Top 10 Best Car Navigation Systems to Buy Online 2020

Garmin’s the leader in vehicle navigation systems, and their entry level NAVI system is hard to beat for its price. You’re not going to be able to watch any movies or really do anything other than getting to your destination, but it’s got all the advanced warnings and direction features you’d get from the higher end models.

By using Garmin, you’re relying on the same map data that all Garmin GPS systems use. There are some in-dash systems that even use Garmin maps. However, it does not come with free lifetime map updates, which is why it comes in at number 10. There are no turn-by-turn voice instructions either.

For $75 with this product, you’re getting a touchscreen GPS system with lifetime map updates and an integrated dash cam feature. It has no WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, but if you’re OK with plugging it in to your computer to get updates, then this system’s the way to go.

However, there have been reports about the reliability of their mapping systems, and if you’re a stickler for the most accurate and up-to-date maps, it’s probably a better idea to go with Garmin’s entry level models. However, the price is hard to beat for a dash cam and GPS system combo.

For 30 more dollars, you’re getting the same NAVI system as above, but also free lifetime map updates, as well as spoken turn-by-turn instructions, so you don’t have to constantly glance at the screen to see where you’re going. This model also comes with a suction cup for your windshield.

Frankly, free map updates is an underrated feature, because many of these companies will nickel and dime unwitting customers for updating their maps. This model also comes with Foursquare POIs enabled, which allows you to access millions of restaurants, stores, and basically any commercial enterprise that Foursquare is aware of.

Cheaper than Garmin’s entry models is the TomTom, which might not have the instant name brand recognition as Garmin models. However, it does come preloaded with maps of not only the US but also Canada and Mexico–and offers free lifetime map updates. For a cheaper price than Garmin’s model, too. Hard to go wrong there.

Who knows, you might find yourself crossing the border at some point, and Mr. Tom will be ready to help. It doesn’t offer turn-by-turn voice instructions, but does come with a split screen view. This zooms in on a specific exit that’s coming up and tells you where exactly to get off, without distracting you from the greater route.

If you’re looking to splurge on an infotainment system, it’s hard to beat Pioneer’s top of the line in-dash system. As we said before, the screen is important, and this touch screen uses capacitive technology, which responds to heat conductors on your finger rather than pressure from it. In short, they’re more responsive.

This model’s truly got it all: updated maps, restaurants and loads of other POIs. It’s got Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, weather updates, and Bluetooth capabilities. Plus, it comes with a rear backup camera, too. What truly sets this puppy apart, though, is its screen, which is 7 inches of slick sensitive touchscreen.

The main feature of this NAVI system is its dash camera, which gives you forward collision warning when you’re driving, alerting you if you get too close to the car in front of you. For drivers who look for that added safety feature in the NAVI systems, Garmin’s DriveAssist 51 is the way to go.

The dash cam also has the ability to record the drive if you’d like, in case you want to have extra evidence in collisions, or simply want to create time lapses. It has capacitive touch screen technology, voice activation, live parking updates, free lifetime maps, the whole shabang.

Back to the basics. For $150 on Amazon, you’re getting a really reliable GPS navigator: free lifetime map updates and traffic alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, and even parking prices and availability when you’re trying to find a spot. If you live in a big city, that feature alone could be worth it.

Unlike Garmin’s entry models, which require you to plug the device into your computer in order to get updates, this model allows you to do it if you’re connected to your smartphone. It also comes with the option to add a rear view camera, though it’s not included in the price. As far as your standard navigation needs go, you can’t go wrong with Garmin.

This is Garmin’s higher end model, and you’re buying the best of the best. It has the fastest processor of all Garmin models, a capacitive touchscreen, voice command features, built in WiFi for faster map updates and live traffic reports, the whole 9 yards.

When connected to your phone, text messages and calls that you receive will pop up on the monitor. If you’re simply interested in getting the best GPS navigator out there without additional entertainment features, and you don’t mind opening your wallet, this is the NAVI system for you.

This is a direct competitor to the medium-end Garmin Drive 51, and it just packs a little more features into the device for a very comparable price. For just 10 more dollars, you get the ability to make hands-free bluetooth calls and advanced lane guidance, which tells you when you’re swerving out of your lane, among other features.

This is TomTom’s answer to the medium-end Garmin NAVI systems. It’s got voice control, dynamic destination prediction that learns your driving habits, and even the capacitive screen technology that Pioneer uses on its $900 models. Garmin’s Drive 51 doesn’t.

This in-dash NAVI system has all of the features we’ve listed so far, and it comes in at under $140. Of course, it comes with all the features you’d want in your GPS system. But what really sets this NAVI system apart are its entertainment capabilities: AM and FM radio, CD and DVD player potentials, and of course, the ability to hook up to your smartphone via Bluetooth and play music, and even make calls.

The one drawback is that it’s in-dash, so there might be some installment fees, but that’s easily overlooked because of everything else you’re getting. Of all the GPS systems we’ve reviewed, the Power Acoustik PDN comes with the most features at the most reasonable price, and it’s got great navigation capabilities to boot.