How to Choose the Best Aftermarket GPS System for Your Car

Steffy Alen February 28, 2022

Many of the most recent cars come with a GPS or navigation system already built-in. But what if you get one of the entry-level autos that doesn’t have one? Or what if you have an older car? Sometimes, relying on your smartphone’s map application simply isn’t enough.

In those cases, you can just get an aftermarket GPS system for your car. Some of these are installed into your car by technicians. Others are portable, so you can just pull them out when you need them. Keep the following factors in mind, and you will be on your way to finding the right system for your auto.

Table of Contents

Portable or Built-In?

The first thing to ask yourself is whether you would rather have a portable GPS unit or have one installed in your car. It should go without saying that having a mechanic install a GPS unit into your car will increase the cost. But that can also add convenience, as it may be able to interact with your car’s other electronics. You also won’t have to worry about losing the unit or keeping it charged.

Portable GPS units have the advantages of costing less and being portable. If you have more than one car without navigation, choosing a portable GPS system will let you use it in either car. Or, if you replace your car with a newer one, you could easily move it. You could even take your portable unit with you on walks when exploring a new city. That being said, you would likely use your smartphone’s map when exploring.

Do You Need a Specialized System?

Start by thinking about whether the basic GPS systems will be enough for you. Most people will find these systems to be more than adequate.

But you can also find specialized systems designed for boating, motorcycle driving, and even golfing. Many of these are versatile enough for you to use in your car or on those adventures. Of course, expect to need a portable model if you want one of these specialized units.

The Size

Next, consider how large of a screen you want. Larger displays will take up more room but make it easier to see the map. It will also make it easier to input addresses. On the other hand, smaller units fit in your car better and tend to be more affordable. That being said, a Newegg promo code can help you save on any GPS unit.

Features to Consider

Once you have narrowed down your options with the above considerations, it’s time to think about the features you want. Some of the most important ones to consider include the following:

Points of interest.
Spoken street names.
Lane guidance.
Traffic updates.
Map updates.

Conclusion

If your car doesn’t already have a navigation system, you can get a GPS unit to help you navigate on the go. You just have to figure out whether you want a portable or built-in unit and your preferred size and features.