Navigational aid is increasingly available on cell phones, giving consumers a choice between purchasing software for their smart phone or buying a dedicated portable navigation device (PND). The Consumer Reports GPS testing team has been conducting tests to compare these two scenarios, pitting cell phones against PNDs. So far, PNDs have a clear advantage in accuracy and ease of use, though software-based solutions are rapidly improving. In fact, with iPhone applications we have been quite frankly challenged to keep up with the perpetual updates, which can outpace our rigorous test procedures.
 
We have tested eight iPhone apps thus far, and we have found that they do a decent job of mimicking the abilities found in traditional devices. In fact, GPS-makers Navigon and TomTom have entered the fray with apps that feel quite familiar to our staff.
 
Generally, the initial apps were a bit rough around the edges, lacking iPhone integration and some common, or at least recommended, navigation features. This is improving over time, though in our experience, accuracy remains an inherent challenge for the iPhone.
 
This video highlights the trade offs in choosing a phone-based solution, though we encourage you to dig deeper in our articles and reviews to determine which is best for you.

See our full reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map.

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

—Jeff Bartlett