Our Top Pick:
Drive 6LM EX with Maps by Garmin
★★★★★
Best Value:
Nuvi 67LM GPS Navigator by Garmin
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
Nuvi 3597LMTHD Bluetooth GPS by Garmin
★★★★★
It is not always easy to find locations when you are going through rough terrain, difficult pathways, and complete green foliage to reach the best fishing spots. This is where a GPS device comes into the picture in the best way possible. It is a great way to be on top of your excursions in the right way as you move towards your destination confidently.
However, given the wide array of GPS devices, you can choose from, going in for the right one can be a little challenging. This is why, to make things easier for you, we have put together a list of the top 10 best Garmin GPS devices. Besides this, you can also read our buying guide to understand the various features the devices come with so that you can get your hands on the best one.
Also read: Shallow Water Fish Finder
| Table: Top 10 Garmin GPS Devices in 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 Drive 6LM EX with Maps by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #2 Nuvi 67LM GPS Navigator by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #3 Nuvi 3597LMTHD Bluetooth GPS by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #4 DriveSmart GPS by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #5 Nuvi 57LM GPS Navigation by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #6 Nuvi 2539LMT GPS by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #7 DriveAssist 50LMT GPS Navigation by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #8 Nuvi 2599LMTHD GPS by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #9 DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS by Garmin | Check Price » |
| #10 Drive 50 Navigation GPS Device by Garmin | Check Price » |
Best Garmin GPS Devices Reviews
#1. Drive 6LM EX with Maps by Garmin
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to move about and traverse areas, you can place your faith in the Drive 6LM EX with Maps by Garmin. It is convenient and simple to understand with an easy to use interface. This ensures you can make use of it effectively and promptly.
Product Specs
- Screen size of 6 inches
- 1 pounds
- 8 x 5.2 x 3.2 inches
- Offers regular driver alerts
Why We Recommend This Product
You can trust this device to offer accurate and precise results so you can move from one place to another conveniently and promptly. It is very easy to use and does not cause issues to the driver when driving. The information on the screen is seamlessly readable. It also offers Lifetime maps for all the 49 lower states. It also quickly corrects in case you happen to miss a turn or head in the wrong direction. You can seamlessly view the text and images that come on the screen even in direct sunlight. You can count on this device to offer you regular updates and help you go from and get back home safely.
Pros
- Offers driver alerts
- 6” dual-orientation LCD
- Speaks street names
- Simple user interface
Cons
- Can show problems in programming
Tip: This specific model is compatible with the wireless Garmin BC 30 camera.Tip:
Info alert: This device can make use of a memory card up to 32GB in size.
The Nuvi 67LM GPS Navigator by Garmin makes it ideal to look for new and trending restaurants, as well as shops with the assistance of Foursquare besides being your navigator to hidden fishing spots. It helps you get real directions that effectively guide you like a companion or friend. It makes use of popular landmarks and traffic lights to let you know where you need to head next. This ensures you know you are moving in the right direction.
Product Specs
- 0-inch dual-orientation display
- High sensitivity receiver
- 6 ounces
- 8 x 6.6 x 3.7 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
The device makes it seamless to navigate and choose complex destinations such as airports and malls. It is preloaded with detailed maps of the lower 49 US states. Other than this, it also offers users free lifetime map updates. It is sleek and stylish to look at while its 6-inch dual-orientation display is bright and easy to read even under extreme sunlight. It comes with a suction cup mount that ensures the device is kept firmly in place.
Pros
- Free lifetime updates of maps
- Simple to understand user interface
- Lane assist with junction view
- Easy to use touchscreen
Cons
- Can sometimes freeze up and stop responding
Tip: You can use the display both horizontally and vertically.
Info alert: It is compatible with a backup camera.
#3. Nuvi 3597LMTHD Bluetooth GPS by Garmin
The Nuvi 3597LMTHD Bluetooth GPS by Garmin offers you detailed maps of North America. Other than this, it offers you free lifetime updates so you can easily find the best route to take and reach fishing spots in no time. It has a seamless interface while the navigation information offered is easy to read onscreen.
Product Specs
- 1 x 0.5 x 5.4 inches
- 9 ounces in weight
- 5” high-resolution display
Why We Recommend This Product
The dual-orientation abilities make it easy to view the screen both horizontally and vertically. You can find new map updates available for download up to 4 times every year all through the entire shelf life of the device, with no fees. With this device, you can effortlessly locate destinations whether you are looking for fishing spots. It also offers you a glimpse of the speed limit, an accurate estimate of the time of arrival and current speed.
Pros
- Dual-orientation abilities
- It shows school zones, 3D buildings, and terrain
- Durable
- Made from superior quality material
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Can be difficult to get the hang of at first
Tip: You obtain added information that comes alongside the driving map onscreen. To access this, all you have to do is ask or touch the screen.
Info alert: The 5-inch high-resolution display comes with a pinch and zoom capability.
#4. DriveSmart GPS by Garmin
While the DriveSmart GPS by Garmin comes with an entire array of top-notch features, this in no way adds complications or obstacles when navigating through the interface. It directs your movement in the best possible manner while its sleek and modern exterior ensures it blends in perfectly with any kind of background.
Product Specs
- Comes with a microSD card slot
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless phone
- Voice activated navigation
- 6 ounces
- 7 x 6.8 x 3.9 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
The touchscreen possesses an HD resolution that ensures you obtain a pristine display with great clarity. It offers you lifetime free map updates while you also obtain the ability to receive traffic, map and software updates. The battery lasts for a good one hour. The voice commands ensure you do not have to constantly look at the device. All you have to do is listen and keep your eyes on the road. This ensures you have a safe and secure ride.
Pros
- Comes with preloaded maps
- Long-lasting battery
- Smart notifications without leaving the map
- Edge to edge display
Cons
- Powers off when the vehicle is turned off
- Notifications are on the screen for too long
Tip: This device is compatible to use with a backup camera.
Info alert: The built-in Wi-Fi seamlessly connects with your smartphone. This makes it easy to make and receive calls in a hands-free manner
The Nuvi 57LM GPS Navigation by Garmin is ideal for those who are new to the concept of GPS devices. This is because this system makes it seamless to follow directions. The device makes use of landmarks as well as traffic lights to take you from one place to another. It also gives you the ability to avoid looking at the smaller details. It minimizes the chances of you getting lost.
Product Specs
- 8 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches
- 4 ounces
- 5-inch dual-orientation display
- Preloaded with maps of 49 states
Why We Recommend This Product
Garmin real directions ensure you can seamlessly navigate your way through various pathways as if a friend is giving you directions. This makes it easy to find fishing spots. While the screen of the display is small, you can take advantage of dual-display to obtain two different views of the road at the same time while you are traveling.
Pros
- Spoken directions can be clearly understood
- Dual-display screen
- Direct access makes navigating to complex destinations simple
- School zone warnings
Cons
- Display is smaller
- Touchscreen may not be completely responsive
Tip: The navigator keeps you informed about the speed limit in any specific zone. It also lets you know whether you are entering a school zone and tells you to lower your speed.
Info alert: The display helps to notify users of immediate turns while preparing for directions in advance.
#6. Nuvi 2539LMT GPS by Garim
The Nuvi 2539LMT GPS by Garmin ensures you can find your destination in the best way possible when you use the device for all of your schedules and destinations. You can pinch and zoom the display, which comes with dual-orientation that ensures you can look at the text as well as a graphic in the best way possible without straining your eyes too much in the bargain.
Product Specs
- CNC aluminum spool
- Stainless steel main shaft
- 12 ball bearings
- Depth counter
- One anti-reverse bearing
- Brake system
- Fine-tune button
Pros
- Pinch to zoom display
- Menu interface is easy to use
- Smartphone linking possible
Cons
- Line counter may not be electronic as mentioned as some users found that it was gear-driven
Tip: It comes with a fixed seat that allows you to cast the line with precision and superior control.
Info alert: Use the fishing reel to fish in oceans, rivers, streams, lakes and rock fishing.
The DriveAssist 50LMT GPS Navigation by Garmin is a sleek and stylish navigation device that ensures you get the best direction when it comes to getting to the destination of your choice. It is basically a dashcam that comes with top of the line direction facilities. Other than this, it also comes with safety features.
Product Specs
- 16 ounces
- 5 x 0.8 x 3.3 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
You can make use of the micro SD card to store additional information. You can use lane departure, be aware of your speed limit and make use of voice commands to ensure you get a customized experience. Its dashcam is easy and inconspicuous. You can use it daily to ensure you get to and from places in the best way possible.
Pros
- Offers driver alerts
- 6” dual-orientation LCD display
- Drive 6 USA LM EX automotive GPS
- Seamless touchscreen
- Accurate results
Cons
- It can be difficult to understand its commands initially
Tip: It proves to be immensely beneficial for drivers and explorers as you can use this intelligently built device for forward collision and lane departure warnings.
Info alert: You obtain Garmin Real Vision so when you are approaching selected destinations, your navigation display switches to camera view.
#8. DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS by Garmin
With the DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS by Garmin, you can seamlessly use it to take directions and move from place to place. The graphics displayed on the device are vividly clear so you do not have to worry about getting straining your eyes or going out of your way to look at the instructions offered.
Product Specs
- 5 ounces
- 7 x 0.7 x 3.7 inches
- 6-inch pinch and zoom display
Why We Recommend This Product
The maps are showcased in a manner that makes it easy to decipher. This ensures you know exactly where you are headed to and which road to take next. It makes use of landmarks and similar tactics that makes it easy to offer quick reference in real-time. The GPS device comes with detailed maps for entire North America. Voice command option allows you to activate many commands.
Pros
- Preloaded maps and useful directions
- Voice control feature
- Plenty of driver alerts
- Notification in the form of text, calls, and apps
Cons
- Voice activation is not always a success
Tip: It possesses features that are found on a smartphone. You can program the device so that you get text and phone call notifications when you are driving. You also obtain app alerts.
Info alert: The GPS navigation system offers directions that come in an easy to read format.
#9. Nuvi 2599LMTHD GPS by Garmin
The Nuvi 2599LMTHD GPS by Garmin is tailor-made for North America. It is sleek and stylish to look at and super functional in nature. It comes with advanced GPS car navigation so you can efficiently move towards your destination effectively and efficiently. It is prompt and versatile so you never have to worry about the system not living up to your expectations. You never have to worry about having bulk information thrown your way as the device makes certain you move steadily and accurately with minimal but reliable updates.
Product Specs
- 4 ounces
- 2 x 2.8 x 6.2 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
You can easily move through traffic and reach your path by making use of HD digital traffic. You can take advantage of the best traffic avoidance solution that exists and get to know the various shops, restaurants available. The hands-free calling and voice-activated navigation make it easy to keep the hands on the wheel while you reach your fishing spot.
Pros
- Offers driver alerts
- Has an easy user interface
- Offers accurate and relevant information
Cons
- Recognition is not always clear
Tip: The advanced, 5-inch pinch and zoom dual-orientation display ensures you obtain detailed maps of North America.
Info alert: You can view the display horizontally and vertically, depending on your preference.
You will find it very easy to follow the directions given by this Garmin GPS device. The directions are precise and the easy-to-read screen ensures you get the message right the first time around. The screen is not crowded with unnecessary information and hence, you can focus on your driving to reach your favorite fishing spot.
Product Specs
- Display size can be 5 inches or 6 inches
- Display is dual-orientation
- Foursquare data is preloaded
- Offers lifetime map updates
- Maps of 50 states in the US
Why We Recommend This Product
This GPS navigator makes it to the list of the best Garmin GPS devices because it is easy to use, offers precise and relevant information and provides maps of the US. The screen is clutter-free so that you can check the directions with ease. It makes use of landmarks and traffic signs to direct you to your destination. It comes preloaded with data from Foursquare and you enjoy lifetime updates of the maps.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Clear and relevant directions
- Alerts while driving
- Preloaded Foursquare data
- Color display
Cons
- Switches off when the vehicle is turned off
Tip: Has USB storage option which is compatible Windows XP and newer Windows OS versions and Mac 10.4 or later OS.
Info alert: It offers you alerts when there is a sharp curve ahead or you are moving from one speed zone to another.
Buying Guide for the Best Garmin GPS Devices in 2023
When you are shortlisting the best Garmin GPS devices, here are a few things that you need to keep an eye out for. That way, you will be able to zero in on the best GPS device to help you navigate during your fishing or road trips.
Sensitivity of the Receiver
It is necessary to have a sensitive receive for the device to be able to connect to satellites and get signals. Otherwise, the device will not have a connection and you will have to wait until it connects to a satellite.
Screen Size
It is best to get a Garmin GPS device with a big enough screen size so that you can read and reference the map without difficulty. You don’t have to worry about the details being crowded. Here, the display resolution also comes into play as the clarity of the map and text will be clear with a high-resolution display.
Voice-based Directions
It is best to opt for a GPS device that provides voice-based directions so that you do not have to take your eyes off the road to check out the map and directions. Ensure there is no lag in the voice-based instructions and it should be in-sync with the details shown on the map.
Route Planning
The GPS device should help you plan your route from start to finish using the best and shortest route possible. It should also be able to reroute you if you have wrong turns.
Preloaded Maps
The best Garmin GPS devices come with preloaded maps so that you do not have to wait for the maps to load. Also, ensure that the device offers free updates through the life of the device.
Driver Alerts
This is a safety feature that most modern GPS devices have. Garmin leads the way so that you know when you are moving from a speed zone to another, approaching a sharp curve or nearing a school.
Final Verdict
These are the 10 best Garmin GPS devices. Out of these, we feel that The Drive 6LM EX with Maps is the best choice for people looking for a high-quality and reliable GPS device. It fulfills all the requirements in the buying guide and some more. The device comes with a user-friendly and easy to use interface. You can use it horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The screen is six inches and big enough to clearly see the different markings on the map.
Others also read: Cool Upgrades for Your Fishing Kayak
Updated: October 28, 2022
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