This is a question we often get asked on this web site. It can be a difficult question to answer because a lot depends on the features you need. Some people want a budget sat nav whereas others prefer extra features like bluetooth hands free calling and TMC.
Then there is the question of mapping, some sat nav systems cover the UK and Ireland, whereas others cover Europe too, some even cover both Europe and North America.
This list will cover only the Garmin range since those are the ones we’re had most experience with and have proved popular with our readers. We also like how they come with free safety camera warnings out of the box (although you’ll need to pay a subscription if ever you want to update the camera database).
Hopefully this article will steer you in the right direction and help you build up a shortlist of potential buys.
Budget Buys – under £100
Garmin Nuvi 310: This can be bought for under £80 and includes UK mapping which is a good price. This is the smallest and most compact system we’ve seen to date and has some nice features including bluetooth, WAAS/EGNOS, MP3 player and a long battery life. We’re currently road testing this system and a full review will be published on this web site in the coming weeks.
Garmin Nuvi 250: a nice system which sells for around £85 and includes European mapping. It does not have a widescreen, but apart from that it is identical to the popular Nuvi 250W review we published last year.
Mid Range Buys – £100 – £150
Garmin Nuvi 200 Widescreen: a decent entry level system which has proved popular with our readers. It has a 4.3” widescreen display with UK and Ireland mapping and sells for just over £100.
Garmin Nuvi 250W: this has proved the most popular sat nav system with our readers this year. The prices have come down in recent months and it can be bought for just over £100 now. It includes European mapping. You can read the full Nuvi 250W review we published last year.
Garmin Nuvi 255WT: this system builds on the success of the Nuvi 250W and includes more memory, a faster processor for quicker map drawing and new features like “Where Am I” and photo navigation. It includes European mapping and TMC traffic alerts. It sells for around £140. If you don’t need TMC then save yourself £10 and get the Nuvi 255W.
Top Range Buys – £150 and over
Garmin Nuvi 760: this includes European mapping, text to speech (speaks out road names, e.g. “Turn left in 100 yards into Main Street”), bluetooth hands free calling, TMC traffic alerts and an FM transmitter so directions can be broadcast through your car stereo speakers. It costs around £190. We reviewed the Garmin Nuvi 770 which is identical except it includes North American mapping. It is £40 more expensive though which is why we prefer the Nuvi 760. The Nuvi 770 is not worth the extra money unless you travel to the US or Canada frequently.
Garmin Zumo 550: this system is designed for motorbikes but performs equally well in a car. It is expensive at around £400 but has some excellent features like a trip log which records where you’ve travelled. It also has bluetooth and an MP3 player. If you own both a bike and car then it is definitely worth a closer look. We published a Garmin Zumo 550 Review earlier this year.
Other Interesting Models
Garmin Nuvi 765T: we’re hoping to review one of these early next year. It sports a new lane assist feature which is designed to help you get in the right lane when navigating complex junctions and motorways. It also has stereo bluetooth and a 3D building view. At £280 though it is not cheap, and for £100 less you can pick up a Nuvi 760 which is a decent high spec system itself. We suggest waiting a few months for the price to drop on the 765T before rushing out and buying one.
Garmin Nuvi 860T: this system supports full voice control, allowing you to say things like “find nearest cash point” without having to enter anything on the screen. It’s another system we’re looking to review next year. At prices around £350 it is a hefty price tag but we like the idea of hands free operation.
You may also find this Nuvi comparison chart useful for choosing the right model for you. The site is geared to North American users but it provides a handy way to compare all the different models at a glance.
If there is anything else you’d like to see on this page then let us know. Leave us a comment or use our contact form.
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4 responses so far ↓
1 mile wilder // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:29 am
I’ve been considering the Garmin Nuvi 250 – anyone know if this is any good for the UK?
2 phone deals // Nov 15, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Looks like there are lots of choice on garminsat navs…cool review.
3 Dean // Nov 23, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Mile,
We reviewed the Garmin Nuvi 250W on this web site (which is identical to the 250 except it has UK and European mapping) and it performed well. It is certainly worth a closer look.
4 Navman S100 Sat Nav First Impressions // Jan 6, 2009 at 9:59 pm
[...] If POI is important to you then we’d recommend going for a Garmin. [...]
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