
Best Handheld GPS - Don’t Run the Risk of Getting Lost When Out On Your Adventures
Last updated: 27 October, 2022




While some people believe that GPS simply reads maps and routes, others insist that GPS is meant for navigation. So how does a handheld GPS know what to read? How do you read your handheld GPS?
Importantly, if you are using a more advanced model, like a car navigation system, does it even read your underlying maps at all? Which model gives you better performance or value for money?
10 Best Handheld GPS in Canada of 2023 - Find Out What Makes Them a Popular Choice
What makes these models so awesome and unique is that they enable you to send an accurate message via their SMS or MMS function. All this functionality comes at an affordable cost and we will help you see what’s possible in your pocket while enjoying the convenience.
Comparison Table:

It comes preloaded with an altimeter, compass, and topo active maps
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It is highly durable, comes with all the features you would need
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This device comes with thousands of preloaded golf course maps
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The Garmin eTrex 10 is our value pick because it is highly affordable
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If you need a handheld GPS for golf but weren’t sold on our golf pick
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If you just want a multi-functional handheld GPS that can help you
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Button operation provide ease of use on the water
Read Our Review1. Garmin Gpsmap 64SX Handheld GPS - Best Overall
- Dimensions: 16 x 6.1 x 3.56 cm
- Weight: 226.8 Grams
The Garmin Gpsmap 64SX was launched in 2004 and is one of the top five GPS units in its class. The device has a 2.6-inch color TFT capacitive display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels that’s ideal for outdoor use, like hiking, cycling and camping.
GPS map reading is the most common use of such devices. There are many apps that facilitate mapping your route or biking route on their devices - like Google Maps, Apple Maps or MapQuest drivers are aware of the existence of such mapping apps when they need to find a location for an app, which means that any location will be present in this app and can easily be accessed from there as well.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator - World Wide
- Dimensions: 3.05 x 6.6 x 15.24 cm
- Weight: 218.29 Grams
The Garmin Gpsmap 78s is a small but powerful GPS navigator. It was developed by Garmin and is now a top-seller in the marine segment. It features high quality built-in maps of all continents, oceans and waterways for both day and night phases (both real ocean views as well as HD Digital cellular coverage with up to 4 bar signal strength), most popular GPS satellites to help you avoid those pesky jamming devices such as Stuxnet worm.
The latest TomTom Navigator software update, at least 10 channels of any GPS operator's traffic channel system map display plus manual altitude setting capability - this is helpful if you are somehow confused while following your course while sailing or when crossing sea lanes.
3. Garmin Approach G80 Handheld GPS - Golf Handheld
- Dimensions: 5.84 x 11.43 x 1.52 cm
- Weight: 117.93 Grams
This sleek, compact device is a breath of fresh air with its fully integrated GPS system. The Garmin Approach G80 harnesses all the best elements of our sport driving systems and delivers it in an affordable package. The lightweight design means you can take it anywhere while the 5-hour battery provides enough power to get you back on the road after a long day's driving.
A dual display gives you instant information on your speed, direction, course and more. It also has an AutoPilot function that allows you to stay in traffic even when your hands are full by using GPS navigation as a backup feature instead of auto-pilot mode.
4. Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator - Rechargeable Battery
- Dimensions: 5.08 x 5.08 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 703 Grams
In this article you will learn how to setup Garmin eTrex 10 Global Navigator , how you can use its many advanced features, and how it can improve the way you travel.
While there are many GPS navigator applications available in the market, it's very important that you focus your attention on two applications - Garmin eTrex 10 Global Navigator and Garmin Forerunner 305 Wristband Watch. By choosing either of these two application, you can get good value with your money as compared to other devices.
5. Garmin Approach G10 GPS Navigator - Best Compact
- Dimensions: 1.78 x 3.81 x 5.08 cm
- Weight: 31.75 Grams
Despite the fact that Garmin Approach G10 is quite a powerful piece of technology, it doesn't show the GPS reception accurately. As a result, when you are driving up and down hills, you can lose your way or on the other hand, you can crash into a dog leg.
It includes a built-in 7.2″ Color TFT touch screen, with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, 4 different color betas, dual-band Wi-Fi and a data chip to store maps (external memory). The battery pack lasts for approximately 9 hours of continuous usage with the display on or about 5 hours when the display is turned off.
6. Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS - Best Rugged
- Dimensions: 16.26 x 3.56 x 6.35 cm
- Weight: 49.9 Grams
The Garmin GPSMAP 66s handheld GPS is rated to withstand the toughest environments and severe weather conditions. The rugged design ensures that your watch remains functional and properly charged in harsh conditions.
Garmin GPSMAP 66s is a rugged handheld GPS, designed for use in harsh environments. The watch comes with a 72-hour battery life that can be recharged via an included charging cable or by connecting it to the computer via USB-C cable (1A). It also has an IPX7 rating to protect it from water and dust immersion up to 1 meter depth.
7. Garmin Montana 700 Handheld GPS - Routable Mapping
- Dimensions: 21.69 x 14.99 x 8.28 cm
- Weight: 671.32 Grams
The Garmin Montana 700 is a GPS handheld unit that supports multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and outdoor navigation sensors including: TopoActive, which allows you to be aware of the positions of your sensor devices in real time, as well as a compass. It also includes a map view.
TopoActive is a very useful tool for tourists and hikers who are always trying to get their bearings while they walk inside or outside. The device provides maps and directions from top points all over the world up to an altitude of 2000m above sea level. This will allow even experienced hikers to be able to find their way in difficult terrain. It has become popular among those who hike in big groups, such as groups of climbers or trekkers on an organized trip.
8. Garmin GPSMAP 86sci Handheld GPS - Satellite Communication
- Dimensions: 4.32 x 7.11 x 17.78 cm
- Weight: 680.39 Grams
This is a perfect example of why the Garmin GPSMAP 86sci Handheld GPS can be an ideal tool for outdoor activities. It offers an outstanding combination of features at a price that's friendly to the budget. The device functions like an underwater camera, while its main screen is underwater-safe and splash-resistant.
It’s also durable, thanks to its high-quality aluminium construction, which makes it better suited for frequent adventures in the water than most other devices.
9. GPS Navigator Portable Handheld GPS - USB Rechargeable
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 6 x 2.8 cm
- Weight: 387 Grams
GPS Navigator Portable Handheld GPS tool, developed by the company, is a new technology that enables users to accurately measure and plan for areas of forests and parks in land area. The tool can calculate the size of forested areas, identify the water quality condition, and manage the amount of land used for farming.
CAMPO Corporation which are designed for all kinds of industries including chemical industry . This article focuses on process optimization in chemical industry. One example shows how CAMPO software can be used for optimizing production processes with high productivity.
10. YDC TECH® MR-36M Handheld GPS - Best Waterproof
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 19.7 x 7.4 cm
- Weight: 530 Grams
The MR-36M is a high resolution (1 megapixel) color hand-held GPS receiver, with the ability to display up to nine different channels simultaneously. It has an auto-focus lens, and is able too use a wide range of external antenna connectors. The unit can also be used in "Off Mode" while maintaining a location free from electronic interference.
The all weather channel automatically switches from digital reception to analog reception, providing clear and crisp reception in any conditions. It is available on several U.S., Canada, Mexico and South American television channels - with over 2,500 channels available for detailed coverage of your local area.
Built into the unit are an external antenna connector that allows the user to obtain extra signal strength with an optional external antenna or other FM translator or repeater devices.
Buying Guide
GPS devices are designed for people that live in cities and need a device with a long battery life.
There are some handheld GPS devices out there that you can use to get around the city, but the problem is that most of them don’t have enough battery life to take you from one zone to another.
There are a lot of GPS devices that can be used for different purposes. While some have features to help you in finding your way, some others have features which allow you to do things like find out the parking spot near your house, park in the best place and many more.
Whether you are buying a GPS device for use in your car, on the go, etc., there are certain things that you want to know to make the right choice. Here is a Buyer's Guide of Best Handheld GPS Devices.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to GPS devices:
The first thing is that the smaller the device, the less important it become. You won't be able to read the screen very well and you will have to use the device properly. I think that such small GPS devices can be used by people of all ages. They are very portable, cheap and simple anyway. So, they are perfect for casual use!
The second thing is that you need a good GPS device so that you can get exact directions from more than one person. It will help quite a bit if another person will be pointing out where you need to go or not - this could save your life in case something happens! So, if your business partner's phone suddenly stops working.
FAQ
What is the best handheld GPS?
What are the differences between GPS and depth-sensing GPS?
Which features are included in the best handheld GPS?
Final Verdict:
The accuracy and reliability of a handheld GPS is directly dependent on the system's sensors and some other factors like the battery life, but most importantly, it also depends on it's camera. If a customer has a camera, they need to make sure that they pick one that has enough resolution and coverage area so as not to miss out on important locations. So when choosing their handheld GPS, customers have to ensure that their choice is made based on above criteria.
I will be discussing several different brands for my customers in this post because there are many different features which are important for them. These features include picture quality, battery life and connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
THE TEAM THAT WORKED ON THIS REVIEW

Adriana
(Writer)

Ashton
(Writer)

Elyse
(Senior Editor)

Jennifer
(Content Writer)

Merry
(Research Writer)

Stacey
(Content Writer)
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Recent Reviews






- Comparison Table
- Best Overall Garmin Gpsmap 64SX Handheld GPS
- World Wide Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator
- Golf Handheld Garmin Approach G80 Handheld GPS
- Rechargeable Battery Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
- Best Compact Garmin Approach G10 GPS Navigator
- Best Rugged Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS
- Routable Mapping Garmin Montana 700 Handheld GPS
- Satellite Communication Garmin GPSMAP 86sci Handheld GPS
- USB Rechargeable GPS Navigator Portable Handheld GPS
- Best Waterproof YDC TECH® MR-36M Handheld GPS
- Buying Guide
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