Garmin is one of the most popular makers of GPS devices, and when you browse Amazon’s best seller list, the amount of Garmin devices listed is staggering, no matter what category you’re considering. And while Garmin does make some pretty solid devices, sometimes it’s nice to take a look at the other guys and see what they have to offer.
Here are some of the most popular devices made by Magellan and TomTom, according to Amazon:
- TomTom VIA 1505M (5 in) – This excellent unit is actually ranked No. 7 overall and comes with free lifetime map updates, advanced lane guidance and a host of other more modern features. The device received 3.3 out of 5 stars. The list price for the TomTom VIA 1505M is $169.95 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $79.75.
- TomTom VIA 1535TM (5 in) – This unit is also in the top ten GPS units on Amazon and comes with lifeetime traffic and maps and also features bluetooth for voice recognition and instruction. The device also received 3.3 out of 5 stars. The list price for the TomTom VIA 1535TM is $199.95 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $119.99.
- TomTom START 50M (5 in) – This is one of the older, entry-level devices in TomTom’s START line and features lifetime map updates, advanced lane guidance and fuel prices for easier driving. The device received 3.8 out of 5 stars. The list price for the TomTom START 50M is $129.95 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $78.99.
- TomTom START 55TM (5 in) – A step up from the START 50M, this device comes with lifetime traffic, lifetime maps and 24-hour roadside assistance in addition to other features like Advanced lane guidance. The device received 3.8 out of 5 stars. The list price for the TomTom START 55M is $159.95 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $106.
- TomTom GO 500 (5 in) – This was the first unit I reviewed when I took over for Rich, and the device is an excellent one with POI search, 3D mapping and, of course, lifetime North America Map updates and traffic. The device received 3.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The list price for the TomTom GO 500 is $199.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $149.99.
- Magellan 5430T-LM (5 in) – This Android-based, multi-touch device has the same basic and advanced features you’d expect from Magellan including traffic camera alerts, Junction View and free lifetime map and traffic alerts. The device received 3.4 out of 5 stars. The list price for the Magellan 5430T-LM is $199.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $139.99.
- Magellan RoadMate 9400-LM (7 in) – This extra-large device can be used with cars, RVs, SUVs, trucks or any other larger vehicle. It comes with lifetime map updates and traffic camera alerts among other features. The device received 3.8 out of 5 stars. The list price for the Magellan RoadMate 9400-LM is $169.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $149.99.
- Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM (5 in) – This GPS unit comes with lifetime map and traffic updates, six million searchable POIs and highway lane assist. The device received 3.3 out of 5 stars. The list price for the Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM is $199.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $159.99.
- Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM (5 in) – This premium GPS device has lifetime maps and can be integrated with a recording dash cam. The device has a G-Shock sensor and automatically detects any sudden impact and locks the video recording the event for your safety. It also features some popular, more traditional GPS features. The device was rated with 3.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The list price for the Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM is $229.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $169.99.
- Magellan RoadMate RV9145LM (7 in) – I almost didn’t include this unit, because it’s really only for RV users. However, it does have some pretty nice RV-only features including a customizable route by RV profile, and free lifetime map updates. This device received 3.4 out of 5 stars. The list price for the Magellan RoadMate RV9145LM is $379.99 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $199
So, what’s your favorite non-Garmin GPS device? Let me know in the comments below!
