Tested: The Best Handheld GPS Units for Wandering the World

Putting a GPS on your wrist or into your car is fine if you’re strictly an urban or suburban adventurer who plans on roughing it in the wilds of south Brooklyn or taking a survival trek along Mulholland, but they won’t be nearly as much help if your a hiker who needs true satellite assistance as you head off the beaten path and deep into forests, deserts, jungle, or the arctic wastes. For that, you need a good handheld GPS, which is why we’ve found the best units on the market to test out.

How We Tested

As you’ll see below, there aren’t a lot of meaningful options when it comes to handheld GPS units. In this day and age, most of us depend on our smartphones for navigation. However, if you’re venturing off the grid and don’t want to be tethered to your phone, a handheld is awesome. We only came up with a handful of options below, with almost all of them coming from a single brand: Garmin. Garmin owns this space, just like it does with adventure smartwatches. To make our shortlist for testing, we looked at size, weight, usability, waterproofing, and battery life. Once we got to testing, we looked at how well these devices performed in the wild. This means, using each unit practically as one would when trying to navigate their way around. We looked at other features too, such as any ancillary apps or functions. All of our findings are detailed below.

What to Look For

Usability: This can come down to a touchscreen display or a push-button toggle. Touchscreens are great on our phones due to advanced technologies that also drive up the prices. However, more rudimentary tech on handheld GPS won’t be so hot. Not to mention how much more difficult they are to operate with gloves on. That’s why many GPS units utilize buttons, D-pads, and/or joysticks to operate.

Maps: At their core, a GPS device will have a reasonably helpful navigation map. However, the extra mapping features are what can make some options better than others. These include topo maps, elevation details, points of interest, and even off-road waypoints which certain models won’t come equipped with.

Screen Size: You don’t necessarily need a large screen on your GPS unit, since that would mean the unit itself is probably not too compact. On the other hand, if it’s creeping on 2″ or less in diagonal length. Look for a handheld that balances overall size with its screen size.

Durability: Many of the following devices will have durability ratings much higher than that of your smartphone. Waterproof and drop-resistant, most handheld GPS units are designed for a rugged lifestyle.

Battery Life: One last thing to consider is the life of your battery. Some GPS are meant to be backups for your phone and run on AA batteries while others have a built-in pack that can be recharged.

Bushnell BackTrack Mini

Best Budget GPS: With the strength of the GPS in our smartphones today, it may be difficult to justify spending a few hundred dollars on a dedicated device. However, Bushnell’s Backtrack Mini is designed to be a backup option for if your smartphone isn’t available, whether it’s dead or out of service range. Weighing just 2oz, you won’t even notice this GPS device on your person, and it will give you up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge. There won’t be any fancy features, but the Backtrack Mini thrives on simplicity, with just 4 buttons, a concise readout (albeit on a 2-inch screen), and a fantastic compass that serves as a breadcrumb feature to track where you came from. It’s IPX7-rated and super compact, making it a good choice for backpackers as well. Although there aren’t any built-in maps, this unit will do the job just fine and for a fair price.

The Good

Not only is the Bushnell BackTrack Mini the cheapest option on this list, but it’s also the only non-Garmin GPS handheld unit worth your time. Incredibly lightweight, the device is almost unnoticeable in your pocket but there’s also a threaded mount for bikes, boats, etc. And despite the low weight, this thing feels pretty darn durable. I loved the screen here, which was incredibly visible in the sunlight for being just a simple LCD display. There are 3 brightness settings but I never needed anything higher than “low,” even while wearing sunglasses. However, I did experience a considerable amount of glare from the sun on the screen cover itself. On the other hand, I wasn’t bothered by the small screen at all. It’s still larger than some smartwatches.

The navigation capability itself is really straightforward but will be significantly enhanced with the smartphone app. This means saving trips and waypoints and accessing more detailed maps; the one on the handheld GPS device is pretty basic. However, you can still use the device by itself if you run out of phone juice.

I love how clear the button functions are. Each button has its function(s) written right next to it. However, you will need to practice and get acquainted with each one; they’re not quite as clear as the Garmin eTrex below but the Bushness device benefits from not having as many functions. I also love how if this goes to sleep, a quick press of a button will turn on the last screen you were looking at. You can cycle through five screens that include coordinates, a compass, a waypoint arrow with a distance reading, a current trip readout, and an info screen with sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, elevation, and barometric pressure. From that last screen, you can scroll down to display hunting and fishing info. If you’re a hunter or fisherman –– especially a beginner who doesn’t want to shell out for the most expensive tech –– the “Best Times” and “Good Times” information is incredibly handy.

The Not So Good

One thing I noticed, but it isn’t too big of an issue, is when I was wearing my polarized sunglasses, the screen blacked out when turned sideways. This shouldn’t be much of an issue, unless you’ve got this at an angle for some reason. My biggest complaint, however, is the buttons themselves. These are incredibly difficult to push and tough to press at an angle. In other words, you have to get them at a near-perfect perpendicular angle. This makes it tough considering that you sometimes inadvertently press the buttons on the opposite side in the process.

It’s also important to note that there’s no other way to charge the device besides plugging it into a USB charger. This makes it difficult for a several-day voyage unless you have a good power bank.

Verdict: Lightweight yet still durable, the 2-ounce Bushnell BackTrack Mini is the only non-Garmin device on this list for a reason. It gives you the basics you’ll need for wayfinding and is perfect for backpacking. The fishing and hunting tips are also crucial for beginners or even seasoned vets. We didn’t love the button configuration and how difficult they were to press, but we loved how user-friendliness of this device and how legible the screen was.

Garmin ETrex SE

Best Minimalist GPS: Garmin generally has the market cornered when it comes to GPS units, so whichever model you pick will get you back to base camp without too many problems. The eTrex is certainly not going to turn many heads, but you won’t find anything in the same price range that has nearly as many features or is as accurate. It’s only 5.5oz and yet can take a drop from several feet without cracking or breaking, a lesson the iPhone could stand to learn. It has a full IPX7 waterproof rating which allows it to work in a complete deluge making it the perfect gift for your stormchasing friends. It will run for up to a week on two AA batteries (and up to 3 months in Expedition Mode) giving it a long life that is easily expanded. It now comes with Bluetooth connectivity, capable of syncing up to your smartphone apps for trip planning, weather reports, and even geocaching. However, the 2.2-inch screen can be a little touchy; expect some light to moderate swearing if trying to operate it with gloves.

The Good

Startup was instantaneous for the Garmin eTrex. I didn’t have to wait for satellite maps to load or anything. While I loved the simplicity of the button layouts in the Bushnell above, the Garmin is even simpler. There’s “Up,” “Down,” “OK,” and a back arrow. You hold down “OK” to set a waypoint and hold down the back arrow to open up a grid menu. This was incredibly easy to get the hang of.

There are three screens to scroll through on the Tracking view: the current map, a compass, and an info screen that gives you data from your trek and current location. I’m talking about elevation, trip odometer, current speed, max speed, etc. There’s also a running clock that tells you how long you’ve been stopped for. This is incredibly helpful when trying to figure out how long it takes to get between locations. Say you’re anticipating the sunset, you can make sure you’re back where you need to be by this time. It’s also super easy to find your other menu, which gives you sunrise/sunset times, weather (if connected to your phone), a moonphase indicator, and even geocaching information. You can move these grids around to prioritize your favorites up top. I’m a big geocaching fan, so I was able to get this info instantly without scrolling at all. Pretty cool!

While the eTrex runs on a pair of AA batteries, there’s also an option to use a USB-C charger in transit. However, this does not hold a charge. Speaking of the battery compartment, I was a big fan of how it locked into place. I did not need a screwdriver, yet there was a handle lock contraption that I’m not sure I’ve seen before in an electronic device. And as I mentioned, the price tag here is pretty perfect, earning the eTrex a few bonus points.

The Not So Good

Like the Bushnell, the screen here blacks out when wearing polarized lenses. However, it’s more annoying here because it’s an angular blockage rather than a side-view blockage. Every time my unit wasn’t turned to face me perfectly, I couldn’t read the screen.

My other main complaint is how hard it is to press the buttons. I felt like I really had to push hard to activate each one. This could be an issue if, say, you’re injured or wearing gloves. Also, I mentioned above how the device doesn’t hold a charge via USB. This could be an issue if you don’t have a portable charger handy, so keep that in mind.

Verdict: A fantastic minimalist GPS unit, the eTrex from Garmin has a straightforward menu design, easy interface navigation, and a short setup time. Boasting both AA and USB-C power, it’s also incredibly durable yet lightweight and offered at an affordable price. We didn’t love the buttons on the device, which aren’t super glove-friendly, but you can’t beat the functionality for the price. This also gives you the best battery life, even though it can’t retain a charge.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Best Overall Handheld GPS: This is your one-and-done purchase if you just want an outstanding device that isn’t bogged down with all the cutesy nonsense. You can get GPS models that come with altimeters – though don’t expect them to be accurate – or ones with a camera or a compass, but really the GPSMAP 67i is fine all by itself. The 240 x 400-pixel resolution makes good use of the 3-inch screen. It hooks right into the Garmin Connect network so that you can get input from others if you so desire. And what’s more, you can now download hi-res satellite maps via WiFi for more photorealistic trail discovery. There’s also a slot for a micro-SD card for uploading, say, your contacts. Just to be clear, there’s a GPSMAP 67 and 67i. We went with the 67i, which costs $100 more but comes included with Garmin’s inReach service, which is a 24/7 SOS hotline for the most dire situations.

The Good

If you’re looking for the de facto king of the handheld GPS, look no further than Garmin’s GPSMAP 67i. It has everything you’ll need and more under the hood, from super-detailed color maps to weekly weather reports to satellite messaging. Visually, the topography pops and sizzles even when you’re viewing it through goggles or in direct sunlight. The analysis of routes is especially helpful if you are braving new territory. This thing is the closest thing you’ll get to a smartphone without a touchscreen or superfluous apps. You also get to tap into Garmin’s Explore app, which only enhances the experience allowing you to search for, save, and send locations easily. It’s basically just an extra tool; you can easily use this device as-is without any supplement.

In terms of layout, Garmin absolutely killed it in terms of balancing the keypad with the screen. I’d say the screen takes up 2/3 of the front face, with enough room down below to really detail what each button does. The buttons are also incredibly easy to push, unlike some others we tested here. There are truly so many app options you can add or delete from the menu. And unlike some of the other units we tested, you don’t need your phone to use this handheld to its full potential.

I love how the SOS button is covered completely but not too difficult to access if you really needed it. Just make sure you know how to open the tab prior to heading out. There’s also a cool feature that alerts you if your external power cuts out and gives you 30 seconds to respond/react before turning itself off. Oh yeah, plus you can get between 7 and 35 days of power, which is absolutely awesome for overlanding and backpacking.

The Not So Good

I hate to be that guy but the entire time I used the GPSMAP 67i, I couldn’t help but wonder how much better it could be if it had a touchscreen instead. The map display just looks so good that it’s a shame we’re relegated to scrolling with a D-pad. Likewise, messaging is the equivalent of typing your email and password with your TV remote. If we combined the user-friendliness of the eTrex and the GPSMAP 67i, we’d have the perfect unit. Weighing a smidge over 8oz, the phone-shaped unit feels similar to the cell phones circa 2000, with a beefy antenna stub and all.

While you can’t adjust the brightness of the screen, which is probably good since you’ll be mostly using this outdoors anyway, you can set it to night mode, with a reverse display. You can also adjust text size. The GPSMAP isn’t not user-friendly but it does take some time to mess around with –– like a new phone perhaps. Also, the “Quit” button is a bit misleading. When exploring the menus for the first few times, I was hesitant to press it because I thought it would take me back to the home screen. “Back” would probably be a more apt description of what this button does.

Unlike other screens, the one here does blackout with polarized sunglasses on, but only when tilted to the left. If you’re using this with your right hand, this will almost never be an issue. Admittedly, $600 is a lot to spend on a single device. Even our smartphones have trade-in options. However, if you’re serious about adventuring, ensuring your ultimate safety should be priceless.

Verdict: With long-lasting power for upwards of a whole week, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i is the best handheld unit on the market. You get tons of features and apps. Plus, the maps are beautiful and clear. The only issue here is the scrolling since this isn’t a touchscreen, but after you use it a few times, you’ll get used to the device’s functionality. We loved the layout of the screen and buttons below. Plus, you get an SOS feature and the ability to utilize Garmin’s inReach satellite messaging, which is awesome. Despite the $600 price tag, this unit won’t disappoint.

Garmin Montana 700

Best with Touchscreen: We swear, we’re not Garmin fanboys, they just seem to know their business better than anyone else. Here, we have their Montana 700, which adds some smartphone convenience into the world of handheld GPS. It’s a popular choice for its touchscreen and 16GB of storage. Despite weighing nearly a pound, this unit is quite large. You also get a 5-inch diagonal full-color WVGA screen that can display in either landscape or portrait orientation. The others here are strictly vertical. Like other Garmins, this unit is waterproof at an IPX7 rating and a MIL-spec 810 rating against thermal, shock, water, and vibrations. There’s also an inReach version of this for $100 more, but we chose to try out the regular 700 (not the 700i) for this guide. Also, the Montana 750 gives you an 8-MP camera.

The Good

While the GPSMAP 67i above is technically the best GPS handheld unit here, the Montana 700 from Garmin might still be preferred by some people for its touchscreen display. If your budget is $600 and you don’t need the inReach satellite messaging, you can pay the exact same for the Montana 700. Aside from having very similar navigation capabilities and map functionality, you also get the same geocache app, weekly weather report, elevation and barometer readouts, compass, and more. Like the aforementioned, you can also search for points of interest and nearby businesses. Likewise, you get supplementary information with the Garmin Explore app, but it’s not necessary for this unit since it’s incredibly easy to use with the touchscreen functionality.

If you’re into overlanding, the Montana 700 will be your go-to choice due to the fact that it’s designed to be mounted in a vehicle, thus justifying the touchscreen capability. However, I used this on the trail with ease, although you won’t get much power on an overnight trip without a power bank. I also loved how you could lock the orientation, just like a smartphone, which came in handy when hiking.

The display here is also a bit better than the GPSMAP above, albeit larger to make up for it. The Montana 700 boasts 480 x 800 pixels of resolution (the aforementioned is 240 x 400 pixels). Plus, the touchscreen gives you a whole lot more freedom of use, and makes zooming in on maps much easier as well.

The Not So Good

Compared to the GPSMAP above, the Montana 700 is also much more clunky to hold in your hand. There’s no real position where you won’t be hitting the screen, like a smartphone perhaps, but beefier. In this regard, the compact GPSMAP gets a win, especially if you have small hands. I kept accidentally pressing things on the Montana. The screen is highly sensitive.

While I’d rather have a USB-C for charging, the micro-USB required to charge the Montana 700 isn’t terrible, and might be a more accessible option for some people. It’s just becoming less and less ubiquitous these days. Also, this device is the heaviest on the list, clocking in a touch over 14oz, so keep that in mind. The battery life also isn’t great in GPS mode. However, you can purchase backup batteries for $100 each. You’re going to want to keep this thing plugged in.

Verdict: With tons of freedom garnered from the touchscreen functionality, the Garmin Montana 700 is the finest touchscreen GPS handheld unit on the market. Its feature set is highly similar to the similarly-priced GPSMAP 67i from Garmin but this has a wider display and is designed to be mounted onto a vehicle. We didn’t love the battery life here, and it’s the heaviest and bulkiest on this guide, but you can also use it as a trail GPS unit with ease.

Handheld GPS Units Comparison Chart

Handheld GPS vs. Smartphone GPS

Your phone is an all-in-one unit that can give you directions, take pictures, and – oh yeah! – make phone calls. However, smartphones aren’t going to be as durable and rugged as most handheld GPS devices. Not to mention, these units are designed specifically to help you navigate. Likewise, phones typically just use their cell service and basic GPS for navigation, while handhelds can get access to a wider range of satellite systems.

Last but not least is battery power. Handheld GPS units can often run for days at a time without needing to be recharged, whereas smartphones will need to be powered up throughout the day, especially if service is low and if GPS is in constant use.

Honorable Mentions

Besides Garmin, Magellan was the next big name in this sector of the market, although lately, they’ve shifted towards dashboard units instead. Still available from Amazon, the Geocaching-focused eXplorist 310 boasts a 2.2-inch color display with better legibility than even some options by Garmin.

Garmin has a newer wrist-based model, the Foretrex 801, which is handheld in spirit only. We opted for the other Garmin models above due the similarity of this to, say, a smartwatch with GPS.

Not really a handheld unit per se (basically a dashboard unit) but the Hummingbird Helix 7 is worth mentioning here for how well it serves as a fishing companion with a bunch of fishing-specific features.

We’re also fans of the Garmin inReach Explorer+ unit. However, it’s really just a less-sophisticated version of the GPSMAP 67i above — which also features the brand’s inReach messaging tech but has lots more tracking and location features, plus a longer battery life.

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