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Rik Paul Contributor
Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. He’s been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and he’s held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports’ autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Company’s product-review website. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes. And he likes nothing better than to be exploring new places in a great vehicle.
By Rik Paul
Rik Paul Contributor
Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. He’s been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and he’s held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports’ autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Company’s product-review website. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes. And he likes nothing better than to be exploring new places in a great vehicle.
Contributor
George Kennedy Contributor
George Kennedy has reviewed cars and provided car advice for outlets such as Consumer Reports, CarGurus, U.S. News & World Report, the Boston Globe, AutoBlog and others. He is the managing editor for UpShift, the official publication of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. George has owned multiple future-classics before they were collectible, including a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, an XJ Jeep Cherokee and a two-door Chevy Tahoe.
Reviewed By
George Kennedy
George Kennedy Contributor
George Kennedy has reviewed cars and provided car advice for outlets such as Consumer Reports, CarGurus, U.S. News & World Report, the Boston Globe, AutoBlog and others. He is the managing editor for UpShift, the official publication of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. George has owned multiple future-classics before they were collectible, including a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, an XJ Jeep Cherokee and a two-door Chevy Tahoe.
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Updated: Jan 5, 2024, 6:56pm
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Most new cars come equipped with a navigation system, and nearly all new cars have touchscreen infotainment systems that connect smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With those connected smartphone systems, you can use apps like Google Maps or Waze.
But for many motorists, there’s a sense of security that comes from using a portable GPS system for navigation on long road trips. Perhaps your vehicle is older and it does not have the in-dash connectivity for navigation or a smartphone app. In that case, you definitely want a dedicated GPS unit, rather than mounting your phone to the dash. But one of the best reasons for a portable GPS unit is so that you are not relying on your phone’s reception as you head out on those long road trips into areas with potentially low reception.
Whatever your reason, we found portable GPS units that provide reliable and consistent directions and various helpful features for your next trip—whether it’s a cross-town commute or a cross-country road trip. There are various features available depending on the model selected, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, wireless connectivity and even a backup camera connection.
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- Best Portable Car GPS Navigation Systems For 2024
- Garmin DriveSmart 76
- TomTom Go Comfort 6
- Rand McNally TND 750
- TomTom GO Supreme
- Garmin RV 1095
- Methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Maybe You're Interested In Portable Car GPS Systems Available On Amazon
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THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
1
Garmin DriveSmart 65
GPS navigator
6.95” GPS navigator with display resolution 1024 x 600 pixels
Built-in
Wi-Fi connectivity for OTA updates, pre-loaded TripAdvisor traveler ratings
Other features
Backup camera compatible, Hands-free calling, smart notifications and live traffic updated via the Garmin Drive App
3
Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic
GPS navigator
5.5” GPS navigator with 1280 x 720p display
Built-in
Wi-fi
Other features
Included Garmin Traffic Voice-activated navigation, Driver alerts
Best Portable Car GPS Navigation Systems For 2024
- Garmin DriveSmart 76: Best For Those Easily Lost
- TomTom Go Comfort 6: Best Value
- Rand McNally TND 750: Best For Pro Drivers
- TomTom GO Supreme: Best For International Travel
- Garmin RV 1095: Best For RVs
Best For Those Easily Lost
Garmin DriveSmart 76
Screen size
6 to 8 inches
Screen resolution
1024 by 600 pixels
Other features
Camera available, U.S. National Parks directory and live traffic info
Best For Those Easily Lost
Garmin DriveSmart 76
Screen size
6 to 8 inches
Screen resolution
1024 by 600 pixels
Other features
Camera available, U.S. National Parks directory and live traffic info
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best Value
TomTom Go Comfort 6
Screen size
6 inches
Screen resolution
480 by 272 pixels
Other features
Touchscreen with free traffic updates
Best Value
TomTom Go Comfort 6
Screen size
6 inches
Screen resolution
480 by 272 pixels
Other features
Touchscreen with free traffic updates
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best For Pro Drivers
Rand McNally TND 750
Screen size
7 inches
Screen resolution
800 by 1280 pixels
Other features
Pro features like lane changes, weigh stations and truck routes
Best For Pro Drivers
Rand McNally TND 750
Screen size
7 inches
Screen resolution
800 by 1280 pixels
Other features
Pro features like lane changes, weigh stations and truck routes
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best For International Travel
TomTom GO Supreme
Screen size
5 to 6 inches
Screen resolution
480 by 272 pixels
Other features
World maps included
Best For International Travel
TomTom GO Supreme
Screen size
5 to 6 inches
Screen resolution
480 by 272 pixels
Other features
World maps included
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best For RVs
Garmin RV 1095
Screen size
10 inches
Screen resolution
1280 by 800 pixels
Other features
RV route modifications
Best For RVs
Garmin RV 1095
Screen size
10 inches
Screen resolution
1280 by 800 pixels
Other features
RV route modifications
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Methodology
While many cars now offer navigation or at least Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, some drivers prefer dedicated portable GPS navigation devices for directions. Portable GPS works in other countries without data charges and offers a screen for cars without one. We reviewed GPS devices on the efficiency of their chosen routes, the richness of the information provided (points of interest along the route, charging stations, restaurants, etc.) and user interfaces. We also considered upfront price and the prices for traffic and map updates.
We evaluate all portable GPS units based on these weighted metrics:
- Price (25%)
- Map coverage and precision of directions (20%)
- Manufacturer reputation (15%)
- Cost of maps and traffic data (10%)
- Size of screen and ease of interface (10%)
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and/or smartphone capability (5%)
- Power Source and Battery Life (5%)
- Audio communication capabilities (5%)
- Warranty (5%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Buy a Portable GPS Instead of Using a Smartphone?
Many drivers have dash or window mounts for a smartphone, and why not? There are plenty of great smartphone navigation apps that are available today. But your smartphone requires a cellular signal to operate. A mobile GPS unit has built-in maps and is connected via a satellite connection. It is much more reliable for when you are in remote areas and lack cell service. The portable GPS device also frees up your smartphone for calls and music. You can also pair your smartphone to a GPS device for hands-free calling and playing music as well.
What Makes One GPS Unit Cost More Than Another?
There are a number of factors, including feature availability and screen size. The latter is definitely a major factor, as the larger and more high-resolution screens will cost more. But there are all sorts of features that will impact the price, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as integrated Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Some devices offer real-time traffic information, device updates and additional maps. There are also some devices with a built-in dash camera and/or the ability to connect to a backup camera.
Can I Use My GPS Device Outside the U.S.?
Most GPS devices cover the U.S. and many include Canada and possibly Mexico. Some GPS brands include international maps for free, and some require you to spend money to access those world maps.
How Accurate is a Portable GPS Unit?
According to the U.S. government, which created GPS (Global Position System) for the U.S. Department of Defense and launched the first satellite in 1978, the accuracy is roughly within 16 feet or one car length. It’s not accurate enough to know if the car is in the left or right lane of a divided interstate highway, but it does have the accuracy to tell you which street to turn onto at the right time. A GPS can also use clearly defined turns to confirm the car’s position. It may be momentarily confused coming out of a parking garage.
Is a GPS Unit Better Than Google Maps?
A dedicated GPS unit is not compromised by other functions. That means it’s only drawing power and signal for one purpose and is less likely to slow down, quit or drain the battery as fast as a smartphone running Google Maps or a similar app. However, some GPS units have data services onboard that can show live traffic but require an active smartphone connection. All in all, your smartphone’s free GPS apps will be updated more frequently, have better suggestions and will not require a second device to function.
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Rik PaulContributor
Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. He’s been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and he’s held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports’ autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Company’s product-review website. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes. And he likes nothing better than to be exploring new places in a great vehicle.
George KennedyContributor
George Kennedy has reviewed cars and provided car advice for outlets such as Consumer Reports, CarGurus, U.S. News & World Report, the Boston Globe, AutoBlog and others. He is the managing editor for UpShift, the official publication of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. George has owned multiple future-classics before they were collectible, including a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, an XJ Jeep Cherokee and a two-door Chevy Tahoe.
