One of the most common questions I get is what is the cheapest GPS that has text-to-speech. I completely understand why I’m being asked that question. Text-t–speech is one of the “must have” features of vehicle GPS devices in my book. Text-to-speech is where the GPS actually tells you what streets to turn on. It’s doesn’t just say, “Turn Right,” but “Turn right at Elm Street.” When do you really need a GPS, anyway? It’s when you’re in unfamiliar territory. When actually knowing the name of the street you’re to turn on can really help reduce the confusion. That right there is why having text-to-speech is so important, at least in my book.
It used to be (only about a year or two ago) that text-to-speech was a feature that no all GPS’s had, and you have to pay more for a GPS with that capability. It’s not that all GPS systems nowadays has text-to-speech, but it’s much more prevalent that it was two years ago. So, the question of what’s the cheapest GPS that has text-to-speech might not be as important now in 2010 as it was in 2008, but still it has meaning. After all, Garmin’s top of the line GPS devices can cost several hundred dollars. With the global recession many of us are on budgets (which is a good thing, anyway), but knowing which is the cheapest GPS with text-to-speech certainly can save you some money. With all of that said, let’s look at what’s currently selling over at Amazon. All of the devices I’m listing will have text-to-speech, and all of them are in the cheaper price ranges.
Current Cheapest GPS that has Text-to-Speech:

1. Pharos 150 3.5-inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech: The Pharos 150 currently sells for somewhat less than $100 at Amazon. Other than the text-to-speech feature, this is an entre-level model. It’s got an internal speaker with an ear jack, mini-USB connection, 3.5-inch color screen with good resolution, and a medium sized points of interest database.
2. Motorola MOTONAV TN20 3.5-inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech: The Motorola MOTONAV TN20 definitely belongs on my list of cheapest GPS that has text-to-speech. Two other features I like about the Motorola MOTONAV TN20 are the size of its point of interest database (millions) and the fact that it tells you which lane to get in. Still it’s under $100.
3. Garmin nuvi 260W 4.3-inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator: The Garmin nuvi 260W sells for slightly more than the Pharos and the Motorola do. Currently, it’s slightly more than $100. But it has text-to-speech, and several other great features. For one thing, it’s got a much larger screen than either of the above two. Yet, you still get Garmin’s name and engineering.
4. Magellan Maestro 4040 4.3-inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth and Text-to-Speech (refurbished): If you want to spring for a refurbished model, then the Magellan Maestro 4040 could easily be what you want to buy. As far as the cheapest GPS that has text-to-speech, a refurbished Magellan Maestro 4040 might be the ticket. Since this is a refurbished model, you’ll get plenty of great features, like Bluetooth, which you would not find a new unit. If you buy a factory refurbished model, than I think you’re good as far a quality.

So, which of these should you get? That’s hard to say. If you’re really pinched for money, but really, really want (or need) a GPS, then I would probably go with either of the first two. If, however, you can spare an extra thirty or so bucks, I would definitely spring for either the Garmin or the Magellan. Which of the two is a toss up. I think the Magellan probably has more features. But then again, it’s refurbished. Probably, if it were me and I were looking for the cheapest GPS that has text-to-speech, then I would go for the Garmin.