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Best Handheld GPS Units

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Garmin inReach Explorer+ Handheld GPS Communicator
Garmin
inReach Explorer+ Handheld GPS Communicator
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Best for Outdoors
Bottom Line

From hiking to hunting, this Garmin model offers practical and emergency functions in the palm of your hand.

Pros

GPS locator works with the Iridium satellite for clear and accurate readings. Withstands tough outdoor conditions, such as water, wind, and snow. Pairs easily with mobile devices so that users can download several types of maps. SOS function included.

Cons

Two-way text messaging requires an additional subscription.

Best Bang for the Buck
Garmin eTrex 22x
Garmin
eTrex 22x
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Excellent Value
Bottom Line

Very low price point, especially for the Garmin brand name. Rugged protection case included.

Pros

The unit makes fast connections with satellites. Offers good waterproof capabilities. Includes a 2.2-inch display screen that provides valuable information, but screen quality lags behind others. Well-below-average price point for an accurate GPS standalone device.

Cons

Only runs on AA batteries; no rechargeable battery. The device will be too simplistic for some.

Garmin eTrex 10
Garmin
eTrex 10
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

The reliable eTrex 10’s simple-to-read and use interface makes this handheld GPS unit the best option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

Affordable price point. Features a crystal-clear monochrome display. Durable design. Up to 25 hours of battery life with 2 AA batteries. Utilizes GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning.

Cons

No compass feature.

Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin
inReach Mini
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Most Portable
Bottom Line

Small device that fits easily in the hand and has enough battery power for efficient all-day operation.

Pros

If you're comfortable with a model that does not display your location on-screen, this compact GPS is a great pick for long backpacking trips. Syncs with your phone to display your location via the Garmin Earthmate app. Can be used to send text messages with subscription.

Cons

Can take a long time to find a GPS signal when powered on. Some issues with message delivery.

Izzo Swami 600 Golf GPS
Izzo
Swami 600 Golf GPS
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This GPS unit is designed to provide accurate measurements for golfing, with automatic recognition and handless viewing.

Pros

Auto-course settings recognize your distance measurements and field layout. Loaded with over 38,000 maps around the globe. Designed with a colorful display that is simple and easy to read. Simply put it onto your golf cart through the magnetic base.

Cons

Some complaints about the battery life.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

38
Models
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60
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for best handheld gps units

Global positioning systems (GPS) have become ubiquitous. You can find the technology in smartphones, tablets, and even some smart watches and fitness wearables. Handheld GPS units are used for navigating, geocaching, tracking jogs and trips, tagging photos, and powering hundreds of map-driven apps. Despite the availability of GPS applications in all this technology, there’s still a compelling need for a stand-alone handheld GPS unit that does one thing exceptionally well.

There is a wide assortment of handheld GPS units available in a variety of sizes, designs, and functionalities. While choice is good, it can make selecting a handheld GPS unit very challenging.

The BestReviews team welcomes the challenge of sifting through the various styles and features available in products to help you find the perfect item for your needs.

If you’re ready to buy a handheld GPS unit, check out our top picks. If you’re interested in learning more, let’s dive in and get some direction on the wide, wild world of handheld GPS units.

Content Image
The first production GPS satellite was launched in 1989, and the 24th satellite was launched in 1994, making GPS a truly global system.

Choosing a handheld GPS unit

A handheld GPS unit is a key part of many traveling, trekking, camping, hunting, cycling, and fishing trips. It can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to find your way around a new place, especially if your cell phone doesn’t work. Getting lost is surprisingly easy to do.

If you’re at the mercy of an outdated map, bad weather conditions, or unexpected changes in trails, a reliable handheld GPS unit can be a lifesaver.

But no two handheld GPS units are exactly alike. In fact, even different models from the same manufacturer vary in style and functionality to some degree. While all handheld GPS units serve to find and track your location, different manufacturers include different features based on a variety of use cases.

Your own needs and biases will determine which models to include in your short list. Do you require more battery life, a more durable design for rougher conditions, or an easy-to-read display? Let’s go over some of the key features to consider when choosing a handheld GPS unit.

"The Russian spaced-based satellite navigation system GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the second-largest global navigational system. Adding GLONASS to a GPS receiver improves the accuracy."
STAFF
BestReviews

Power

Accessing and tracking your location using global positioning satellites uses up a lot of power. Just try navigating for a few hours using your smartphone and you’ll see the battery level plummet.

The quality of your handheld GPS unit’s batteries is almost as important as what type of battery you use.

Some units run on rechargeable batteries, which is great if you have access to electricity. Others use battery packs or alkaline or lithium batteries, which means you’ll likely need to pack extras depending on the length of your trip.

"Turning on your GPS unit for the first time takes longer because it’s downloading data about where GPS satellites are located in relation to you."
STAFF
BestReviews

Display

Display size and quality is probably the most important feature for many users, especially since this is the component you interact with the most.

Different units come with everything from basic monochrome LCD displays to more detailed full-color screens.

You need to consider both daytime and nighttime use, as well as how readable the screen is in bright sunlight.

Most LED and LCD displays are built to last, however there’s always a possibility of screen burn in when some images are kept on for prolonged periods of time. The best way to test this is to try out the models you’re interested in and compare the performance.

"You can use a handheld GPS unit to determine the correct time based on the satellites’ atomic clocks."
STAFF
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Size and shape

Handheld GPS units come in many shapes, sizes, dimensions, and materials. Some are streamlined and look like smartphones or small tablets, while others have visible antennas, seeming to give them a more professional appearance (or at least reinforcing the idea of strong GPS reception).

Ergonomics is important, too. While we call these “handheld” units, not every shape is equally suited for grabbing or holding in the hand for extended periods of time.

Aside from how it feels to hold, a good handheld GPS unit should fit well in your pocket or be easily added to a belt or carabiner. It should also suit a wide range of users and hand-sizes.

"Maps are constantly changing, so make sure you know how to update your handheld GPS unit."
STAFF
BestReviews

Durability

Depending on the type of activity or the terrain you expect to cover, a handheld GPS unit’s build and materials will be a prime consideration. These devices are tools and should be expected to work in varying temperatures, humidity conditions and even last through rain showers.

Some GPS units are designed for all-weather conditions and can be splashed on or rained on. The material and build of a GPS unit, as well as the IP (Ingress Protection) rating will give you an idea of how resistant to the elements it is.

Most handheld GPS units are built of hard plastic or PVC, some have hardened rubber borders for shock absorption and better grip.

"Use the New Location option on the satellite screen menu when you've traveled more than 100 miles. This tells your GPS unit where you are."
STAFF
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Maps and storage

A handheld GPS unit is only as good as the maps it contains. This means not only making sure you have the right maps for your activities but also that you have the latest version of those maps.

Many GPS companies offer free, paid, or subscription-based access to maps. What you choose will depend on your needs.

To accommodate all of your maps, you also need to consider the built-in or expandable storage space in your unit. As with smartphones and computers, we advise getting more storage space than you think you need so you can give your map list room to expand.

"If storage space is limited, clear your Track Log to ensure you have storage for upcoming trips."
STAFF
BestReviews

Other features

Beyond GPS navigation functionality, GPS makers like to add features to differentiate their products from the competition.

All extra features tend to add to the cost. They might be nice to have, but they should never come at the expense of a solid, accurate handheld GPS unit.

Some of these extra features include the following:

  • Electronic compass

  • Smartphone connectivity (to download maps and firmware updates)

  • Activity-specific features (trip computer, sunrise/sunset times for hunting/fishing information)

  • WiFi

  • Remote location tracking

  • SOS/beacon for emergencies

  • Digital camera

Handheld GPS unit prices

Handheld GPS units vary widely in price. You can expect to spend from $80 to $700, although there’s a great range of products that should satisfy most needs in the $200 to $400 range.

Inexpensive

For $80 to $200, you can get a unit with a monochrome display and protection against splashing and rain.

"There are 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at the time of this writing. Each satellite requires 12 hours to orbit around the planet."
STAFF
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Mid-range

For $200 to $400, you can get a rugged, water-resistant unit with a compass, barometer, and accelerometer.

Expensive

For $400 to $700, you can get a unit with a 65k colored, sunlight-readable display, IPX7 water and dust resistance, and 5,000 waypoints.

Content Image
Handheld GPS units are very useful, but we will soon see helmet-mounted GPS systems with turn-by turn navigation and augmented reality features ideal for cyclists.

FAQ

Q. What is GPS?

A. GPS is the acronym for “Global Positioning System.” The system was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. People on land, sea, and in the air can use it to determine and visualize their 3D orientation in space and time.

Q. How does GPS work?

A. GPS receivers collect signals from satellites in their line of sight. The signals relay information about velocity, position, and time. When used with apps and smartphones, GPS can enable various applications such as ride-sharing apps, community-based traffic, navigation apps, and search-and-discovery mobile apps.

Q. How accurate is GPS?

A. The U.S. government claims a minimum four-meter horizontal accuracy for civilian GPS. Many of today’s handheld GPS units are 95% accurate for up to three meters.

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