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Handheld Gps Units Comparison - January 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.7Exceptional
2
9.6Exceptional
3
9.5Excellent
4
Best Value
9.4Excellent
5
9.2Excellent
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Model

Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange - 010-02602-00
Model
Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy
Model
Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Model
Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
Model
Garmin GPSMAP 65s, Button-Operated Handheld with Altimeter and Compass, Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-Band Technology, 2.6" Color Display

Brand

Garmin
Brand
Garmin
Brand
Garmin
Brand
Garmin
Brand
Garmin

Reviews

358 reviews
Reviews
2,194 reviews
Reviews
10,702 reviews
Reviews
630 reviews
Reviews
114 reviews

Features

Battery duration

9.1
Battery duration
9.1
Battery duration
9.3
Battery duration
7.9
Battery duration
7.4

User interface

8.1
User interface
7.7
User interface
7.7
User interface
7.0
User interface
7.0

Interactive display

9.9
Interactive display
8.4
Interactive display
7.9
Interactive display
7.0
Interactive display
7.0

Precision

9.1
Precision
9.1
Precision
8.4
Precision
7.7
Precision
7.2

Simple to use

9.1
Simple to use
8.6
Simple to use
7.9
Simple to use
7.0
Simple to use
7.0

Tech Specs

Product Dimensions

2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inches
Product Dimensions
4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
Product Dimensions
2.13 x 1.3 x 4.06 inches
Product Dimensions
4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
Product Dimensions
7.04 x 5.44 x 2.29 inches

Battery Life

336 Hours
Battery Life
25 Hours
Battery Life
25 Hours
Battery Life
25 Hours
Battery Life
Bluetooth

Screen Size

1.27 Inches
Screen Size
2.2 Inches
Screen Size
2.2 Inches
Screen Size
2.2 Inches
Screen Size
2.6 Inches

Map Type

North America
Map Type
Topographical
Map Type
Australia
Map Type
Topographical
Map Type
Multi Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Topo Maps Public Land Boundaries Smart Notifications Geocaching

Item Weight

3.5 ounces
Item Weight
5 ounces
Item Weight
5 ounces
Item Weight
5 ounces
Item Weight
7.7 ounces

color

Orange
color
-
color
-
color
-
color
Green

Included Components

InReach Mini 2, USB cable, carabiner, documentation
Included Components
ETrex 22x USB Cable Documentation
Included Components
-
Included Components
eTrex 32x USB Cable Documentation
Included Components
GPSMAP 65s USB cable Carabiner clip Documentation

Batteries

1 Lithium Ion batteries required. included
Batteries
1 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
Batteries
2 AA batteries required.
Batteries
1 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
Batteries
-

Special Features

Bluetooth
Special Features
Road Routable TopoActive Maps GPS and GLONASS Satellite Service
Special Features
-
Special Features
Includes USB cable and documentation, Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
Special Features
Multi Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Topo Maps Public Land Boundaries Smart Notifications Geocaching

Device interface primary

Touchscreen
Device interface primary
Buttons
Device interface primary
-
Device interface primary
Buttons
Device interface primary
Buttons

Display resolution

176 x 176
Display resolution
240 x 320
Display resolution
-
Display resolution
240 x 320
Display resolution
160 x 240

Other display features

Wireless
Other display features
Wireless
Other display features
-
Other display features
Wireless
Other display features
Wireless

Connectivity Technology

Bluetooth, USB
Connectivity Technology
-
Connectivity Technology
USB
Connectivity Technology
ANT
Connectivity Technology
Multi Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Topo Maps Public Land Boundaries Smart Notifications GeocachingMulti Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Top

Sport

Camping Hiking, Outdoor Lifestyle
Sport
-
Sport
-
Sport
Camping Hiking
Sport
Multi Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Top

Special Feature

Bluetooth
Special Feature
-
Special Feature
-
Special Feature
Includes USB cable and documentation, Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
Special Feature
Multi Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Topo Maps Public Land Boundaries Smart Notifications GeocachingMulti Band Frequency Support ABC Sensors Preloaded Top

Mounting Type

Handheld
Mounting Type
-
Mounting Type
-
Mounting Type
Handheld
Mounting Type
North America

Connectivity technologies

Bluetooth, USB
Connectivity technologies
-
Connectivity technologies
-
Connectivity technologies
ANT
Connectivity technologies
Bluetooth

Review

Review Review Review Review
-

Available On

Available On
Available On
Available On
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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.7
    1
    Garmin
    20% Off

    Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange - 010-02602-00

    9.9 Interactive Display
    9.1 Battery Duration
    9.1 Precision

    Why we love it

    The Garmin InReach is a compact, lightweight satellite communicator that enables two way messaging and interactive SOS globally.
    You can navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing.
    You can share your location with loved ones back home at any time by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages.
  • 9.6
    2
    Garmin

    Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy

    9.1 Battery Duration
    9.1 Precision
    8.6 Simple to use

    Why we love it

    The reliable handheld GPS lets you explore with confidence.
    The sunlight readable color display is easy to read.
    The preloaded maps with routable roads and trails lets you go cycling and hiking.
  • 9.5
    3
    Garmin

    Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator

    9.3 Battery Duration
    8.4 Precision
    7.9 Interactive Display

    Why we love it

    Rugged and waterproof
    Fast satellite signal
    Long battery life

Handheld Gps Units Buyer's Guide

Written by Jim Williams

Intro

Handheld GPS units are an essential tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you are hiking, camping, or just out for a drive in the country, having a reliable GPS unit is essential for getting the most out of your outdoor adventures. When it comes to buying a handheld GPS unit, there are a variety of features and options to consider. You'll need to decide what type of unit you need, what features it should have, and how much you are willing to spend. This guide will help you make an informed decision and determine which handheld GPS unit is right for you.

Types of Handheld GPS Units

There are two main types of handheld GPS units: basic models and more advanced models. Basic models are typically less expensive and offer basic navigation features such as tracking your location and providing directions. Advanced models offer a range of additional features such as topographic maps, route tracking, and even navigation assistance. Depending on your needs, you may need a basic model or an advanced model. It is important to consider your needs before making a purchase.

Features to Consider

When choosing a handheld GPS unit, there are several features to consider. These include the accuracy of the unit, the battery life, the type of maps available, and the user interface. Accuracy is important for getting the most out of your GPS unit. A unit with a longer battery life will ensure you stay on the right track even when you’re away from home. The type of maps available is also important, as some maps are more detailed than others. Finally, the user interface should be easy to understand and use, as a unit with a confusing interface can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Additional Features

Some handheld GPS units offer additional features such as voice commands, weather forecasts, and even the ability to store and share routes. If you plan to use your GPS unit for more than just basic navigation, these additional features may be worth considering. Some units also offer additional sensors such as altimeters and barometers, which can be useful for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Price Range

Handheld GPS units range in price from as little as $50 to as much as several hundred dollars. The price of a unit is largely determined by the features it offers. Generally speaking, more advanced units with more features will be more expensive. When budgeting for a GPS unit, it is important to consider the features you need and how much you are willing to spend.

Conclusion

Choosing the right handheld GPS unit can be a daunting task. There are a wide variety of features and options to consider, and it is important to determine what features you need and how much you are willing to spend before making a purchase. This guide should help you make an informed decision and determine which handheld GPS unit is right for you.

Our ranking system

At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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