What GPS device is better? Tom Tom or Garmin?

Question

I am trying to buy a new GPS device. Ive heard that Garmin is better than Tom Tom, but does it really matter? Has anyone had problems with either or?

Answer 1

Well there are many things to research when comparing a GPS. But the overall clincher is the continuing cost of upgrading the maps.

TOM TOM are unreliable in many country maps and are also a bit of a rip off with some of their models that claim instant update of traffic, pay twice as much and find that that feature does not work in your country despite the advertising!

Getting maps for them is also not easy, especially if you want to travel overseas.

Garmin are expensive, and their maps cost $179 every year to upgrade. Cheaper to buy a map book and learn to use it!

The best value for money in my experience is the MARBELLA,  there are a few models to chose from  the Altina 660  the Marbella 5220 and the newer 4.5 inch screen the Altina 880. Maps cost about $80 a year and when you register they let you know when a new version is released,. they also back up their warranties and are very helpful.

Marbella is also in Australia and they are excellent to deal with despite them being a world away. I can only say good things about their service.

Check  out www.nettiser.com.au/marbella/

Their 880 is not on the website yet but you can mail them for details and pics.

Answer 2

I prefer Garmin over TomTom.  The TomTom unit I used had a touchscreen that was tougher to use.  You had to press harder for the touch to register.  Also, the TomTom was not as intuitive or easy to use as the Garmin nuvi I compared it against.  Also, at least in North America, Garmin's customer/technical support is superior to TomTom's.  The map updates for Garmin cost US$80 now.

I am not sure where the questioner is located, but I can tell them that I have never heard of Marbella (as referenced in another answer) and have never seen them sold in the USA.  That manufacturer may not be an option.

Answer 3

That's not as easy of an answer as it may seem.

Garmin and TomTom are world leaders in GPS system, and they both offer a tremendous value and quality for what they have to offer.

It is like comparing a Mercedes to a BMW or a Cadillac to a Lincoln, each proud owner will tell you they have the best no matter what you may think.

Generally, Garmin sales and popularity is higher in North America and TomTom popularity is higher in Europe. Europe is about 2 to 3 years a head of North America.

With that said, if you are a world traveler, TomTom probably offer you a greater value for what they have to offer, a TomTom top end GPS unit that is loaded with both US and EU mapping software can be obtain for less than $400 while the Garmin is normally a bit higher in the US.

TomTom is probably one of the most feature rich and user interface feature is much more customizable than any other PND products currently offered.

With that said, some of the main differences between TomTom and Garmin is that TomTom have the ability to have MAP SHARE and correct map errors without having to buy new maps, you can update your maps online with TomTom and have fresher maps daily if you wish. The TomTom Voice command is not as good as the Garmin product offer in the Nuvi 850 and 880, but the cost is almost half of what Garmin is asking for being the top end Garmin unit selling at $999 and TomTom 930 with both EU and NA selling for $499. Both have Voice command, traffic, text to speech etc but the price difference is what differentiates the two models.

The Garmin routing seems to be very stable and I prefer it to compare to the TomTom, they both will get you where you need to go but TomTom sometimes takes a slightly longer route for no apparent reason and for the price of fuel these days, that is something to be consider while making your selection.

The Garmin do have the ability to expend your world travel capabilities by adding in SD cards that are loaded with mapping software from other countries such as SouthEast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Middle East etc, so the flexibility and map availability is better with Garmin. Garmin also offer software such as language translator, travel guide with rich points of interest information,

They also have travel features such as currency calculators, world clock etc that will make your travel a bit easier.

I guess I would say the most important part of the answer is what are you looking for the GPS system to do for you and at what price?

If you wish to buy a great system at a great value, consider the TomTom, if you wish to buy a great system with feature rich add-ons and a more stable routing engine, consider the Garmin.

You really can't go wrong with either manufacturers and I am sure you will be happy with either one should you decide to commit to buying a GPS system.

You can find out more about different GPS systems at Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc at www.Autonav2000.com

If you are not sure and you wish to test drive a few, you maybe able rent them through GPS4Rent at www.GPS4Rent.com

If you wish to ask that question again with price, size of display, if Text to Speech, Traffic information, route optimization etc features that you wish to have, I maybe able to recommend you to a GPS system that will fit your needs better.

Good Luck