Top 10 best car navigators of 2021

Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT

car navigator
5″ color touch display
resolution 480x272 pixels.
Software: Garmin
micro SD support
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
battery powered
work from the cigarette lighter

The 2021 car navigator ranking reveals an easy-to-use device that stands out from the rest with its stunning high-resolution display and the most driver-friendly voice control.

DriveSmart 51 can be synced with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and make Hands-Free calls.

The device comes complete with maps of Russia (they are updated free of charge) and allows you to download information about road traffic.

According to user reviews, maps are updated once a quarter. The device will be able to download the update via Wi-Fi while charging.

In addition, you can connect a BC 30 rear view camera to the navigator (purchased separately). This will allow you to see pedestrians, cars and various obstacles on the DriveSmart 51 screen when reversing.

And if you have a Garmin smartwatch, you can synchronize it with your car navigator. Then you will be able to receive navigation tips on the watch screen even when you leave the car. The watch will even show you the route from your parked car to your destination and back.

Advantages and disadvantages

responsive touchscreen

voice control

strong suction cup mounting

price

Good inexpensive car GPS navigators

Products whose cost does not exceed 3000-5000 rubles can be considered budget products. Just because they cost less doesn't always mean they perform worse than other models. The reason for their availability may be hidden in the low popularity of the brand, its “youth” and a host of other factors.

Digma AllDrive 505

What makes this model a good car navigator is its low price, stable and accurate operation. The device quickly loads maps, correctly indicates the path and finds satellites almost instantly, without losing contact with them. It is not inferior in capabilities to more expensive devices in this TOP, having a 950 mAh battery, operating on the modern Windows CE 6.0 OS and based on the CityGuide navigation system.

Reviews show that with the help of Digma AllDrive 505 you can even detect new buildings and small objects. Quick start allows you to use it instantly, from the very beginning of the movement. The product gets dirty less and is resistant to damage due to the softening soft touch. You can use an embedded card to store additional data. The gadget is easily attached to the windshield using suction cups and makes it possible to listen to music in the car, watch videos and photos.

Advantages

Good image quality;
Can be connected to a cigarette lighter;
Does not blind the eyes;
Simple settings;
Durable housing;
Loud voice.

Flaws

The internal memory may not be enough.

Lexand SA5 HD

When creating this model, the manufacturer did not reinvent the wheel and limited itself to the typical design and functionality. Navitel maps of Denmark, Iceland, Ukraine, Russia and a number of other countries have already been installed here. The only difference from the previous device is the battery capacity of 1100 mAh, which allows it to work for two hours without recharging.

The screen of the Lexand SA5 HD has a standard diagonal of 5 inches and its resolution is quite good - 800x480 pixels. Due to this, the image is not blurry and of high quality. The brightness, of course, is not always enough, but the sensor is responsive and responds to touch instantly. The amount of RAM does not exceed 128 MB, and it must be taken into account that due to the presence of a DVR here, this may be very little. It’s also not easy to install additional programs here because of Microsoft Windows CE 6.0, but it functions without lags.

Advantages

Compact dimensions;
Good signal quality;
Excellent build;
"Endurance";
Shows the way accurately;
Convenient to use.

Flaws

It is not always beneficial for the driver to plot routes.

Navitel E500 Magnetic

This is a good navigator for a car in terms of endurance and convenience, since it has a fairly “tenacious” battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh and a built-in memory of 8 GB, which allows you to do without additional maps for some time. Although, if you need them, there is a place for them here. It would be illogical to expect a wireless interface at an affordable price here, although it is not needed, since accessing the Internet usually requires connecting a third-party modem. Multimedia capabilities here are also limited; there is no way to view photos and videos.

The strengths of the navigator are the package of maps of 43 countries, and not only Europe. Moreover, it is convenient to update them if necessary, but for this you need to spend a little money. The navigation program works flawlessly, in particular, due to the reliable processor. The device demonstrates economical battery consumption, and this is very convenient on the road. The bright display allows you to clearly see the image on the screen even in the sun.

Advantages

Simplicity and reliability of fastening;
Completeness of equipment;
Light weight of 177 g;
Screen resolution 800x480;
Loud speaker;
It also works from the cigarette lighter.

Flaws

Not detected.

As reviews show, Navitel E500 Magnetic is popular among truckers when used in trucks and taxis.

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NAVITEL E707 Magnetic

Car navigator
Screen diagonal: 7″
Resolution 800x480 pixels.
8 GB memory, micro SD support
Cigarette lighter operation
Voice prompts

This navigator with a huge 7-inch screen allows you to build three alternative routes to choose from, and also warns you by voice about security cameras on the road and speed limits on each section of the road.

If the set speed is exceeded, NAVITEL E707 Magnetic will warn the driver about this.

This GPS navigator is loaded with 43 European maps, as well as maps of Russia and its closest neighbors. If necessary, you can purchase additional maps through the Navitel Navigator Update Center.

Advantages and disadvantages

magnetic fastening system

big screen

will show which lane is most convenient for maneuvering

quickly builds and rebuilds a route

Over time, the soft-touch coating begins to peel off

2 GIS

Link to Play Market
User rating 4.5 (904 thousand reviews)

The program contains offline maps of major cities (the Internet is not required to work with them). The maps themselves have maximum detail (often excessive for the driver).

Additional features of 2GIS

Having found the organization, the program will show you where the entrance to the building you need is located. The map is not only shown in 3D format; you can search for the desired department on a specific floor of the supermarket.

Our assessment

Navigation, traffic (you need Internet access to display it), speed limits - very good. A convenient application for large cities, with a detailed search for organizations. It is more suitable not for a driver, but for a pedestrian or, for example, a courier who moves around the city a lot in search of a specific organization or office.

Xgody 7 inches

7″ color display
resolution 800x480 pixels.
GPS
FM
Software: Navitel
Bluetooth (optional)
Memory: 8 GB, micro SD support

Seventh place in the ranking of the best car navigators of 2021 is occupied by an inexpensive Chinese one, which optionally has Bluetooth, a rear view camera and a 32 GB memory card. And all this for 5,000 rubles.

According to user reviews, the Xgody navigator is easy to use, provides clear images in bright daylight, and GPS works well.

However, this navigator is not suitable for those who live in Crimea. It does not find all addresses there, and does not warn about all speed cameras and speed limit signs.

A small but important nuance before purchasing on Aliexpress: buyers from Russia need to write to the seller about the need to load maps of this country into the device.

Advantages and disadvantages

easy to attach

large, bright screen

free map updates

no instructions in Russian

displays Crimea as Ukraine and works poorly there

OsmAnd

OsmAnd is perhaps the best navigator for Android without the Internet. Its distinctive feature is its very good work with offline maps. At the same time, it can work with both OpenStreetMap and Yandex and Google maps and many other popular maps.

The maps show attractions and simply useful places, such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and more.

It copes well with routing in mountainous areas, which is also an advantage for tourists and travelers.

Alas, OsmAnd is one of the few modern navigators that only works with 2D maps.

TomTom GO 620 World

color display 6″
resolution 800x480 pixels.
GPS
Software: TomTom
8 GB memory, micro SD support up to 32 GB
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Features: lifetime updates of maps, cameras, parking

One of the most expensive GPS navigators on the list, but its price is justified by its rich functionality.

This device is ideal for car owners who have old cars. It lets you safely hear text messages from your smartphone while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. You can also make hands-free calls or talk to Siri or Google Now by pressing a button on your TomTom GO and using the built-in microphone.

Map and software updates are conveniently downloaded over Wi-Fi, meaning you don't have to go to your computer to update your data.

It all comes packaged with a bright, high-resolution 6-inch capacitive screen (800 x 480 pixels) that offers up to one hour of battery life.

TomTom GO 620 comes with an active magnetic mount, micro USB cable, car charger and documentation.

Advantages and disadvantages

convenient magnetic mount

Voice accompaniment in Russian

automatic updating of data on radars and security cameras

price

The best car GPS navigators with radar detector

These devices are convenient because they help determine in advance the location of traffic police officers and, if necessary, reduce speed in time. It is clear that in this way you can avoid paying fines and save a lot of money, so this product quickly pays for itself. There are not many 2-in-1 gadgets on the market, and there are only a few truly best ones. Therefore, only one such model is presented in our rating.

Eplutus GR-71

This is a fairly smart device that displays maps almost accurately and quickly. This is possible by supporting communication with 32 satellites simultaneously, which makes it one of the best on the market. A slight lag leaves the need to purchase a license to update the software, but the trial version can be used without such steps. There is everything you need to fully use the navigator - a 2000 mAh battery, a trip computer, and a 7-inch diagonal screen. The operating system installed here is, of course, not the latest, Android 4.4, but this does not interfere with its operation.

The Eplutus GR-71 has a G-sensor, thanks to which you can record not only calm movements, but also braking, sudden acceleration, and turns. In this case, the quality ends up being good, 1920x1080 pixels, which allows you to see even small details. The product is adapted to harsh Russian winters and can easily withstand temperatures down to -20°C.

Advantages

Easily attaches to the car;
A budget option;
You can connect an external power source;
Wi-Fi available;
512 MB RAM.

Flaws

Not detected.

The Eplutus GR-71 car navigator is good for those who want to buy a “3-in-1” for little money: a navigator, a radar detector and a video recorder, which is also built in.

TomTom GO PROFESSIONAL 6200 WIFI

color display 6″
resolution 800x480 pixels.
GPS
Software: TomTom, map updates free for life
8 GB memory, micro SD support up to 32 GB
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

TomTom is a well-known and respected brand of portable GPS devices for the car, and the GO PROFESSIONAL 6200 WIFI is one of the company's most popular devices.

This device offers essential navigation, traffic support, voice guidance and free map updates for life. And all this in a device with a 6-inch touch screen with a high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which provides clearer and sharper images.

The interface and voice guidance of the model are in Russian. And the firmware update occurs via Wi-Fi.

Advantages and disadvantages

convenient magnetic mount

there is notification about traffic conditions, security cameras and radars

detailed maps of 48 European countries

price

Garmin GPSMAP 276Cx

color display 5″
resolution 800x480 pixels.
GLONASS
Software: Garmin
8 GB memory, micro SD support
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
waterproof case
battery powered
work from the cigarette lighter

The top three among the best car navigators according to reviews were devices from Garmin.

This is not surprising, the brand is reputable, well-known, and although its products are not cheap, they last a long time. And the Garmin GPSMAP 276Cx is no exception.

It is a universal navigator that can be taken hunting and fishing, and the map is clearly visible on the 5-inch screen even on a sunny day. The case is made of durable plastic and, according to the manufacturer, is protected from water and dust according to the IPx7 standard.

The device is equipped with an internal antenna for receiving GPS and GLONASS satellite signals, which allows you to quickly calculate your location even in difficult conditions. And if necessary, you can attach an external antenna to it; it is purchased separately.

The Garmin GPSMAP 276Cx has a built-in base map of the world and a topographic map with Russian roads. Buyers also receive a free one-year subscription to BirdsEye satellite imagery.

Using the Garmin Connect application, you can combine your navigator with your smartphone and receive notifications about calls, SMS and other information.

Advantages and disadvantages

robust housing

Long operation from built-in rechargeable battery or standard AA batteries

wireless firmware update via Wi-Fi

no voice prompts

price

Which brand of car GPS navigator is better to choose?

There are many companies on the market that produce navigation equipment, but only a few of them actually offer high-quality, reliable, convenient and affordable equipment. Among them are those whose products are included in this rating. Here are the companies we are talking about:

Prestigio is a brand under which budget devices are sold, including automobile ones. She has two types in her assortment - with a diagonal of 5 and 7 inches. A large screen gives you more options when driving. These devices make the driver more mobile, offering him access to Wi-Fi and 3G. Unlike many other companies, they have devices that run on both Android OS and Microsoft Windows CE. They differ in that they not only show, but suggest the most profitable routes, how to change lanes correctly and get out of traffic jams faster.
Navitel - its devices are one of the few among those in which maps are updated completely free of charge. Moreover, here they show roads from over 30 countries, starting from Bulgaria and ending with Estonia. Reviews point to their bright screen with good color reproduction and convenient mounting in a car. Special mention is made of the sensitive sensor and high quality of communication with satellites, which is established in a very short time. The internal memory here is usually enough to store a large amount of information, but if necessary, you can always insert an additional card.
Prology is a popular manufacturer of navigation equipment, including for drivers. Basically, its catalog contains budget options, but at the same time they perform the same functions as their more expensive counterparts. On average, the built-in memory here is 4 GB, which makes them self-contained and independent of additional storage cards. A bonus here is the ability to play videos, view photos and listen to music. Its products are suitable for those who love games, which are quite often embedded here. True, not all models have a very high screen resolution; in some it does not exceed 480x272 pixels. A special feature of this company is the use of its own licensed software.
Garmin is a manufacturer of navigation equipment intended for use in various fields - aviation, marine, tourism, automotive. The company was founded in 1989 and since then has offered society a wealth of know-how. For example, in 2011, it introduced devices with the function of determining the location of an object using GPS and GLONASS, which significantly simplified this task and made its implementation more accurate.
Eplutus is a brand of digital and home appliances, offering both inexpensive products and premium models. The brand has been on the Russian market since 2005, rapidly increasing in popularity. Its car navigators are among the best due to the fact that they combine the capabilities of both the main device and the DVR. This makes them convenient, economical, and useful. Basically, they run on the Android operating system, so they have flexible settings.
Digma - this brand is associated with affordable digital technology, and this is not without reason. He has products with one of the most capacious batteries with a capacity of 1600 mAh, which makes them very “hardy”. They compare favorably with analogues from other companies with good image quality, clear sound, ease of installation in the car and ease of use. If necessary, you can choose a screen with a diagonal of either 5 or 7 inches.
Lexand – this manufacturer’s selection of GPS navigators is not very large, but what is offered has good characteristics. Not only maps of Russia are loaded here, but also of 60 other countries around the world. Each driver has access to free updates if necessary, and this ensures that the device will take into account even new objects. Their advantage is a bright display with a sensitive sensor, accurate determination of coordinates and competent planning of routes in a short time.