4 MIN READ
Garmin vs. TomTom: which navigation system suits your riding style?
Looking for a navigation system for your motorcycle, but have no idea where to start? You're not alone. At RAD, we get this question daily. Two brands clearly stand out: Garmin and TomTom. Both do what they should do: show you the right way.
But how they do that – and especially for whom – is quite different. Below we line up the differences for you. So you can choose what really suits your riding style.
TomTom: simple, fast and perfect for the classic motorcyclist
Do you mainly ride on the road, do you like spontaneous day trips or do you regularly tour through the Ardennes or the Alps via well-known mountain passes? Then TomTom is your ideal co-pilot.
Why choose TomTom?
- Plug & Play
Turn it on, choose a route, and off you go. No manuals or complicated menus required.
- User-friendly interface
Intuitive operation that you quickly master even with gloves on.
- Smart route planning
Choose between winding routes, hilly terrain or the fastest way.
- Perfect for recreational use
Whether you are a Sunday driver or go on a road trip a few times a year – TomTom makes it easy.
Our recommendation for the touring rider: TomTom Rider 550
The TomTom Rider 550 is the model we at RAD recommend most often. It combines ease of use with smart features for those who want more than Google Maps on their mobile phone.
- Winding roads & elevation profiles
- Fast processor and glove-friendly screen
- Wi-Fi updates, no PC needed
- Fixed speed camera notifications included
- Voice control via Siri or Google Assistant
- Seamless link with smartphone and headset
TomTom Rider 550
For the touring rider who wants to navigate smartly, loves to connect with his devices, and wants to hit the road without hassle.
Garmin: advanced and built for adventure
Are you the type of rider who likes to plan routes yourself, explore off-road or prefer to go completely off the beaten track? Then Garmin is for you. Garmin is popular with riders who really prepare their trips — whether that’s importing GPX files, planning in BaseCamp or seeking out the most challenging terrain the continent has to offer.
Why choose Garmin?
- Wide range of possibilities
Off-road navigation, GPX imports, track and waypoints, custom maps and more.
- Made for the explorer
Do you like to ride in the Balkans, the Pyrenees or Morocco? Garmin is your reliable guide.
- For riders who really prepare their rides
Garmin is popular with those who pre-plan their route via BaseCamp or other tools.
- Durable and robust
Built for extreme conditions, rain or dust doesn’t bother it.
Our recommendation for the adventure rider: Garmin Zumo XT3
The Garmin Zumo XT3 is made for riders who want to push their limits. Whether you’re trekking through the forests of the Ardennes or tackling a mountain pass in the Dolomites – this device is literally built for adventure. The 6″ display carries an IPX7 water rating and MIL-STD-810 drop rating, meaning extreme weather and handlebar vibration simply aren’t a concern.
Navigation-wise, the XT3 goes far beyond getting you from A to B. High-resolution BirdsEye Satellite Imagery gives you vivid overhead views of your route and surrounding terrain, downloaded directly to the device via Wi-Fi — no subscription required. The adventurous routing feature lets you choose from 4 difficulty levels, actively seeking out the roads with the most curves, hills and scenic detours. And when the tarmac runs out, Outdoor Maps+ keeps you covered with Adventure Roads and Trails for full off-road turn-by-turn routing.
For those who like to plan ahead, the XT3 supports GPX, KML and KMZ imports and connects seamlessly with the Tread® smartphone app for visual route planning, group ride tracking and real-time traffic and weather. Heading out solo? The incident detection feature automatically sends your location to a predetermined contact if something goes wrong — a reassuring detail on remote routes.
The XT3 also has a performance side. Lean angle tracking, G-force data and lap timing make it a capable companion for track days, while the drag race timer and ride summary features give you something to talk about back at the café.
Garmin Zumo XT3
For the experienced rider who wants 100% control over his ride and isn’t afraid of a manual and some preparation.
To get even more out of your XT3, take a look at two accessories we stock in our shop:
The zūmo R1 Radar pairs with the XT3 for rearview and blind-spot monitoring, showing surrounding vehicles directly on your display while the external lights increase your visibility to other road users.
The wired handlebar controller gives you full button control of your map without ever taking your hands off the bars — a small addition that makes a big difference on long or technical rides.
Conclusion: do you choose convenience or control?
Both systems are great at what they do – it’s about choosing what suits you. Below we compare them again.
| TomTom | Garmin | |
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Off-road navigation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Route building | Limited | Extended |
| Installation & explanation | Fast & simple | Technicality required |
| Target group | Touring riders & recreationists | Adventure riders & off-roaders |
| Price range | €€ | €€€ |
Still can’t decide? On our webshop, you can compare both systems with our product comparison tool. Or even better.. drop by one of our stores — our specialists will be happy to help you on your way, literally and figuratively!
One last tip
Do you use an electronic device such as a GPS or intercom? Make sure you always install the necessary updates. This way you avoid problems and can depart without worries.
