If you are looking for the best sat nav, then you have come to the right place.
Gone are the days when you needed to spend thousands of pounds on a sat nav, but these days the technology has become extremely simplified and available.
There are smartphone apps that do exactly the same thing as sat navs, but then you have to rely on data connection which can be unreliable.
Many cars still do not come with built-in satellite navigation systems, so drivers have to rely on their smartphones and other devices for navigation.
Sat navs come in a variety of specifications which are suitable to different types of vehicles.
Why do I need a sat nav?
There are more than a dozen reasons why you need a sat nav, but the most important reason is safety.
While smartphone maps are great, sat navs ensure that you are always focused on driving.
Most brands include hands-free features that allow you receive and make calls; as well as read Facebook, Whatsapp and text messages without taking your hands off the wheel.
Some models come with advanced features such as dash cameras, which are great for recording your drive.
In case of incidents, the dash camera automatically updates and sends files on impact.
What features should I look for in a sat nav?
There are two main brands which dominate the sat nav market, these are Garmin and TomTom.
Both brands are major competitors and manufacture some of the best sat navs.
Maps
One important feature to look out for is the maps that are included.
You might want to consider sat navs that come with full Europe maps and world maps.
However, you can buy sat navs with country specific maps; it all depends on your needs.
Hands Free
Another feature to consider is the hands-free, which lets you make and receive calls as well as read text messages.
Sat navs that come with Bluetooth connectivity often have the hands-free feature. This feature is a great safety features as it keeps you focused on driving.
Voice Control
Other features to look out for is the voice control feature which lets you plan routes by speaking to the device; driver awareness features which keep you updated with information about your driving such as speed, live traffic updates and so on.
How do you update a Sat Nav?
Updating your sat nav is relatively easy, you just use the cable that comes with the sat nav and connect it to your computer.
Then you just follow the on screen instructions to update.
How does a Sat Nav work in a car?
A satellite navigation device or “Sat Nav” for short, works by using the global positioning system or “GPS” for short to work out where you are on the planet by getting signals from satellites that orbit the earth.
Luxury meets convenience in Garmins DriveLuxe 51LMT-S.
This premium sat nav is packed with smart features that ensure safety.
It comes with Bluetooth hands-free calling as well as live services such as traffic and map updates.
It comes with a 5 inch glass touch screen which displays maps and other images at a very high resolution.
The DriveLuxe has an incident alert which informs your friends and loved once an incident occurs.
It will send a text messages with a link to the map of your exact location.
Garmin DriveLuxe 51LMT-S EU 5-inch Sat Nav Features
- It features an elegant design with a sleek metal body and a powered magnetic mount.
- Comes with built-in Wi-Fi for easier-than-ever map and software updates.
- Driver alerts for dangerous curves, speed changes, railroad crossings, school zones, speed cameras, fatigue warning and more.
- Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice-activated navigation, onscreen smart notifications.
- Live parking information for on and off street parking at your destination.
Positives
- Very easy to install with magnetic mount
- Easy to operate
- The screen is very clear with impressive map images
- High quality casing
- Great value
Negatives
- Map updates in cities is quite slow
Garmin DriveLuxe 51LMT-S EU 5-inch Sat Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 14.2 x 8.1 cm
- Item weight 272 g
- Screen size: 5 inches
- Touchscreen: yes
- Driver alerts: yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and WiFi
- Map: Europe
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Garmin DriveLuxe 51LMT-S EU 5-inch Sat Nav Conclusion
This premium sat nav incident alert system is very impressive and effective. The metallic case design does add an element of quality to it.
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The Garmin Drive 51LMT-S 5-inch sat navigation is a great piece of device with impressive features.
It has both speed and safety cameras as well as live traffic updates and real time parking information.
The live track feature is great as it allows drivers share their routes with others.
The Drive 51LMT is definitely a fantastic device which helps to reduce stress while driving.
Garmin Drive 51LMT-S 5-inch Sat Nav Features
- This is an easy-to-use sat navigation with 5-inch dual-orientation display.
- It is loaded with UK and Ireland lifetime maps.
- Driver awareness features include alerts for dangerous curves, speed changes, railroad crossings, school zones, speed cameras and more.
- Free lifetime Live Traffic via the Smartphone Link App.
- This device is compatible with Windows XP or newer and Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
- Includes live parking information for on and off street parking at your destination.
- Garmin Real Directions provides detailed guidance using landmarks and traffic lights.
Positives
- Easy to set up
- Connects with smartphone for live traffic
- Fantastic driver awareness features
Negatives
- The battery needs to be recharged frequently
Garmin Drive 51LMT-S 5-inch Sat Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 2.1 x 14 cm
- Item weight: 172 g
- Screen size: 5 inches
- Driver alerts: yes
- Driver awareness: yes
- Live traffic: yes
- Smartphone link app: yes
- Boxed-product Weight: 381 g
- Dual orientation: yes
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Maps included: UK and Ireland
Garmin Drive 51LMT-S 5-inch Sat Nav Conclusion
This Garmin Drive sat nav is a great device for stress free driving.
The driver awareness features are very effective; also the display is easy to view while engaged in driving.
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If you are looking for a decent sat nav for your camper or caravan, this Garmin Camper 770LMT-D is one to consider.
This sat nav lets you enjoy the convenience of driving with a reliable guide.
It comes with special features and a large display screen with clear and well detailed images.
This sat nav lets you customize routes and keeps you aware of your speed limits.
Garmin Camper 770LMT-D 6.95-inch Sat Nav Features
- It features a 6.95 inch edge-to-edge touchscreen display.
- It is great custom routing and trip planning. It also comes with an Active Lane Guide system.
- Directory of campsites from ACSI, NKC and MHF.
- It comes with awareness features such as route warnings.
- It comes with Europe lifetime map updates; Digital traffic via DAB; Free live services
- It permits hands-free calling and Voice-activated navigation.
- It comes with built-in Wi-Fi for easy map updates.
- This sat nav is compatible with Garmin BC 30 Wireless Back up Camera.
Positives
- Effective route planning and warnings
- The Active Lane Guide system is a great feature
- Very clear display
Negatives
- The charging cable is short
Garmin Camper 770LMT-D 6.95-inch Sat Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 1.9 x 17.3 cm
- Item weight: 245 g
- Screen size: 6.95 inch
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Map: full Europe
- Smart notifications
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Garmin Camper 770LMT-D 6.95-inch Sat Nav Conclusion
This is one of the most impressive sat navs from Garmin.
This camper navigation device is very effective and reliable.
This is a great sat nav to purchase for your motor home or camper.
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The TomTom GO 6200 is the ideal sat Navigation which connects seamlessly to your smartphone and integrates with Siri and Google Now.
The GO 6200 allows you to receive calls, send and receive text messages, as well as Facebook and Whatsapp messages.
It comes loaded with a world map; it also comes with built in Wi-Fi which updates your map directly.
This sat nav is one of the best navigation devices out there.
TomTom GO 6200 with WiFi Features
- This sat nav gives you access to world maps. You can access maps via your Wi-Fi network for free.
- The accurate traffic information enables your TomTom GO to intelligently plan routes around traffic.
- This sat nav updates Via Wi-Fi. You can get the latest maps and software for your TomTom VIA built-in Wi-Fi.
- It is compatible with Siri and Google now.
- Hands-free calling and smartphone messaging.
Positives
- Large screen size for better viewing while driving
- Easy world map updates
- Effective magnetic mount
Negatives
- The voice command is not the most impressive
TomTom GO 6200 with WiFi Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 16.3 x 10.6 cm
- Item weight: 263 g
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- App: yes
- Hands-free: yes
- Mount: magnetic mount
- Screen size: 6 inches
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
TomTom GO 6200 with WiFi Conclusion
This feature loaded sat nav is what you need to navigate through cities across the world. It is a decent device that does what it was designed to do.
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The Garmin Dezl 770LMT-D is a 7 inch display sat nav that is easy to see and read.
The wide screen makes it a lot easier for you to see across your can.
The Dezl 770LMT is designed for trucks and lorries, which is why it comes with extra-loud speakers.
This sat nav is extremely intuitive.
It makes use of recognizable buildings, traffic lights and landmarks rather than non-existent or hard-to-see street signs.
Garmin Dezl 770 LMT-D 7 inch Truck/Lorry Satellite Navigation System Features
- The Dezl 770 LMT-D comes with a 7” high resolution glass display.
- Includes lifetime Maps of Europe, plus Lifetime Digital Traffic.
- Features an impressive custom truck routing for the size, weight and load.
- Truck Specific points of interest (POIs).
- Road warnings, including sharp curves, bridge heights and weight limits.
- It syncs to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It is compatible with smartphone link app.
Positives
- Large 7 inch glass display
- It is compatible with external cameras
- Loud built in speakers
Negatives
- Can be difficult to read in the daytime.
Garmin Dezl 770 LMT-D 7 inch Truck/Lorry Satellite Navigation System Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 19.8 x 12.1 cm
- Item weight: 440 g
- Screen size: 7 inch
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Hands-free: make and receive calls
- Mount: screw down mount
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Garmin Dezl 770 LMT-D 7 inch Truck/Lorry Satellite Navigation System Conclusion
If you own or drive a truck and you need a dependable sat nav, this is the one to purchase. It comes with good features, and it is very easy to use. The large screen is also a great feature.
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The TomTom GO 520 is one of the smartest and most impressive sat nav that you can find.
It is a fully connected navigation device that integrates with your smartphone and interacts using Siri and Google Now.
You can do most things that you can do on your smartphone on the GO 520, these include calls, texts, Whatsapp and Facebook via hands-free.
These features help you stay focused on driving.
TomTom GO 520 Features
- It features world lifetime maps: Get the latest maps by connecting your TomTom GO to your Wi-Fi network.
- The accurate traffic information enables your GO 520 to intelligently plan routes around traffic.
- Get the latest maps and software for your TomTom VIA built-in Wi-Fi.
- It is compatible with Siri and Google now.
- The hands-free calling and smartphone messaging allows you to keep your eyes on the road.
Positives
- It is a high quality sat nav
- It has great features such as the hands-free
- Smartphone integration and app
- Well detailed world map with lifetime updates
Negatives
- The sat nav does not respond as fast as one would expect from a premium model
TomTom GO 520 Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 14.2 x 9.1 cm
- Item weight: 200g
- Map: world
- Hands-free: yes
- Live traffic: yes
- Smartphone app: yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Screen size: 5 inches
- Batteries 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
TomTom GO 520 Conclusion
This premium sat nav includes necessary features for a safer and convenient driving experience. The GO 520 is a decent sat nav. We recommend.
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The Garmin ZUMO is a 4.3 inch touchscreen sat nav designed for motorbikes.
The touchscreen display is glove-friendly, making it more practical for bikers.
The ZUMO is also designed to be rugged and withstand fuel vapours as well as harsh weather conditions.
It comes with a mount which lets you use it in the car.
It comes with all the top quality features that you can find in top of the range sat navs such as Bluetooth hands free for calling and safety alerts and warnings.
Garmin ZUMO 395LM 4.3 inch Motorbike Satellite Navigation Features
- The ZUMO is easy-to-use motorbike satellite navigation with a glove-friendly 4.3 inch touchscreen display.
- It is preloaded with maps of UK, Ireland and full Europe (45 countries) with free lifetime map updates.
- Garmin adventurous routing finds curvy or hilly roads; limits major highways.
- Features rider alerts for sharp curves, railway crossings, speed cameras and more.
- Bluetooth hands-free phone control and the ability to hear spoken turn-by-turn directions via your compatible helmet or headset.
Positives
- It’s practical design makes it easy to use it in a car
- Glove-friendly touchscreen display
- Bluetooth hands-free connects with headphones or riders helmet
Negatives
- The screen can be quite difficult to read in the day time due to sunlight reflecting off the screen.
Garmin ZUMO 395LM 4.3 inch Motorbike Satellite Navigation Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 13 x 9.3 cm
- Item weight: 272 g
- Rider alerts: yes
- Hands-free: yes
- Smartphone link app: no
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Screen size: 4.3 inches
- Maps: UK, Ireland and Western Europe (24 countries).
Garmin ZUMO 395LM 4.3 inch Motorbike Satellite Navigation Conclusion
This motorbike sat nav is one of the best on the market. It is an impressive sat nav that offers riders extra safety features.
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The DriveSmart is a 5 inch display sat nav by Germin with driver awareness features.
This sat nav integrates guy with your smartphone for hands-free calling and on-screen smart notifications.
The features on this sat nav are designed for optimum safe driving.
It is loaded with a full map for the entire Europe with lifetime updates.
Garmin DriveSmart 50LM 5 inch Sat-Nav Features
- Driver awareness features include alerts for dangerous curves, fatigue warnings and more.
- You can receive smartphone notifications such as calls, texts etc, directly on the screen.
- The Garmin DriveSmart can be paired with your phone to receive live traffic information.
- Pair your Smartphone and your satellite navigation via Bluetooth to get hands-free calling.
- Lane Assist, Junction View and Garmin real directions provides detailed guidance.
Positives
- Fantastic clear display with pinch to-zoom feature
- Smart notifications and alerts
- Full Europe map
- Effective driver awareness features
Negatives
- A few complaints about freezing display
Garmin DriveSmart 50LM 5 inch Sat-Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 1.8 x 14 cm.
- Item weight: 172 g
- Map included: full Europe
- Screen size: 5 inch pinch to-zoom
- Dual orientation: yes
- Driver awareness: yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Pairs with Germin back up camera
- Smartphone link app: yes
- Live traffic: yes
- Boxed-product Weight: 340 g
- Batteries 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
Garmin DriveSmart 50LM 5 inch Sat-Nav Conclusion
This is definitely a decent sat nav with great features.
The smart notifications ensure that your eyes are always on the raid.
It is very convenient and easy to use.
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The TomTom Trucker 6000 is designed for most large sized vehicles.
This sat nav features truck specific routing and a route planning feature MyDrive.
This feature lets you plan your route based in the trucks size, weight, cargo, and speed.
The sat nav also features alerts for live traffic and speed camera, which can help drivers reduce delivering time.
TomTom Trucker 6000 Lifetime GPS Sat Nav Features
- The widescreen 6 Inch touchscreen display is clear and easy to read.
- Features a customised Large Vehicle (Truck, Bus, Coach and Motorhome) Routing.
- It offers lifetime full Europe truck map and integrated traffic and speed camera updates.
- Advanced Lane Guidance for simple and safer way to cross lanes.
- Voice control: It lets Speak and Go to manage the journeys by voice alone
Positives
- MyDrive app lets you plan your journey without the sat nav
- Easy to mount and set
- Easy map updates
- Great value
Negatives
- The device sometimes a bit too slow.
TomTom Trucker 6000 Lifetime GPS Sat Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 7.8 x 20.8 cm
- Item weight: 290 g
- Map: Europe
- Screen size: 6 inches
- Vehicle type: large vehicles (truck, bus caravan, lorry)
TomTom Trucker 6000 Lifetime GPS Sat Nav Conclusion
This trucker sat nav is well built and s great features. Its only downside is that it can be slow at times, hopefully they have an update for this flaw. Generally, it does what it was designed to do.
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The DriveAssist 50LMT-D is a 5-inch Sat navigation with a dash cam and driver awareness features for safety.
This Garmin Sat nav records your drive, which is great for incident detection and saves files automatically on impact.
The GPS is able to track your exact location when and where an event occurs.
This device comes with other features designed for a safer driving experience convenience.
Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT-D 5 inch Satellite Navigation System Features
- Enhanced Garmin satellite navigation with built in dash cam.
- Driver alerts include forward collision, lane departure and fatigue warnings and go alert.
- You can receive smartphone notifications such as calls, texts etc.
- Simply plug in your satellite navigation to get digital traffic alerts.
- Pair your Smartphone and your satellite navigation via Bluetooth to get hands-free calling and voice-activated navigation.
Positives
- Easy to operate
- It features a quality design and build
- Dash camera for drive recording
- Fantastic and effective driver awareness features
Negatives
- A few complaints of freezing on start up
Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT-D 5 inch Satellite Navigation System Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 2 x 14 cm ; 191 g
- Boxed-product Weight: 440 g
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Maps: Europe
- Screen size: 6.95 inches
- Notifications: yes
- Hands free: yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Dash cam: yes
Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT-D 5 inch Satellite Navigation System Conclusion
If you are looking for a Sat nav with a dash cam for recording your drive, this one should be at the top of your list. It also comes with a series of amazing and effective features as well.
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The TomTom Start 52 is a basic sat nav with decent features.
It has a 5 inch touchscreen display which displays traffic routes.
This sat nav allows you to quickly plan your routes and gets you going in an instant.
Its display is very clear and easy to read; the advanced lane guidance prepares you for intersections and exits by highlighting them.
The Start 52 benefits from TomToms great software which offers great accuracy with directions.
TomTom Start 52 5 Inch Sat Nav Features
- It has free lifetime map updates with latest road changes.
- Get up to date speed camera alerts for 3 months.
- Features the Advanced Lane Guidance which keeps you on the right lane.
- Connect to your computer regularly for free software updates.
- It comes with voice features such as text-to-speech.
- It comes pre-loaded maps for UK, Republic of Ireland, Western Europe.
Positives
- Great traffic update feature
- Accurate and quick route planning
- It is very affordable
- It is easy to use and has a clear display
Negatives
- It cannot be integrated with your smartphone
TomTom Start 52 5 Inch Sat Nav Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 14.5 x 9 cm
- Item weight: 349g
- Screen size: 5 inches
- Connectivity: USB
- Map: Europe
- Driver awareness features: no
- Live traffic: yes
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
TomTom Start 52 5 Inch Sat Nav Conclusion
If you are looking for a budget sat nav to buy, this is one to consider. It does not come with many features as the more expensive ones, but it does a great job.