The Best GPS Navigation Systems and Dedicated Devices for 2025
Driving in circles? A good GPS can help get you where you're going quickly and safely so you arrive on time. Dedicated Global Positioning System (GPS) devices cost much less than smartphones and are something you can leave in your vehicle, so it's always available. Most newer models offer free traffic reporting, lifetime map updates, and local search, helping them compete with phone-based navigation apps.
Market Overview and Availability
The market has shrunk significantly in recent years—so much so that PCMag no longer reviews individual GPS devices. GPS makers Magellan and TomTom used to compete in the US, but no longer. Magellan sold off its consumer business to Taiwan-based MiTAC in 2008. Meanwhile, TomTom stopped selling standalone GPS units in the US, although it still offers the Go Navigation app. Garmin is the only major hardware player left in the US, so our list covers its most popular and best-rated models. We've selected a range that covers different prices and features.
Top Recommended GPS Models
5 Inch Car GPS Navigation System
5 Inch Car GPS Navigation System provides 8GB Voice Navigation with Lifetime Maps and Spoken Turn-By-Turn Directions. This 5-inch touch screen device is designed for dependable use in your car.
Garmin Drive 53 & Traffic
Most Affordable: The Garmin Drive 53 & Traffic is one of the smallest, most affordable navigation devices you can get for your car. It has a 5-inch touch screen and comes with 16GB of internal storage for maps and other data, but you can always add more space via the microSD card slot if you run out. If you want a compact, dependable GPS to leave in your car, the Garmin Drive 53 & Traffic is the way to go. It doesn't cost a lot and has useful features like driver assists, traffic alerts, and spoken turn-by-turn directions.
Garmin DriveSmart 86
Biggest Screen: The Garmin DriveSmart 86 has an 8-inch touch screen that eclipses most phones, providing you with ample space for navigation tasks. It offers live traffic and weather, and supports calling via a Bluetooth connection to your phone. In addition, you can use the built-in Garmin voice assist to get directions. Like the other mainline Garmin models, this comes with 16GB of storage and includes a microSD card slot for expansion.
Garmin Zumo XT 2
Best for Bikers: The Garmin Zumo XT 2 provides a 6-inch screen for navigating on your motorcycle. It goes beyond the pavement with offroad maps, satellite imagery, and a track recorder for saving and sharing your routes. An IPX7 rating ensures the device is safe from rain, while 32GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot cover your storage needs. Advantages over the original 5.5-inch Zumo XT include a USB-C port for charging and the ability to visually plan routes on the device.
Garmin DriveCam 76
Best for a Built-In Dash Cam: With a 7-inch screen for navigation and a built-in 1080p dash cam, the Garmin DriveCam 76 serves several purposes. It can help you avoid traffic on the way to your destination, as well as record footage of incidents on the road. Voice support makes using it easy, while smartphone notifications allow you to monitor communications.
Comparison of Leading GPS Devices
Based on the features of the top Garmin models, here is a summary of their specifications:
| Model | Screen Size | Storage Capacity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Drive 53 & Traffic | 5-inch | 16GB | Affordable, Traffic alerts, Spoken directions |
| Garmin DriveSmart 86 | 8-inch | 16GB | Live weather, Bluetooth calling, Voice assist |
| Garmin Zumo XT 2 | 6-inch | 32GB | IPX7 rating, Offroad maps, Motorcycle specific |
| Garmin DriveCam 76 | 7-inch | Internal | Built-in 1080p dash cam, Voice support |
Whether you are driving in Kuwait City, Hawalli, or Al Ahmadi, these devices offer reliable navigation for your car or motorcycle. For those who want to see maps and directions on one of the biggest screens available, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is the GPS to buy. For long-distance motorcycle riding, the Zumo XT 2 has an impressive range of navigation features.