Best GPS Speedometers: Efficiently Monitor Your Driving Speeds

Installing a GPS speedometer is the simpler and cheaper way to get a digital readout.

Best Overall

u0026nbsp;TIMPROVE T600 Universal Car HUD Head Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer

Best Value

VJoyCar C60s Universal Digital GPS Speedometer

Honorable Mention

ELING Universal MPH GPS Speedometer Odometer

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Sometimes, the factory speedometer isn’t an option. Maybe you’re trying different wheel and tire combinations that throw off calibration. Maybe the gauge cluster finally gave up the ghost. Or maybe the dang thing isn’t even hooked up. No matter the case, you need to keep an eye on your speeds. The best GPS speedometers are your way around many issues, like those mentioned and more. They’re simple to set up, cheap enough to buy a few for good measure, and there are plenty of different configurations to work with. That doesn’t mean you don’t need a little help, though. There are a few things to consider before jumping out into the wild, which is what this guide is here to help you with. 

Summary List

Our Methodology 


We haven’t had the opportunity to test every GPS speedometer out there. Thankfully, they’re pretty simple, and customer reviews do an excellent job of revealing whether anything you’re considering is worth your time. Still, we did take the time to evaluate what others commonly look for in GPS speedometers as well as which brands are reliable, before adding anything to our list. 

Best GPS Speedometers Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Timprove T600 Universal Car HUD Head Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer

Pros

  • Universal fitment
  • Simple Installation
  • Easy to read
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • May not be as accurate as more expensive units
  • Adhesive supplied isn’t a permanent solution

Timprove’s T600 is more than just a GPS speedometer. It features a 2.2-inch LCD screen that displays vehicle speed, mileage, driving direction, altitude, the time of day, and more. It’s compatible with all vehicles and features a low-voltage alarm and over-speed alarm. It easily switches from miles to kilometers. It’s easy to install: Simply plug it in and turn it on. The unit doesn’t take up too much space on your dashboard, and the screen is just bright enough during the daytime and is excellent at night. The device powers up quickly and is very clear and easy to read, and it’s a good value for the money.

However, there have been some complaints that the unit stops working after a short period of time. Also, the speed may be off by 4-6 miles per hour. You may also have problems sticking it to the dashboard with the adhesive.

Best Value: VJoyCar C60s Universal Digital GPS Speedometer

Pros

  • Universal
  • Simple to install
  • Effortless to setup
  • Great pricing

Cons

  • Built-in alarm is finicky
  • No data storage available

VJoyCars’s speedometer has a green digital display on a black background, so it’s easy to read. It displays speed in miles and kilometers and features a single push button for operation. It also computes total driving time and distance and is powered with a USB cable. The gadget is compatible with all cars and trucks. The plug-and-play installation makes it a breeze to set up, and it’s very simple to use. It has a sensor that adjusts the brightness of the display for better visibility at night and during the day. An over-speed alarm issues an audio and visual alert to warn you when you’re speeding, and the instructions are very clear.

Unfortunately, it has a lag when you’re speeding up or slowing down, which may produce false readings. Also, when you turn the unit off, all data is erased. Finally, every hour the Fatigue Driving Alarm kicks in, and it beeps very loudly. This feature can be annoying and cannot be disabled.

Honorable Mention: Eling Universal MPH GPS Speedometer

Pros

  • Quality construction
  • Simple installation as a replacement
  • Mounts in-dash
  • Looks factory

Cons

  • Requires an antenna
  • Sometimes slow to boot-up

Eling’s no-frills GPS speedometer includes a GPS speed sensor and comes with a multi-plug socket and an installation manual. It’s compatible with all types of vehicles, including boats and motorcycles, and shows the current speed as well as total mileage. It has a black faceplate, a red backlight, and can be mounted on or underneath the dashboard. This speedometer has a good construction and is fairly straightforward to install. It is waterproof and dustproof and features curved glass with anti-fogging properties. It also comes with a one-year warranty.

One downside with this unit is that it’s only an odometer, not a trip meter. It also loses the connection occasionally and works best if there’s a clear view of the sky. It can also take a while to acquire a GPS signal.

Most Versatile: Latnex Universal Digital GPS Speedometer

Pros

  • Well built
  • Waterproof housing makes it more versatile
  • Simple install

Cons

  • Data functions could be improved
  • Poor instructions

Latnex’s GPS speedometer is designed for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and boats. In addition to speed, it displays the time (in a 24-hour format) and has a voltage indicator. The device has two bolts on the back that will mount to any flat surface. This speedometer is very quick and simple to install. The speedometer receives a signal from the satellite and does not need to be calibrated when you set it up. It is backlit in green and has EEPROM memory, so it automatically stores data. It is dustproof and has a waterproof rating of IP65.

There are some problems, however. When you turn it off, it reverts to GMT regardless of how you set it, and you cannot reset the traveling distance. Also, the instructions are in very fine print and are difficult to read. It can also be hard to switch the functions when you’re driving.

Best Set: Motor Meter Racing Pro Series 6 Gauge Set GPS Speedometer

Pros

  • The whole set is high-quality
  • All the gages you need for restomods
  • Relatively simple to install

Cons

  • Won’t look right in all cars
  • More expensive than other options

Motor Meter Racing’s six-gauge set is available in a blue/red digital display as well as a white or black dial. All gauges have a convex glass lens surface. The gauges display vehicle speed, voltage, fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and engine RPM. The speedometer is 85 mm and shows a range from 0-140 miles per hour. This set comes with nearly everything you need for installation except the wiring. The gauges are good-quality, accurate, and easy to install. The backlighting is good and ranges from bright to dim. They look good and are great for restomod projects and custom applications and are popular with hotrodders and weekend racers.

One downside is the speedometer and tachometer may not be as big as you’d like and may be too small for some dashboards. Also, hooking up the mechanical cable can require some work.

Our Verdict on the Best GPS Speedometers

The Timprove T600 Universal Car HUD Head Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer is our top pick. It displays much more than just the vehicle’s speed and is very simple to install. It’s also really easy to read in the daytime as well as at night. The VJoyCar C60s Universal Digital GPS Speedometer is an obvious choice if you just need something cheap but reliable. 

What to Consider When Choosing GPS Speedometers

Types 

Round Gauge

This type of GPS speedometer is intended to directly replace the unit that’s currently in your vehicle, motorcycle, boat, etc. It’s a round gauge, and you need to check the dimensions to make sure that it will fit properly in your dashboard panel. Most of these GPS speedometers are fairly basic when it comes to the features they provide.

HUD (Heads Up Display)

This type of speedometer is usually mounted on top of or underneath the dashboard. It can be round or rectangular in shape, and you don’t need to remove your old speedometer for it to work. Some project driving data on the windshield, while others simply display it on the unit itself. Typically, these devices have numerous functions and modes to provide information such as engine RPM, water temperature, battery voltage, and so on.

Key Features 

Compatibility

Many GPS speedometers are compatible with nearly all vehicles as well as motorcycles, ATVs, and boats. Some  are plug-and-play installations, and you simply insert the cord into an auxiliary plug or a USB port for operation. However, some options/models only work on newer vehicles, so make sure to check before making a purchase.

Size

If you’re purchasing a GPS speedometer to directly replace a broken internal speedometer, it’s critical that you check the dimensions to ensure that it fits properly into the dashboard panel. As for HUD units, they are designed to be small, but some are less conspicuous than others. Choose one that will not distract you if it’s in your line of sight.

Accuracy

The whole reason for purchasing a GPS speedometer is to determine the exact speed that your vehicle is traveling. While all brands strive to be as accurate as possible, some are better than others. Also, some devices receive stronger signals than their rivals and are less likely to drop a signal.

Quality

Look for units that are made out of good-quality materials. Some are more durable than others because they are dustproof and waterproof. Others have anti-fog properties. The best way to determine if a device is well-built is by reading customer reviews and seeing what they say about the product’s longevity.

GPS Speedometer Pricing

GPS speedometers exist on a rather broad price spectrum. Most budget-friendly options sit between $20-$80, which features generally driving pricing. However, premium options can bring in far more, with quality being a primary factor behind the price tag. It’s also worth mentioning that sets featuring different gauges also sit beyond the typical range. 

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers. 

Q: Do GPS speedometers have internal batteries?

A: Some GPS speedometers have batteries, while others do not. Inquire about the specific model you intend to buy if you prefer one with a battery.

Q: Is it possible to adjust the GPS antenna on a speedometer?

A: Yes, you can adjust your GPS antenna to the length that you prefer. The maximum length is, however, dependent on your particular device.

Q: Which is the best position to mount the GPS antenna on my car?

A: You should place the antenna in a position where it uninterruptedly faces the sky. This enables it to draw information from the satellite for accurate readings. 

Q: Can I use my phone as a GPS speedometer? 

A: Yes, apps make doing so easy. However, there are some drawbacks. They’re reliant on your phone’s battery and signal, and calls and ads often disrupt their function. 

 

 

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Hank O'Hop

Associate Editor, Commerce

Hank is an Associate Editor at The Drive. As a die-hard gear head, he spends the majority of his free time dissecting and playing with all things mechanical.