SatNav device – or app? UK-only or UK and Europe? Whatever your needs, we help find the best available deals
In the past satnavs had a reputation for leading drivers up the garden path, sometimes literally. However technology has improved alongside increased functionality and these days, if you put in the right address you should get directions, an estimated time of arrival and all the info you need if things change when you're en route. Some models will even point out the nearest car park when you arrive.
*Considerations*
Unless your car is already fitted with an integrated model you will probably choose between two options: either a *free standing machine*, which will be mounted on a windscreen or dashboard, or an *app* downloaded on to your smartphone.
Maps means money: broadly the more you want, the higher the price. If all your driving is done in the UK and/or the Republic of Ireland, then a basic model will suit your needs. However you can also buy satnavs that cover Europe or even further afield.
On many models you can also get *updated maps* at a later stage that you either pay for on demand, or that are free – sometimes for a year or others for the lifetime of the satnav.
Road safety is paramount and you don't want to be scrunching your eyes to see the route plan, so it's good to have a look at the *screen size* and check that you are comfortable with it. Most range between 4 and 6 inches. There is also the choice between widescreen (16:9) or standard size (4:3) screens.
Some devices offer alternative map views, including 3D as if you are looking ahead on the road in front of you, or a 2D birds-eye view. Even if you are going to buy your machine via the internet, it is worth trying them out in a shop first.
Many models offer a *safety camera alert*, warning you when known cameras are ahead. These devices often show the speed limit of the road, as well as your current speed. Check your model as to whether it offers updates for free.
On higher-end models traffic updates may be an option, warning you of problems on the road ahead, either adjusting your arrival time accordingly or offering you an alternative route. This service is often subscription based. "If you are a business user this can be invaluable, however if it's for personal use it may not be as necessary," says Geoff Capel of the RAC.
*The machines*
These models are some of those recommended by the RAC, with the exception of the Garmin Nuvi 52LM which is a Which? recommendation. We've shopped around for the best price for each, but prices change rapidly so please put any changes you find in the comments section below.
**UK and Republic of Ireland**
The 4.3-inch touch screen *Navman EZY+*, left, tells you the correct lane to be in when turning and also speaks the name of the street. This is the cheapest of the freestanding models mentioned and is currently selling for £59.99 with Halfords.
The *Garmin Nuvi 52LM*, left, is a Which? best buy – Which? says it is "a nifty little satnav for the price." It comes with free lifetime map updates, lane assist (a view for tricky exits and junctions) and a suction mount. The best price for this 5-inch touchscreen satnav is at Argos for £89.99 (half the RRP), with a case.
**UK including Europe**
Recommended by RAC is the *TomTom via 135 M*, left, which includes the UK, Republic of Ireland and Western Europe. It offers free map updates for the lifetime of the machine, "Speak & Go" which allows you to control your device with your voice and hands-free calling. You can buy it from Halfords or Currys for £129.99.
Top of the Which? best-buy list and an RAC favourite is the *5-inch Garmin Nuvi 3597LMT*, left, with full Europe lifetime maps and traffic, speed camera alerts and hands-free calls. It also guides by letting you know of real landmarks, for example "turn left after the cathedral". Although well rated, it comes with a hefty price tag. It costs as much as £349; however, navigate your way to Pixmania via Savoo or Vouchercodes and get £7 off, making the overall price £232.99.
**Smartphone Apps**
"Phone apps have matured and are sometimes as feature-rich as the free-standing machines", says Capel, "the processing speed of most smartphones these days is as good as the hardware devices". However, Capel goes on to warn, "When you receive an incoming call the navigation switches to phone mode, which can be distracting."
Downloading maps can use up some of your mobile data allowance if you are not able to do so via a Wi-Fi connection before you set off. Capel suggests that if you decide to use a satnav app you need "a good screen size and make sure the app has voice directions." Safety is paramount so your mobile should be fitted securely in an easily seen location in the vehicle, perhaps in a cradle and dimmed at night to avoid any glare on the windscreen.
*Waze* is a community driven free App for Android and IOS which allows you to share driver-useful information with others on the road. You can actively report accidents, hazards and road alerts, and it even tells you where the petrol stations are en-route, often with updated prices for fuel. For a free app it's fantastic, although it lags your journey slightly more than a satnav I tested it against.
*TomTom UK & Ireland is for Android and IOS* and is rated by both RAC and Which? You can select addresses from your contacts and the app will plan your route. The app can be used in offline mode so you can download the maps on a Wi-Fi signal and avoid using up your data allowance. It also comes with free map updates. The full price for the Android app is £40.99 and IOS is £39.99; however TomTom offers regular promotions.
*CoPilot Live Premium UK & Ireland* for IOS and Android. It offers you up to three alternative routes for each journey and you can choose between 2D and 3D views. There is also a free Active Traffic feature for 12 months that calculates the fastest route around traffic jams, giving you an estimated time of arrival. Both IOS and Android are £19.99.
Do you have a favourite satnav or app, or do you still prefer maps? Please add your thoughts below. Reported by guardian.co.uk 16 hours ago.
In the past satnavs had a reputation for leading drivers up the garden path, sometimes literally. However technology has improved alongside increased functionality and these days, if you put in the right address you should get directions, an estimated time of arrival and all the info you need if things change when you're en route. Some models will even point out the nearest car park when you arrive.
*Considerations*
Unless your car is already fitted with an integrated model you will probably choose between two options: either a *free standing machine*, which will be mounted on a windscreen or dashboard, or an *app* downloaded on to your smartphone.
Maps means money: broadly the more you want, the higher the price. If all your driving is done in the UK and/or the Republic of Ireland, then a basic model will suit your needs. However you can also buy satnavs that cover Europe or even further afield.
On many models you can also get *updated maps* at a later stage that you either pay for on demand, or that are free – sometimes for a year or others for the lifetime of the satnav.
Road safety is paramount and you don't want to be scrunching your eyes to see the route plan, so it's good to have a look at the *screen size* and check that you are comfortable with it. Most range between 4 and 6 inches. There is also the choice between widescreen (16:9) or standard size (4:3) screens.
Some devices offer alternative map views, including 3D as if you are looking ahead on the road in front of you, or a 2D birds-eye view. Even if you are going to buy your machine via the internet, it is worth trying them out in a shop first.
Many models offer a *safety camera alert*, warning you when known cameras are ahead. These devices often show the speed limit of the road, as well as your current speed. Check your model as to whether it offers updates for free.
On higher-end models traffic updates may be an option, warning you of problems on the road ahead, either adjusting your arrival time accordingly or offering you an alternative route. This service is often subscription based. "If you are a business user this can be invaluable, however if it's for personal use it may not be as necessary," says Geoff Capel of the RAC.
*The machines*
These models are some of those recommended by the RAC, with the exception of the Garmin Nuvi 52LM which is a Which? recommendation. We've shopped around for the best price for each, but prices change rapidly so please put any changes you find in the comments section below.
**UK and Republic of Ireland**
The 4.3-inch touch screen *Navman EZY+*, left, tells you the correct lane to be in when turning and also speaks the name of the street. This is the cheapest of the freestanding models mentioned and is currently selling for £59.99 with Halfords.
The *Garmin Nuvi 52LM*, left, is a Which? best buy – Which? says it is "a nifty little satnav for the price." It comes with free lifetime map updates, lane assist (a view for tricky exits and junctions) and a suction mount. The best price for this 5-inch touchscreen satnav is at Argos for £89.99 (half the RRP), with a case.
**UK including Europe**
Recommended by RAC is the *TomTom via 135 M*, left, which includes the UK, Republic of Ireland and Western Europe. It offers free map updates for the lifetime of the machine, "Speak & Go" which allows you to control your device with your voice and hands-free calling. You can buy it from Halfords or Currys for £129.99.
Top of the Which? best-buy list and an RAC favourite is the *5-inch Garmin Nuvi 3597LMT*, left, with full Europe lifetime maps and traffic, speed camera alerts and hands-free calls. It also guides by letting you know of real landmarks, for example "turn left after the cathedral". Although well rated, it comes with a hefty price tag. It costs as much as £349; however, navigate your way to Pixmania via Savoo or Vouchercodes and get £7 off, making the overall price £232.99.
**Smartphone Apps**
"Phone apps have matured and are sometimes as feature-rich as the free-standing machines", says Capel, "the processing speed of most smartphones these days is as good as the hardware devices". However, Capel goes on to warn, "When you receive an incoming call the navigation switches to phone mode, which can be distracting."
Downloading maps can use up some of your mobile data allowance if you are not able to do so via a Wi-Fi connection before you set off. Capel suggests that if you decide to use a satnav app you need "a good screen size and make sure the app has voice directions." Safety is paramount so your mobile should be fitted securely in an easily seen location in the vehicle, perhaps in a cradle and dimmed at night to avoid any glare on the windscreen.
*Waze* is a community driven free App for Android and IOS which allows you to share driver-useful information with others on the road. You can actively report accidents, hazards and road alerts, and it even tells you where the petrol stations are en-route, often with updated prices for fuel. For a free app it's fantastic, although it lags your journey slightly more than a satnav I tested it against.
*TomTom UK & Ireland is for Android and IOS* and is rated by both RAC and Which? You can select addresses from your contacts and the app will plan your route. The app can be used in offline mode so you can download the maps on a Wi-Fi signal and avoid using up your data allowance. It also comes with free map updates. The full price for the Android app is £40.99 and IOS is £39.99; however TomTom offers regular promotions.
*CoPilot Live Premium UK & Ireland* for IOS and Android. It offers you up to three alternative routes for each journey and you can choose between 2D and 3D views. There is also a free Active Traffic feature for 12 months that calculates the fastest route around traffic jams, giving you an estimated time of arrival. Both IOS and Android are £19.99.
Do you have a favourite satnav or app, or do you still prefer maps? Please add your thoughts below. Reported by guardian.co.uk 16 hours ago.