Which is better for your needs?
GPS navigationhas grown into a robust product category with many options.
We examined each punch in of technology to help you decide between the two.
Overall Findings
Clear, sharp displays.
Small fonts and menus are hard to use in a car.
Voice directions offer clear guidance.
Large smartphones are good for dash mounting.
Quality and functionality of mounts varies.
Always updated with the latest maps.
Always connected to a cellular web connection.
Drains battery and uses mobile data.
Menus and controls optimized for arm’s-length viewing.
More information on the display.
Come with windshield mounts and power port chargers.
Adjustable and adaptable mounts.
Access to high-quality maps and databases.
Requires a monthly fee to maintain connectivity.
PNDs offer larger screens and dedicated mounts.
Some top navigation apps includeWaze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.
Well-known PND manufacturers include Garmin and TomTom.
Smartphone apps such as Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps are free to download.
Dedicated car GPS systems cost from $100 to several hundred dollars or more.
User Interface: Bigger Might Be Better
Clear displays and touch functionality.
Small displays are hard to use in a car.
Large displays designed for arm’s-length viewing.
Screens include more information.
A smartphone offers a sharp, clear display with a capacitive touchscreen.
However, these are still smaller than those found on a typical dedicated GPS equipment.
PNDs have resistive touchscreens that are typically 4.3 inches or 5.5 inches diagonally.
Larger-screen PNDs with 5-inch screens are becoming more common.
Plus, they lack typical smartphone distractions like text and social media notifications.
Windshield and Dash Mounting: PNDs Have the Edge
Windshield mounts can be costly.
Some mounts don’t allow for phone charging.
Mounts come with the unit.
Mounts have chargers and other features.
A smartphone windshield mount can be costly, so factor that into your decision.
Dedicated GPS devices include windshield mounts and power port chargers.
PND mounts come right in the box, so they have the edge in mounting.
Third-party alternative mounts for GPS devices offer more functionality and features.
Quality of Maps and Directions: Equally Accurate
Use high-quality maps and databases.
Map sets are onboard or downloaded on the fly.
Map sets are onboard.
When you download maps on the fly, you always have the latest version.
If you do a lot of rural driving, stick with onboard maps.
Google has gone its own way with Google Maps.
Name-brand smartphone turn-by-turn apps and PNDs offer equally good experiences.
PNDs keep map sets on board.
Most makers offer free map updates periodically.
Connectivity: Smartphone Connectivity Gets the Edge
Sophisticated connectivity features.
App store for running multiple GPS apps.
May or may not include internet connectivity.
No third-party apps; you’re stuck with what you get out of the box.
Smartphones have the advantage of always being connected to amobile data pipe.
Check out the app’s connectivity features before you download it.
Dedicated PNDs may or may not include cellular connection and internet connectivity.
Though smartphone connectivity gets the edge, using a PND protects phone battery life.
Think about ease of use, how often you’ll use navigation, and where you travel.
