The VjoyCar C80 is aimed at bargain hunters and, at $30, is one of the cheapest heads-up displays available; it uses GPS data and can display speed, elapsed time, distance, and even altitude, but does nothing more. Unfortunately, its use is limited because it does not have an adapter to supply power and cannot be used for phone or car diagnostic functions.

The VjoyCar C80 is priced at $30, which is one of the cheaper HUDs available these days. However, its low price limits its usefulness: it only displays speed, time, and distance on a bright green screen.

The VjoyCar C80 is a basic heads-up display in every respect for those who just want to see speed, time, and distance data. It measures 4.1 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches tall, comes with an adjustable mounting bracket, and weighs only 2.3 ounces.

The C80's 4.3-inch display is one of the largest direct-view HUDs available, but it appears only in neon green on a black background. This quickly proved annoying, especially compared to a number of displays that use color and graphics to great effect, such as the Akabane A500. An ambient light sensor on the back adjusts the brightness of the screen, something not present in some of the HUDs we tested.

There is an on/off switch and control knob, but the interface does not offer as many choices as other devices; the C80 ships with a rotating mounting bracket and a 60-inch flat USB-C power cable, but the required 12-volt accessory outlet adapter is not included.

Using GPS satellite data, the C80 can only display speed, time, altitude, and distance traveled. It does not have the ability to use the car's OBD system, such as engine RPM, or link to a phone for directions.

With the included bracket, the VjoyCar C80 can be successfully mounted on a dashboard, and the pedestal can pivot to provide the best view; because it uses a connection to a GPS satellite, the C80 should work with all recently manufactured vehicles, including electric cars and trucks .

The included USB-C cable was flat enough to push into the dashboard opening, but there was no power adapter, so we were forced to use a cigarette lighter adapter from another HUD. The warranty is for one year, and the system includes a small instruction page with detailed instructions on how to calibrate

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After connecting to the 2014 Audi A4 AllRoad, it took a little over two minutes for the VjoyCar C80 to connect with enough satellites to begin displaying data. Until then, the screen was flashing heavily. When I turned off the car's ignition, it shut off immediately.

The screen's huge numerical speedometer was easy to read, but I never got used to the ghostly green light. On a few drives, the VjoyCar C80 held up well, and I was able to read the display even in bright sunlight. This is better than other direct-view displays such as the Autool GPS Slope Meter.

However, the unit's 2.3" height can interfere with the driver's view. The speed and time elements were accurately displayed, but lacked longitude, latitude, compass heading, and other things we have become accustomed to in other HUDs. It also lacks the ability to use OBD data to display coolant temperature, engine RPM, etc.

For those who are less interested in a multi-color display or just want to check the speed, time, and mileage of their car, the VjoyCar C80 is a great choice. It is simple and to the point, with no extra hassles.

That said, the C80 is inferior to its competitors in many respects. It is very feature-poor and compares unfavorably to more capable HUDs that are only $20 to $30 more expensive. Nevertheless, the $30 price is unbeatable, so if you want something simple and basic, this may be the HUD for you.