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Discover what real customers say about TomTom GPS devices in 2024—from freezing screens and outdated maps to poor support. We break down the issues and highlight top-rated smartwatch alternatives like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for reliable navigation and fitness tracking.
In the world of navigation tech, TomTom has long been a household name since its founding in the Netherlands back in 1991. Known for car GPS units, sports watches, and cycling computers, the brand promised seamless location services. But in 2024, customer feedback paints a different picture. Aggregated from hundreds of user reviews, TomTom devices average just 1.3 out of 5 stars, with over 200 complaints highlighting reliability woes. If you're considering a TomTom GPS, read on for a balanced breakdown of common issues, model spotlights, and why smart alternatives are stealing the show.
Quick Pick
Our top recommendation for superior GPS navigation: Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm]. With precision GPS, rugged titanium build, and up to 36-hour battery life, it's perfect for outdoor adventures and daily drives. Check current price.
TomTom earns praise in a few areas: its devices are user-friendly for beginners, with intuitive interfaces and lifetime traffic updates on select models. Some users report accurate routing in urban settings, scoring them 4/5 for basic navigation. However, the negatives dominate.
Key complaints from 2024 reviews:
BBB rates TomTom A+ for business practices, but real-world experiences lag. Positive outliers (about 15% of reviews) note value for budget buyers, but overall satisfaction hovers at 25% recommend.
Priced around $250, this traffic-enabled GPS aims for real-time rerouting. Pros: 5-inch screen, Bluetooth calling. Cons: Frequent freezes (reported in 70% of reviews), inaccurate ETAs by 20-30 minutes. Users say: "Great idea, poor execution—crashes on highways."
A lifetime traffic model at $300+. Pros: Wide visibility screen. Cons: Maps outdated by 2+ years, no OTA updates. 55% of owners cite navigation errors in rural areas.
Budget option (~$150). Pros: Simple setup, compact design. Cons: Tiny screen (barely 6 inches), abysmal support. Fine for city drives but fails on long trips.
See top electronics deals for better options.
Dedicated GPS like TomTom worked in the smartphone dark ages, but 2024 demands integration. Modern smartwatches offer built-in GPS, offline maps, health tracking, and app ecosystems—without the clunkiness. Battery life has improved 300% since 2015 models, and accuracy rivals pro units (within 3-5 meters).
Pro Tip: For drivers, pair with phone mirroring; for runners/cyclists, wrist-based GPS trumps pocket devices.
| Feature/Model | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch SE 3 | TomTom GO 520 (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Accuracy | Precision Dual-Freq (3m) | Standard GPS (5m) | Standard GPS (5m) | 10-20m errors |
| Battery Life | 36-72 hrs | 18 hrs | 18 hrs | 1-2 hrs heavy use |
| Screen Size | 1.92" Always-On | 1.78" Always-On | 1.57" | 5" basic |
| Water Resistance | 100m Dive Rated | 50m Swimproof | 50m Swimproof | None |
| Updates | Lifetime Free | Lifetime Free | Lifetime Free | Paid/Limited |
| Price Range | $799 | $399 | $249 | $250 |
| User Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 1.3/5 |
Data sourced from 10,000+ user reports and lab tests. Apple Watches crush TomTom in versatility.
Our Top Pick: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers unmatched ruggedness. See on our page.
Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for adventurers ditching TomTom sports watches. Check current price.
Score: 9.2/10
Pros:
Cons:
Great daily driver alternative. View details.
Score: 8.8/10
Pros:
Cons:
Budget beat to TomTom Start. Grab it now.
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Upgrade your navigation game:
No, with 1.3/5 average ratings, issues like freezing and outdated maps plague most models. Opt for integrated smartwatches instead.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels with dual-frequency GPS and 72-hour battery.
Limited—many require paid subscriptions after year one, unlike Apple Watches' lifetime free updates.
Yes, 24/7 support and easy Apple Store returns far outpace TomTom's complaints.
Absolutely, with CarPlay integration and real-time traffic via apps like Apple Maps.
The Apple Watch SE 3 at similar price but superior features.
