In our time of active urban development, getting from point A to point B is not so easy. Maps become outdated quickly, and where yesterday there was a wasteland overgrown with weeds, now there is a forest of high-rise buildings. And if you need to travel outside your hometown or go to the other end of the country? The navigator will help here - he will lay the shortest route, and will tell you where to turn to avoid traffic jams.
Which car navigators are better, see our 2020 ranking, based on reviews, prices and the popularity of models on Yandex.Market.
Which car navigator is better to choose
Hardware capabilities
The diagonal and screen resolution are very important indicators for any gadgets that display information. The basic rule here is that the more the better. Do not be afraid of the large diagonal, it will only get in the way if you attach it directly to the windshield at eye level. And the higher the resolution, the more detail is displayed and the clearer it becomes.
- Built-in memory. It's very good if the navigator still has an extra. slot for a memory card.
- RAM is the same rule; the larger its volume, the faster the navigator works.
Cards
Actually, for what car navigators are bought. Which one is better can be determined by the combination of characteristics:
- reliability of maps,
- the ability to quickly update information about traffic jams,
- how exactly the navigator communicates with the base - Wi-Fi or cellular communication (the latter is useful if the driver often leaves the network coverage),
- is it possible to work with the navigator offline,
- is it possible to voice prompts,
- availability of GLONASS support,
- how often maps are updated and how much updates will cost the driver.
operating system
Each of the systems that navigators usually come out with have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Android is useful in that it can seamlessly "collaborate" with other navigation apps if you want to install them.
- Windows CE has not been updated for a long time, although in itself it is very simple and intuitive.
- Linux is for the few originals who know what they want and how to get it.
Additional features
Some gps-navigators are also equipped with a camera and can work as a video recorder. Others act as a movie / music player. How useful these additional features are is up to you.
Rating of the best navigators in 2020
10. Garmin Montana 610
- universal navigator
- color touch display 4 ″
- resolution 272 × 480 pixels.
- GLONASS
- Software: Garmin
- 8 GB memory, micro SD support
- waterproof case
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
The rating of the best car navigators of 2020 opens with a small portable model from Garmin. It will look great both in the car, and on the handlebars of a motorcycle or bicycle. Based on ratings and reviews, this is one of the best navigators on the market.
Garmin Montana 610 has a number of attractive features: accurate maps (over 250 thousand), BirdsEye subscription, GLONASS support.
Maps are displayed on a 4-inch touchscreen, which is very good for a portable navigator. It can be operated with gloves, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by motorcyclists. Moreover, it has both the usual "page" format and landscape, and the screen is rebuilt on the fly, you just need to turn the device.
The device supports both storage of personalized maps, routes and points of interest, and search by them.
pros: large touch screen, cold resistance, convenient operation, build quality.
Minuses: overpriced in Russia.
9. Garmin GPSMAP 64
- universal navigator
- 2.6 ″ color display
- resolution 160 × 240 pixels.
- GLONASS
- Software: Garmin
- 4 GB memory, micro SD support
- waterproof case
- work from a cigarette lighter
It is a large and solid navigator that you can work with in the cold without removing your gloves. The antenna catches everything, both in the open field and in urban conditions. And the information on the screen is perfectly visible even in direct sunlight; the only pity is that the screen itself is small, only 2.6 inches. The "simple" 64 has neither an altimeter nor a compass, like its "letter" products 64s or 64st, but this is more than compensated by the increased battery life of the same size.
Preinstalled maps have such rare options as measuring the depth of water bodies (the joy of anglers). But if you wish, you can use satellite maps as a background, which will increase their readability significantly. While you will need to use a third-party software to install them on the Garmin GPSMAP 64, the result is worth it.
If you use the device in a car, protect it from direct sunlight in summer. The device will work without problems, but its presentation will deteriorate - the rubber of the case can peel off from ultraviolet radiation.
pros: long operating mode, high-quality assembly, the screen is perfectly readable.
Minuses: high price of accessories, difficult way to update and install additional cards.
8. TomTom GO 630
- car navigator
- color touch screen 4.3 ″
- resolution 480 × 272 pixels.
- Software: TomTom
- 2GB memory, SD support
- Bluetooth
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
One of the oldest devices on the market, which, nevertheless, still enjoys well-deserved popularity. The manufacturer announced the release of the TomTom GO 630 back in 2008. Then it was a navigation system at a very reasonable price, a 4.3-inch screen with a resolution of 480 x 272, pre-installed maps. There was no radio and multimedia, but there was voice control. And also there was no practically obligatory exchange of information about traffic jams now.
Why is the TomTom GO 630 still popular in the car navigation market? Due to the excellent quality of materials and workmanship, fast work, advanced search capabilities on the map, the ability to set your points of interest and constantly updated maps.
According to some drivers, maps of Russia (except for its central part) leave much to be desired, but it is difficult to find the best navigator for Eastern and Western Europe.
pros: build quality and materials, speed of work, advanced search, regular software and map updates, stable gps signal even in megacities.
Minuses: difficulties with support in Russia.
7. Garmin eTrex 20x
- universal navigator
- color display 2.2 ″
- resolution 240 × 320 pixels.
- GLONASS
- Software: Garmin
- 3.70 GB memory, micro SD support
- waterproof case
- powered by AA batteries
The model was created with a direct expectation of active tourists who like to climb somewhere farther, and the more difficulties, the more pleasant they are. Therefore, in addition to the navigation module itself, the navigator also has a compass, a barometer and the ability to exchange data with other travel devices over a wireless network. At the same time, eTrex 20x has retained the main distinctive features of the Garmin device - reliability, simplicity, and endurance.
Most of all, the Garmin eTrex 20x looks like a regular smartphone, albeit in a "sporty" case with rubber plugs in place of all ports. The diagonal of the display is only 2.2 inches, but its picture is clear and visible even in bright sunlight.The navigator catches both GPS and GLONASS, and the case has a microSD slot. So, if the preinstalled maps are not enough, you can download anything and how you want via a USB flash drive - you just need to know which applications to use (the specific name is easy to find on the Internet).
pros: protection against dust and water, a large selection of mounts, service life.
Minuses: small screen, difficulty with scrolling the map, expensive accessories.
6. Ritmix RGP-570
- car navigator
- color touch display 5 ″
- resolution 800 × 480 pixels.
- Software: Navitel
- 4 GB memory, micro SD support
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
In sixth place in the ranking of the best car navigators of 2020 in terms of price and reviews is the budget model from Ritmix. The device looks simple and stylish - a five-inch screen with good resolution and backlighting, framed by massive frames, however, without buttons - the display is touch-sensitive.
It's nice that the device works not just fast, but very fast, even despite not the most advantageous characteristics (for example, its OS is the old Windows CE, which has not been updated for 7 years). And in addition to navigation itself, the Ritmix RGP-570 will allow you to calculate on a calculator and play simple games.
pros: simplicity and convenience of installation and updating, speed of operation, battery life, there is a headphone jack.
Minuses: it takes a long time to load when turned on, the sensor does not work clearly in the corners of the screen, to change the volume you need to go deep into the settings.
5. Prestigio GeoVision 5060
- Type: Car Navigator
- Navigation software: PROGOROD
- Chipset / Receiver: MStar MSB2531 Cortex A7
- Screen diagonal: 5 ″
One of the most inexpensive models among the best gps navigators, it has a long connection cable and can be powered from both the built-in battery and from the car network and USB port. It is equipped with a strong magnetic mount, and is securely held during the trip.
The GeoVision 5060 menu is completely Russified, and the maps can be viewed even without an Internet connection. The navigator notifies in a timely manner of the need to rebuild, and the information is well read from the bright screen even in sunny weather. So if you need a simple and reliable gps navigator without a lot of bells and whistles, take the Prestigio GeoVision 5060, you will not be disappointed.
pros: quickly finds satellites, downloads schematic pictures and builds a route, up-to-date maps, simple interface.
Minuses: low screen resolution, very loud notifications even at minimum volume, no SIM card slot.
4. NAVITEL G500
- car navigator
- color touch display 5 ″
- resolution 480 × 272 pixels.
- GLONASS
- Software: Navitel
- FM transmitter
- 4 GB memory, micro SD support
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
We gave the fourth place in the rating of car navigators in 2020 to a well-made device that quickly establishes a connection with satellites, loads maps and quickly rebuilds a route and can be controlled with both a finger and a stylus.
The NAVITEL G500 has both GPS and GLONASS. Although, for some mysterious reasons, the creators of the navigator decided to bind it to such an infrequently used connector as mini-USB (well, at least it is included in the package).
The kit includes a bracket with which the navigator can be installed where a rather short cord only a meter long allows. Whether the ability to use the navigator as a video and radio player makes up for this disadvantage is up to the reader.
NAVITEL G500 gives voice and visual prompts about the speed of the car, dangerous areas and notifies about speed cameras, radars, pedestrian crossings and the need to change lanes. However, it does not have an Internet connection, so information about traffic jams is not available.
pros: secure mount, you can output sound to the car audio system, there is a choice of alternative routes, loud notifications.
Minuses: short cable for connecting to the cigarette lighter, at high volume the sound starts to rattle, inconvenient search.
3. NAVITEL G550 Moto
- motorcycle navigator
- color touch screen 4.3 ″
- resolution 480 × 272 pixels.
- Software: Navitel
- 8 GB memory, micro SD support
- Bluetooth
- waterproof case
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
Those who appreciate the wind in the face and the feeling of speed also need a gps navigator. And the NAVITEL company has released a model designed specifically for motorcycles - the G550 Moto. Its resistive display responds well to a gloved hand, and the navigator itself is firmly attached to the handlebars of the motorcycle thanks to the presence of the corresponding bracket.
In addition, the device can be installed in a car, for this, a charger and holder are included.
Users praise this model for its fast route planning, many useful points (gas stations, ATMs, cafes, etc.) and detailed maps of Russia. In addition to them, the NAVITEL G550 Moto also contains up-to-date maps of Europe. A free map update is provided, and if necessary, you can buy additional ones.
During route guidance, you can see both the vehicle speed and estimated arrival times, upcoming turns and road junctions on the navigator display.
Navitel G550 Moto can be connected to the helmet's built-in Bluetooth headset to listen to music (MP3 files only) or navigation assistant prompts.
pros: up-to-date cards, sturdy case, secure mount, fast work.
Minuses: small screen size, outdated OS, no Wi-Fi and no mobile internet.
2. Mystery MNS-430MP
- car navigator
- color touch screen 4.3 ″
- resolution 480 × 320 pixels.
- Software: Navitel
- FM transmitter
- 256MB memory, SD support
- work from a cigarette lighter
This small, compact device has a small but bright backlit touchscreen and a built-in media player that lets you listen to MP3 music, watch AVI videos or watch JPEG photos. And all the soundtrack can be sent to the FM-receiver of the car.
Mystery MNS-430MP has a simple menu, accurately maps the route, does not freeze during operation and has up-to-date, detailed maps of Russia. This is an excellent option in terms of price and functionality for those who want not only to go along the right path, but also to entertain passengers a little on the road.
pros: secure mount with suction cup, large battery.
Minuses: video in good quality may slow down, the GPS antenna is external, not built-in.
1. Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT
- car navigator
- color touch display 5 ″
- resolution 480 × 272 pixels.
- Software: Garmin
- micro SD support
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- battery powered
- work from a cigarette lighter
Yes, this gps-navigator cannot be called cheap, but for its price it offers excellent functionality.
It is fast loading and positioning, and can analyze road traffic using an RDS radio signal, even without a network connection and free of charge. However, if DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT is allowed to go online, then information about traffic jams will be loaded much faster.
The navigator shows the current transport speed, arrival time and highlights the required exit lane in a separate window. It is very convenient in the conditions of complex multi-level urban interchanges. It can be “made friends” via Bluetooth and used as a hands free system, and the quality of the microphone and speaker is excellent. But the navigator does not always pronounce the name of the streets clearly.
In addition, this model notifies the owner of speed cameras, dangerous turns, and even fatigue. It can work in conjunction with a Garmin BC 30 wireless reversing camera and a Garmin babyCam video nanny. The device is reliable, multifunctional and easy to use, so it's definitely worth the money.
pros: high-quality assembly, responsive screen, secure fit, fast operation, voice-controlled navigation.
Minuses: price.