navigate the usual way from A to B
With TomTom Go Navigation you have the familiar TomTom environment directly on your smartphone. But did you also know that there is a link with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? You can go in all directions with TomTom Go Navigation. We test the service in our TomTom Go Navigation review.
Contents
Your navigation device, whatever you have, is often referred to as ‘the TomTom’. Not surprising, because the brand was indispensable in traffic for years. In the meantime, alternatives such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze or another service are often used. But TomTom is moving with the times; with TomTom Go Navigation. We’ve been testing the service for the past few months. You can read our experiences in the TomTom Go Navigation review.
The possibilities
TomTom has provided the Go Navigation app with various options. For example, you can receive live traffic information, receive speed camera notifications and save maps offline. You get those speed cameras in real time, and you can also report them immediately so that other road users are informed. You will receive step-by-step instructions as you navigate. In the application you can create a vehicle profile that can be used for navigation, for example charging stations or filling stations. This is especially useful for electric cars, where you can indicate in the app what kind of plug you have.
the app
The TomTom Go Navigation app contains a lot of settings that you can adjust yourself. First of all, there is the option ‘Map and display’, where you can adjust settings for the display of the map. What information do you want visible on the screen; think of the remaining number of kilometers, the arrival time, the theme color and the color of the map. Here you can also manage the offline maps and download updates for them. You download maps per country, so that no unnecessary space is taken up. For example, if you want to navigate from the Netherlands to Sweden, you have to download all intermediate countries yourself, that does not happen automatically.
In the route planning setting you can indicate whether you want the fast or short route, and you can also avoid ferries, toll roads, unpaved roads or other things on your route. When a better route is available while driving, it can be taken over automatically or manually. You can adjust the voice for sounds and warnings, so there is a male and a female voice available in Dutch. With the instructions you can indicate exactly which things must be read for the instructions.
However, in addition to the settings, there are even more options available. Think of looking up POI locations, that is, the locations that are interesting or convenient, such as a supermarket, gas station, parking lot or something else. When searching for a gas station, if available, the current prices are shown for a liter of petrol. That is certainly not such a bad idea in this day and age, because cheap refueling is no longer an option. Also useful is the presence of the history of navigation commands that have been performed.
Navigating with TomTom Go Navigation is fast and effective. By tapping the arrival time you can forward it directly to someone else. That person will then see where you are on your way and what your arrival time is, your live location will not be sent. While driving you see the maximum speed and the speed you are currently driving according to the GPS. You can request an example of every ride before the start, so that you already receive the route. The application also offers lane guidance, so that you are properly pre-sorted. After planning a route, you can add a stopover. You can add several and change the order of them as well.
Good and interesting to know is that TomTom Go Navigation can only be used in the car. So not for cycling or for a walk. For example, when you go out with a camper, TomTom has navigation systems that take various aspects into account in this area. Unfortunately, those options are not available in the app either.
Android Auto
One of the strong features of this app is its support for Android Auto. A matter of connecting to the car, and the app can be started. We tested this in a Hyundai Kona Hybrid (2022), where you can connect the phone to the car via USB.
It all works as you would expect without becoming cluttered. You adjust the settings in the application itself. You can search specifically but also globally, think of the name of a specific parking garage or a random garage. You get to see the instructions clearly and it is strong in the simplicity, as we are used to from TomTom. Clearly quieter than, for example, Google Maps, which quickly shows more information on the screen.
You can search directly for a specific facility in the main menu. Do you also have other TomTom products that you have linked to TomTom’s MyDrive? Then all saved places can be synchronized, so that you have them quickly within reach. This works very well and is pleasant.
What I personally find a pity, and that is more to Hyundai and Android Auto I think; is that certain information such as the maximum speed scanned by the car does not make way for the information from TomTom. In addition, the Hyundai navigation itself shows the instructions on the dashboard and in the Head-up display; unfortunately that is not the case with TomTom’s instructions.
Cost
To use TomTom Go Navigation you need to take out a subscription. Unlike Google Maps and Waze, for example, the service is not free. This can partly be explained by the fact that with Maps and Waze you pass on user data to these parties and therefore have less control over your privacy. This is different with TomTom, and you can indicate yourself whether or not data should be shared.
It is a pity to see that the same price applies to everyone. With that we want to say; Suppose you have already linked a TomTom device to your account, then you will not receive a discount. TomTom Go Navigation also does not have a lifetime subscription, so you always take out the subscription for a certain period.
For 1 month you pay 3.99 euros. For six months you pay converted 2.33 euros per month and the price is 13.99 euros. If you opt for an annual subscription, you pay 19.99 euros in total, which comes down to 1.67 euros per month. And the prices are actually not that bad, if you see what TomTom Go Navigation has to offer. The first thirty days are free. Incidentally, the prices are a lot higher than a year ago; when it was still $1.99, $8.99 and $12.99.
Conclusion
TomTom Go Navigation can be used on Android, iOS and can also be downloaded from the Huawei AppGallery. You can use the service not only on your smartphone or tablet, but also in the car itself thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A very complete navigation app, which I personally find very pleasant to work, better than Google Maps. Searching and navigating to POI locations works well and if desired, the route can be quickly changed in the event of an event. The price is relatively good, the service works well, fast, complete and accurate. Despite that, the fact remains that Google Maps has many more features; think of opening hours, review and more information about locations. However, this app is excellent for navigation, which is what TomTom Go Navigation is intended for.
