Many drivers still swear by a dedicated portable GPS navigation system, and for good reason. A portable GPS, or portable navigation device (PND), leaves your phone free for other uses. Portable GPS doesn’t deplete the phone data plan because the maps are stored in the device and there are no rude surprises trying to create a trip in area with no cell service.

Any of these five tested models provide accurate on-screen and spoken directions and free lifetime map updates. Onboard batteries keep them running in case the power cord detaches. The best are more helpful and easier to use. Some model variants of these five may offer–at different prices–varying screen sizes, map locations, traffic info, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a backup camera connection. We selected the best combinations of features and price.

Across its product line, Garmin provides the best visual and audible directions, as well as many handy navigational extras. And the DriveSmart 66 stands out with a gorgeous, high-resolution 6.0-inch display, driver-friendly voice control and several other handy extras, including Amazon Alexa capability. It can also be connected with Garmin’s backup camera.

The Garmin Drive 52 provides the same great navigation as the DriveSmart 66, but without the extras. If you just want to save some bucks, it’s a great choice. And if you want traffic alerts, the Drive 52 & Traffic is about $40 more.

TomTom’s top-of-the-line model, available with a sharp 7.0-inch display, provides many of the same features as Garmin’s DriveSmart models. And it will save you money on new maps when navigating overseas. But it’s not up to the DriveSmart 66 overall.

The 5.0-inch version of the GO Supreme provides the same comprehensive “world” map coverage and most of the features of the 7-inch GO Discover, but in a smaller, less expensive package. A 6.0-inch version is also available for $50 more.

This 8.0-inch GPS navigator is great for larger dashboards and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Best of all, its directions are custom tailored for your RV or pull-behind trailer, based on the vehicle’s specific size and weight, so you won’t have any unpleasant routing surprises. The RV 890 gives you all of Garmin’s usual nav extras, as well as a directory of RV parks and services and info from other RV-related sources.

Bestselling Car Navigation GPS Units on Amazon Sponsored Sale Bestseller No. 1 10,232 Reviews Garmin DriveSmart 65, Built-In Voice-Controlled GPS Navigator with 6.95” High-Res Display , Black Easy to use 6.95” GPS navigatorSimple menus and bright, easy to see mapsGarmin Traffic suggests alternate routes. Backup camera compatible-yes (BC 30 or BC 40) $269.99 −$70.00 $199.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Sale Bestseller No. 2 1,034 Reviews Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS2.2" sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readabilityPreloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking $199.99 −$19.99 $180.00 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 3 258 Reviews Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readabilityPreloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking $299.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 4 5,184 Reviews Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome displayWAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signalWaterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc. $149.90 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 5 673 Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass, Preloaded With TopoActive Maps, Black/Tan Rugged and water-resistant design with button operation and a 2. 6” sunlight-readable color displayPreloaded with Topo Active maps (U. S. and Australia only) featuring routable roads and trails for cycling and hikingKnow where you’re at with a high-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter $369.95 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 6 342 Reviews Garmin Montana 700, Rugged GPS Handheld, Routable Mapping for Roads and Trails, Glove-Friendly 5" Color Touchscreen Rugged construction is rated to MIL-STD 810 for thermal, shock, water and vibration5” glove-friendly touchscreen display (50% larger than the previous model) offers easy viewability; available with versatile mounting optionsMulti-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps; outdoor navigation sensors include 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter $595.00 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Sale Bestseller No. 7 980 Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator, Featuring TopoActive mapping and inReach Technology Large 3 inch Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewingTrigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, two-way messaging via the 100% Global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required)Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription), includes multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors $599.99 −$34.99 $565.00 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 8 12 Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 64csx, Handheld GPS with Altimeter, Compass and 8 MP Camera, Preloaded with TopoActive Maps (Renewed) Rugged and water-resistant design with button operation and a 2. 6" sunlight-readable color displayPreloaded with Topo Active maps (U. S. and Australia only) featuring routable roads and trails for cycling and hikingKnow where you're at with a high-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter $479.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 9 4 Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 79s, Marine GPS Handheld with Worldwide Basemap, Rugged Design and Floats in Water Rugged, floating, water-resistant (IPX6 — unit level only) handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glassIncreased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes and 300 fit activitiesSupports multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS) for reliable tracking around the world $299.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer Bestseller No. 10 47 Reviews Garmin GPSMAP 65, Button-Operated Handheld with Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-Band Technology, 2.6" Color Display, 010-02451-00 Large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewingExpanded global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology allow you to get optimal accuracy in challenging locations, including steep country, urban canyons and forests with dense treesIncludes routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only) $349.99 Buy on Amazon Partner Offer

Forbes Wheels compared the specs, features and pricing of more than 30 portable GPS devices, and we tested the leading models. They were evaluated on display quality, ease of use, map coverage and extra convenience features, such as voice control, Wi-Fi updating, Bluetooth connectivity and handy alerts and information sources. We also checked expert and user reviews to identify where people have had problems with them. Here, we’re recommending the five best overall values for people with different needs.

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