Garmin vs TomTom - Which is Better

GPS (Global Positioning System) based devices are widely used today for navigation in cars, motorcycles and even cell phones have it. Companies like Garmin and TomTom have made this large-scale use of GPS possible through production of low cost devices. One question that strikes everyone going in for a GPS device is Garmin vs TomTom - which is better of the two. I try to answer this question in some measure, through this Buzzle article.

In today's highly competitive market space, consumer is the King and he has a right to get the best value for his money. Researching products of various brands is an essential step before going for a purchase. You want to ensure that the money you invest is well spent. You need to ask yourself which is better - Garmin vs TomTom, if you plan to settle for nothing less than the best GPS device.

Comparison Between Garmin and TomTom

I don't think anybody who knows about GPS devices, needs to be explained what is Garmin or what is TomTom. Garmin and TomTom are both the biggest manufacturers of GPS devices. They have their own geographical and product wise niches in the market. To make a comparison between the two, one would have to compare products that fall in overlapping niches. Both companies produce a range of products which make it singularly impossible for each product to be compared here. One can have a separate motorcycle GPS comparison and a separate car GPS system comparison, followed by a hand held GPS comparison. However, one can make a general comparison according to product features. Let us have a look and decide among Garmin vs TomTom, which is better. Before we do that, here is a little background information about the two companies.

Garmin is a Nasdaq listed producer of aviation, marine and consumer level GPS technologies based in USA. It is the market leader in North America when it comes to any kind of GPS technology. TomTom is an Amsterdam based, Dutch manufacturer of automotive GPS navigation technologies and personal digital assistants. It is the market leader in the European GPS devices market.

Which is Better Features Wise?
If you make a comparison between Garmin and TomTom according to the facilities provided by the two devices, there is no real clear winner. Both offer 'finger touch' wide screens with pre-installed maps and a number of points of interest (POI). Both lines of products offer wireless, as well as bluetooth updates. There is a facility for playing MP3 music and other extra features in both lines. So in terms of access and basic facilities, both product lines are quite comparable and offer the best gps system for cars.

Which is Better Map Coverage Wise?
The main point of comparison between Garmin and TomTom handheld GPS devices is maps and map related functions. While TomTom uses Tele Atlas Maps, Nokia uses Navteq maps provided by Nokia. Many users report that the accuracy of mapping provided by Garmin is better in North America, while TomTom offers better maps of Europe. However, the accuracy of maps is something which you have to verify for yourself and it may change according to area.

One of the points where TomTom might have a slight advantage over Garmin products, is the preview facility provided by it. It offers a better route planning facility than Garmin by allowing you to plan routes by avoiding certain roads en route. However, Garmin is preferred over TomTom, simply because of its accuracy when it comes to using it, as a car navigation device in North America. Both companies charge an extra fee for periodic map updates.

As you can see, it's difficult to decide, which is better as both have a similar range of devices, with comparable features. If you ask me which among Garmin and TomTom is better, the overall comparison would lead me to conclude the following. Go for TomTom, if you're a European user and Garmin if you're a North American user. A specific product based comparison would reveal a more accurate picture. Choose one which has the most compatible features for your use.