Best Heads-Up Displays for Safer Driving in 2025

In 2025, heads up displays (HUDs) are no longer reserved for luxury cars or concept vehicles. Affordable, plug and play HUD units are now widely available for the average driver, offering key information like speed, navigation, and warnings directly in your line of sight.

Whether you're driving a 10 year old hatchback or a brand new EV, upgrading with a quality HUD can dramatically improve safety and convenience behind the wheel.

This guide breaks down the top HUDs available in 2025 based on ease of installation, clarity, features, and real world performance, no hype, just facts.

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What Is a Heads Up Display?

A HUD projects essential driving information, like speed, RPM, turn by turn directions, or even ADAS alerts onto the windscreen or a transparent display. The idea is simple: keep your eyes on the road while still receiving crucial updates.

Originally developed for fighter jets, HUDs have trickled down to consumer vehicles and aftermarket upgrades, becoming smarter and more affordable each year.

Why Use a HUD?

1. Eyes On Road Safety

HUDs reduce the time your eyes leave the road. Even glancing down to check your speed or nav can create dangerous split second delays. HUDs keep data visible without breaking focus.

2. Enhanced Navigation

Many HUDs integrate with navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, showing clear, timely turn instructions at a glance, especially useful when driving in unfamiliar areas.

3. Easy Install, Low Impact

Most modern HUDs connect via OBD2 ports or Bluetooth. No rewiring or screen replacement needed. Many are fully portable between vehicles too.

Best HUDs for 2025

1. Hudway Drive

• Price: ~£250

• Connection: Bluetooth / USB C

• Standout Feature: AR style navigation overlay

Hudway Drive is one of the most advanced HUDs available today. It uses augmented reality to project arrows and prompts on a transparent display, making navigation crystal clear.

It integrates with your smartphone via Bluetooth and works with both iOS and Android navigation apps. Installation is minimal, and the high quality display is visible in full sunlight.

Pros:

✔ Real time AR nav overlay

✔ Lightweight and slim

✔ Compatible with Waze, Google Maps

Cons:

✘ No OBD2 vehicle data display

✘ Pricey for some

2. Pyle PHUD18

• Price: ~£80

• Connection: OBD2

• Standout Feature: Vehicle performance metrics

The Pyle PHUD18 plugs directly into your car’s OBD2 port, offering a more classic HUD experience. It projects speed, RPM, battery voltage, coolant temp, and other diagnostic info onto your windscreen. It’s a budget pick that feels far from cheap.

Pros:

✔ Great value for money

✔ No app required

✔ Clear OBD2 diagnostics

Cons:

✘ Doesn’t support navigation

✘ Some data not supported in older cars

3. Garmin Heads Up Display (HUD+)

• Price: ~£120

• Connection: Bluetooth

• Standout Feature: Trusted Garmin nav integration

Garmin’s HUD+ offers a simple yet refined experience. It works with the Garmin StreetPilot app to project navigation, speed, and lane guidance onto a transparent film on your windscreen. Though it’s not flashy, it’s built by a brand trusted for GPS reliability.

Pros:

✔ Clean, distraction free UI

✔ Strong GPS signal & guidance

✔ Reliable speed alerts

Cons:

✘ Requires proprietary app

✘ Navigation only, no performance data

4. ACECAR T800 Universal Car HUD

• Price: ~£55

• Connection: OBD2 or GPS

• Standout Feature: Dual mode (GPS/OBD2) support

This model stands out for its flexibility. If your vehicle doesn’t support OBD2 (e.g. diesel vans, hybrids), you can switch to GPS mode. It displays speed, compass, driving time, and more with adjustable brightness to prevent eye strain. A great entry level HUD.

Pros:

✔ GPS fallback for older cars

✔ Easy to set up and use

✔ Works with 12V vehicles globally

Cons:

✘ Display can flicker in direct sun

✘ Lacks smartphone integration

5. Navdy (Refurb Units)

• Price: ~£150 (refurbished)

• Connection: OBD2 + Bluetooth

• Standout Feature: Gesture control + smartphone alerts

Though discontinued in its original form, refurbished Navdy units are still available and popular in 2025. It projects nav, vehicle data, and smartphone notifications, and even supports swipe gestures.

While support is unofficial now, it’s still one of the most advanced HUDs for those willing to tinker.

Pros:

✔ Premium features

✔ Hand gesture controls

✔ Smart notifications

Cons:

✘ No longer officially supported

✘ Requires some setup work

Buying Tips for HUDs in 2025

• Check Vehicle Compatibility: OBD2 models require a compatible port (found in most cars post 2001).

• Decide on Your Use Case: Want live nav? Go Bluetooth. Want engine data? Choose OBD2.

• Screen Type Matters: Reflective film is cheaper but can struggle in daylight. Transparent displays offer better clarity.

• Watch for Overload: Too much info = distraction. Choose clean interfaces that show just what you need.

• Mind Local Laws: While most HUDs are legal in the UK, ensure the unit doesn’t obstruct your direct view or violate MOT visibility requirements.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a motorway commuter or weekend road tripper, a heads up display can be a smart, safety enhancing upgrade to your vehicle.

In 2025, there are more HUDs than ever, offering everything from basic speed displays to full augmented reality navigation. For under £100, you can drastically cut down on distractions and drive smarter.

Take the time to choose one that fits your car, your needs, and your driving habits. A little tech goes a long way in keeping your focus where it belongs, on the road ahead.

Danny Floyd

Car Tech & Mods Specialist, Upgrades & Tech Column