Best Garmin for traffic

Amy new model Garmin will use either Garmin Traffic (most models) or HD Digital Traffic (higher end models). Any Nuvi model that uses Garmin Traffic will get the same traffic coverage and update frequency while any that uses HD Traffic will get the same HD traffic coverage and update frequency.

In theory HD traffic will update more frequently if your in an area with HD radio coverage.

So it really isn't a queston of which Garmin model is better for traffic but which will provide the best coverage and frequency updates in your area.

To me, the best nuvi for traffic is any of the models that can use a smartphone's Garmin Smartphone Link app. This assumes you have a smartphone and that you're willing to pay a 1-time $19.99 subscription.

I live in AZ. With the exception of Phoenix and Tucson, there is no traffic available anywhere else in the state using any of the non-smartphone traffic. With the smartphone link, traffic is quite widespread throughout the state even in smaller cities and rural areas.

I agree with CraigW.

Also agree with CraigW. Having smartphone traffic available along with HD traffic has been very beneficial.

The smartphone link is pretty cool! Still not as comprehensive as Google/Waze though.

Based on my 2 years experience with Garmin 3597 and lately with NuviCam, the free HD traffic is not reliable at all. Either go for Live Traffic through Garmin smartphone link or just use google maps.

I will give Google maps 9/10 and Live Traffic 8/10 for accuracy.
HD Traffic gets -5/10

For the few times I need traffic info the built in Garmin does me fine.

I just cannot justify paying for expensive DATA on my phone and then an additional $ 19.99 for traffic. I just use a Pay-as-you go plan for the phone.

Yes I have the Smartphone link on the Garmin 2797, but that was before I realized it was not necessary for the GPS operation or the Bluetooth function. I now wish there was a way to delete it from my Garmin.

Being a retired old fart I avoid rush hour at any cost where this might be beneficial.