You can compare Garmin nuvi models using the chart below, which is designed to help make sense of their myriad models. For a quick overview of the different series, you can also check out my dissecting the Garmin nuvi series post.
The links in the far left column below go to each Garmin nuvi review on our site. All listed models speak street names and include speed limit and trip log display. Discontinued nuvis are now listed in their own chart. You can also click here for descriptions and more information about various features. NEW: Click on column headers to sort chart.
Compare Garmin nuvi models
| Garmin nuvi review | Maps | Screen size | Traffic | Blue- tooth | Powered mount | Multi- point routing | Lifetime maps | Lane assist | Voice command | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nuvi 30 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 3.5″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 40 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 40LM | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 42 | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 42LM | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 44LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 50 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 50LM | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 52 | 49 states | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 52LM | 49 states | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 54LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 465LMT | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 1450T | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2350 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2360LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2455LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2455LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2460LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2475LT | U.S. Canada Mexico Europe | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2495LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2497LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2555LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2555LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2557LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Active | No | More info |
| nuvi 2595LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2597LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2757LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 7.0″ | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | No | More info |
| nuvi 2797LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 7.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3450 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3450LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3490LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3550LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3590LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3597LMTHD | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3750 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3790T | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
Garmin nuvi feature descriptions
- Live traffic – It may not be quite ready for prime time, but it is improving, especially for models with HD traffic. Even so, you can expect lots of inaccurate reports as well as incidents that aren’t reported. Most pre-2013 Garmin nuvis with a T following the model number have ad-supported traffic (see reviews for screenshots). HD models and 2013 T models are ad-free.
- Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use – Generally speaking, the sound quality has gotten much better on recent models, but check the reviews (the first column links to these) as it does vary.
- Powered mount – The power cord plugs into the mount, rather than the GPS. That’s one less connection to fuss with when you want to use your navigator. I’m a big fan of these, especially when combined with a friction mount.
- Multi-point (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 or two via points. This isn’t a big problem since you can easily find locations under Favorites or Recently Found.
- Lifetime map updates – Garmin has started selling units bundled with lifetime map updates, which you can typically download quarterly. Newer models with these have an LM or LMT (the latter includes lifetime traffic) tacked onto the end of the model number.
- Lane assist – Shows which lane you need to be in for Interstate exits and some surface streets in larger metros. An improved version, active lane guidance, was introduced on the 2013 Advanced and Prestige series.
- Voice commands – A killer feature and it actually works pretty well on most models.
Return to Garmin nuvi comparison chart
i have a nuvi 350 thinging to change it what is my best option. how about nuvi 1390 how would you compare it to the nuvi 350
how would compare the nuvi 350 to the nuvi 1390 or is there a beter option
Moving to the 1390, you’ll lose the powered mount, meaning you’ll have to plug the power cable directly into the unit each time you use it. You’ll also lose the MP3 player.
But the newer models have added many new features, such as wiser screens, speed limit display, lane assist, lifetime traffic, new customization options, trip log display and more, detailed here… http://gpstracklog.com/2009/07/garmin-nuvi-1390t-review.html
If you want a powered mount, you should consider moving up to the 2300 series.
Hello!
I am looking to purchase a Garmin GPS, but the options are endless and overwhelming!
I am looking for a small, lightweight unit as I travel for business all over the country. I need something that is easily portable and the lifetime maps also seems to be a good feature.
I believe I have found these specifications in the 1390T, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Is there another model that you would recommend with close to the same specs, but possibly a little less expensive?
Thank you in advance for your time.
You might want to look at the 1350LMT. You’ll be giving up Bluetooth (which doesn’t sound so great, IMHO) and Junction View, which has limited coverage. Also, keep an eye on our other site, http://bestgpsdeals.net. I’ve seen the price as low as $139 recently.
Rich, be advised that the latest NA mapset (2012.10) significantly increase the JV coverage. The file size is in excess of 300MB and where I never saw any JV alerts before (in my area), I now see frequent JV alerts.
Yeah, I’ve seen reports of that. I haven’t been able to check it out myself yet, as my only lifetime maps unit doesn’t have JV. I tried looking at NAVTEQ’s Map Reporter site for JVs this morning, but can’t get it to display a map!
Thank you for the recommendation, Rich. Can you tell me the next higher model that has the Junction View and Lifetime maps? I looked on the website that you recommended, but the $139 offer had already expired 🙁
Thanks again!
That would be the 1390LMT. A recent sale price was $179.
I recently purchased a 2350LMT on Amazon for $168. Lifetime maps and traffic.
This is a better unit than my 765T, except for the mount. Both are powered but the 765 is MUCH better.
Also got the new portable flexible friction mount (Model: 010-10908-00), a must for traveling & flying.
Very nice comparison, but there are a few major caveats of which you should be aware. The nuvi 1695, 2300 and 3700 series do NOT have true multi-point routing. They cannot accept routes created with Mapsource, Basecamp or any other computer software. In fact, they simply do not have “routes” at all, they have “trips”. The new “trip planner” feature has been widely criticized by users because it behaves very differently from older Garmin models.
“Trips” are basically collections of simple routes that contain only a start and end point. So the time/distance to your final destination is NOT displayed on the GPS while you navigate, only the time/distance to the next waypoint. When it is reached, it is replaced by the next waypoint in the trip. These “trips” can only be created and saved on the Nuvi itself, they cannot be imported or exported to a computer.
Garmin initially said they would add this functionality to the 3700 series with an update, then later they did a 180 and are now saying they don’t plan to. Presumably the same applies to the 2300 series. Curiously though, the 2400 series can accept Mapsource routes, but users are reporting a lot of issues.
Yes, and it’s too confusing for a single yes/no checkoff on the chart. Sigh.
I like many aspects of the trip planner approach. If they made the MapSource import more reliable on the 2400 series, and had it show you time to final destination, that would be close to ideal for me.
Maybe I’ll try to expand on the differences in my footnotes on features. Thanks for the reminder.
i have now a nuvi 350 is it worth to change it to a newer model with all pro’s & con’s and if yes to which model and is the garmin nuvi better then the tom tom or magelen
I think an update is worth it. If you liked your nuvi 350, I’d stick with Garmin. There are so many models, without knowing more about your needs, budget, etc., I couldn’t begin to make a recommendation. Maybe you can start here and then we’ll see what followup questions you have…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/auto-gps-buyers-guide
$139.99 nuvi 1350LMT vs $158.87 nuvi 2450LM… Which is the better deal?
I would go with the 2450LM. Are you in a metro area with traffic coverage?
No, more suburban-to-rural area. Also see the 2350LMT for $164. Afraid the 5″ screen would be too much??? Don’t want anything fancy, just a nice, solid GPS…
The 2xxx series definitely has more bells and whistles. I thought I wouldn’t like a 5″ screen, but have gotten used to them. If you want basic, the 1350LMT fits the bill better, but the powered mount on the 2xxx series sure is nice.
between the 1390lmt ,1490lmt ,2350lmt what is the majer diffrence & what is my best buy since its don’t seem to be a major difference in price bluetooth is not importent for me, and s the lifetime map & life traffic worth to pay for that.
The 1490LMT is the only 5″ model of the three. The 1390LMT lacks multi-destination routing. The 2350LMT includes several new features you can read about here (http://gpstracklog.com/2011/02/garmin-nuvi-2350lmt-review.html) including trafficTrends, myTrends, Via point data fields and speed limit adjustment.
Rich:
Great posts. With all the options it sure is confusing. Looking for a good value and staying at $150 or less. Live in the Chicago metro area and looking for something easy to move between cars (and take with us on family vacations). The 1350LMT can be had for $138 at buydig. Don’t need Blue Tooth,not sure if Junction View is all that necessary. Not sure in the multi-desitnation is needed.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Rick
I’d go with the 1350LMT. Junction View is not critical (though it can be helpful). Lane Assist is much more important, which the 1350LMT has. About the only time I ever use multi-destination routing is when I need to test it on a review unit.
I’d like to know if the multi destination routing would allow me to put in several addresses in an area then the unit would sort them for the most expedient routing between them. I was thinking of using it to optimize real estate showings or estate/garage sales.
Yes. It does a pretty good job, but no one has figured out the perfect algorithm to solve the “traveling salesman problem.”
I am looking for the same feature for the same reason. So far, I have bought a Mio, Tom Tom, and a Magellan. The Magellan has done the best job, but will only allow me to enter 25 stops. I read somewhere that Garmins will allow 50. I can make 25 work, but 50 would be better. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks!
According to Garmin, you can add up to 200 stops per route on nuvis that support multi-destination routing:
https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={27edcdb0-0c86-11dd-dc9c-000000000000}
what features does the 2350LMT have above the 1350LMT which is worth ro pay the additional $40-$50
The 2350 has Garmin’s nuRoute technology that uses historical traffic data to (supposedly) provide more accurate arrival times and better routes depending on the day and time. It is also capable of multi-point routing (on the device itself, but not transfer from computers).
There are some other more subtle differences – for example, the 2350 should show your favorites on the map screen along with their names. The 1350 will only show the icons for favorites and not their names. The 2350 should also show more road names on the screen.
Whether these are worth the extra cost is something you would have to answer. 🙂
Thanks Boyd.
@bill – It also has multi-destination routing (of a sort) and Junction View.
i still have a nuvi 350 what important featurs will i gain by getting a 2350
Too many to go over, but here are a few…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=134&compareProduct=31655&compareProduct=70242
to Rich the 350 has the mp3 player & a 8 hr. battery life v. 2.5 hr. for the 2350 do you thing its still worth to jump to the 2350
what is the high sensitivity receiver, routes 100, & photo navigation on the 2350
It would be for me, because I rarely use them on battery power.
The improved receiver should give you faster satellite lock. It can store 100 multi-destination routes. You can navigate to a geotagged photo stored on the device – a useless feature for most folks, IMHO.
Suggest you read this…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/03/garmin-nuvi-2350-review.html
Hi Rich,
I am in the market for a new Garmin GPS for my car. I have had the Nuvi 350 for a few years and its time for a new model. Two big gripes with the 350 is the wait time for it to find a satellite upon powering up and the tiny screen/keyboard.
Here is what I am looking for in a new model:
*4.3 inch screen
*faster startup/calculate time
*lifetime maps for 50 US and Canada
*Ability to transfer old “saved locations” from 350 to new model
*The option which shows which lane to be in/and freeway interchange lanes (I am unclear if that is called “LaneAssist” and/or “Junction” view.)
*Option to avoid freeways AND/OR toll roads
*TTS
*Internal antenna (the flip-up one on the 350 is an eyesore)
Price Range between $100-$200, though cheaper is obviously better.
What would you recommend?
Also, Would I have to get a new mount for the dashboard or are the nuvi mounts all interchangeable?
Thanks so much for the awesome site and your advice!
The nuvi 1350LMT is the lowest priced model that fits the bill. I’d read the review first though…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/10/garmin-nuvi-1350lmt-review.html
If you have a standard nuvi dash mount, it is interchangeable, but the 1350 does not have a powered mount, so you’ll have to attach the mini-USB power lead to the back of the unit each time you use it.
To transfer favorites, just copy the GPX/curent.gpx file from one device to the other.
Love all of your detailed reviews of Garmin Models. We are on our first Nuvi after having and loving the old Street Pilot series at $700+. Prices are way down from those days but we have yet to find a more reliable routing system. We currently have the 1450LMT and it is giving us wacky routing. We are looking at alternatives. Background: we use it between our auto and our Motor Home. Using it in the motor home is the real reason for needing it. And with that I’d add the most important reason for having adequate routing. You don’t want to be in a 40 ft motor home towing a vehicle and being mis-routed through a city route and back on the same highway you were on but not able to navigate down the city side trip. Do you have any experience with the Truck Model GPS? We have to have the 5″ screen and Garmin has just introduced the Garmin dezl 560LMT. Any input?
That’s exactly the model I’d recommend…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/garmin-dezl-560lmt-review.html
Hi Rich 🙂
My Mio 310x (which was a gift) appears to have bit the dust. I really liked the functionality, and the male voice, but I’m in shock at all the new features on all the current GPS systems out there. Is the Garmin easier for someone who is not into all the bells and whistles or should I look elsewhere?
Robbin
Yes, Garmin is definitely user friendly. You might want to start looking here…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/auto-gps-buyers-guide
When it has a FM transmittor, Is that the option that sends the voice command thru your vehicles sound system? Will it lower an mp3 or audiobook volume when it has a voice command. Thanks!
Yes, it does send it through the sound system. It pauses other audio when it does so. The feature works better in rural areas than urban, where the FM band is crowded. This feature is now only found on discontinued models.
Is there a GPS to follow a car. I work as a private police, is there a system that could be use to track a car. Existe algun GPS en el mercado que pueda ser utilizado para seguir o localizar un veiculo. Trabajo como investigador privado.
Yes, although it may be illegal, depending upon where and how you use it. Here’s one…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/06/garmin-gtu-10-gps-tracker-review.html
Existe algun tipo de GPS en el mercado que pueda ser utilizado para sequir o localizar un auto en cualquier momento dado.
I currently have a Navigon which is my first unit. I often take group trips with Scouts and use Google Mags for routes, which often will not match my Navigon. To make the Navigon match I will set up a route with way points that match the Google route to force the Navigon to go my desired route. How easy is it to change routes or force a route with the Garmin units??
It’s the same process. You would need a nuvi with multi-destination routing.
I wanted a Screen on the handlebars of my XT225 motorcycle, but did not want to spend a lot. I already had a Wintec WBT-201 Bluetooth GPS Logger and Garmin Mobile XT on my Nokia N95 8GB but did not want to9 strap this mobile phone to my handlebars were shock, vibrations, heat from the sun and rain might destroy it.
In the end I went with a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 255, and a waterproof handlebar mount case, costing Just over $70 from Amazon.
It works fine, except it needs a ‘Visor’ to shade the screen.
What it does not do is support the import of ‘Tracks’ nor ‘Routes’.
Seems not many Garmin ‘Nuvi’ models can do this either! You don’t seem to include ‘Routes’ and ‘Track’ import capability in your list of comparisons – why not?
There’s not enough room for everything on the chart. None support import of tracks. Many of the units that offer multi-destination routing support route import, but not the newest ones. The best models for this would be the 7xx, 8xx and 1xxx series.
Is there a Nuvi model that will allow me to enter the legal description numbers of township/sections? I would like help with finding crop plots within the sections. I think there may be an app. that need be installed to do this? I work as a crop adjuster Nbraska, Kansas, Colorado – this would help a great deal in my work
Please reply ASAP…
I don’t believe there is a way to record notes on any nuvi models. I think you would have to go to a handheld model to do this.
I’m not interested in recording notes, I simply want to enter the legal description (numbers/letters) and have directions given as if it were an address. Sections, quarter sections, etc…
Thanks
You can give any name you want to a saved location. I’m not sure what the character limit is. Give me an example and I’ll try it.
which is best
Nuvi 2300 or
Nuvi 1450 or
Nuvi 1350 LMT
for my daughter who plans to be a forrest ranger or work in a city
Depends on your needs. I like the feature set on the 2300, and it has a powered mount, which makes it easier to deal with. The 1450 has an extra-large 5″ screen. The LMT models offer lifetime map updates and traffic.
We will be visiting Greece this fall. We have a 300 series Garmin but it is pretty slow. Which model would you suggest that would be good for us, that is also good in the states? If another brand other than Garmin for Greece, we would like to know that, also. Thanks.
The models that end in a 7x have preloaded US & European maps. From most recent to ancient, they are the 2370LT, 1370T, 775T, 275T, 770, 270, 670 and 370. Or you could buy any models and add City Navigator Europe NT or just City Navigator Italy/Greece NT maps to it… https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=8429
Rich Owings says:
August 21, 2011 at 8:57 am
The nuvi 250/255 are NOT waterproof. The only nuvis that are are the 500 and 550. And the IPX7 waterproof testing for those does not include the effect of wind-driven rain.
I never said the Nivi250/255 was ‘Waterproof’ which is why I spent $16 on a handlebar mount water resistant case!
I saw a YouTube video, with a Garmin Nuvi 500 or 550, being dunked in a fish tank, and it was still working, under water!
I have used my Garmin Nuvi 255 in its water-resistant handlebar-mounted case, with my homemade DIY ‘Visor’ box and it works (albeit a bit larger and more bulky than it need be, since that water resistant case if wider and much deeper than a Garmin Nuvi 255.
I might sell my Nuvi 255 and get a 255W or 265W or even a 1049 with 5″ Screen (if the hardware ID actually creates a gps.bin file -unlike my Nuvi 255 with HWID 1074).
I will simply make a ‘custom fit’ claer plastic wallet for the Nuvi to slide into and moint in a RAM Holder with a Custom DIY ‘Visor’ clamped between RAM ‘Clip’ Mount and the RAM ‘Diamond – Ball Mount, that screw attaches to the back.
It might not pass ‘IPX7 waterproof testing any additional tests for the effect of wind-driven rain’ but from my experience with a Garmin Nuvi 255 costing $55 in a Case costing $16, it is lot more cost effective than buying a Garmin Zumo, or a Garmin Nuvi 500 / 550 (Costing nearly 4 x my refurbished Nuvi 255).
You may not have meant to, but what you said was “The Garmin Nuvi 250/255 is Waterproof but lowest price that I found was $200.”
A waterproof case is a great idea and much cheaper than a zumo.
Having bought that Garmin Nuvi 255 (Factory Refurbished) from Amazon.com for just $55, it is excellent value for money. However what I have learned is i) It does not save 1 Second Tracks from the ‘Easter Egg’ debug Mode Logging’ ii) One can not import Tracks or Routes (but there are not many Garmin Nuvi models that can).
A friend of mine has just bought a Garmin Nuvi 1490 (refurbished) for $119.99 and it only just fits in the waterproof handlebar case for the larger 5″ Screen’
The depth of the Case however, means that the lower half is empty, just rubber foam packing pieces and outlets for the cable. One could hower fit a Lithium Power Pack with a USB Socket used to charge Cell Phones and things, all one needs is a short USB to USB – Mini B (right angled, so it does not protrude so much and can fit in the space in lower half of the case.
I fitted a waterproof 12V Power Outlet on my XT225 motorcycle, so I just use the supplied Car Charger, but had to add some tape around the neck as bumps External Power Lost. Closing in 29 seconds”. It was OK if I manage to push the Charger home again, or press “Stay On”, but it came loose becuse of the bad track condition and I am usually busy controlling the bike at that point.
I found running it off a Powered USB Converter was worse since if it dislodged on such bumps, it would go into PC connection Mode, then after the green Loading complete, some 20 seconds later switch to loading the Map. You have then lost the screen showing where you are and the Track Log stopped and a new one started with a gap in between them. I missed a Waypoint turn because of this!
Thank you for this comprehensive information. Any comment as to recommended models for someone who wants to use it for auto and motorcycle use? 5″ screen seems like it would be nice for auto, but too big for a motorcycle. I think I’d like to be able to plug in with headphones. Anything else I’m missing thinking about for motorcycle use? Thanks in advance…
One of these would be best, if you can afford it…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/gps-for-motorcycles
Most nuvis are not waterproof. The now discontinued 7×5 series may be the most recent ones to have a headphone jack.
The Garmin ‘Zumu’ units are designed for motorcyke use but they come at such a huge price premium, even the budget models were out of my affordable price bracket. The Garmin Nuvi 250/255 is Waterproof but lowest price that I found was $200.
In the end I decided to go with the lowest priced Nuvi I could buy (Refurbished 255 from Amazon for $55) and get a handlebar mounted water -resistance Case for $16. I discovered one also needs a Visor to shade the screen.
I would suggest a Garmin Nuvi 255W or 256W to give a slightly wider screen. The Garmin Nuvi 1490 with 5″ Screen, might seem a bit too big, but it does support Multi-Point Routing.
I would be tempted to buy RAM mount system that uses a diamond mounting plate, to give a more secure ‘Clip’ than the one supplied for Suctionh Cup connection, onto the Nuvi of choice.
I would also fit an insulated ‘DIY’ Visor of my own design that keeps the heat of the sun off the garmin Nuvi, as well as shading the screen and will help keep the rain off also. As a double safeguard, I will be slipping my Garmin Nuvi in a custom fit clear plastic sleeve (using electic bag sealer), before mounting it in the RAM ‘Clip’ and my DIY Visor.
This is a fraction of the cost of waterproof Garmin Nuvi 250/255 that still needs handlebar mount and Visor, and considerably less that Garmin Zumo.
Thank you so much for your quick replies, Rich and David. You’ve given me a few options to start my research. Appreciate the help…
The nuvi 250/255 are NOT waterproof. The only nuvis that are are the 500 and 550. And the IPX7 waterproof testing for those does not include the effect of wind-driven rain.
my friend bought a 5″ Screen Garmin Nuvi 1490 thety fits (just) in the same size handlebar mount case that I have for my Nuvi 255. I am seriously considering finding a buyer for this (here in the Philippines as it has RoadGuide.ph V2.0 Map fitted as well as OpenStreetMaps and Topgraphic 10m Contours. CDR King charges Php6,800 for a GPS Navigator with only 6 Month Warranty, mine has longer than that remaining, from Garmin, even ‘Refurbished model’ got full 12 months). I would then buy a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 1490 for about $120-130. With Shipping to Philippines and Customs/Duty Charges, I estimate it would only cost about Php7,340 total.
Much better feature / value / quality than CDR King (Chinese) NAV-68 5” GPS Navigator Php 5,990.00. with just 1 week replacement / 6 month Warranty. The Napping Software is from Papago however, that do now have a License to offer older versions of RoadGuide.ph Philippine Maps however.
I have a 660 and the touchscreen just died. I’m debating on whether I want to repair it or upgrade. The battery also no longer holds a charge, and the DC adapter is broken and can only be used for the traffic updates now. I have to use the USB to power it in my car. I like some of the new features that have come out since I bought my 660, three years ago, but I have certain features that I love about my 660 that I don’t want to give up, specifically the MP3 Player and Traffic Receiver. I had decided that when I finally replaced my old, slow GPS that I wanted to go all out and REALLY upgrade, but I’m annoyed to find out that only the discontinued models have the MP3 players. Are there any models you would recommend that are a great improvement over my 660, but still have the MP3 player and traffic receiver?
I’d look at the 765T. It’s discontinued, but is a very good unit.
Well, Garmin doesn’t support the 660 anymore and the company that I was looking at to replace the touch screen and battery currently isn’t taking any new business until they complete the repair orders they have now. So that decided for me. I did look at the 765T, but ultimately, I decided on the 855. I particularly liked the idea of the removable battery (which sells for $15-$20 on eBay, new) since that was the first thing to go on my 660. The voice commands intrigued me (whether I use them or not) and there’s not too much that the 765T has that the 855 doesn’t. I still don’t have a bluetooth phone, and while I bought the 660 thinking I’d use that option one day, my phone outlived the GPS and bluetooth doesn’t seem quite as important to me anymore. I found the 855 for a very good price of $145 (new, with shipping) on amazon and only had to add a $5 4GB micro SD card to make it just as functional as an mp3 player as my old 660 was.
I got Garmin to send me another repair kit for the blown fuse in the traffic receiver and I plan to use that on the new 855. I find no sense in paying twice as much for any of the 800 series that come with a soon to be defunct MSN traffic receiver, anyway.
I’m looking forward to trying out all the additional features of my new 855. It may not be a new model, but it’s new to me! It should be a vast improvement over my 660.
Thanks for your advice and all of your wonderful reviews, which made my decision much easier! 😀
Suzanne
I’m interested in either the Garmin Nuvi 880 or the 1490 LMT. I like the addition of the fm transmitter (880), but would like feedback on how well this works when traveling cross country for operation of the MP3 and hands-free phone. I used a MP3 fm transmitter before which didn’t work very well, but it only had 4 pre-set frequencies. Also would I be giving up much in the display of the map using GPS on the 880 model?
It doesn’t work very well. It works best in rural, maybe even mountainous areas, where you don’t travel to cities with little free space on the FM band.
It does have a headphone jack though, for an auxiliary input to a car stereo. I’d suggest the 855 over the 880. It’s a newer model and doesn’t include the now discontinued MSN Direct service.
Not sure what you mean by “giving up much in the display of the map using GPS on the 880 model?”
I was thinking the display that you see for roads, etc. would be a little more crude (outdated) with the older model but maybe this isn’t the case. If I have to give up the MP3 option due to radio interference perhaps I should just go with the 1490LMT which has the hands-free phone built into the unit. My friend’s Nuvi (600# model) sounded great though my stereo system, but we were in a rural area. I can get the 1490LMT for around $150 at Costco and cost isn’t that much of a consideration. The 800 is $200 through Amazon.
I meant to say the 880 for $200 at Amazon.
If you can live without the MP3 player and FM transmitter, the 1490LMT is a good choice. That’s a very good price too.
Your site is awesome! I am soooo confused with all the gps’s on the market and have been spending a ton of time researching for months. I’m almost more confused than when I started, but your site breaks things down better and clarifies the differences better than most. I have never emailed a website before, but I am so impressed with yours, I really felt the need to compliment you on it. When I decide on my actual needs in a gps, I will be contacting you again for a recommendation. I do think it will be a garmin, though.
Once again, excellent job. Wish I had found your site a long time ago. Maybe I would have my first gps by now!
Thanks Cathy. We’re here to help. And if you haven’t seen it, this is another good place to start…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/auto-gps-buyers-guide
I had a Nuvi 1490, and although I loved all the bells and whistles it had, it also had the nast habit of freezing up on me when I needed it the most, so I returned it to Costco and am now looking to replace it for another model that doesn’t have the same problems… I also noticed that the details on the maps aren’t like the details that my wife’s old 260W had, especially the water.. lakes, streams etc… So I’ve been looking at the Nuvi 2460LMT, 2350LMT, 3790LMT, and even the 1250 for my wife as she wants to replace her 260W that she gave to one of her children…. Which out of these would you consider a good choice, as it’s quite confusing to try and make a decision with all of the choices, and if you had a recommendation other than what I wrote, I’m opened to explore that also…. Thanks for your time and this is really a excellent website compare so some of the others around.
We are on vacation and are having problems with our nuvi finding the satellites. Have not had any problems with it locating places within our home state or on previous vacations, one of which was from Oklahoma to Alaska via the ALCAN. However, we are on a trip now and it has located nothing for us in Idaho, Oregon, or California. Really need it as we continue our trip. Should we buy a new one?
Did you fly there? If you’ve moved a significant distance (and even if you haven’t), try this. Leave the device on, under open sky, for 30 minutes. Let me know if this fixes it or not. Oh, and if it does lock, leave it on for a few minutes before turning it off, to allow it to download the full satellite almanac.
We drove to places mentioned. Tried the 30 minutes outside but it did not find the satellite so we purchased a new nuvi which works fine. Rich, thanks so much for your help. Will try the 30 minute process again once we get back to Oklahoma.
When you get back, you can try updating the firmware on the unit. If it’s less than a year old, it’s still under warranty. If that’s the case, I’d contact Garmin about it.
After being on the road with our new nuvi, we absolutely love its ease of use and the features such as elevation that our old one did not have. Also, it is so much quicker to get maps loaded and to respond after pressing “Go” that, most likely, we will purchase another new one for our other vehicle. Do appreciate your fast and helpful response.
I just bought Garmin model 1450MLT. I would like to know if i can download European maps.
Yes, there are many options…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&fKeys=FILTER_REGION_EUROPE
If you buy a large region, you’ll probably need to put it on a memory card. Third-party vendors such as Amazon carry these too, often a discounted prices…
City Navigator Europe NT at Amazon
And if you’re just going to one city, check out these..
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=276
I needed a change from my old TomTom so I decided to try Garmin nuvi. I purchased a used Garmin 1350T, but I was sent Garmin 755T, which I believe is an older edition. Could you pls. tell me the major difference in terms of features and which one is better? This will guide me if it worth it to return it for for what I originally wanted.
Thanks,
J.
My 1350T review starts with the new features not included on previous models…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/07/garmin-nuvi-1350t-review.html
The 755T was very popular and is a good unit. I’m not sure either one is better than the other though. Check the features.
Hey I want to know which is the best to buy, the 2360 or the 2460?
Answered at http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/garmin-nuvi-2360lt-review.html/comment-page-1#comment-139579
Hello
i want to buy a garminr gps but i am super confused, i don’t know which to buy? i need a simple one to use, yet very good and lasting, i don’t mind how expensive it is. can suggest something?
I’d suggest the 2350LMT or 2450LM. The former has traffic and may be useful if you live in a large metro area; the latter has a larger 5″ screen. If you want 5″ + traffic, you might want to look at the 2360LMT, even though it has some features you might not need like Bluetooth.
Groupon has a deal for the Garmin 1450LMT – my husband bought it without checking ratings, and I see that someone on this site said it had wacky routings. Should I be concerned? Now I’m wondering why they had them on sale! I have a Garmin Nuvi 760 but we lost the cord with the traffic updates and it was $89 to replace it, SO this seemed like a good deal….a little more $ than the $89 but an updated Garmin. Will I be unhappy?
Any GPS can give wacky routing occasionally. The 1450LMT is a solid and very popular model. I think you got a good deal and will probably be happy with it, but it doesn’t have a powered mount, so you’ll have to plug the mini-USB cable into the back each time you use it.
which would be the optimum choice between the 2460lmt and the 2595 lmt? and why?
I would go with the 2595LMT for the customizable Where To menu, Exit Services, improved routing and fast startup…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-nuvi-2595lmt-review.html
Currently own the nuvi 1450 & nuvi2460LMT. I love the 5″ screen size on both, however, the 1450 has larger icons and display is larger and the speaker is much louder than the 2460. Has anyone else found this to be true or is my 2460LMT deffective ? In comparison, I have to put the volume on the 2460 at 80% in order to achieve the same output volume of the 1450 at 30%. The maps & icons appear smaller on the newer 2460. Is there any other nuvi you can recomend with the same volume output and screen size as the 1450 ? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I *think* the new 25×5 series may be louder, but I’m not sure. And I don’t know what you’re seeing re: the screen as the size and pixel count is the same on the 1450 and 2460.
I have the nuvi 1490T. Is it worth upgrading? Are the new units that much different?
It would be more for features than performance. I really like the new 2xx5 series. You might want to check out the 2595LMT or the 2555LT or LMT.
Hi Guys!
I hope that you can help me. Looking to purchase a Garmin Nuvi 855, but it appears to have run into some issues with the latest map update that was released. I believe Apparently the file size is too big for the 855 to handle all the new junction views and thus disables the feature of junction view entirely?
Since this would be a new purchase for me and from what I understand, I will need to update the maps after purchasing…do you know if there is any way to get the map update that was before the latest one to avoid this conflict?
Thanks,
Danielle
Not that I know of, but I haven’t come across that question before, so I could be wrong. But you have other options:
I believe that you can install only a portion of the maps (E US or W US).
Or you can install it to a microSD memory card.
Thanks Rich!
Since this is my first GPS I don’t have any real experience of what they are capable of. I had no idea that you can choose what to update.
With a E US update, will it also update the new junction views, POI’s, etc. for just E US along with the map update?
Thanks again for your advice and prompt response!!! 😀
Not sure about junction views, but you would get POIs. The junction views may be a single file for the entire country. The best thing would be to just put it on a micro-SD card if it doesn’t fit.
Newegg.com has the nuvi 2350LMT on sale til 1pm today for $139 if any interested
I am trying to figure out which model of Garmin Nuvi to get. I read on Amazon some reviews stating that pop up ads were very distracting. Do all the Nuvi models have pop up ads and if not which ones do not? I hadn’t seen it in the comparison chart. Thanks!
Just the ones with lifetime traffic have ads. I find them pretty low key and not that distracting. If you read the negative reviews, you’ll be hearing from the people it does bother. Most folks don’t seem to mind. You can pay for a premium traffic subscription to get rid of the ads. The only current model with traffic and no ads is the 3490LMT.
i have a nuvi 350 is it worth to up grade if yes to which model & why don’t care how expensive if its worth
I had a Nuvi 1490t and I loved all the bells and whistles, but it also had the nasty habit of freezing. I returned it to Costco. What i really liked about it was that i could transfer my gpx files from the computer to the gps. Im looking for one with the same features. Thanks
A firmware update a few months ago was supposed to have addressed this. There’s nothing else with exactly the same feature set, but you could look at the newer 2460lt or even newer 2595LMT.
I bought nuvi 2350 two weeks ago. It is quite good as a basic GPS, but two important for me features are not working as advertized. First it does not allow to enter custom avoidance – e.g, today the device tried to make me go on a road which is not in service yet. I confirmed with Garmin Customer service that it is not possible to tell the device to avoid a specific road. There are only several generic selections such as “no u-turns”, “avoid toll roads”, etc. The second problem is that the multi-leg route feature does not work if entered in the trip planer. If I define a several leg trip and then select “GO”, it will ask me where I want to go. If I select the last point of the trip the device calculates the direct route to it thus skipping all intermediate points. If I select the first destination, the device neither asks me for the next one nor continues automatically if I keep on driving. The Garmin Customer support asked me to update the firmware, which I did twice, but to no avail. I am returning it to Costco this weekend. My wife’s Blackberry has better traffic information and better route planing that this GPS device. I guess I am back to maps.
Custom avoidances aren’t found on the 23xx models, but they are found on 24xx, 25xx and 34xx.
A lot of folks don’t like the new trip planner feature, compared to how multi-destination routing worked on previous models.
Hi, I’m thinking of buying a NUVI 3490LMT, partly because my MSN Direct on my 780 becomes defunct in about a month, and therefore no more traffic. Will the “new” traffic technology that the 3490 uses actually get traffic alerts etc. in Madison, WI?
Thanks in advance,
-George
It should, but there have been lots of complaints, at least initially, about limited coverage. Here is a map (http://www8.garmin.com/traffic/map.html) but you might want to check out the 3490 threads at http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewforum.php?f=2 and http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=172.
I am considering two models for my first GPS purchased. One is the 2460LMT and the other is the 3790LMT. Which would be the best choice? Are there new models coming out soon that will replace these models that would be worth waiting for?
Between the two, I’d go with the 2460LMT. But there are already newer models out. I’d suggest checking out the nuvi 2595LMT.
Hi rich what’s better with the 2495 vs. 2460
The 2460 has a larger 5″ screen and a powered mount.
The 2495 has Exit Services and extensive customization options.
If it were me, I’d probably go with the 2495.
thanks for your quick respond. what is the exit services.& what kind customizan does it have
It’s all covered here…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-nuvi-2495lmt-review.html
We have a Garmin nuvi 200w (2008), works great for us. We would like to purchase a comparable unit. Can we purchase the same unit, never used or would we benefit (don’t know how frequently maps are updated in basic units) from purchasing a comparable unit made more recently?
Wow, I’m not even sure where to begin. There have been so many improvements…text-to-speech (calls out the name of the street you need to turn onto), speed limit display, lane assist, junction view, lifetime map updates. Here’s a really good basic model…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-nuvi-40lm-review.html
I’m looking for a Garmin GPS that will also act as a monitor to my car’s backup camera and allow me to plug my MP3 into to listen to music. Can you recommend Garmin models with this capability. Thank you.
The only nuvis to feature a backup camera were the 855, 885 and 5000, all now discontinued. All had MP3 players too. The backup camera setup was problematic on many of these.
The newer Garmin dezl trucker series features a composite video input for a backup camera, but no MP3 player.
Have 3 yr old Garmin 255w. Was thinking of updating maps when I saw ad for new 40 at good price. Your comparison chart indicated similar features. Is the 40 (with newer maps) a better choice than just getting new maps for my 255W?
Absolutely. You’ll get lane assist and junction view. The only downside is that you can’t add live traffic by buying a traffic receiver, which you can do with the 255W.