GPS

GPS selector

Sort our Ratings based on features, brands and other factors.

What's behind our GPS Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 124 models in GPS to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
This score mainly reflects how easy a navigation system is to use, combined with factors such as information given, portability, and routing options. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Ease of use
Ease of use score is based on an assessment of the physical interface, touch-screen control, programming logic, and readability. Testing considers such things as whether the database allows dynamic searching for addresses, if unlikely letters are grayed out, ease of entering into navigation menus upon start-up, ease of finding points of interest, and ease of adjusting common functions like volume, brightness, and map zoom setting.
Routing
Our routing evaluation looks at the choices for fine-tuning a route and calculation time. Specifically, we factor multi-destination routing, avoidance of toll roads, biking routes, walking routes, RV/truck use, and availability of foreign map databases. In addition, we measure system response time when operating data-entry menus, such as POI searching.
Info for driver
Based on the on-screen and audible information given to the user during navigation. Includes type and font size of on-screen information, ability to speak proper street names, languages supported, and amount of audible information given including descriptions of the next maneuver, including lane assist and reality view.
Mount design
Considers how the mount is engineered, factoring size, security, and ease of installation.
Display
Based on brightness, contrast, and glare/reflections in bright sunlight. Considers ratio of screen size to overall device size for packaging efficiency.
Traffic interface
Rates the presentation of the traffic information and the ability to put the data into use. Rating factors include antenna design, color coding for traffic severity, depth of information, estimated time for delay, and tools for rerouting around congestion. However, we do not rate the accuracy or timeliness of the traffic information itself.
Tested battery life (hrs.)
After being fully charged, the length of time in hours that the unit remained on, while set to full brightness.

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Recommended GPS

Recommended GPS are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended GPS

GPS buying guide

To find the GPS that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy GPS in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

A portable GPS system will usually guide you to your destination. The highest-rated GPS models make it especially easy to enter destinations and they give the most helpful directions. If you're looking for information about GPS systems, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ GPS reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our GPS buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and GPS reviews to help you choose the best GPS system for your needs.

Ratings & recommended GPS

GPS (115)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.