If you type ‘TomTom GPS devices’ on Amazon, you get 60+ results. So it is natural for you to wonder, “Where do I begin?”
TomTom is a trusted brand specializing in digital navigation. It offers a range of standalone GPS devices suited for different users and requirements. Some of its popular series include GO Comfort, GO Supreme, GO Discover, GO Exclusive, and more.
These car GPS devices focus on navigational excellence and features like TomTom traffic, road trips, and MyDrive. Most devices have built-in Wi-Fi for an improved user experience.
The aim of the article is to answer the question posed at the beginning. I have gone through several devices, exploring their features and testing their performance, to bring you the best TomTom car GPS devices.
Our Top Recommendation for Tomtom Car GPS!
- 3-month speed camera alerts: Stay updated, under the speed limit, and safer along the way.
- TomTom Traffic: Supremely accurate traffic information enables your TomTom GO Comfort GPS navigation device to intelligently plan routes around traffic.
- Wireless Connectivity: Stay updated quickly and easily with the GO Comfort GPS navigation device.
5 Best Tomtom Car GPS Devices in 2023
TomTom GPS devices are powered by their own Maps platform. Their live traffic and safety camera updates make the everyday commute easier. On the other hand, features like road trip collections and the ability to plan and sync routes on compatible devices make vacations fun.
TomTom offers several entry-level to feature-packed GPS devices. Here are our top five recommendations.
- TomTom GO Comfort 6 – Best in Overall TomTom Car GPS
- TomTom GO Discover 7 – Best in Display Quality
- TomTom GO Supreme 6 – Best in Functionality
- TomTom GO Supreme 5 – Best in Entry-Level Car GPS
- TomTom GO Comfort 5 – Best in Budget-Friendly
1. TomTom GO Comfort 6 – Best in Overall TomTom Car GPS
The GO Comfort 6 is a relatively older model by TomTom. But it makes it to our list because it provides a good balance between navigation guidance, features, and design. It is also one of the mid-priced products offered by TomTom.
The device is equipped with features like TomTom road trips, traffic, and maps. These live services can be activated through the MyDrive app. You can update maps on the go with its Wi-Fi connectivity.
Here is how the GO Comfort 6 fares under our performance categories:
Design
The device comes with a reversible mount, using which you can place it on your windshield or side window. It has a 6-inch display. The resolution is on the lower end with 800 x 480 pixels.
You cannot expect smartphone-like display quality. But considering the screen size, the resolution offers a decent view of the routes.
One of the design drawbacks is that the battery takes about 3 to 5 hours to charge but lasts only under an hour. So it would be best to keep the device plugged into the car charger.
Usability
You can look up places using place names, points of interest, or coordinates. You can use different gestures to control the screen. You can connect to the MyDrive app to access road trips and live services.
TomTom GPS devices are straightforward to use. You may need time initially to explore its features. But it does get easier.
Value-Added Features
Using Bluetooth connectivity, you can have the GPS device read aloud your smartphone messages.
You get three months of safety camera alerts with your purchase. This will be a paid service after the trial period.
Over time, the device can learn your driving habits and predict your destinations to save time.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 6.4 x 0.94 x 4.13 inches |
| Display Dimension | 6 inches |
| Display Resolution | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Touchscreen Type | Resistive |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 hour |
| Internal Memory | 16 GB |
| External Memory | Supports microSD card, up to 32 GB |
| Price | $199.99 |
Pros
- It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- You get three months of safety camera alerts.
- You can access live traffic services through the MyDrive app.
- It supports over 25 languages.
Cons
- The display quality of the device is not the best.
- The device’s battery life is short.
2. TomTom GO Discover 7 – Best in Display Quality
The GO Discover is one of the best TomTom car GPS devices. If you are looking to get the best of navigation and value-adding features, this is the model you should explore.
The device includes the most up-to-date maps by TomTom. It has a built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi band. The map updates are smaller and are much quicker to update.
I think the Wi-Fi performance is much better than the GO Comfort and Supreme devices. But using a computer is still the best option.
Here is how the GO Discover 7 fares under our performance categories:
Design
It is one of the largest devices by TomTom, with a 7-inch display screen and a device dimension of 7.48 x 0.79 x 4.72 inches.
It has a high-definition touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The screen is 4x quicker and smoother in terms of responsiveness. These features make it the best display device on the list.
Usability
It has an intuitive user interface. You can customize aspects like colors, brightness, layout, and orientation. You can decide if you want icons like points of interest on your map.
It has 2 GB RAM, which makes the screen highly responsive. You can choose to receive guidance instructions through voice.
It supports multiple languages and dialects. So, for example, you can use US, UK, or Australian English.
Overall, I like using the GO Discover device the most.
Value-Added Features
The device is on the pricier end but offers 1-year of safety camera alerts, fuel prices, and off-street parking details.
With the live fuel pricing information, you can access gas stations nearby with the lowest prices. With off-street parking, you can grab an open spot near your destination. Both of these features can be cost and time-saving.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 7.48 x 0.79 x 4.72 inches |
| Display Dimension | 7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels |
| Touchscreen Type | High definition |
| Battery | Lithium-polymer |
| Battery Life | Up to 116 minutes (with 100% brightness) |
| Internal Memory | 32 GB |
| External Memory | No memory card slot included |
| Price | $309.00 |
Pros
- A 7-inch HD screen with good display quality.
- It offers improved connectivity with a built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi band.
- You get 1-year of live safety camera alerts.
- You get 1-year live fueling price information and off-street parking information.
Cons
- It does not support hands-free calling.
- It is one of the pricier GPS devices by TomTom.
3. TomTom GO Supreme 6 – Best in Functionality
The GO Supreme series is another attempt by TomTom to offer users the best of navigation and user-friendly features.
It offers TomTom traffic and road trips to make everyday commutes and vacations seamless. You can personalize routes, find the location of your car, and make hands-free calls.
Here is how the GO Supreme 6 fares under our performance categories:
Design
The device has a 6-inch display. It has a display resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and a capacitive touchscreen. The resolution is not the best, but it works for the 6-inch screen.
Battery drain is an issue, especially if you are using live services. So I recommend you keep the car charger handy, even for short trips.
Usability
After GO Discover, the GO Supreme devices offer a good user experience. You can use step-by-step instructions or the quick search menu to find places. Both give the same results, so the method you use is your preference.
You can also use voice commands to interact with the device. For example, you can use the standard “Hello TomTom” or a customized phrase to wake the device. You can then command it to find places.
Value-Added Features
You can add contacts to a list and send them an SMS with your current location and ETA. This is a handy feature for teen drivers or senior citizens.
With the last-mile navigation feature, using the MyDrive app, you can receive guidance to your intended destination from your parking location.
You can receive or reject incoming calls on the GPS device. Android users can respond to a call with an SMS. You can also make hands-free calls.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 6.37 x 4.15 x 0.74 inches |
| Display Dimension | 6 inches |
| Display Resolution | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Touchscreen Type | Capacitive |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 hour |
| Internal Memory | 16 GB |
| External Memory | Supports microSD card, up to 32 GB |
| Price | $249.99 |
Pros
- The last-mile navigation features offer guidance from the parked location to the destination.
- You can share your current location and ETA with contacts.
- It supports hands-free calling and smartphone message notifications.
- Update maps using built-in Wi-Fi.
Cons
- TomTom offers a short warranty on the product.
- The voice control feature needs improvement.
4. TomTom GO Supreme 5 – Best in Entry-Level Car GPS
If you are interested in buying a GO Supreme GPS device but at a pocket-friendly price, you can opt for the GO Supreme 5.
It offers the same features as the GO Supreme 6. The difference lies in the device size and display quality.
Here is how the GO Supreme 5 fares under our performance categories.
Design
It is the smallest device under the GO Supreme series. The device dimension is 5.59 x 3.57 x 0.74 inches, and the display size is 5 inches.
The touchscreen type is capacitive, and the display resolution is 480 x 272 pixels. The display quality is decent, considering the small screen size. The view can get chunky when using the map in the guidance view.
Usability
Similar to the GO Supreme 6, the 5 is also easy to use with a learning curve. It supports touch and voice control. You can look up for places or points of interest nearby.
You have the option of switching between map and guidance views. But in my opinion, sticking to the map view works best.
Value-Added Features
It makes everyday commutes easier with features like TomTom traffic and safety cameras, updated maps, hands-free calling, last-mile navigation, and ETA and location sharing.
Its road trip collection, including coastal, forest, mountain, and other scenic routes, makes holidays enjoyable.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 5.59 x 3.57 x 0.74 inches |
| Display Dimension | 5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Touchscreen Type | Capacitive |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to an hour |
| Internal Memory | 16 GB |
| External Memory | Supports memory card, up to 32 GB |
| Price | $199.99 |
Pros
- You can find your car’s parked location using the device app.
- It supports Siri and Google Now, the personal assistants for your smartphones.
- You can share ETA with your contacts.
- The device can read your smartphone messages out loud.
Cons
- The display resolution is on the lower end.
- The device has a short battery life.
5. TomTom GO Comfort 5 – Best in Budget-Friendly
If you want a basic standalone GPS device that is easy on the pocket, consider the GO Comfort 5. The GPS device will get the job done if you want to get from point A to B.
Here is how the GO Comfort 5 fares under our performance categories:
Design
It is one of TomTom’s smaller car GPS devices with a 5-inch display screen. It can sit conveniently on your windshield or side window.
Its display resolution stands at 480 x 272 pixels. The display quality in the map view is decent. The display will seem pixelated in the guidance view.
Usability
It is one of the easiest TomTom GPS devices to use. You can look for places near your current location or in specific towns and cities.
You can access TomTom’s services like live traffic, road trips, and safety cameras. You can update maps with the built-in Wi-Fi. But it would be best to keep the device plugged in as the updates can be time-consuming and drain the battery quickly.
Value-Added Features
The device learns your driving habits and predicts destinations. For example, it can ask, “Going to location?”
Now this location could be the workplace that you drive to most days of the week. If you select yes, the device will plan and start the route.
With Bluetooth connectivity, you can get the device to read your messages aloud, so you can concentrate on driving while staying informed.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 5.32 x 0.94 x 3.57 inches |
| Display Dimension | 5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Touchscreen Type | Resistive |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 hour |
| Internal Memory | 16 GB |
| External Memory | Supports Micro SD card, up to 32 GB |
| Price | $179.99 |
Pros
- You get a three-month safety camera trial.
- The device can read your smartphone messages out loud.
- You can update maps with built-in maps.
- It can predict destinations based on your driving habits.
Cons
- The display quality is not the best.
- Battery life is an issue.
How We Picked And Tested The Tomtom Car GPS Devices?
Our product reviews and recommendations start with thorough online research. We look at the brand’s product range, features, assembly, usability, and customer reviews to shortlist a set of devices to test.
We tested the device’s performance mentioned above on the road wherever possible. But this was not possible on longer routes, as the battery is an issue with TomTom devices.
Key Decision-Making Factors
There are several factors that decide what devices make it to our list; here are a few key ones for your reference.
Assembly
We look at how easy it is to assemble, mount, and use the device once it is out of the box.
Usability
We look into different ways of finding a place and how quick and accurate the results are. What features does the device offer, and how long can average users take to understand and use those features?
Map Updates
Updated maps are how GPS devices can provide accurate information. In the case of TomTom, they offer map updates weekly to every four months.
Performance
Brands advertise several value-adding features. We test the device’s performance against these features.
FAQ’s
TomTom typically provides a limited warranty of 1 year on its car GPS devices, which covers defects in parts and labor.
Cars like Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Mazda, Smart, Sony, and Subaru include in-dash navigation technologies by TomTom.
TomTom devices do work without the internet. GPS devices receive data from satellites. But if you want to access TomTom services like traffic and speed camera updates, you will need the internet for the same.
Conclusion
TomTom is a brand that has been in the navigation space for over four decades. Its own mapping platform, apps, and services have helped millions experience hassle-free travel.
Some notable features TomTom GPS devices offer include traffic and safety camera updates, a quick search menu, voice control, smartphone notifications, destination prediction, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and support for multiple languages.
You get to choose from basic and budget-friendly GPS devices like GO Comfort to feature-rich devices like GO Discover.
We hope our list of the best TomTom car GPS devices helps you find the right device for your requirement.
Meet Klark Kurz, a GPS enthusiast and author with a B.B.A. in Finance from Texas A&M University. With a passion for technology and innovation, Klark provides accessible and user-friendly content to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions. As a regular contributor to TraxFamily.com, Klark’s insights and practical advice make GPS tracking more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly.