The best car navigators in 2021

In the modern world, a person seeks to master the best and most useful developments created to help and facilitate people's lives. One of these gadgets is the navigator.

Yes, someone will say that smartphones have navigators, and a tablet can even be turned into a multifunctional device for a car. But still, a full-fledged specialized device called a car navigator copes with its tasks and functions much better than a phone or tablet. In addition, mobile gadgets can come in handy on the go and for solving other issues.

It is a mistake to think that navigators are bought only by truckers or taxi drivers in order to better navigate in settlements and choose the best routes. Even an ordinary car owner, who can drive no more than 100 km per week, sometimes really needs a navigation system in his cabin.

Now the range of devices is huge. This is good and bad at the same time. Such a variety is difficult to understand. In addition, an impressive proportion of navigators are cheap and unusable devices. There are also frank copies, clones that differ only in the name of the brand. There are those that were produced by leading companies, but still turned out to be unsuccessful for one reason or another.

To make it easier and faster to understand the range, we suggest that you get acquainted with the rating of the best navigators for cars in 2021. But first, a few words about how to choose them correctly.

How to choose the right navigator for your car

The best navigators for a car in 2021 allow you to avoid the most difficult sections of the road or traffic congestion, and, therefore, significantly save time and money. The range of this equipment on the market today is very diverse - they differ not only in cost, but also in functionality, fastening and a number of technical characteristics. As with most modern gadgets, it is worth studying the selection criteria before buying - this will allow you to choose a really suitable device. To choose the best navigator for your car, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Monitor parameters. It is believed that the diagonal of the device screen must be at least 5 inches so that the driver can make out information from it. Sizes over 7 inches can already obscure the view and distract attention. But with the screen resolution, the situation is exactly the opposite - the higher it is, the better.
• Software. The rating of the best car navigators in 2021 puts devices that are equipped with systems such as Navitel or CityGuide in first place, since they are more in line with the expectations of the domestic user. The software directly affects the number of options, as well as the ease of use.
• The speed and frequency of updating information related to the traffic situation (traffic jams, markings, difficult sections of the road, etc.) Modern navigators are equipped with GPRS modules, and each of them has built-in Bluetooth. However, it is the modules that make the operation of the device autonomous, they are considered more reliable, do not require additional connections and connections.
• Voice prompts option. It is useful in that it distracts the driver's attention from the traffic situation less. The sound mode prompts you to change lanes to make a maneuver or to avoid an obstacle.

There are many additional options that in practice manufacturers equip the best GPS navigators for drivers and car owners. For example, it is very convenient when they can also be used as video recorders. Some of the models are capable of scanning traffic police radars. Of course, such models are significantly more expensive and do not belong to the budget category. But they are able to replace several types of devices with one device at once, and therefore have been and remain in demand among domestic motorists.

Rating categories

In order not to turn the rating into a hodgepodge among the best navigators for a car in 2021, all noteworthy gadgets were divided into 3 price categories:

• budget;
• medium budget;
• expensive.

This classification allows you to assess your own financial capabilities, compare them with the functions and options that are available in navigators, and choose the best option for yourself.

Now it's worth considering all the categories of the best car navigators in 2021. Each of them will feature 5 devices.

The selection was based on ratings, reviews, customer comments, as well as expert opinion and sales figures in the Russian market.

Best budget models

To begin with, what a good navigator you can choose for your car without spending a lot of money.

Some consumers do not need a huge list of features, the highest quality and improved specifications. But you shouldn't settle for frankly cheap and low-quality Chinese navigators either.

The rating of the best budget models includes car navigators, which in 2021 are in deserved demand, popularity and are ready to offer the maximum for little money.

• Navitel E500 Magnetic. The representative of a relatively new line of navigators, which brought budget trip computers to a slightly different level compared to their predecessors. The screen remains resistive, which means you have to use a stylus. But the resolution is 800x480 pixels. It is based on the Cortex A7 processor. 128MB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage are available. The old Windows CE 6.0 operating system was also abandoned. Instead, the Navitel OS platform is now built on Linux. With its help, the speed of work has improved and energy efficiency has increased. Instead of outdated latches and latches, a quick-detachable magnetic mount is used. In autonomous mode, the device can work for 1.5 hours without connecting to the on-board network. Alas, the data on traffic jams cannot be loaded onto the navigator screen. For the rest, a very decent trip computer costing about 4 thousand rubles.
  
• Navitel C500. The navigator uses standard hardware. The device is quite weighty, which, in combination with the suction cup mount, was not the best solution. 5-inch screen, proprietary interface, Mstar processor and 800 MHz. The chip from MediaTek MSR2112 is responsible for the navigation functionality. Few of the cheap navigators can boast of such a chip. Autonomous mode works for about 1 hour. The build quality is average. But it was not worth waiting for something more from the navigator for 3.6 thousand rubles.
  
• XPX PM-719. This is not to say that this is the best budget segment navigator for a car, but it definitely deserves to be among the favorites. Some are confused by the low recognition, since the devices are not very common for sale in the territory of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the navigator attracts with its 7-inch display and a resolution of 800x480 pixels. The screen, unfortunately, is resistive. The operating system is Windows CE. But the battery is 1800 mAh, and the processor is from Mediatek. Additionally, it is possible to connect an external GPS antenna. For budget navigators, this is a very rare occurrence. The navigation shell was taken from Navitel. Users note a certain lack of processor power, as well as a weak prevalence of the Chinese brand in Russia. You have to buy mostly via the Internet. The current price is about 3.8 thousand rubles.
  
• Lexand Click & Drive CD5 HD Progorod. The navigator has a 5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 800x480 pixels.There is support for connecting an external 3G modem via USB. The magnetic type holder also has its advantages. With such nuances, it stands out favorably against the background of almost identical competitors. At the same time, the filling is classic for the price segment. This is 128 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage and a processor from Mstar with a frequency of 800 MHz. Considering that Windows CE is used as a platform, there are enough such parameters with a margin. The preinstalled shell may not be the best, but surpasses Navitel in a number of parameters. This is a matter of taste or habit. You can buy a navigator for 4 thousand rubles.
  
• Navitel E505 Magnetic. Wide bezels make the look of the navigator rather massive. Although the device weighs only 160 grams. The mount is presented in the form of a magnetic shoe. 800 MHz processor, like the E500 Magnetic. RAM is 128 MB. Dropped the ancient Windows CE operating system in favor of NavitelOS. The screen is resistive, that is, the control is carried out through the stylus included in the kit. The device closes the top 5, as it cannot offer anything outstanding and superior to the competition. But still, for 4 thousand rubles, this is more than a worthy option for a navigator in 2021.
  

It can be noted with confidence that it makes sense to buy such cheap navigators only if there is a real lack of funds to buy more worthy, but expensive devices. Or their capabilities will be enough if the navigator is used extremely rarely. Then it really doesn't make sense to spend 6-10 thousand rubles.

Initially, it was planned to make the top 10 among the best navigators for cars. But the categories of mid-budget and expensive devices turned out to be too broad. There are many worthy candidates. Because of this, 5 devices were included in each of the subcategories.

The best navigators of the mid-budget segment

Next, we present you a rating among GPS navigators designed for car dealerships and available in the middle price segment:

• Garmin Drive 52 Rus MT. It is a navigator with a 5-inch touch screen and a resolution of 480x272 pixels. Not much, but not downright bad either. Maps are updated by connecting the device to a computer via a USB cable. The navigator received a very functional shell, it can easily find addresses and build optimal routes. The navigator display can be used as a monitor by connecting a rear view camera. There is a built-in battery, if you suddenly need to use the device without connecting to the on-board network. Works about 1 hour. The current price is 13 thousand rubles.
  
• Navitel G500. The navigator works with GPS and GLONASS. In terms of the operation of the navigation equipment, it gives a pleasant feeling. Good performance indicators, the ability to calculate the optimal route. If the device is bought for driving in Russia, then the Navitel filling will be objectively the best solution. But everything is spoiled by the resistive display, which does not make it possible to control events on the screen using finger touches. You shouldn't be very surprised at this fact, since the price of the navigator is only 6 thousand rubles.
  
• Consul 7.0 Parking Monitor. This navigator combines the functionality of a navigation device, a tablet and a rear view camera. It runs on the Android operating system, and therefore a number of software can be downloaded directly from PlayMarket. Internet connection is realized via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Both modules are standard. Image quality is average and sometimes brightness is lacking in sunny weather. But otherwise a very decent navigator. The price of the device is 9 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin Drive 50 Rus LMT. It is incredibly easy to work with such a navigator, even if this is your first time with such a device. The unit is based on a 5-inch touchscreen display. It displays clear and understandable instructions. There is a voice assistant. But there are no Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules here. Maps will have to be updated by connecting to a computer. You can buy a navigator for about 13-13.5 thousand rubles.
  
• Pioneer AVIC-F250. Quite an interesting and flexible navigation system, which implements all the main advantages and capabilities of Pioneer's directional maps. The device is compact, with good technical stuffing. Pre-installed maps cover all of Europe, providing access to 44 countries and 9 million kilometers of roads. It is possible to personalize the NavGate system, leaving points of interest on the maps there, creating reports, customizing the main screen, and so on. But there is one caveat. There is no own display provided here. In fact, this is a module that needs to be connected to the screen in the car. For such a box without a screen, but with exemplary navigation accuracy and a wide database, you need to pay about 11.5 thousand rubles.
  

Basically, buyers are guided precisely by the middle price segment when choosing GPS navigators. Therefore, this rating of car navigation systems can be considered the most relevant and demanded.

The best premium navigators

If you have a rather expensive car, but there is no standard navigation system, or it does not suit you for one reason or another, you can put a premium device.

Among the best navigators in this price segment in 2021 are.

• Garmin DriveSmart 55 Rus MT. The device has a clear 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1200 x 720 pixels. Multisensory control. Due to the frameless design, it looks neat and compact. There is a function of connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The device makes a very pleasant impression in terms of appearance, filling and performance. But the price is also appropriate - about 20 thousand rubles.
  
• TomTom Go 6200. Navigator with one of the best map layouts on the market. An impressive part of the buildings is realized in the form of 3D models. The device clearly indicates the direction of movement, builds optimal routes. The auto zoom function works when driving through intersections. An additional advantage is the notification of the traffic situation along the route. You can install the service pack to travel with your navigator in other countries. The current cost is 16.5 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin DriveSmart 61 Rus LMT. There is also a version of Garmin Drive, its price is about 7-8 thousand rubles less. The presented navigator has excellent technical and operational characteristics. There are different warning and assistance systems for the driver. Touch screen 6 inches. Thanks to wireless connection systems, you can display calls and messages received on your smartphone while traveling on the screen. You can buy such a navigator for 20.5 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S Europe. The name gives the impression that this is a variation of the device presented above. But no, these are different devices. Here the buyer gets unlimited access to pre-installed maps and their updates. Traffic camera alert also works. It is possible to connect a rear view camera and additional modules to the screen. A 7-inch screen with touch control is used. Automatically downloads traffic information. But the price of 30 thousand rubles looks impressive.
  
• Garmin Drive Assist 51. This is a hybrid of a navigator and a video recorder, built on the manufacturer's proprietary software. Perfectly builds routes, helps on the road, warns about dangers, cameras and road signs. It tells you which lane is better to rebuild. Finds free parking online and reports its cost. Also, an alert signal works here in case of a dangerous approach with other machines. It is also worth highlighting the ability to set up sending an automatic notification to relatives if the car gets into an accident. There are preinstalled maps of Russia here, but you can also download other maps. The price will be 24 thousand rubles.
  

It is really difficult to opt for a specific device if you do not know clearly your requirements and wishes. Therefore, it is worth considering carefully, weighing all the arguments, and realistically assessing financial capabilities. And then the navigator will find you by itself.