Drive-ready satnavs simplify your journeys with trusted road and traffic guidance. Be inspired, drive prepared, and know that TomTom are with you every step of your journey.

I finally burst my Air Fryer Virgin bubble with the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, and can’t imagine why I waited so long Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine review: enjoy Italian-style espresso every morning Meanwhile, smartphones aren’t always reliable when it comes to getting a GPS signal or even, in some cases, making sure that their internal compass is pointing in the right direction. The best satnavs work, and if you’re already used to Garmin or TomTom’s interface and systems, you might not want to switch to something new.

TomTom VIA 52

Voice commands suffer from the same issues as with the DriveSmart 66, and it’s particularly frustrating that you can’t choose from a range of search options without glancing at the screen. However, the spoken and visual guidance is excellent, making good use of street names and landmarks. On rural journeys there are still some odd omissions, not to mention situations where a bear right becomes a right turn or vice versa. It’s here, rather than in the towns and on the major roads, where TomTom has a slight edge. That’s emblematic of the stiff competition the DriveSmart 66 is getting from the similar TomTom Go Discover, but the Garmin is slightly cheaper and, as an all-rounder, hard to beat. Take the guesswork out of driving with the most accurate, up-to-date world maps on the market. Stay one step ahead of traffic and within the speed limit with live TomTom Traffic updates, traffic jam warnings and 1-year of speed camera alerts. Designed for effortless use

It’s a step above the Start models, which are limited in their data functionality by not offering traffic, and cheaper than the Go offerings as that range has its own data connection built in.

Need help updating your device?

You also get live traffic data through your smartphone and lifetime map updates for the UK and Europe, while live speed camera alerts, live fuel prices and off-road parking are thrown in for the first year (you will need to pay a subscription after that). TomTom’s voice controls remain a bit restrictive, not to mention hit and miss on the recognition front, but this is the best of its satnavs for navigating your way around, and a great – if more expensive – rival to the Garmin DriveSmart 65. To learn more about your TomTom model, you can refer to the table below. The table consists of the serial number prefix and the model number to help you identify your device. Does anybody still need a satnav? Now that many cars are sold with built-in navigation and any decent smartphone can do the job, you might think the answer would be no. However, there’s still a lot to be said for the best satnavs. For a start, not all new cars include navigation in their entry-level models, while older, secondhand models might have an outdated satnav – if they have one at all. And can you remove your car’s built-in satnav and take it on your holiday in a rental car? TomTom’s series of drive-ready SatNavs simplify your journeys with trusted road and traffic guidance.

The biggest time-saving feature is live traffic updates, which you will even find on some affordable satnavs these days. The big manufacturers monitor traffic on major roads and proactively send warnings so you can avoid any major hold-ups while you plan or even as you drive. Speed camera alerts are another useful bonus, although you may have to pay a subscription to keep them up to date. Is there anything else worth looking out for? Where there are differences, they come down to things such as 3D junction displays that show your path through a series of turns or complicated junctions, which can make all the difference when you’re on an unfamiliar road or surrounded by fast-moving traffic. Some Garmin satnavs also offer street views as you approach your destination so you don’t miss the building or a final turning. They might also use visual cues to help you, like suggesting that you turn after a landmark such as a church.

Need help updating your device?

The real key here, though, is that you’re still getting TomTom’s excellent maps and guidance, in a device that feels relatively nippy and doesn’t leave you too frustrated every time you search for a destination. It also updates over Wi-Fi and comes with a decent windscreen mount. Move up to the Essential for a better all-round experience, with voice control and a better touchscreen, but this wallet-friendly option won’t let you down. Of course, having a screen in the car can be a distraction, so the interfaces are designed to minimise driver interaction. In fact, many now include voice controls that can help you avoid using the touchscreen quite so often, and with better integration with smartphones and voice assistants, these are becoming more dependable. When you do reach for the screen, you will appreciate having one with the same capacitive technology used by smartphones. Cheaper and older models tend to have resistive touchscreens, which need more pressure when you hit a key and don’t provide such a clear or vibrant image. How will satnavs make my journey smoother? The TomTom GO DISCOVER is your go-to driving companion that helps you explore new routes with confidence. It’s equipped with the latest and greatest TomTom technology, so you can look forward to where you’re going. From weekend escapes to epic road trips, TomTom GO CLASSIC is your affordable navigation companion. It has all you need to easily plan your journey and enjoy smooth travels, including the latest European maps, fast Wi-Fi® updates, smart routing and live traffic info.