Car navigators: rating of the best according to reviews 2021

Over the past decade, a car navigator has quietly and quietly occupied the niche of necessary electronics when buying a car. An automatic map that indicates the direction and builds a route itself has proven useful not only to truckers and taxi drivers, but also to ordinary drivers.

The number and range of models, from simple Chinese devices to a DVR with two cameras, can create problems when choosing the best device. In this rating, we will highlight 10 models that differ in their price-quality ratio or their unique features.

Table: top 10 car navigators

Model	Best Features	Permission	BY	Loading traffic jams	Price from (RUB):
LEXAND SA5 HD+	according to reviews	800×480	Navitel	Eat	4 000	Find out prices
Artway NV-800 GPS	inexpensive for Russia	472×272	Navitel	No	2 900	Find out prices
Prology iMap-5200	budget: price and quality	480×272	Navitel	No	3 200	Find out prices
Prestigio GeoVision Tour 3 7799 Progorod	showing traffic jams	720×1280	Progorod	Eat	5 000	Find out prices
AvtoVision 7GL	modern, popular	1024×600	Navitel	Eat	6 900	Find out prices
GlobusGPS GL-800Pro newStreet	reliable, powerful	1280×720	Navitel, Yandex maps	Eat	8 500	Find out prices
Navitel T700	according to the version of "Behind the Wheel"	1024×600	Navitel	Eat	5 800	Find out prices
Navitel T700 3G	on Android	1024×600	Navitel	Eat	5 800	Find out prices
Garmin Nuvi 465T	for trucks	480×272	Garmin	No	8 900	Find out prices
Junsun 7 “Android 4.4.2	Chinese from AliExpress	800×480	Navitel	Eat	5 200	Find out prices

The best navigators for a car in 2018-2019, up to five thousand

Choosing the best navigator 2018-2019 for a car under 5,000 rubles is not easy. Selecting suitable models based only on reviews is not the best idea. Many reviews are simply custom texts. Therefore, when choosing the best navigator, you should pay attention to its characteristics. Accordingly, the answer to the question “How to choose a good navigator for a car?” there should be the phrase “see technical specifications”.

Of course, in order to correctly interpret the information that manufacturers offer us, we need to immerse ourselves in this topic for a certain time. But the ability to clearly determine among the existing navigators for a car - “which is the best?”, “how much does it cost?” and of course how well the price corresponds to the quality.

The rating of car navigators for 2018-2019, in the price category up to 5 thousand, includes the following models:

Lexand SA5 HD+ is the best navigator for a car in this price category. It stands out for its small screen, although it has a high resolution. The device will cost 3.5 thousand rubles, which is also good news. The processor loads information quickly, the navigator conveniently and in detail shows the condition of the streets in the city. The presence of Bluetooth allows you to find out information about traffic jams, and an Internet connection will allow you to use it as a tablet. The downside of the device is periodic difficulties with finding satellites.
Prology iMap-5200. With an average cost of 3500-4000. it has good features and can be considered one of the best car navigators. This device is equipped with an 800 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM for storing various information. The navigator has a clear interface and high-quality assembly. The downside is the poor sensor.
Prology iMap-5800. The average cost of this device is 3500 rubles, it can hardly be called the best. This is just a good inexpensive navigator for a car with a typical set of functions: built-in map, route calculation, voice messages. You can download a map of the area, view graphics, watch videos and listen to music.
Dunobil Clio 5.0. The price of such a device starts from 3,500 rubles. The device contains an 800 MHz processor and 128 MB of RAM. The device's battery lasts many times longer than the previous model. There is bluetooth support. The downside of the device is the poor sensor and the fact that it only has a map of Russia installed.
Prestigio GeoVision 5068. At a cost of 4,000 rubles, this device has one main difference from other budget models - this is the display. In addition to high expansion and a good sensor, the manufacturer took care of excellent readability in the sun. The downside of this model can be considered a weak battery.
Prestigio GeoVision 5056. Costs approximately 4,000 rubles. The navigator takes its place in our rating thanks to the optimal package: charger, mount, stylus, instructions and 16 GB memory card. The gadget has a function that allows you to broadcast sound to the radio.

LEXAND SA5 HD+ - the best GPS navigator according to reviews

The first navigator on the list is the people's choice from a Russian manufacturer of electronics and household appliances with almost thirty years of history. Lexand SA5 HD+ boasts the following characteristics:

SIRF Atlas V processor (500 MHz, video accelerator with maximum resolution up to 720p, support for 64-channel GI3+);
5-inch resistive touch screen with a resolution of 800x480 pixels;
RAM 128 MB, built-in 4 GB, there is a MicroSD expansion slot;
battery 1100 mAh;
dimensions 135*85*10 mm, weight 170 g;
connection via USB and Bluetooth, there is a 3G module;
licensed software from Navitel, Windows CE operating system.

In addition, the device is equipped with player functions, an FM receiver, Hands-Free mode and voice messages, as well as loading traffic jams in real time.

The navigator has 88% positive reviews out of 77 found on the Internet, half of the buyers recommend the product for purchase. The price of the device is in the range of 3500-4500 rubles, depending on the store.

Pros *

Simple and reliable to use.
It is possible to connect a 3G modem to show traffic jams.
High quality screen with good viewing angles.
Low price.

Minuses *

Low quality materials.
It takes a long time and does not always catch satellites well.
The screen is faded and hard to see in the sun.
Problem setting up communication via Bluetooth.

How to choose a car GPS navigator

First of all, you need to decide on the purpose of the device. If you plan to use it for local trips, then you can choose a cheaper model. Regular travel around Russia, and even more so abroad, requires more advanced devices.

Pay attention to additional features if you need them. These include displaying traffic jams, an FM receiver, the ability to play videos, music and read books, view photos, and so on. If you don't need these options or won't use them often, then it's best not to spend the extra money.

An important factor is the speed of the devices. It's better to check it right away before purchasing. If you experience lags, freezes and other problems, then abandon this model.

The map provider and its version are another significant characteristic. It all depends on the type, frequency and distance of trips, as well as the driver’s preferences. The last two, but no less important parameters are cost and screen diagonal. And if everything is obvious with the cost, it is not always clear which display to choose. Our opinion is that it is better to take a larger screen. But a large display also means a high price. If this does not suit you, then the optimal diagonal is in the range from 4.3 to 5 inches.

Artway NV-800 GPS - inexpensive navigator for Russia

At the lowest price limit separating cheap navigators from electronic waste is the Artway NV-800. The device does not fall below the average quality level, providing the basic capabilities in full.

The characteristics of the Artway NV-800 GPS look like this:

ARM Cortex A-7 processor (600 MHz, F3i antenna);
color touch screen, 5 inches, resolution 472x272 pixels;
battery 950 mAh;
there is a MicroSD expansion slot;
USB connection;
licensed software from Navitel, Windows CE operating system.

The device can view photos and videos from a flash drive, and also perform the functions of a car MP3 player. The device has 98% positive reviews, although many buyers turn a blind eye to its shortcomings due to its cost.

Pros *

Price. Everything that is nearby and below does not work or works very poorly.
Simplicity. There is nothing superfluous, a minimum of settings and difficulties in use.
Performance. Due to the lack of additional options, the navigator is fully equipped with a 2011 processor.

Minuses *

Few additional features.
Maps are not updated.
Weak battery, short battery life.
Afraid of overheating.

The best inexpensive GPS navigators

Unfortunately, not everyone has a sufficient budget to purchase expensive devices. However, you don’t want to give up useful accessories for your car. For such people, we have added another category to the rating of GPS navigators, in which we have collected devices with a cost of less than 5 thousand rubles. Despite such a low price, all devices in this group can boast of reliability, high performance and convenience, which is important for most modern drivers.

NAVITEL C500

A simple, reliable car navigator from NAVITEL is an ideal solution for a limited budget. The C500 model pleases with its good appearance and high-quality dark gray plastic. The device is well-built and equipped with a 5-inch screen with a good brightness reserve. For ease of control, the kit includes a stylus that is hidden in the mount. The latter is made in the form of a suction cup, so a navigator costing up to 5,000 rubles can be quickly transferred to another car if necessary.

If you don’t want to leave the device in the car overnight or when going to work, you can quickly remove it from the bracket and put it in your pocket. It is also convenient when you need to walk part of the way, checking the route on the map. For autonomous operation, the C500 has a 950 mAh battery. In a car, the device is powered by a cigarette lighter connected to the Mini USB connector on the left side. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack, an input for microSD cards up to 32 GB and an LED indicator.

Advantages:

inexpensive and functional;
quality of materials and workmanship;
informative maps of Russia;
high accuracy of GPS;
speed camera alerts.

Flaws:

outdated software;
The display lacks a little brightness.

LEXAND SA5+

If every saved ruble is important to a motorist, then you can choose the budget SA5+ navigator from the LEXAND brand. The cost of this device starts from only 3,000 rubles. For this price, the user receives a high-quality device with a modest package (power, mount, stylus and synchronization cable) and good assembly.

The manufacturer also offers the SA5 HDR model. The characteristics and appearance of this device are almost similar. The main difference between the older version is a camera with the ability to record HD video. In this case, videos in SA5 HDR are written to a separate microSD memory card, the connector for which is located on top.

This reliable GPS navigator is made of non-marking plastic that feels quite high quality. The main connectors here are also located on the left. Conveniently, the device has an input for connecting a rear view camera (purchased separately). The device works with Navitel cards (available for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries).

Advantages:

excellent functionality;
you can buy a rear view camera;
large selection of maps and the ability to reload;
you can install third-party programs;
powerful processor;
It is possible to connect to smartphones.

Flaws:

The screen is too tight.

Digma AllDrive 505

The Digma company is familiar to customers thanks to its affordable tablets. But the manufacturer also produces good car navigators. One of these is the AllDrive 505 model, which offers a 5-inch display with a resolution of 480×272 pixels, 4 gigabytes of internal memory and support for microSD drives with a capacity of up to 32 GB.

The GPS navigator works quite quickly, for which we can thank the undemanding Windows CE 6.0 system. In addition to the device itself, the kit includes a bracket, a mini USB cable for connecting to a computer, instructions, a warranty card and a charger. If necessary, a 950 mAh battery will allow you to work for a short time without on-board power.

Advantages:

very low cost;
starts quickly;
quickly finds satellites;
clearly lays out routes;
brightness and screen size;
convenient voice prompts.

Flaws:

there is no possibility of connecting to the Internet;
low display resolution.

Prestigio GeoVision Tour 4 Progorod

The most expensive model in the category takes first place. The price tag for GeoVision Tour 4 Progorod starts from 4,000 rubles. This 7-inch navigator is produced by the Prestigio brand, which is also known for tablet computers. In addition to its immediate duties, the device allows you to view photos and videos, listen to music and radio, and also talk over a cellular connection. The navigator is powered by PROGOROD software and can calculate routes, display voice notifications and download local maps. The screen in GeoVision Tour 4 is quite high quality, and its resolution is 1024x600 pixels.

Advantages:

high-quality and large screen;
you can install a SIM card;
speed of finding satellites;
good battery capacity;
intuitive controls;
FM radio support;
Availability of built-in WiFi and 3G modules.

Flaws:

Google services are not supported.

Prology iMap-5200 - budget car navigator: price and quality

The next device in the rating has an optimal balance between cost and quality. Prology iMap-5200 shows the best characteristics for the range of 3500-4000 rubles:

Mstar processor with a clock frequency of 800 MHz;
color touch screen with a diameter of 5”, resolution 480x272 pixels;
RAM 128 MB, built-in - 4 GB, MicroSD slot;
600 mAh battery;
dimensions 135x85x12 mm, device weight 180 g;
licensed software from Navitel, Windows CE operating system.

There are simply no bad reviews for the device: users note the reliable operation of the main functions and the quality of the navigator.

Pros *

Reliable operation without any complaints.
Large, high-quality screen with no glare.
The fast processor prevents the device from freezing and plays videos well.

Minuses *

Weak battery.

Rating of the TOP 15 best navigators of 2021

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best navigators by price/quality for 2021
1	Garmin Oregon 750	Find out the price
2	NAVITEL G550 Moto	Find out the price
3	Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT	Find out the price
TOP 3 best navigators with GLONASS
1	Garmin Montana 700	Find out the price
2	NAVITEL G500	Find out the price
3	Garmin eTrex 20x	Find out the price
TOP 3 best hands-free navigators
1	Prology iMap-MOTO	Find out the price
2	Garmin Drive 52 RUS MT	Find out the price
3	Mio C520	Find out the price
TOP 3 navigators with loading traffic jams
1	Garmin DriveSmart 55 RUS MT	Find out the price
2	DIGMA AllDrive 401	Find out the price
3	Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S Europe	Find out the price
TOP 3 best navigators with file viewing
1	Prology iMAP-A520	Find out the price
2	NAVITEL N500 Magnetic	Find out the price
3	Garmin GPSMAP 64	Find out the price

4. Prestigio GeoVision Tour 3 7799 Progorod - car navigator with traffic jam display

The model from Prestigio was included in our rating thanks to its function of showing traffic jams. Such navigators are often found in the middle price segment, but it is the Prestigio GeoVision Tour 3 7799 Progorod that combines quality with a competitive price.

Detailed Specifications:

processor with a frequency of 1300 MHz and a 66-channel antenna;
7-inch HD touch screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
RAM 1 GB, built-in 8 GB, slot for MicroSD card;
2800 mAh battery, with car charger;
cameras 2 and 0.3 megapixels;
connection via USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
dimensions 190x110x10, weight 280 g;
OS Android 7.0, Progorod software from the manufacturer.

Prestigio software provides a number of additional features: a built-in map with the ability to load for the area, work with GSM and GPRS communication modules, sound alarm and voice notification, route calculation. Video and audio player functions are available, as well as an FM receiver.

In terms of hardware, the device is not much inferior to the 2013-2014 generation of phones, and the Android operating system allows for deep customization.

Pros *

Large and high quality screen.
Does not slow down, quickly finds satellites.
Takes traffic jams into account when constructing a route.
Huge battery life
Quickly picks up satellites.
Good combination of price and quality.

Minuses *

For those accustomed to Navitel, it may be difficult to navigate the new software.
Poor quality of images from cameras.

With a large screen diagonal

Modern models of navigators with a large screen allow you not to strain your eyes while peering at the constructed route. And new versions are already equipped with a GSM/GPRS module, interface with a smartphone, and can also work as recorders and radar detectors. Our TOP 3 includes the best navigators with a large screen in the mid-price category. Meet me.

NAVITEL T700 3G

pros

Screen 7″
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Memory 16 GB. + SD card slot
Memory for 3 routes (1,000 waypoints)
GSM/GPRS module for 2 SIM cards
Showing traffic jams
Battery for 4 hours of operation

Minuses

Accuracy 50 m.
No GLONASS

From 5800 ₽

Cool 2 in 1 model: a navigator with a large screen and a phone for 2 SIM cards. The installed maps are not bad, but it is better to download more detailed ones. The location accuracy leaves much to be desired: 50 m is not serious. But the device is controlled by voice, surfs the Internet and shows video.

Eplutus GR-71

pros

DVR, radar detector
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Screen 7″
OP 512 MB. + SD card slot
Photo, video, radio

Minuses

OS Android 4.4
Weak antenna
Navitel is not updating

From 5800 ₽

A navigator, a video recorder and a radar detector in one package, and even with a large screen - this is what you need for calm driving. But the maps in it are not updated (upload new ones). Android is old, the plastic does not fit tightly. If you use it as a travel tablet that plays music and movies, then it’s a pretty good thing.

Prestigio GeoVision Tour 4 Progorod

pros

BY PROGOROD
Battery for 5 hours of operation
Screen 7"
GSM/GPRS module for 2 SIM cards
Photo, video, radio, MP3, headphones
Voice control
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Android 7.0

Minuses

No GLONASS
No Google services

From 4572 ₽

This model does not have the ability to download anything from the Play Store or Google Store, so updating maps seems problematic. But the phones are ringing, there are no complaints about that; movies are watched, music is played. It picks up satellites well.

AvtoVision 7GL - the best modern navigator

Let's go further up the price ladder: the popular AvtoVision 7GL is in the middle price segment. For modern hardware and a set of capabilities you need to pay 7000-7500 rubles. There are about 50 reviews on the device on the Internet, 90% of which are positive.

The navigator from Avtovision is ready to provide:

Intel processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, working with a 64-channel receiver;
LCD screen with a diagonal of 7 inches and a resolution of 1024x600;
1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, MicroSD slot;
battery 2700 mAh;
cameras, 0.3 and 2 megapixels;
USB connector, connection to phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;
connectors for two SIM cards, 3G module;
OS Android 5.1, software from Navitel.

There is a gentleman's set of Hands-Free, route planning through traffic jams and a voice module. The AvtoVision 7GL differs favorably from the previous device by the presence of 3G and a standard license from Navitel.

Pros *

There are all the features of cheap navigators and a little more.
High build quality, rubberized body.
Contrast display with good viewing angles.
Works autonomously for a long time.
You can install applications from Google Play.

Minuses *

Low operating speed.
Looks for satellites for a long time.
There are problems with screen calibration.
Poor fastening.

The best premium GPS navigators

Many car enthusiasts primarily care about comfort, and only then about costs. For such people, the functionality of the purchased devices, their reliability and other characteristics are important. And if the navigator really deserves it, then tens of thousands of rubles can be paid for it. Do you consider yourself to be in this category of drivers? Then we present to your attention the top navigators selected based on reviews from motorists.

Garmin Drive 61 RUS LMT

Drivers are often interested in which one is better to buy a navigator for Russia. And an excellent answer to this question would be Garmin Drive 61 RUS LMT. It contains maps of all regions of the Russian Federation, and their updating is guaranteed free of charge for the entire operating time of the device. New versions, by the way, are released quite often, so it’s immediately clear why the manufacturer is asking you to pay about 13 thousand rubles.

Formally, this model can be called an analogue of Drive 51, but with a display size increased to 6.1 inches. If you need a smaller screen, choose the younger modification.

However, this is not the only reason why Drive 61 is so expensive. A responsive system, speed of finding satellites, stable operation - all this is typical for this device. And voice control, which works without a single error, also adds points to the Garmin GPS navigator.

Advantages:

downloading information about traffic jams;
quite easy to use;
It is possible to connect a rear view camera;
cartography from Here;
convenience and thoughtfulness of the shell;
satellites are found at lightning speed;
ability to connect to a smartphone;
RDS is for once not just for show.

Flaws:

poor equipment (for its price).

TomTom GO 620

An almost ideal model in its class is the GO 620 from the TomTom brand. This is the best combined navigator with radar detector based on reviews from real customers. It has a 6-inch display with a resolution of 480p.

The device is equipped with a radar detector, which allows you to avoid problems with the police. The navigator has 16 GB of built-in memory, but if this is not enough for you, you can expand the storage using memory cards. The device supports synchronization with a smartphone, and after that it can be controlled through the voice assistants Siri and Google Assistant. The software in the GO 620 is proprietary and quite user-friendly.

Advantages:

pairing with mobile devices;
excellent software developed by TomTom;
detects radar well;
fast processor;
responsive sensor;
acceptable screen diagonal;
loading information about traffic jams.

Flaws:

Insufficient support for the Russian language.

Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S Europe

If you pay attention solely to the name, it may seem that the popular model of the DriveSmart 61 LMT-S Europe car navigator is one of the modifications of the Garmin model described above. In fact, we have completely different devices with their own set of capabilities. So, giving preference to this option, it costs about 30 thousand rubles.

What will you get for this amount? Firstly, an unlimited subscription to pre-installed cards. Secondly, alerts about speed cameras and the ability to connect third-party cameras, as well as additional modules. Thirdly, the GPS navigator can download information about traffic jams and TripAdvisor ratings for objects on the map from the Internet.

We did not devote a special place in the review to navigators for trucks, but if we had to choose a specific model, it would be the DriveSmart 61 LMT-S Europe. The most detailed and regularly updated maps of Europe were appreciated by many truckers. At the same time, thanks to the 6.95-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels, they are very convenient to navigate.

Advantages:

impressive functionality;
downloading useful information from the network;
large display with high pixel density;
European maps with the ability to reload;
support for external cameras (optional);
synchronization with a smartphone is possible;
very frequent updates;
the presence of navigation tips simplifies working with the device;
radar alerts (information from databases).

Flaws:

impressive cost.

GlobusGPS GL-800Pro newStreet - reliable and powerful navigator

We continue to consider powerful and expensive devices: the GlobusGPS GL-800Pro newStreet navigator for 8,000 rubles offers a whole range of functions along with high quality performance.

Navigator characteristics:

quad-core Cortex 1300 MHz processor, 64-channel receiver;
five-inch touch screen with High Definition resolution (1280x720);
2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal memory, MicroSD slot;
battery 3500 mAh;
cameras, 5 and 8 megapixels;
USB connector, 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi modules;
dimensions 150x70x10 mm, weight 170 grams;
OS Android 6.0, software from Navitel, Ya.Karty.

This navigator does not waste time on trifles, bringing each of its options to its logical conclusion. 24-hour battery life, excellent cameras, a modern smartphone-level screen and fully customizable Android OS make this navigator a kind of on-board computer with a lot of possibilities. There is a G-sensor, proximity and gravity sensors, a built-in search tracker, and support for two SIM cards.

Pros *

Reliability and speed.
Excellent screen.
High build quality.
Multifunctionality.

Minuses *

Difficult to find on sale.
There are almost no reviews about the product.

NAVITEL T737 Pro

Price : 6,780 rub.

NAVITEL T737 Pro is a modern tablet based on the modern Android 9.0 system. The navigator is equipped with front and main cameras, and also has connectors for two SIM cards and a slot for a microSD card. The disadvantages include the fact that the device is not compatible with services from Yandex.

The navigator is universal in its characteristics: it can be combined with vehicles: it can be powered from both 12-volt and 24-volt on-board power supply. Buyers have no complaints about the tablet itself, except for the slowdown of the Yandex navigator. The software, according to Yandex support, is intended for smartphones and tablets. Is it worth the risk? Everyone decides for themselves.

Navitel T700 is the best navigator according to Za Rulem magazine

In seventh position is a recommendation from the oldest automotive publication in Russia, “Behind the Wheel”: Navitel T700.

1000 MHz processor, 64-channel receiver;
7-inch screen with touch surface, 1024x600 pixels;
1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, MicroSD slot;
battery 2500 mAh;
cameras, 0.3 and 2 megapixels;
USB connector, Bluetooth modules, Wi-Fi;
Windows CE, software from Navitel.

This device practically disappeared from stores after the release of the 3G version. Nevertheless, OS Windows and peripherals from Navitel still maintain a high price-quality ratio. Don't confuse it with the cheaper model of the E700 line - everything possible has been cut down on it, except the price.

Pros *

Good screen and viewing angles.
High positioning accuracy.
Relatively low cost.
Easy to set up and operate.

Minuses *

Discontinued, very difficult to find.
Very weak cameras.

Navitel T700 3G - 7-inch navigator on Android

NAVITEL T700 3G is an updated version of the previous device, the choice of buyers according to Yandex.Market. The latest generation navigator is ready to offer:

1300 MHz processor, 64-channel receiver;
7-inch screen with touch surface, 1024x600 pixels;
1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal memory, MicroSD slot;
battery 2800 mAh;
cameras, 0.3 and 2 megapixels;
USB connector, 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi modules;
dimensions 190x110x12 mm;
OS Android 6.0, software from Navitel.

The T700 3G stands out for its positioning accuracy and large screen. Unlike competitors from GlobusGPS, Navitel concentrated on the main functionality: screen operation and interaction with software. The navigator can be safely recommended for those who require a large screen, maps and do not need additional options.

Pros *

Large screen with high picture quality.
The best GPS module.
Smooth operation thanks to integration of software from the manufacturer.
Wide range of cards.

Minuses *

Cameras are just for show.
No 4G module.
There are errors in European maps.

Waze - an informative GPS navigator for Android

Waze (Free) is a free navigator for Android with opensource code.

Benefits of Waze

1) The social features integrated into Waze greatly improve your driving experience. Waze users report problems on the road - be it repairs, accidents, traffic jams, traffic police posts, cameras and other “troubles”. Accordingly, other drivers are already aware of the changes. In addition to reviews, the application collects information from its own database on the server.

2) The map with routes is informative. Waze uses proven OSM maps. They are highly detailed and accurate.

3) Waze automatically reroutes if your phone crashes, the app crashes, or anything else that might interrupt your navigation. Standard Google Maps doesn't do this. Likewise, Waze makes it easy to see your route when needed and always returns to driving mode.

Garmin Nuvi 465 T - the best navigator for trucks

Working on trucks has its own specifics: truckers use a navigator more often, and the device is used in more difficult conditions than “passenger” models. Garmin Nuvi 465 T is distinguished by its durability, reliability and build quality, which will allow you to travel all over Russia without any complaints.

Device parameters:

4.3-inch TFT display, 480x272 pixels;
battery for 4 hours of battery life;
USB connector, Bluetooth module;
dimensions 120x75x20 mm, 170 grams;
Software from the manufacturer Garmin.

The navigator is specially designed for intercity transportation. The device is adjusted to the vehicle model and cargo volume, which will automatically determine possible routes and travel times. The Garmin Nuvi 465 T warns you when you're changing lanes, warns you about approaching hills and sharp turns, steers you past traffic jams, and lets you make hands-free calls.

Pros *

Durability and reliability.
Hints and alerts on difficult sections of the road.
Custom profiles for different loads and vehicles.

Minuses *

Weak iron.
Software from Garmin, may be difficult to get used to.
Out of production, difficult to find for sale.

Junsun 7 - the best Chinese navigator

The ranking is completed by a Chinese device from Junsun, one of the Asian giants in the field of electronics. The easiest way to purchase a navigator is through AliExpress; the purchase price will be about 4,500 rubles.

What the leader from China can boast of:

quad-core Cortex A7 with a frequency of 1350 MHz;
7-inch capacitive screen, 800x480 pixels;
512 MB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, MicroSD slot;
built-in camera with a resolution of 800×480;
USB connector, Bluetooth modules, Wi-Fi;
OS Android 4.4.2.

With almost 200 reviews, the model’s rating from customers is 4.8 out of 5. As usual, Chinese technology provides basic functionality along with powerful hardware at a low price.

Pros *

Speed of work.
Price-quality ratio.
Easy to set up and use.

Minuses *

Poor build quality.
Poor fastenings.
A cheap speaker often breaks down.
Not in Russian stores.

What is important to know when choosing a navigator

In 2021, navigators have practically ceased to be specialized devices designed to work with cars. The market won: it turned out to be more profitable for the manufacturer to slightly remake a standard tablet than to create a new unique model from scratch.

Today in the low-mid price segment you can see redesigned tablets with vibration resistance, additional sensors and pre-installed software. When assessing, you should pay attention to the following things.

Screen: display resolution

The screen is determined by three parameters: matrix type (TFT, LCD, OLED), diagonal (most often in inches, from 4 to 9) and the number of pixels (varies greatly depending on the model).

The matrix determines viewing angles, power consumption and color rendering quality. In the vast majority of cases, LCD screens are used due to their low cost.

The diagonal standard is 7 inches. On the screen it is less difficult to distinguish the picture, more - too bulky. The size matters only to the user, choose for yourself.

The number of pixels tells how many colored dots form an image on the screen. The more there are, the better the picture quality. Important for those who use the navigator as a video player or for viewing photos. You can focus on HD screens; 1280x720 pixels provide an excellent picture.

Processor and memory

Again, the question is what your navigator will be used for. Any 2012 processor is sufficient for route planning and voice notifications. If you want more, you'll have to pay more.

Main characteristics of the processor: number of cores and clock speed. Multitasking depends on the first, while the second increases the peak power of the device. Quad-core processors with frequencies greater than 1 GHz have become the norm for 2021.

Memory, in turn, is divided into operational and built-in. The operational one is used to process current processes (for example, when working with a card), the built-in one stores all other information. For normal execution of several programs at the same time, 1 GB of RAM is required. The volume of the built-in card is almost irrelevant when choosing; anyway, for any non-standard tasks you will have to buy an additional SD card.

Mount and battery

Fastenings. It is on them that manufacturers of budget devices most often save. When purchasing a device below 3-4 thousand rubles, be mentally prepared for the fact that the mounts will have to be changed. It’s rare to evaluate fasteners before purchasing, so be sure to study reviews on the Internet and ask the seller about the topic.

The built-in battery allows the navigator to continue working autonomously even if the car battery is discharged. Cheap models are equipped with batteries with a capacity of a couple of hundred mAh and with half an hour of battery life. For expensive ones, the capacity can reach 4000 mAh, which in most cases is only needed to increase the price. The norm will be 1000-2000 mAh, which will allow you to calmly sit for several hours in a car with a dead battery without turning off the device.

Operating and navigation system of the device

The most popular manufacturers of software for navigators are four companies: Microsoft, Google, Garmin and Navitel.

Microsoft's Windows CE operating system offers deep desktop integration. Such devices are easy to connect to your home computer, they are convenient to set up and easy to operate. The downside is that beautiful windows eat up a lot of resources, and there are few good programs for mobile Windows.

Google and its Android offer a modular system with easy connection of applications through Google Play. Such a navigator is not much different from a telephone, and you can work with it in exactly the same way.

Navitel is the largest map manufacturer and at the same time a navigator manufacturing company. Maps from Navitel have become almost a standard in the CIS countries; they are distinguished by their accuracy and convenience. Pros - devices with OS from Navitel will be specially optimized for working with maps. Cons - it will be difficult to install anything else on such a navigator.

Garmin, one of the largest electronics manufacturers, did not want to pay royalties or follow the conditions of other companies and writes software for itself. Advantages and disadvantages - similar to Navitel. An additional disadvantage is that maps from Navitel are much more widespread, and those accustomed to Garmin will find it difficult to switch to another navigator.

In general, the differences between operating systems are minimal, and this is more a matter of taste/habitus than a real advantage.

The best car GPS navigators companies

But it’s worth starting by discussing the companies that produce them. Yes, there are also top brands here that consistently deliver high quality, as well as companies whose devices are best not to buy. The latter were not included in the rating, but among noteworthy manufacturers we recommend paying attention to the following brands:

Garmin. An American manufacturer, one of the most famous in this market segment.
NAVITEL. Initially the application, and then the navigators from a world-famous Russian company. Works with proprietary mapping software.
LEXAND. Another domestic brand, regularly included in the TOP 5 on the Russian market. The manufacturer has been operating since 1989, and the brand has been actively producing its own devices since 2008.
Digma. A company with British roots, existing on the Russian market since 2005. Works with a wide variety of consumer electronics, including budget car navigators (but in very small quantities).
Prestigio. International brand based in Belarus. Based on the principle of operation, this brand is similar to Digma, so the range of its navigators is not too large, but the price remains affordable for almost any budget.