Best GPS Handhelds of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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GPS Handhelds are portable devices designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who require accurate navigation and location data. These devices use satellite signals to determine the user's location, track their movement, and provide detailed maps and directions. GPS Handhelds come with a range of features, including touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and long battery life. They are ideal for hiking, camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities, as well as for surveying, mapping, and other professional applications. With their rugged design, waterproof construction, and reliable performance, GPS Handhelds are a valuable tool for anyone who needs to navigate and explore the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld Cover #TOP 1
Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS with Maps Cover #TOP 2
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS with Maps
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator Cover #TOP 3
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 GPS Handhelds

#TOP 1

Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld

010-02734-00
schwarz
Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld Cover
Garmin eTrex SE, Outdoor GPS Handheld, GPS Device for Hiking and Geocaching, Multi GNSS Support, Long Battery Life, 2.2" High Contrast Screen, Digital Compass

The Garmin eTrex SE is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 2.2” high-resolution display ensures that you can easily read your location, even in bright sunlight. You will appreciate the long battery life, lasting up to 7 days in standard mode, providing reliable navigation on extended trips. With the ability to pair with the Garmin Explore app, you can enjoy wireless software updates and plan your adventures conveniently. Additionally, automatic cache updates from Geocaching Live keep you informed with the latest descriptions and hints, enhancing your geocaching experience.

What We Like
High-resolution display
Long battery life
Wireless updates via app
Automatic cache updates
#TOP 2

Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS with Maps

010-N1508-05
Black/Orange
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS with Maps Cover
Garmin eTrex 20x Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit with TopoActive Western Europe Maps,Black/Orange (Certified Refurbished)

The Garmin eTrex 20x is a handheld GPS unit featuring a 2.2-inch bright colour display, making it easy for you to read in any lighting. It comes preloaded with TopoActive Western Europe maps, which are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. With high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking, you can quickly and accurately locate your position, ensuring you stay on track. Additionally, its durable and waterproof design means you can rely on it in various weather conditions.

What We Like
Bright, easy-to-read display
Preloaded with useful maps
Quick satellite positioning
Durable and waterproof design
Long battery life
#TOP 3

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

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

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight satellite communicator designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It enables you to send two-way messages and access an interactive SOS feature globally, providing peace of mind when adventuring. You can navigate back to your starting point with the TracBack routing feature, ensuring you never get lost. Additionally, you can share your location with loved ones back home through your MapShare page, keeping them informed of your whereabouts for added safety. Furthermore, the digital compass gives you accurate heading information, even when stationary.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Two-way messaging capabilities
TracBack routing for navigation
Location sharing with loved ones
#TOP 4

Garmin eTrex Solar Handheld GPS Device

010-02782-00
Black
One Size
Garmin eTrex Solar Handheld GPS Device Cover
Garmin eTrex Solar, Solar Powered Outdoor GPS Handheld, GPS Device for Hiking and Geocaching, Multi GNSS Support, Long Battery Life, 2.2" High Contrast Screen, Digital Compass

The Garmin eTrex Solar is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a 2.2-inch high-contrast display that remains clear even in bright sunlight, ensuring you can easily read your maps and directions. With an impressive battery life of up to 200 hours without solar charging, you can confidently embark on long hikes. Its multi-band GPS provides enhanced positional accuracy by accessing various satellite frequencies, helping you stay on the right path. Additionally, pairing it with the Garmin Explore app allows for convenient wireless updates and trip planning, making your outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

What We Like
Bright, easy-to-read display
Long battery life
Enhanced positional accuracy
Wireless app connectivity
#TOP 5

Garmin GPSMAP 65 Handheld GPS Device

010-02451-01
Black
Garmin GPSMAP 65 Handheld GPS Device Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 65, Rugged Battery Operated Handheld, Expanded Satellite Support, Multi-Band Technology, Multi-GNSS Technology, Pre Loaded Maps (TopoActive Europe), 2.6" Colour Display

The Garmin GPSMAP 65 is designed with a large 2.6-inch sunlight-readable colour display, making it easy for you to view information even in bright conditions. Its advanced global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology ensure optimal accuracy in challenging environments like steep hills, urban canyons, and dense forests. The device comes pre-loaded with routable TopoActive mapping, which helps you navigate various terrains effortlessly. Additionally, it is compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app, allowing you to manage your tracks, routes, and waypoints effectively.

What We Like
Bright colour display
High accuracy in tough conditions
Routable TopoActive maps
Compatible with Garmin Explore app
#TOP 6

Garmin eTrex 10 GPS Handheld Unit

010-00970-00
One Size
Garmin eTrex 10 GPS Handheld Unit Cover
Garmin eTrex 10 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit

The Garmin eTrex 10 is a reliable outdoor handheld GPS unit designed to enhance your navigation experience. It features a 2.2-inch monochrome display that remains clear in various lighting conditions, ensuring you can read it easily. Its durable and waterproof construction means you can confidently take it on your adventures, regardless of the weather. The user-friendly interface allows you to navigate the device effortlessly, while support for geocaching GPX files enables you to download geocaches directly to your unit, making your treasure hunts more enjoyable.

What We Like
Clear display in all lighting
Durable and waterproof design
User-friendly interface
Supports geocaching downloads
Quick position location
#TOP 7

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

010-02602-01
Black
Unit Only
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator Cover
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Black

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a lightweight satellite communicator designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It enables you to send two-way messages and call for help via an interactive SOS globally, ensuring your safety while exploring remote areas. With TracBack routing, you can easily navigate back to your starting point, offering peace of mind during your adventures. You can also share your location with family and friends through a MapShare page, keeping your loved ones informed of your whereabouts.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact design
Two-way messaging capability
Interactive SOS feature
TracBack routing for navigation
Location sharing with MapShare
#TOP 8

Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS with Satellite Communication

010-02088-01
Multi
One Size
Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS with Satellite Communication Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator, Featuring TopoActive mapping and inReach Technology, Multi

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i offers a large 3-inch sunlight-readable colour display, making it easy for you to view maps and data in bright conditions. With its interactive SOS feature, you can alert a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring centre in emergencies, ensuring peace of mind during your adventures. The device comes with preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping, allowing you to download Birdseye satellite imagery directly to the device without any annual fees. Additionally, cellular connectivity enables you to receive active weather forecasts, helping you plan your trips more effectively.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable display
24/7 emergency SOS feature
Preloaded TOPO mapping
Direct satellite imagery downloads
Access to weather forecasts
#TOP 9

Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS Navigator

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

The Garmin eTrex 22x is a reliable handheld GPS navigator that ensures you can explore with confidence. Its 2.2" sunlight-readable colour display offers improved visibility, making it easier to read in bright conditions. Preloaded with Topo Active maps, it provides valuable information on routable roads and trails, perfect for cycling and hiking adventures. Additionally, it supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, allowing you to track your location in challenging environments where standard GPS alone may struggle.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable display
Preloaded Topo Active maps
Dual satellite system support
25-hour battery life
Micro SD card slot
#TOP 10

Garmin GPSMAP 65s Handheld GPS with Altimeter

010-02451-10
Black
Garmin GPSMAP 65s Handheld GPS with Altimeter Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 65s, Button-operated Handheld with Altimeter and Compass, Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-band Technology, 2.6" Color Display

The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable navigation. Its large 2.6” sunlight-readable colour display ensures that you can easily view your route, even in bright conditions. With expanded GNSS and multi-band technology, this device provides optimal accuracy, helping you navigate through challenging terrains like steep hills and dense forests. The included routable TopoActive mapping allows you to explore various landscapes confidently. Additionally, the built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter offer you precise orientation and elevation data, making your adventures safer and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable colour display
Optimal accuracy in challenging locations
Routable TopoActive mapping included
3-axis compass and altimeter
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a handheld GPS worth getting?

Is a Handheld GPS Device Better Than a Phone? For accurate navigation in regions where cellular service isn't available, handheld GPS devices are certainly better than smartphones for reliable mapping and positioning. Purpose-built GPS devices also tend to hold up much better to the elements than smartphones.

2. What is the most accurate GPS device?

The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is at the top of its class in terms of accuracy and reliability, earning it our top honors. It boasts a powerful quad-helix antenna and reliably connects to more satellite networks with greater accuracy than most other models.

3. What do hikers use for GPS?

A compass will guide you when reading a map and can help you get back on trail if you do get lost. While there's a variety of compasses on the market, the Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass is our top pick. For guidance on how to properly use compass and map navigation, check out our tutorial on navigation.

Editor's Notes

During our gps handheld research, we found 80 gps handheld products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 44,840 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gps handhelds list. We found that most customers choose gps handhelds with an average price of £225.35.

The gps handhelds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gps handhelds, including Garmin and more.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.