highest autonomy (17 hours).

Garmin 64ST can be taken with you for a walk in the forest, and on a multi-day hike. Especially if the weather is promised «non-flying».