We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

7 Best Gps Units 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Simrad NSS9 evo3S - 9-inch Multifunction Fish Finder Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Charts

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Accuracy
Display

Most important from
25 reviews

Accuracy
The magnification knob adds a great touch for enhancing navigation precision.
Display
Despite the higher price, the resolution and speed are outstanding, especially appreciated in areas like Crystal River.

The Simrad NSS9 evo3S is a powerful GPS unit designed for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the 9-inch high-definition LCD display, which provides crisp and clear visuals, aided by the iMX 8 high-performance processor. This results in quick response times and smooth transitions, which are crucial for navigation and fish finding. The built-in GPS navigation, preloaded with C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts, offers a comprehensive mapping software solution that caters well to both inland and coastal navigation.

In terms of fish finding, the device excels with its ability to support advanced sonar technologies like Active Imaging and StructureScan 3D, as well as integration with HALO radar. This makes it highly suitable for avid fishermen who require detailed underwater insights. Durability is another strong aspect, as the device is designed for vessel-wide integration and can withstand various marine conditions.

The user interface is versatile, allowing for seamless switching between a multi-touch touchscreen and a full-featured keypad with a rotary control dial, ensuring that users can operate the device comfortably in different weather conditions. Some users might find the learning curve steep if they are not familiar with such multifunctional marine units. Connectivity options enable extensive system integration, allowing real-time monitoring of engines and fuel efficiency, along with control over onboard systems like the sound system. The product's size and weight could be considered bulky for smaller vessels, yet its functional scope and robust integration features make it a great choice for serious boating and fishing enthusiasts seeking a reliable and advanced GPS unit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Accuracy
Display

Most important from
25 reviews

Accuracy
The magnification knob adds a great touch for enhancing navigation precision.
Display
Despite the higher price, the resolution and speed are outstanding, especially appreciated in areas like Crystal River.
#2

Rand McNally TND 1050 10-inch GPS Truck Navigator with Industry's Best Custom Trucking Routes, Rand Navigation 2.0, Download 2025 Maps + Built-in Camera

Rating
9.7
Display
Accuracy
Durability

Most important from
2195 reviews

Display
The large, clear 10-inch display makes programming addresses and viewing routes straightforward, enhancing usability on the road.
Accuracy
Truck-specific routing is generally reliable and accurate, helping avoid restricted roads and low bridges, though some routes may not always be optimal.
Durability
The device's rubber strap and multiple mounting options aim to reduce impact damage, but the mount can fail on rough roads, causing the GPS to fall frequently.
Connectivity
Frequent loss of GPS signal disrupts navigation, forcing users to manually resume trips, which undermines safety and convenience.
Battery Life
Battery performance is poor, with the device losing significant charge even while plugged in during driving, leading to frustration over insufficient through-charging.
Mapping Software
The unit’s mapping data can be incomplete, sometimes failing to recognize addresses, which limits its dependability in certain regions.
User Interface
Features like saving specific store locations and bookmarking are useful for repeat deliveries, simplifying route management for professional drivers.

The Rand McNally TND 1050 is a GPS unit designed especially for truck drivers, featuring a large and clear 10-inch high-definition touchscreen that enhances visibility on the road. Its upgraded Rand Navigation system offers 33% more truck-specific road data compared to many competitors, enabling routes that are better customized based on the truck’s size, weight, and cargo, helping to avoid low bridges and restricted roads. The mapping software covers North America well and supports easy updates via WiFi to keep routes current without hassle.

Durability is a strong point with a tough Gorilla Glass screen and a removable guard for protection against bumps and scratches. It also includes three mounting options to ensure the device stays firmly in place on rough roads. While exact battery life details are not highlighted, the inclusion of a vehicle charger and USB-C cable suggests it is optimized for use while plugged in during drives to maintain power.

The user interface is straightforward with a responsive touchscreen and additional features like an integrated dash cam and receipt tracking, which benefit professional drivers managing daily tasks. Connectivity options include USB and WiFi, allowing for easy updates and charging of other devices. Potential drawbacks include a heavier weight (1.8 pounds) compared to typical GPS units and a feature set that may be more complex and costly than what casual users require. Truck drivers seeking reliable, truck-specific routing with durable hardware will find this GPS a solid choice.

Rating
9.7
Display
Accuracy
Durability

Most important from
2195 reviews

Display
The large, clear 10-inch display makes programming addresses and viewing routes straightforward, enhancing usability on the road.
Accuracy
Truck-specific routing is generally reliable and accurate, helping avoid restricted roads and low bridges, though some routes may not always be optimal.
Durability
The device's rubber strap and multiple mounting options aim to reduce impact damage, but the mount can fail on rough roads, causing the GPS to fall frequently.
Connectivity
Frequent loss of GPS signal disrupts navigation, forcing users to manually resume trips, which undermines safety and convenience.
Battery Life
Battery performance is poor, with the device losing significant charge even while plugged in during driving, leading to frustration over insufficient through-charging.
Mapping Software
The unit’s mapping data can be incomplete, sometimes failing to recognize addresses, which limits its dependability in certain regions.
User Interface
Features like saving specific store locations and bookmarking are useful for repeat deliveries, simplifying route management for professional drivers.
#3

TomTom VIA 1535TM 5-Inch Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps and Voice Recognition

Rating
8.2
Accuracy
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1942 reviews

Accuracy
The GPS signal is strong enough to pick up where smartphones sometimes fail, providing reliable navigation even in challenging areas.
Display
Having the speed limit displayed on the screen is a helpful feature that many other navigation apps don’t offer.
Battery Life
The battery life is limited, so it’s best to keep the unit plugged in during use for uninterrupted service.
Mapping Software
The lifetime map and traffic updates provide excellent value without the need for expensive upgrades or relying on smartphone connectivity.
Durability
Some users experienced occasional glitches that required a hard reset, but these issues were resolved with simple troubleshooting.
User Interface
The device’s interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for those who dislike learning complicated new technology.
Connectivity
The traffic updates work consistently well and have been a lifesaver on multiple occasions.

The TomTom VIA 1535TM is a solid choice if you want a straightforward GPS navigator with reliable maps for the US, Canada, and Mexico. It comes with lifetime map and traffic updates, meaning you won't have to pay extra to keep your maps current or avoid traffic delays—this is a great benefit for frequent drivers. The 5-inch screen is a decent size for clear display of directions without being bulky. Its voice recognition and Bluetooth hands-free calling add convenience and help keep you focused on driving safely. However, the battery life is relatively short at about 3 hours, so it’s best used plugged into your vehicle rather than relying on battery power alone.

While the device offers good connectivity through Bluetooth, it doesn’t have more modern features like smartphone integration or wifi. The device’s interface is user-friendly but somewhat basic compared to newer models. Durability is average—lightweight and portable but not built for rough handling. If you mainly need a dependable GPS for car navigation with up-to-date maps and traffic info, this TomTom model serves well. For those who want longer battery life or advanced smart features, more modern options may be better suited to those needs.

Rating
8.2
Accuracy
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1942 reviews

Accuracy
The GPS signal is strong enough to pick up where smartphones sometimes fail, providing reliable navigation even in challenging areas.
Display
Having the speed limit displayed on the screen is a helpful feature that many other navigation apps don’t offer.
Battery Life
The battery life is limited, so it’s best to keep the unit plugged in during use for uninterrupted service.
Mapping Software
The lifetime map and traffic updates provide excellent value without the need for expensive upgrades or relying on smartphone connectivity.
Durability
Some users experienced occasional glitches that required a hard reset, but these issues were resolved with simple troubleshooting.
User Interface
The device’s interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for those who dislike learning complicated new technology.
Connectivity
The traffic updates work consistently well and have been a lifesaver on multiple occasions.

Buying Guide for the Best Gps Units

Choosing the right GPS unit can greatly enhance your navigation experience, whether you're hiking, driving, or sailing. The key is to understand the features that matter most for your specific needs and how to evaluate them. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a GPS unit.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how close the GPS unit's reported position is to your actual location. This is crucial for activities where precise location data is essential, such as geocaching or surveying. Accuracy is typically measured in meters. High-accuracy units can pinpoint your location within a few meters, while standard units may have a margin of error of up to 10 meters. If you need precise location data, opt for a high-accuracy unit.
DisplayThe display is the screen where you view maps and other information. It’s important because it affects how easily you can read and interact with the device. Displays vary in size, resolution, and whether they are color or monochrome. Larger, high-resolution color displays are easier to read and can show more detail, which is useful for complex navigation. However, they may consume more battery power. Choose a display that balances readability with battery life based on your usage.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the GPS unit can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is critical for long trips where recharging may not be possible. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. Units with longer battery life are ideal for extended outdoor activities like hiking or camping. Consider how long you typically use the device in one go and choose a unit with sufficient battery life to meet your needs.
Mapping SoftwareMapping software determines the type and detail of maps available on the GPS unit. This is important for navigation and planning routes. Some units come with preloaded maps, while others allow you to download or purchase additional maps. High-quality mapping software can provide detailed topographic maps, road maps, and points of interest. If you need detailed maps for specific regions or activities, ensure the unit supports the necessary mapping software.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the GPS unit can withstand harsh conditions, such as water, dust, and impacts. This is important for outdoor activities where the device may be exposed to the elements. Look for units with high IP ratings (e.g., IPX7) for water resistance and robust construction for shock resistance. If you plan to use the GPS in rugged environments, choose a durable unit that can handle the conditions.
User InterfaceThe user interface is how you interact with the GPS unit, including buttons, touchscreens, and menu navigation. A user-friendly interface is important for ease of use, especially in challenging conditions. Some units have simple button controls, while others offer touchscreens with more complex menus. Consider how intuitive the interface is and whether it suits your preferences and the conditions in which you'll be using the device.
ConnectivityConnectivity features include the ability to connect to other devices or networks, such as smartphones, computers, or the internet. This is important for updating maps, sharing data, and accessing additional features. Some units offer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB connectivity. If you need to frequently update maps or share your location, choose a unit with the appropriate connectivity options.

FAQ