Australia is a very big country and things were very different before GPS came along. Whether you were taking a trip down the coast or a drive through the mountains, you had to plan ahead and that usually involved digging through your map guide or road atlas. Often supplied by what was once called the RTA, then the RMS and now, simply Service NSW, you would spend the morning thumbing your way through one of these massive tomes, doing your best to memorise street names and landmarks for turns. It often would be filled with post-it notes, book marking your trips and yet you still might find yourself getting lost. Nowadays, the post-it notes and three kilo books have become a thing of the past and we find ourselves guided through the streets of Australia by good ol’ Karen Jacobson - our Australian GPS voice. Of course, in most modern cars, GPS and expansive infotainment systems are virtually guaranteed but, if you’ve got an older vehicle, a classic car or even a stripped back work van, GPS isn’t always included. With that in mind, today we take a look at the 5 top aftermarket GPS companies in Australia.
Garmin
We start our list with the brand that put Karen Jacobson’s voice into millions of cars across Australia. Garmin GPS devices have earned a sterling reputation for their reliability, precision, and comprehensive features, making them a top choice for navigation needs worldwide. One of Garmin's flagship automotive GPS models is the Garmin DriveSmart series, which includes models like the Garmin DriveSmart 65 with features such as voice-activated navigation, live traffic updates, and compatibility with Garmin's smartphone app for additional functionalities.
Another popular series is the Garmin DriveAssist, which integrates a dash cam into the GPS device for added safety and peace of mind on the road.
Garmin also offers GPS devices tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, such as the Garmin eTrex series and the Garmin Oregon series. These devices are rugged, waterproof, and equipped with features like preloaded maps, geocaching capabilities, and wireless connectivity for sharing routes and waypoints.
One of the key advantages of Garmin GPS devices is their user-friendly interface, which allows for intuitive navigation even for first-time users. Like all the big names, Garmin provides regular map updates and software upgrades to ensure users have access to the latest navigation data and features. With a reputation for durability, accuracy, and innovation, Garmin continues to be a trusted name in the GPS industry, offering solutions for a wide range of navigation needs.
TomTom
TomTom GPS devices stand out in the navigation market for their intuitive design, advanced features, and commitment to providing drivers with reliable guidance on the road. Among their flagship automotive GPS models is the TomTom GO series, featuring devices like the TomTom GO Supreme with features such as real-time traffic updates, speed camera alerts, and lifetime map updates. Another notable series is the TomTom VIA, offering budget-friendly options without compromising on essential navigation tools.
TomTom also caters to outdoor adventurers with GPS devices like the TomTom Adventurer and TomTom Explore, designed for hiking, trail running, and outdoor exploration. These devices boast rugged construction, built-in GPS tracking, and preloaded outdoor maps to navigate through challenging terrain confidently.
A key advantage of TomTom devices is their extensive database of Points of Interest (POIs), providing users with useful information on nearby restaurants, gas stations, and attractions. Additionally, TomTom's user interface is known for its simplicity and ease of use, ensuring stress-free navigation for drivers of all experience levels.
With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, TomTom continues to deliver cutting-edge navigation solutions that meet the diverse needs of users, whether on the road or off the beaten path.
Navman
Navman devices have earned acclaim for their intuitive navigation systems, robust features, and tailored solutions for drivers' needs. Among their standout models is the Navman Drive series, which includes devices like the Navman DriveMax 665 with features such as live traffic updates, landmark guidance, and spoken street names for seamless navigation. Another notable series is the Navman EZY series, offering budget-friendly options with essential navigation functionalities like lane guidance and speed limit alerts.
Navman also caters to commercial drivers withdevices like the Navman MiCam Truck, equipped with truck-specific routing, live traffic updates, and built-in dash cam for added safety on the road. For outdoor enthusiasts, Navman offers the Navman MiVue Drive series, combining navigation with dash cam functionality for peace of mind during outdoor adventures.
A standout feature of Navman is their advanced safety alerts, including warnings for speed cameras, red light cameras, and school zones, helping drivers stay aware and safe while navigating unfamiliar roads. Additionally, Navman's user-friendly interface and responsive touch screens ensure intuitive operation for drivers of all experience levels.
With a reputation for reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Navman continues to be a trusted name in the navigation market, providing solutions that empower drivers to navigate with confidence and ease.
Uniden
Uniden have garnered recognition for their practicality, versatility, and commitment to enhancing the driving experience with innovative features. Among their prominent automotive GPS models is the Uniden GPS501, boasting features such as a large touchscreen display, spoken street names, and lane guidance to ensure drivers reach their destinations smoothly. Another noteworthy series is the Uniden iGO series, offering budget-friendly options without compromising on essential navigation functionalities like speed limit alerts and points of interest.
Uniden also caters to truck drivers with devices like the Uniden TRAX series, equipped with truck-specific routing, live traffic updates, and customizable route planning for efficient navigation on commercial routes. For outdoor enthusiasts, Uniden offers the Uniden CAM series, combining navigation with dash cam functionality to capture adventures and provide navigation assistance simultaneously.
A standout feature of Uniden is their comprehensive safety alerts, including warnings for speed cameras, school zones, and railway crossings, helping drivers stay vigilant and safe on the road. Additionally, Uniden's user-friendly interface and intuitive menu navigation ensure hassle-free operation for drivers of all skill levels.
With a focus on reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Uniden continues to deliver cutting-edge navigation solutions that empower drivers to navigate confidently and enjoy a stress-free driving experience.
Hema Maps
Hema Maps devices are renowned for their ruggedness, accuracy, and specialised features tailored for outdoor exploration and off-road navigation. Among their standout offerings is the Hema HX-1 Navigator, featuring a large high-resolution touchscreen, detailed topographic mapping, and extensive off-road tracking capabilities to navigate through remote and challenging terrain with confidence. Another notable option is the Hema Explorer series, offering versatile hardware with preloaded maps, track logging, and route planning functionalities for outdoor adventurers.
Hema Maps also caters to 4WD enthusiasts with devices like the Hema Navigator series, equipped with advanced off-road navigation features such as waypoint marking, trip planning, and digital compasses to navigate through rugged landscapes and remote trails. For marine navigation, Hema offers the Hema Navigator HX-1 Marine, featuring marine charts, tide information, and waypoint management for navigating coastal waters and inland waterways.
A distinguishing feature of Hema Maps devices is their extensive library of maps and points of interest, including remote tracks, campsites, and recreational areas, providing users with comprehensive navigation data for exploring Australia's vast wilderness. Additionally, Hema's durable construction and waterproof design ensure reliability in harsh outdoor conditions, making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures.
With a focus on durability, functionality, and accuracy, Hema Maps continues to be a trusted name in GPS navigation for outdoor enthusiasts, providing reliable solutions for exploring Australia's diverse landscapes and navigating off the beaten path with ease.
That concludes our top 5 list of the best GPS aftermarket systems in Australia. Are you looking to start a new adventure on the road? Click here to see our wide range of quality used vehicles.
