Best Sat Nav for Europe
Ben Wells is a tech enthusiast specializing in cameras and GPS devices. He has a keen interest in reviewing dashcams, navigators, and other useful car...
Having the best sat nav for Europe is a must on your European driving checklist. You need two essential pieces of equipment: a GPS navigator and a dash camera to ensure your journey is peaceful and help you stay on track. Navigating Europe by car, whether in a camper or caravan, is a joyful experience, but wrong turns can happen. So, you should choose the best dedicated GPS system for European mapping to save time and minimize frustration. The advantage of sat navs for Europe includes real-time turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and information on points of interest (POIs) for your specific vehicle type.
As a European resident living in the UK and based in Romania, my hometown, I’ve extensively researched and tested many sat nav systems from the past few years, and here I will provide you with my experienced list of the best sat navs for Europe. These GPS offer exceptional value, enhancing your driving experience on the continent. With detailed digital maps for entire Europe, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey. Just remember to obtain an International Driving Permit for added peace of mind, and a quality dash cam to capture any unexpected incidents, as driving on Europe’s narrow roads can be challenging.
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Best Sat Navs for Europe
Here is our selection of the best sat navs for Europe Travelling, including pre-built maps of the entire Europe (EU), covering the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, all available for purchase right now at the best price.
- Tomtom Go Expert 7 Inch
- Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S
- Navpal Sat Nav 7 Inch
- TomTom Start 52 Lite
- Jimwey GPS Navigator
Tomtom Go Expert 7 Inch
Best sat nav for Europe
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Dimensions: 8-inches |Maps: Europe Maps (45 Countries) |Voice control: Yes |Speed Cameras: Free alerts |Traffic Information: Lifetime |Battery life: 1 hour |Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Comes with built-in Alexa assistance
✓Perfect size 8 inches touch screen
✓Helpful in avoiding traffic jams
✓Free lifetime map and traffic updates
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No microSD included
✗You need to download the Garmin Drive app
As an enthusiastic explorer of European countries, I’ve had the pleasure of testing various navigation systems during my travels. Among them, the TomTom Sat Nav GO Expert 7 truly stands out as a reliable and efficient companion. Living in Romania, I frequently venture to neighbouring countries like Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, and the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. The Go Expert 7 is not my first pick, but its most accurate and up-to-date world maps have been invaluable in guiding me through diverse landscapes, from the charming streets of Paris to the mesmerizing beaches of the Algarve.
Previously, I used the top-tier model TomTom Go Professional 620, which was an upgrade over the 520. However, when I discovered the all-new TomTom Go Expert 7, I decided to make the switch. With its larger 7″ HD screen and enhanced service benefits, it offers advanced navigation features that have proven indispensable, especially for my custom motorhome. The extensive coverage of the entire European region, along with worldwide maps, allows me to explore even more during my journeys.
While the Go Expert 7 does come with a higher cost, I firmly believe it’s worth every penny. The device’s performance has been impressively improved, offering a number of enhancements over its predecessor, including 4x faster hardware speed and the added convenience of 3x faster updates via Wi-Fi. The excellent speakers and larger 7″ HD display further elevate the experience. On top of that, the inclusion of free accessories, a carry case, and dashboard mount disks have been quite practical.
I particularly appreciate its Multi-drop routing feature, as it is tailor-made for me, enabling seamless planning of complex routes with multiple destinations from A to B (and C and D) without the need to stop and reroute. As someone who frequently drives in unfamiliar areas, the voice recognition capabilities have been a game-changer, making address entry and navigation effortless. It’s a significant improvement compared to my previous TomTom sat nav experience.
What I Liked
The TomTom GO Expert 7 impressed me with its larger HD screen, improved navigation, and voice recognition features. Thanks to the Live restriction alerts, the new European map update stays conscious to alert me on narrow roads and sharp turns in advance, allowing me to buckle up and manoeuvre without hesitation. It has been a perfect sat nav for multi-drop routing, safe and enjoyable, particularly on long journeys.
What They Disliked
The requirement for a TomTom live traffic subscription and the relatively higher price tag are the only downsides to an otherwise excellent and uncompromisd navigation system to my experience.
What Makes it the Best
The TomTom Go Expert 7 stands out as one of the best sat navs due to its hyper performance, real-time traffic updates, and comprehensive European maps, ensuring a seamless driving experience. The lane guidance and 3D mapping of European streets make Go Expert 7 an ideal choice for navigating through the diverse nations of Europe. The traffic congestion and custom routing for large vehicles have been marvellous. Additionally, the TomTom speed cameras and real-time traffic updates ensure you will always find the fastest routes and stay well-informed throughout your travel routes.
Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S
Best sat nav for older drivers UK
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Dimensions: 7-inches |Maps: Full Europe |Voice control: Yes |Speed Cameras: Free alerts |Traffic Information: Free alerts |Battery life: Around 1 hour |Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Convenient Garmin voice assist with Alexa
✓Tripadvisor traveller-ready features
✓Easy access to live traffic, speed traps location
✓Wireless updates through WiFi
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Nice for Europe not sure about other region’s
If you’re planning an extensive European trip on a budget, I wholeheartedly recommend the Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S. It has been my main charm and a great upgrade from the old Garmin 55 LMTS. With its sleek redesign and faster performance, it stands out among other new Garmin sat navs, particularly those that support traffic updates. During my year of using the Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S for everyday drives and long journeys, I’ve found it to be a head-to-head competitor with the Garmin Camper 780, my go-to for off-road camping. Considering the price, it’s a compelling option at just £189.99.
I like the Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S as it includes Lifetime Maps and Traffic with the Garmin app, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious tourists. I have had this since after its release in late 2021 and it provides all the maps I need for my European travels, I could easily update it for the UK, Ireland, and the entire European continent through the Garmin app on my phone. Although I also used my TomTom Go Expert 7 sat nav in a similar way, this little GPS met all my expectations, and I could map any area for my next trip without being limited to the geographic area of the maps.
In comparison to the Garmin DriveSmart 76, I find the DriveSmart 66 MT-S has a slightly smaller but crisper 6-inch display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720. The design is slim with a bulge at the rear for housing internals, a microSD memory card slot, and a USB Type-C connector primarily used for charging and firmware/map updates over Wi-Fi. I am impressed with the DriveSmart 66 MT-S fast route calculations and emphasis on clarity over spectacle in its 3D buildings. Bluetooth calling and smartphone notifications also work well with clear voice commands. But voice commands changed between versions.
There are two versions of this sat nav, one with “OK Garmin” commands (which I have) and the other with Alexa, available for an additional £20 cost. The standard “OK Garmin” commands sometimes have trouble recognizing place names or points of interest. However, selecting alternative routes is hassle-free. Trip planning is made easy with TripAdvisor and Foursquare on the device, allowing for locating and saving specific destinations, such as hotels, B&Bs, and park entrances. The simulated drive feature enables the testing of alternative routes in advance. In my experience, the Garmin DriveSmart 66 is a reliable pre-trip portable GPS with excellent features and a complete package with whole Europe map updates.
What I Liked
With Lifetime Maps and Traffic updates, I like the Garmin DriveSmart 66 MT-S more than the expensive TomTom Expert 7, which costs a subscription fee for live traffic updates. I also like its sleek design and faster performance distinguishes DriveSmart 66 MT-S from other Garmin sat navs, providing excellent value for money.
What I Disliked
It’s the “OK Garmin” voice commands that can sometimes struggle with recognizing place names or points of interest. Other than that, it’s a fierce and straight navigator for up-to-date navigation.
What Makes it the Best
As an impressive upgrade from the old Garmin 55 LMTS, the DriveSmart 66 MT-S has a modern design, hardware improvements, and a 6-inch display ensuring clear 3D buildings with fast route calculation. Moreover, its trip planning feature allows you to simulate your journey in advance. With all these features, it’s definitely a worthwhile choice to consider.
NAVPAL Sat Nav 7 Inch
Best sat nav for nervous drivers
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Dimensions: 6-inches |Maps: Full Europe |Voice control: Yes |Speed Cameras: Free alerts |Traffic Information: Free alerts |Battery life: Around half hour |Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Real-time fuel prices along your route.
✓Traffic cams and parking
✓Overall solid sat nav for truckers
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No Alexa buddy for listening to your commands
When searching for the most budget-friendly Sat Nav, I came across the NAVPAL Sat Nav with its 7-inch screen. What caught my attention was that it offers all the features of an HGV navigation system at a fraction of the cost. With preloaded maps of Europe, I was able to use it right out of the box without any hassle. Operating the Navpal was a breeze; all I had to do was enter my destination and hit “go.”
The 7-inch touchscreen display makes it versatile for use in both cars and trucks. It comes with a convenient mount that easily attaches to the windshield or dashboard, and there’s even an optional car charger available. This affordability and practicality make it the best sat nav under £100 in the UK. Impressively, the Navpal is made of high-quality materials and comes with all the modern necessities one would expect from a sat nav system. With free lifetime updates, it offers postcodes, driver alerts, lane guidance, and points of interest (POI).
What’s even better is that it also provides motorhome routes, adding an extra layer of safety. The built-in 3000 mAh battery ensures it lasts over three hours in use, which is excellent for getting around town without any trouble. Its handheld and compact design makes it a portable satellite navigation system, ideal for camping trips, where the battery lasts over three hours on a single charge.
While Navpal has many benefits, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The automatic day and night mode switching can be slightly annoying, and the lane guidance could use some improvements. However, considering its price and overall performance, the NAVPAL Bluetooth Sat Nav with its 7-inch screen is a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a reliable navigation solution for their European journeys.
What I Liked
The NAVPAL Bluetooth Sat Nav’s 7-inch screen, multiple drive routes, and real voice broadcast in multiple languages impressed me, all at an affordable price.
What I Disliked
The automatic day and night mode switching can be annoying, and the lane guidance could use some improvements.
What Makes it the Best
The NAVPAL Sat Nav stands out as the best budget-friendly option with its extensive features, including postcodes, lifetime updates, and motorhome routes, making it a reliable companion for European journeys.
TomTom Start 52 Lite
Best sat nav for taxi drivers UK
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Dimensions: 5-inches |Maps: UK and Ireland |Voice control: Yes |Speed Cameras: Free alerts |Traffic Information: Free alerts |Battery life: More than one hour |Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Real-time services such as live traffic and live parking
✓Helpful alerts for things like school, safety cameras
✓Easy navigation with spoken turn-by-turn directions
✓Quick with driver alerts to encourage safer driving
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Small screen size is not for older drivers
The TomTom Start 52 Lite is a reliable and user-friendly satnav, perfect for drivers seeking straightforward navigation with precise guidance in a small footprint. As a global leader in navigation devices, TomTom ensures accuracy and up-to-date maps, saving time with live traffic congestion avoidance.
Recognized as one of the best small sat nav UK, the TomTom Start 52 Lite is popular among cross-nation travelers for planning long routes. The 5-inch screen and voice recognition feature make driving easy and hands-free. Lifetime map updates guarantee precise navigation, even in unfamiliar areas.
During testing, the Start 52 Lite provided dependable and accurate arrival times, backed by comprehensive traffic information and real-time updates. The integrated reversible mount offers flexibility and ease of use. TomTom’s sustainable packaging approach aligns with our environmental consciousness, reducing the carbon footprint.
With a cost of £89.99 and whole Europe maps, the Start 52 Lite offers essential navigation. Enhanced lane guidance ensures smooth journeys and regular software updates keep the device efficient. While speed camera alerts require a subscription, the overall reliability compensates for it. In my experience, the TomTom Start 52 Lite is worth it for the price, providing a seamless navigation experience for EU tourists on a budget.
What I Liked
The TomTom Start 52 Lite’s user-friendly interface, accurate navigation, and lifetime map updates impressed me during my journeys.
What I Disliked
I wished the speed camera alerts were included without the need for a subscription.
What Makes it the Best
The TomTom Start 52 Lite stands out as the compact sat nav due to its reliable performance, enhanced lane guidance, and eco-conscious packaging, making it a trustworthy and environmentally conscious choice.
Jimwey GPS Navigator
Easiest sat nav to use
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Dimensions: 6-inches |Maps: Full Europe maps |Voice control: Yes |Speed Cameras: Free alerts |Traffic Information: Free alerts |Battery life: 1 hour |Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Live traffic information
✓Clear visual and audio instructions
✓Great with speed camera alerts
✓Lane assist and junction view
✓Works with Garmin backup camera
REASONS TO AVOID
✗The default screen map is a bit small
Since I received the Jimwey GPS Navigator, it has been incredibly helpful for my journeys. With its preloaded UK and Europe maps, installation and usage have been a breeze. Features like speed camera alerts and lane guidance make driving much easier. The 5-inch touchscreen displays HD graphics, showing guidance, speed, and estimated arrival time clearly.
The day/night mode switch is a handy addition for comfortable viewing at any time. I particularly like intelligent GPS navigation, supporting postcodes, addresses, and coordinate searching. The Turn-By-Turn real voice broadcast function helps me find my way swiftly, and the 2D/3D maps display helps me quickly locate myself. The built-in FM transmitter transfers sound to my car stereo for a louder audio experience. Additionally, the multiple vehicle modes allow me to customize settings according to my vehicle type, avoiding restrictions.
While the suction cup mount occasionally struggles in the heat, the overall performance and convenience of the Jimwey 5-inch GPS Navigator have been impressive. The 2100mAh rechargeable battery disappoints a bit, lasting less than an hour, but it supports TF cards up to 32GB, a bit limited but sufficient storage for maps if not media.
The fact that it comes with free lifetime map updates and includes over 50 countries’ maps, including the entire Europe region, is a significant advantage. The intelligent route planning avoids roads with weight and height restrictions, adding to its user-friendliness. The Jimwey GPS Navigator offers efficient value and feature-rich navigation, making it a reliable companion for my travels across Europe. It’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive map coverage with free lifetime updates make it a top choice for both short trips and extensive journeys.
What I Liked
Impressive performance with HD display, intelligent GPS navigation, and free lifetime map updates.
What I Disliked
Short battery life (around 45 minutes), and the suction cup mount struggle in hot weather.
What Makes it the Best
Comprehensive map coverage, user-friendly interface, and cost-effective option with valuable features.
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How We Choose the Best Sat Nav for Europe
As passionate camping enthusiasts and frequent travellers across Europe, we understand the importance of a reliable Sat Nav that caters specifically to the unique needs of European journeys. Our selection process involves thorough testing, hands-on experience, and careful consideration of the following factors in our evaluation:
Comprehensive Mapping Coverage for Europe Regions
We prioritize Sat Nav devices that offer comprehensive mapping coverage for all European regions, including major cities, rural areas, and popular tourist destinations. Our testing involves navigating through diverse European countries to ensure that the selected Sat Navs deliver accurate and up-to-date mapping information, allowing travelers to confidently explore new territories without the fear of getting lost.
Real-Time Traffic Updates for Efficient Travel
As seasoned European adventurers, we value real-time traffic updates to avoid delays and congestion on busy European roads. During our evaluations, we test the real-time traffic capabilities of each Sat Nav in various scenarios, ensuring that they provide reliable route adjustments for smoother and more efficient travel across the continent.
Multi-Language Support for Seamless Navigation
Europe is a diverse continent with varying languages, and having a Sat Nav with multi-language support is crucial for seamless navigation. We test and evaluate the language options provided by each Sat Nav, ensuring that tourists can receive navigation instructions in their preferred language, making the journey stress-free and easily understandable.
European Speed Camera Alerts for Safe Driving
Safety is paramount during European journeys, and we emphasize Sat Navs with specific warnings for speed cameras and potential hazards. Through rigorous testing, we verify that these safety features work effectively to keep drivers informed and alert while driving, promoting a secure and stress-free travel experience.
Points of Interest (POIs) and Scenic Routing
Europe is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and numerous points of interest. We seek Sat Navs that offer scenic routing options, guiding touriststhrough picturesque journeys and captivating routes. Additionally, we test the availability and accuracy of Points of Interest (POIs) in each device, ensuring that you can easily discover interesting places, such as historic landmarks, scenic viewpoints, charming towns, and delightful restaurants.
Voice-Activated Navigation for Convenience
Hands-free navigation is essential for safer driving, and voice-activated navigation is a feature we cherish. During our testing, we evaluate the voice command functionality of each Sat Nav, ensuring that you can control the device with spoken instructions, allowing for a more convenient and hands-free navigation experience.
Lane Guidance for Complex European Roadways
Navigating through busy European roadways can be challenging, and we prioritize Sat Navs with advanced lane guidance features. This provides clear instructions on which lane to be in, ensuring smooth and confident lane changes during busy traffic conditions. Our testing involves navigating through complex European intersections to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of this feature.
European Campsites Directory for Motorhome Travelers
Understanding the unique needs of motorhome owners, we seek Sat Navs that offer specialized routing for motorhomes based on size and weight, as well as comprehensive directories of European campsites. We carefully evaluate the availability and accuracy of camper-specific features to ensure that motorhome travellers can easily find suitable places to park and stay overnight.
Battery Life with GPS for Extended Trips
Long-lasting battery life is vital for uninterrupted navigation during extended European trips. In our evaluations, we thoroughly test the battery performance of each Sat Nav to ensure it can keep up with your cross-nation exploration without the need for frequent charging stops.
User-Friendly Interface for Intuitive Use
A user-friendly interface enhances the overall usability of the Sat Nav. We navigate through settings and options during our testing to ensure that the selected devices offer an intuitive and straightforward user interface, making them easy to use for all travellers.
Build Quality Strength for Durability
Given the various driving conditions European travelers encounter, we prioritize Sat Navs with the sturdy and reliable build quality. Our evaluations include testing the devices in different environments to ensure they can withstand the challenges of the open road.
User Reviews and Ratings for Real-World Perspectives
User feedback and reviews play a crucial role in our selection process. By incorporating real-world experiences and insights from fellow motorhome adventurers, we gain valuable perspectives that guide our recommendations. We consider the opinions of actual users to provide trustworthy and reliable information to our readers.
Tested Full Europe Mapping Coverage
| Europe Region | Travel Experience with Sat Nav for Europe |
|---|---|
| Western Europe | We thoroughly test Sat Navs for compatibility with major Western European countries, such as the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Our evaluations focus on accurate mapping, real-time traffic updates, and multi-language support to ensure smooth navigation in this region. |
| Eastern Europe | Sat Navs are put to the test for Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Romania. We verify their mapping coverage and examine how well they handle specific routing challenges in this diverse part of Europe. |
| Nordic Countries | Testing includes evaluations of Sat Navs’ performance in Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. We assess their accuracy in rural areas and ensure they offer relevant Points of Interest (POIs) for touristsexploring the breathtaking landscapes of Scandinavia. |
| Southern Europe | Sat Navs are tested for seamless navigation in Southern European countries like Greece, Portugal, Croatia, and Turkey. We evaluate their ability to provide clear directions in busy cities, coastal areas, and mountainous regions, ensuring they are suitable for a wide range of journeys. |
| Central Europe | We examine how well Sat Navs handle the intricacies of driving in Central European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. We focus on features like lane guidance and speed camera alerts to enhance safety and efficiency on Central European roads. |
| Baltic States | Testing covers the mapping and routing capabilities of Sat Navs in the Baltic States, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We verify that these devices offer accurate directions and relevant POIs for exploring the unique cultural and historical sites of this region. |
| Balkan Peninsula | Sat Navs are evaluated for compatibility in the Balkan Peninsula, covering countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. We ensure that the selected devices provide reliable navigation and safety features in this diverse and fascinating part of Europe. |
| Benelux Countries | Testing includes assessments of Sat Navs for the Benelux countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. We examine their performance in urban settings, as well as their ability to offer efficient routes in this charming and picturesque region. |
| Alpine Region | Sat Navs are put to the test for navigation in the Alpine region, encompassing countries like Switzerland, Austria, and parts of Italy and France. We evaluate their suitability for mountainous terrains and ensure they provide accurate guidance for a safe and enjoyable journey. |
| Iberian Peninsula | Testing covers Sat Navs’ performance in the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal. We examine their capability to provide detailed directions in diverse landscapes, from the coastal regions of Costa del Sol to the historic cities of Madrid and Barcelona. |
| Island Nations | We verify the mapping coverage and routing capabilities of Sat Navs in island nations like Ireland, Iceland, and Malta. Our evaluations ensure that these devices offer precise navigation, including ferry routes and island-specific POIs, for a seamless island-hopping experience. |
As a team of camping enthusiasts, we rigorously test Sat Navs for European navigation. With real-world experience, we evaluate full Europe mapping coverage, real-time traffic updates, multi-language support, speed camera alerts, POIs, voice-activated navigation, scenic routing, lane guidance, EV POIs, and campsite information. Our goal is to provide trustworthy recommendations for seamless and enjoyable journeys across Europe.
Why You Should Trust Us
At BestB, we are committed to providing reliable and unbiased information to help tourists choose the best GPS for their European adventures. Our thorough and independent testing process involves evaluating a wide range of Sat Nav devices, considering essential features and user experience.
Other than my team of avid camping enthusiasts and motorhome drivers, I personally test and evaluate Sat Nav devices to ensure they meet the unique needs of European motorhome travellers. We have our way of rigorously testing the sat nav accuracy, virtually and in real-world tests. We use everything to ensure, accuracy, including, mapping coverage, live traffic updates, and user-friendliness to recommend the most suitable options for European journeys.
We prioritize real-world experience and hands-on testing over mere specifications and manufacturer claims. By sharing our firsthand experiences, insights, and practical tips, we aim to empower you with the information they need to make informed decisions about the best Sat Nav for their European travels.
Our commitment to excellence and unbiased reviews is evident in the thoroughness of our evaluations and the dedication to presenting both the pros and cons of each Sat Nav device we test. We understand the importance of a reliable Sat Nav while exploring Europe, and our evaluations focus on features that enhance the travel experience, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable journey across the continent.
Video Review of Best Sat Nav for Europe
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