Garmin nuvi comparison chart
It seems that Garmin is trying to create a nuvi for everyone, but with so many models in the marketplace, they’ve also created quite a bit of confusion. To help you navigate your way to the ideal nuvi, I’ve created the chart below. For a quick overview of the different series, you can also check out my dissecting the Garmin nuvi series post.
The nuvi links in the far left column below all go to my reviews of the unit, except for newer models that I haven’t reviewed yet. In those few cases, they go to Amazon links. Discontinued nuvis are listed in their own chart further down the page.
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Lane assist | Voice command | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nuvi 205 | 49 states | 3.5″ | No | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 205W | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 255 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 255W | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 265T | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 265WT | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 275T |
U.S. Canada Europe |
3.5″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 295W | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |
| nuvi 465T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Lane assist | Voice command | Compare prices |
| nuvi 500 | 49 states+ topo maps | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 550 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 755T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 765T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 775T | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nüvi 855 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Lane assist | Voice command | Compare prices |
| nuvi 1200 | 49 states | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1250 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1260T | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1300 | 49 states | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | No | No | No | Compare prices |
| nuvi 1350 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1350T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | No | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1370T | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1390T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1450 | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1450T | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | No | No | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1490T | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 1690 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | nuLink! | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 3750 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Option | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 3760T | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 3790T | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Lifetime | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Lane assist | Voice command | Compare prices |
Discontinued nuvi models
The following, older nuvi models have been discontinued, though many are still available online and are fully supported by Garmin.
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Voice commands | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nuvi 200 | 49 states | 3.5″ | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 200W | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 250 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 250W | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 260 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 260W | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 270 | U.S. Canada Europe | 3.5″ | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 285WT | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Voice commands | Compare prices |
| nuvi 350 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 360 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 370 | U.S. Canada Europe | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 650 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 660 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 670 | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 680 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Voice commands | Compare prices |
| nuvi 750 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 760 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 770 | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 780 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 785T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 850 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 880 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| nüvi 885T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| nuvi 5000 | U.S. Canada | 5.2″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| nuvi model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | MP3 player | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | MSN Direct | Multi- destination routing | Track display | Speed limit display | Voice commands | Compare prices |
Feature descriptions
- Speaks street names – Formally known as text-to-speech, this function allows the device to call out the name of the street for upcoming turns, so you’ll get “in one-half mile, turn left on Oak Street,” rather than just “in one-half mile, turn left.” A very helpful feature.
- MP3 player – Some people don’t like this, but I really do. It’s nice to have the name of the artist and song on the GPS screen. Though it varies by model, typically the music is paused or the volume reduced when navigation instructions are given.
- Live traffic – A nice feature that isn’t quite ready for prime time. Expect lots of inaccurate reports as well as incidents that aren’t reported. Delivered via FM, this service is provided by the Traffic Message Channel, hence you will sometimes see it referred to as FM-TMC. Here is a link to a coverage map. Unlike most other brands, Garmin traffic receivers are incorporated into the vehicle power cable. Also see MSN Direct, below, for another traffic option. UPDATE: The 2×5T and 7×5T series lifetime traffic feature is ad-supported. Read my Garmin nuvi 755T review for details.
- Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use – Another nice idea, often saddled with weak implementation. In my experience using the nuvi 660, the sound quality for the person hearing your voice is awful. An external microphone helps, but who wants to deal with the wires? UPDATE: Bluetooth that works.
- FM transmitter – This can work well enough in small cars in rural areas, but expect problems in urban areas with a crowded FM band. The distance to your antenna impacts reception quality, which can be problematic in larger vehicles with the antenna embedded in the rear window.
- MSN Direct – UPDATE: MSN Direct services are being permanently discontinued as of January 1, 2012. This service provides gas prices, live traffic, weather and movie times. For nuvi 700 and 800 series models, second-generation MSN Direct adds even more features, including “Send to GPS” via the Internet. I focused quite a bit on MSN Direct service in my Garmin nuvi 680 review. In terms of which is better for traffic, MSN Direct or FM-TMC, this often depends on which metro area you are in. Here is some more info on MSN Direct and a coverage map, which I have found to be overly optimistic in fringe areas.
- Antenna – The older 300 and 600 series nuvis used a flip-up antenna; newer models sport an internal antenna.
- Multi-destination routing – A very nice feature, but not a critical one. If the chart says “no,” you can only enter one destination and one via point. This isn’t problematic since you can easily find locations under Favorites or Recently Found.
- Track display – See where you’ve been. This shows up as a thin blue line as shown below. It can be helpful in finding your way in unfamiliar areas.
- Speed limit display – First implemented for major highways, we’re now starting see it on other thoroughfares as well. See image below.
- Lane assist – Found on the nuvi 7×5 and 8×5 series, as well as several 1xxx models. I cover this feature in detail in my hands on Garmin nuvi 755T review.
- Voice commands – A killer feature and it actually works. See my Garmin nuvi 880 review for a hands on (voice on?) look.
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Comments
221 Responses to “Garmin nuvi comparison chart”Speak Your Mind
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I’m looking to buy a gps for a birthday present for my husband. He has a rino, about 6 years old. He likes to geocash and although I checked out the comparison chart, I still have no idea of what gps to buy. He likes garmins (I think). I was looking at costco’s gspmap76CSX as he could try it out and return it if he didn’t like it, or I could buy him a different one. I would really appreciate it if anyone help me out. Thanks.
Does he use the Rino with anyone else? It’s the only line that has a two-way radio built in, but if he’s not using that capability, I’d look at a model with paperless geocaching capabilities. How much do you want to spend?
Thanks for commenting. He just mentioned today that he wants to get the new rino that is coming out in the fall. He wants the radio built in. Now I’m looking for binoculars that have the ability of looking at the stars. What ya don’t do for love:)
I know what you mean!
The updated Rino is only rumored at this point, but it seems likely.
the person who is looking for the 1350 i heard that Best Buy has the 1350t going on sale tomorrow, a friend saw it in the Best Buy circular for Sunday.
Thanks for all your help.
Have you had the opportunity to test or review the garminphone-osus? I like the fact that it is both phone and gps. its suppose to be compatible to the 1690 through T-mobile. I’m not clear on lifetime traffic or its included in T-mobile data plan. What information or opinion do you have on this device?
Whats the difference between nulink which the garminphone has and when your comparison chart says “option”?
Do you meant the T-Mobile Garminfone? If so, here’s my review…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/06/t-mobile-garminfone-review.html
Traffic is included and is delivered via the T-Mobile cellular network.
The Garminfone does not have nuLink. Maybe I’m misreading this, but I’m not sure why you would want both the 1690 and the Garminfone. Regardless, my review should answer a lot of your questions.
Option just means that you can buy an add on traffic receiver (which doubles as a power cable for the unit).
I have a 1 month old 855, which I have been very happy with. Tonight I was attempting to load the free map update. At this moment the unit is plugged into my Mac, yet it will not turn on! What did i do? How do I fix it??
You may need to call Garmin support. Will it go into mass storage mode? Updates can take hours, BTW.
thanks for the answer. They sent me a new battery which unfortunately seems to have been mis-delivered. Also — I believe I can get European maps from someone besides Garmin. any suggestions on who would be best? and – which type of obtaining them, ie directly onto my computer or how? I thank you so much for all your help!
You can buy City Navigator Europe maps online from places like Amazon.
As far as format goes, read the first Q&A here…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=17905
and then let me know if you have any more questions about it.
Is it possible to download info from mapquest or googlemaps to any nuvi? I’ve only found this specifically stated for the 855.
You can do that with a 1690. I don’t know about other nuvis.
Yes. In Google Maps, click Send and then GPS.
I am looking for a gps for my teenage daughter who is a new driver and has no sense of direction at all. I need the unit to have lane assist, but she doesn’t need lots of bells and whistles, and don’t want to spend a ton of money. I have read reviews of so many models and they are really mixed. Have a relative who has the 765T and likes it a lot, but I’m concerned that it isn’t a new model. Any help sorting through this maze would be helpful.
Lane assist coverage is generally limited to major metropolitan areas. Garmin will continue to support the 765T, even if they discontinue it. For a more current model with lane assist, you might want to look at the nuvi 1350.
I’ve read some really mixed reviews about the 1350. Some have experienced it going completely out on them in the middle of a drive, leaving them stuck. I also can’t seem to find any retailers that carry it in their store. Wondering if that is a sign.
I believe this was fixed with a recent firmware update:
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=19854
I’m very new to GPS systems and am willing to take the leap now.
I live in a rural area, want some of the bells and whistles of the newer models, and
need the system to connect to my computer.
Can you simplify my options? I see you have many reviews for me
to read, some I have, and am a little overwhelmed.
Just got the 1690, fantastic! All the features including the google thingy are marvelouse to play with.
Paula,
Can you tell me your budget? Also, do you travel much into larger cities and, if so, would you want traffic info? And do you want Bluetooth for hands free cell phone use? Let me know and I’ll see if I can narrow it down.
Sirs,
I want the best Garmin GPS that combines all the features together no matter what is the price , taking into account that I live in the middle east and ravel alot ,so is there any coverage in these area and what is the best garmin model for me ?
please help
Whichever model you get, you’ll probably want these maps…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1582
There’s also a map set available that combines North Africa and the Middle East. Do you travel out of the region?
As far as what unit, that’s a tougher question. There’s probably no point in getting a T model in areas without traffic coverage. The 1690’s connected services aren’t available in your region either. I’m also not sure how well voice commands will work with your language.
It’s going to be hard to get all the features you want without buying ones that won’t be of any use to you. The absolute high end model these days is the 3790T. Hope this helps.
thank you so much for your reply , I do travel from time to time , as far as voice command is concerned , I speak english so its not a problem to me though , so you are saying the 3790T is a good choice for me ; what differs this model from the others?knowing it lacks the MSN direct and the FM transmitter ! and would the MSN direct be useful for me? also please is there any coverage for my area and sudscription that would end some day?
regards
Samy
also please isnt the 885 T or 785T the best models as I see from some reviews sites as http://www4.shopping.com/xSBS-Garmin-nuvi-785T-Garmin-nuvi-885T~PT-xPO~P-1~PRDLT-72119664-81158473
which claims that 785T is better than 885T , In general is the 3790T the best choise ever for me ???please advice!!
thanks
samy
MSN Direct services are being cancelled as of 1/1/2012, so I would avoid those. The 3790T is the newest nuvi. There is no FM transmitter; you’d have to go back to an older model like the 765T for that. There is no traffic coverage in your area that I am aware of. The 3790T is thin and light, and should learn your route preferences if you deviate from the suggested route a few times. I don’t know if the terrain view is worldwide or not.
I would like to buy a basic GPS mostly for use in Italy, possibly other European countries, and sometimes U.S. Don’t need bells and whistles – no live traffic reports, MP3 player, voice commands. Just good directions! I would like to spend less than $200.
Thanks for any help.
While they come with a traffic receiver you don’t need, I would look at the nuvi 1370T (newer) or the nuvi 275T (older).
Thanks so much, Rich, for the quick reply. This really helps. Do you think Garmin is the best brand for what I want? I’m very confused with my research!
It’s my personal preference. A lot of people like TomTom units because they offer more customization and options though.
Do you know which Garmin Nuvi has the best bluetooth function?
I’ve found the 7×5 series to be the best, in terms of voice quality for folks on the other end of the line.
Thank you for the quick response. I called Garmin support, and the person who answered the phone said the same thing, although he said it was only his personal preference and not Garmin’s offical opinion.
I was concerned about buying a discontinued unit – would you be? I was leaning towards the 765T.
Not really. Garmin has a great track record of continuing to support older units with software updates. And FWIW, the 765T hasn’t been discontinued, though it probably will be in the next year.
Now I can only find refurbished units in the 765T. I have alwasy been afraid to purchase anythng refurbished – what are your thoughts?
Wow, I see that too. Not sure what the deal is there. Generally speaking, I think refurbs are fine. You should also be aware though, that there was a recall the other day…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/08/garmin-recalls-select-nuvi-2×0w-and-7xx-units.html
I wonder if they’ve pulled them from the market until they can find the suspect units. Mine wasn’t in the recall batch, fortunately.
Thanks again, Rich, for your advice. I finally decided on the nuvi 1370t, went back to Amazon to buy and it’s gone up in price $40! You snooze, you lose! I didn’t realize the price was THAT good. Oh well. Guess I’ll wait a while….
Here’s a deal I saw yesterday, but it says they are out of stock…
http://dealnews.com/Garmin-nuvi-1370-T-4.3-GPS-w-Lifetime-Traffic-for-189-free-shipping/386314.html
My luck! I go back to Italy in 2 weeks, so I’ll keep looking…. Thanks.
We live in the United States, and have been trying to comparison shop for a new GPS. Travel is a mix of metro, suburbs and rural mostly in the southern S and the eastern seaboard. We now have an old garmin, not even a Nuvi model. we’re wanting to upgrade to one with lifetime traffic, lane assist, multi destination maping, and gas price alerting, but don’t really want to pay any monthly subscription costs. We’re hoping to get free lifetime traffic if possible. It doesn’t matter which brand it is. Not very familar with all the current features. The spoken street names feature sounds great, and so does the feature that tells current and total trip time and distances, and so on. Any suggestions? Don’t want to spend a fortune, but willing to pay within reason.
Bob,
The only one I can think of that meets most of your criteria is the 1690… but it only has free service for two years. After that it’s $5/month.
I don’t know of any nuvi with gas price checking capability except the connected series… the 1690. The 295W has wi-fi and may offer that, but you’ll have to be in range of a wifi hotspot in order for it to work. Reading the review here, I can’t tell how the fuel icon works on the 295W. It may be for locations only and not price. And the 295W doesn’t offer LA and JV.
Rick, Thank you for the suggestions. DW and I will check them out tomorrow. We don’t have a wireless internet laptop or any thing such as that, so I’m not sure I’m following how the wi-fi works. We are on a fixed monthly income which is why we don’t want another monthly obligation for service. $60 a yr isn’t so bad I guess, it’s just that when all the monthly service fees and costs for internet, cell phone, cable TV, and so on are added up paying for technology alone could take a big bite out a person’s income! You said the 295W doesn’t offer LA and JV…what is that? Bob
LA=lane assist
JV=junction view
I hear you about the additive costs. It is indeed a consideration.
A disclaimer: I have the 1690.
That being said, the connected services are what sold me on that particular unit (plus LA, JV and multi-destination routing). At the end of my 2 year free service, I can elect to continue or discontinue the connected services. I can’t see discontinuing the service at this point.
If you are computer literate, then you likely know how useful a Google search is. With connected services, you have Google search on the 1690. And it works very well too.
WiFi depends on a hotspot (wireless access, very short range), typically found in many restaurants like Panera, etc. You won’t have reliable wifi connections driving down the road. At least, not in my experience.
The connected services use AT&T’s cell phone coverage which will allow you to maintain coverage as long as you are in a service area. You can use it reliably while driving.
Hope that helps.