Best Garmin GPS Handhelds of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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GPS Handhelds by Garmin are portable navigation devices that allow users to navigate in outdoor environments without the need for a cellular network. These devices are equipped with high-sensitivity GPS receivers that provide accurate location and tracking information, even in challenging environments. They also come with a variety of features such as preloaded maps, waypoints, and geocaching capabilities. Whether you are hiking, camping, or exploring new terrain, Garmin GPS Handhelds are a reliable and essential tool to help you navigate and stay on course.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Device Cover #TOP 1
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Device
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld Cover #TOP 2
Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin eTrex 22x Blue GPS Handheld Device Cover #TOP 3
Garmin eTrex 22x Blue GPS Handheld Device
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Garmin GPS Handhelds

#TOP 1

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Device

010-02257-01
Brown
One Size
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Device Cover
Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Outdoor GPS Handheld, GPS Device for Hiking and Geocaching, 2.2'' Sunlight Readable Display, 3-axis Compass, Baromtetric altimeter, Brown

The Garmin eTrex 22x is an excellent handheld GPS device designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable colour display, making it easy for you to view maps even in bright conditions. With support for both GPS and GLONASS satellites, you can track your location in challenging environments, ensuring you never lose your way. The built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter help you maintain your bearings, providing reliable navigation during your cycling or hiking adventures. Additionally, it comes preloaded with topoactive maps, offering you detailed routes and trails to explore.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable colour display
GPS and GLONASS support
Built-in compass and altimeter
Preloaded topoactive maps
#TOP 2

Garmin eTrex SE Outdoor GPS Handheld

010-02734-00
schwarz
One Size
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 3

Garmin eTrex 22x Blue GPS Handheld Device

010-02256-01
Blue
One Size
Garmin eTrex 22x Blue GPS Handheld Device Cover
Garmin eTrex 22x, Blue

The Garmin eTrex 22x is a handy GPS handheld device designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable colour display, making it easy for you to see maps clearly even in bright daylight. The device comes preloaded with TopoActive maps, which include routable roads and trails, perfect for cycling and hiking adventures. With support for both GPS and GLONASS satellites, you can rely on more accurate tracking in challenging environments. Additionally, the eTrex 22x offers 8 GB of internal memory and a micro SD card slot, allowing you to download and store plenty of maps and geocaching data conveniently.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable colour display
Preloaded TopoActive maps
Supports GPS and GLONASS
8 GB internal memory plus slot
#TOP 4

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 5

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
#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

010-02602-00
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 8

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator

010-02602-03
Black/White
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator Cover
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Two Way Messaging, Interactive SOS Alerts, Location Sharing, Global Satellite Network, Rugged Design, Black

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is easy to use, making it ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward communication device while exploring the outdoors. Its good performance ensures reliable messaging and location sharing, so you can stay connected even in remote areas. The product's good quality means it is built to last, offering you peace of mind on your adventures. With this device, you can enjoy a compact and effective way to stay safe and in touch, wherever your journey takes you.

What We Like
Easy to use
Reliable performance
High quality build
#TOP 9

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Compact SOS Satellite Communicator

010-02887-00
Black/Red
One Size
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Compact SOS Satellite Communicator Cover
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus,Compact SOS Satellite Communicator, Two way communication, Interactive SOS Alerts, Location Sharing, 24/7 emergency response,GPS Hiking Handheld,Extra Long Battery Life

The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus offers reliable two-way text, photo, and voice communication even when you have no mobile phone signal, keeping you connected in remote areas. By pairing with your smartphone and using the Garmin Messenger app, you can easily share your adventures with multiple contacts, sending long text messages, photos, and voice clips. It also provides peace of mind by allowing you to activate interactive SOS alerts to a 24/7 emergency response centre if you need help. Additionally, you can quickly check in with preset phrases that don’t use your message allowance, making communication simple and efficient.

What We Like
Two-way messaging anywhere
Share photos and voice messages
Interactive 24/7 SOS alerts
Preset check-in phrases
#TOP 10

Garmin GPS 73 Handheld Marine and Sailing Navigator

010-01504-00
Grey and black
2.6 inches
Garmin GPS 73 Handheld Marine and Sailing Navigator Cover
Garmin GPS 73

The Garmin GPS 73 is a handy device designed with sailing and marine use in mind. Its SailAssist feature offers virtual starting lines, countdown timers, and tack assist, helping you navigate and race more effectively. The long battery life means you can rely on it for over 18 hours using just two AA batteries, so you won’t be left stranded. Marine features like man overboard alerts and anchor drag warnings add safety, while the easy-to-use interface with backlit buttons ensures quick operation, even in low light. This makes the Garmin GPS 73 a practical choice for boating enthusiasts.

What We Like
Includes useful sailing features
Long battery life on AA batteries
Offers essential marine safety alerts
Easy to operate with backlit buttons
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our Garmin gps handheld research, we found 111 Garmin gps handheld products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,463 customer reviews through our big data system to write the Garmin gps handhelds list. We found that most customers choose Garmin gps handhelds with an average price of £229.06.

The Garmin gps handhelds are available for purchase. The top 10 picks range in price from a low of £115.00 to a high of £432.00, find the one that fits your budget.

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.