Listed below are our choices for the best handheld GPS receivers, from entry-level models to the cadillacs of the backcountry. I’ll make a recommendation in each category, based upon value, feature set and user reviews. Any prices listed are current as of the last update of this page.
Keep in mind that most handhelds don’t come with detailed maps. Fortunately for Garmin owners, there are many free maps available, including 1:24,000 scale topo maps or most states.
Budget handheld GPS receivers
Our choice: Garmin eTrex Venture HC
- Sunlight-readable color screen
- Can accept detailed topo maps (sold separately)
- Comes with a USB cable for transferring waypoints, tracks and routes to and from your computer
- The retail price is $170, but I often see the Venture HC for sale anywhere from $115 to $130
Other budget units:
- The eTrex 10 is a new model that has a monochrome screen; you also lose the ability to load maps. The eTrex 10 is available for just over $110 at the time of this update.
- The Garmin eTrex 20 adds lots of features not found on the Venture HC. As of this posting the eTrex 20 can be found for about $180. If you can swing the price, this is the one to get.
Mid-range handheld GPS receivers
Our choice: Garmin Oregon 450
- Touchscreen
- Barometric altimeter and tri-axial electronic compass
- BirdsEye aerial imagery capability
- Garmin custom maps capability
- Advanced track navigation
- This unit has recently been on sale for as low as $250, but you may need to wait for Black Friday to see pricing that low again
Shop more garmin oregon 450 at Bizrate
Other mid-range units
- The Garmin Dakota 20 is a smaller version of the Oregon. Once its been on the market for awhile, it should start to show up at a discounted and very attractive price.
- The old standby used to be the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. A solid performer, but lacking a tri-axial compass, aerial/custom imagery and advanced track navigation capabilities. I’ve recently seen it on sale for as low as $199.
- The Delorme PN-60 can accommodate aerial imagery and real USGS topos. It has a smaller screen than the Oregon (albeit more legible in most daylight conditions) and comes with powerful but complex software. Available for around $260 at the time of last update.
High-end handheld GPS receivers
There are several units to consider here; all have a barometric altimeter and tri-axial electronic compass.
- Garmin Montana series – I recently reviewed the Garmin Montana 600 and have been very impressed with it. Yes, it’s a bit on the big side, but that really didn’t both me much. And it’s the best dual-use unit Garmin has ever offered.
- Garmin GPSMAP 62s – Perfect for those who don’t want a touch screen unit. It brings all the latest features such as paperless geocaching, BirdsEye aerial imagery, custom maps and advanced track navigation. Step to the 62st for pre-loaded 1:100,000 scale topo maps of the entire US.
- The Garmin Oregon 550t, combines a high resolution, touch screen interface with pre-loaded topo maps of the entire U.S and a built-in 3.2 MP geotagging camera.
- The DeLorme PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is a special case. This combo allows you to comunciate with the outside world, even where there is no cell signal. If you venture far off the beaten track, or go it alone, this one is hard to pass up.
Other high end units:
- Another option is to get a couple of Rino 650 units for you and your outdoor adventure partner. That way, you get most of the advantages of the 62s, plus you can see their position on your screen (and vice versa)!
Related posts:
Hi Rich – looking for a handheld GPS for exploring lakes, rivers and shoreline of Northeast US. Seeking simple, durable, color unit. What would you recommend? Thx
For that use, I would seriously consider one of the new Garmin models that allow use of BirdsEye imagery…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/07/garmin-birdseye-satellite-imagery-2.html
The ideal might be the GPSMAP 78s (it floats). For a less expensive option, check out the Oregon 450 (on sale every few months for $250 or so), the Dakota series, or the forthcoming eTrex 20.
Thank you very much Rich. Will checkout models you noted – will include the prior Garmin model 76 – appears to be on clearance due to discontinuation.
And the 76C(S)x series is good, but it won’t accomodate BirdsEye imagery.
Good point Rich… my primary use will be marine – small boat (within 3 miles of coast, lakes, rivers). How much better is Birdseye imagery vs not?
I think it would prove very valuable – the ability to accurately see coves, inlets, channels, islands, etc., relative to your position.
I am starting a small forestry consulting service and need a unit that will map a stand of timber under tree canopy, allow me to see that map in the field with acreage of traverse, and print out when back home. And a compass would be nice too. Thanks.
Courtney
Courtney,
Just be aware that consumer-grade GPS receivers are probably going to give you 10-30′ accuracy, maybe more like 20-30′ under canopy. Most Garmin units can determine acreage once you walk the boundary.
Rich,
What about the software she is asking about – does it exist to do the mapping?
Thanks for taking your time to answer all these questions.
Yes, there are many mapping software packages that will do this.
I understand about the point error distances you mention. I really don’t need the accuracy a more expensive Trimble would give. From what I’ve read on your site, the Garmin GPSMAP 62s should do what I want. And do you have any recommendations for mapping software that would allow me to transfer my data to a photo/map? I was told Expert GPS would work.
Thanks
Me Too
The Oregon 450 (on sale now for $199) will give you a bigger screen…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/garmin-oregon-450-for-199-99.html
Or you can go with the Montana for an even larger screen…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/garmin-montana-600-review.html
But the 62s is fine as well.
I prefer TopoFusion to ExpertGPS, but either will work.
I’m new to the hand held GPS thing and needed some advice. I have a new jetski and have been exploring lakes and was wondering if the new Garmin eTrex 20 would suit my needs? I am basically trying to find my way back to my starting point through fingerlakes and possible rivers.
Will that unit work for me?
Absolutely. However, it does not float. The GPSMAP 78 series does, but is significantly more expensive.
Also, be aware that the eTrex 20 doesn’t have an electronic compass, so it can’t point you in the right direction unless you are moving. I’d suggest a subscription to BirdsEye aerial imagery too, which is perfect for your use…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/07/garmin-birdseye-satellite-imagery-2.html
Gidday Rich
Wish I had discovered this site 6 or 7 years ago when I began GPS mapping. I’m surprised given your background that you don’t have a Buyers Guide for GPS Mapping.
The requirements, imnsho, are different to other activities. e.g. higher emphasis on accuracy under tree cover, ease of carry/affix to maximise reception and for some types of mapping, ease of recording a POS with special symbol selection and notes …
Another example is what is suited to various mapping styles. I do most of my GPS mapping (for mtn bike orienteering, bike rogaines and mtb trails) on a mtn bike. To maximise reception I have a re-radiating aerial mounted on my helmet and linked to handheld GPS in my waistbelt. This enables me to leave the bike to explore if necessary but wires are always a nuisance and for maybe half my tasks, I have no need of a handheld.
Certainly in the sports I am involved in, GPS mapping is growing exponentially so maybe it might be fertilke ground for you?
Regards, Kenny, nr Melbourne, Australia
Hi Rich,
I’m going on a European holiday and will be flying or using trains and walking around cities. I’m considering getting a Dakota 20 with CityExplorer maps so we can navigate around cities visiting POIs without wasting valuable time. Not having used a handheld before my question is how useful is a GPS as a tourist. I don’t want to spend too much time looking at screens so voice prompted turn by turn routing would be the ideal. Not sure if the Dakota 20 supports this. If not is it something I can glance at now and then without detracting from the passing scenery too much. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
John
I think they are useful, but be aware that the Dakotas won’t support some of CityXplorer’s features like mass transit navigation. Personally, I wouldn’t want a GPS that gave voice directions while on foot in the city. Might as well put a sign on your back saying “tourist.”
Also, the Dakota should beep at turns, which should be enough.
Many nuvis wil support the advanced navigation features.
This might be helpful…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-cityxplorer-review.html
Thanks Rich for the link. It helped me decide to get the City Navigator Europe instead with a GPSmap 62s. Better resolution than the Dakota and not much more price wise. Don’t need the mass transit navigation. Just a good turn by turn.
Regards
Glad to help. Hey, when you get back, I’d love to see you add your thoughts to the comments in the CityXplorer review. I’m sure it would help some other folks out.
Rich, I recently purchased a garmin legend hcx from basspro for hunting/hiking purposes. I dont need something too complex, more just to keep me from getting lost, keeping track of sign and stand locations. With this in mind, I’m wondering if I should return it for one of the newer etrex models such as the garmin etrex 20 or 30?
I would. Is this your first handheld GPS? They are complex beasts and the newer Garmins are more intuitive. There are other benefits as well…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/five-reasons-to-upgrade-your-garmin-handheld.html
And if this is your first, this may help too…
http://gpstracklog.com/category/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
I received my new eTrex30 yesterday! I also subscribed to Birdseye. Without a manual it has been a little frustrating but I know I will eventually figure it out.
Here’s my first problem…I downloaded a map using Basecamp and Birdseye Satellite of a lake I will be going to this weekend. However..I can’t seem to find the map on my eTrex? I went to the top of base camp and sent it to my device so I think I have done everything? Where on the GPS is it located to pull it up and look at it? Hope this makes sense..I’m a newbie
Congrats on being among the first! I hope to have one later today, but will go ahead and take a stab at your problem now. You should see your BirdsEye imagery in the left hand column on BaseCamp. If you right-click with the eTrex connected, you’ll get Send to Device. Did you load them this way? If not, you might try that.
Also, find Setup on the device. You may need to go into the Main Menu. Then look for Map and something like Map Information. Does the Birds Eye imagery show up there and is it enabled?
Rich:
I called Garmin and they tell me I have to be in that specific area to see the satellite imagery map? I’m a total newbie so I guess that makes sense…if you disagree please let me know. I will be there this weekend so i guess I’ll find out then. Thanks!
You can pan the map to see that area. Or if you have a waypoint set you can go to Waypoint Manager, select it and choose Map. You may have to zoom in to see the imagery.
Also, if you’re completely new to handheld GPS, check this series out:
http://gpstracklog.com/category/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
And there are tons of free maps at http://gpsfiledepot.com
Rich,
I’m looking for a handheld that I can take flying that gives me at least 5Hz update rate and at least 10m accuracy. I need to be able to record & download the tracking info for flights lasting as long as 4 hrs. Is the Garmin Aera series my best bet or is there a better/cheaper alternative? Cool website by the way. Thanks.
You can use just about any handheld with a high sensitivity chipset for this purpose. But you’ll need to have a good view of the open sky. The new eTrex 10 or eTrex Venture HC should work fine. I also suggest making sure you have a good lock at the current location for half an hour before taking off. I don’t understand what you mean by 5Hz update rate.
I am not familiar with Garmin’s aviation units, but I can tell you that none of the handhelds in their “on the trail” category have a 5hz update. They all update your position once per second (eg: 1hz update rate).
Rich , I am looking for a GPS to use specifically for fishing on my boat. I want to be able to mark way points and fishing holes. I have read a few of your posts and im pretty sure i will go with the birds eye view. Could you reccomend the best unit for boating. it will be my first time using a GPS unit (other than my car) , so maybe you can consider that in your reccomendation. Great site. Thank you Pete.
The best might be the GPSMAP 78s, which floats…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/06/garmin-gpsmap-78s-review.html
Another high end option is the Montana 600…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/garmin-montana-600-review.html
A cheaper option would be the eTrex 20 or 30.
Rich,
Your website is exceedingly helpful. I’m hoping you can help me choose a GPS unit that I will be using for my forestry research. I don’t have much in the way of budget to buy anything too fancy, so I’m hoping I can buy only what I need. What do I need? Well, I want to be able to record positions in my forest plots, within moderate accuracy. In particular, I’ll be locating the positions of trees, which I will flag in any case. I want as much other data as well, including altitude, aspect, etc. I imagine that these can always be obtained from Google Earth once the positions are known. A friend had warned me about Garmin because of the cost of buying topo maps, but you’ve pointed readers here to a website with free maps for Garmin GPS, which is great. It’s looking like the 62s comes pretty close. DeLorme has what look like nice units but I haven’t seen a lot of enthusiasm for them on your site or on others. Interested to read your thoughts! THanks!
The biggest issue to keep in mind is that accuracy is limited in consumer GPS. You can generally expect about 10-30′ accuracy. Personally, I’d go with the 62s over the DeLorme, though the latter’s desktop software is probably more powerful (which also means a pretty nasty learning curve!).
Rich,
I am looking to purchase some sort of handheld GPS that I can carry with me for exploring the wilderness marking points and creating tracks. Also I am on the water a lot and would like something that would double for that, that will assist in navigation after creating a route. Do you have any suggestions? Ideally something less than $300 I was looking on best buy and found Garmin – GPSMAP 76Cx GPS. It seems as it is maybe out of date or would it work fine for this?
Thanks,
Paul
I would encourage you to go with a newer unit with BirdsEye aerial imagery support, which can be quite useful on the water where accurate maps are sometimes lacking…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/07/garmin-birdseye-satellite-imagery-2.html
More reasons to go with a newer model…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/five-reasons-to-upgrade-your-garmin-handheld.html
A 78s would be ideal, but they are hard to find on sale. A 62s would be a good alternative. Can you wait a month? If I had to guess I’d say we’ll see the 62s for as low as $250 around Black Friday. I’ll be tracking sales here and at http://bestgpsdeals.net.
Hi Rich,
Thank you very much for your advice regarding Oregon 450. I used it on my trip to southern Caspian sea and found it to be very accurate and loved using it on my hiking and driving trips in the forest and along the coast. On a previous trip to the same area I used an eXplorist 500 which, to my amazement, was in error by as much as 1200 feet!
Excellent!
Hi Rich, I have an Oregon 450 and use it mostly for geocaching and hiking (but also to drive close to the cache or hike area). I want to use the “auto zoom” function but it doesnt seem to work in the “off road” mode. That is the only mode I can use because the others say “no routable roads in this area”. After talking to Garmin about this issue, they say I need to have City Navigator or thier 24K Topo to be able to use this function (funny how my older Colorado performs that function in all modes). I have the basemap and also use the gpsfiledepot TOPO and Trails maps. Is there any other way to get the auto zoom to work? I appreciate your input.
Not that I know of. This seems to confirm it…
http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/12163745
I had read that message but since it was back in 2009 and the issue was brought up to Garmin I had hoped it was resolved. I guess not since its been 2 years. Do you know of any free maps that are routable?
Yes. Here is one source…
http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Rich, I really appreciate how fast you reply to my emails. From all the forums Ive read, you seem to have a wealth of gps information. I am greatful for your input and I will take a look at that website. Thanks :>)
Hi Rich, Thanks again for your help in choosing a handheld GPS for sightseeing. Just got back from 3 weeks touring Europe. We did a lot of navigation on foot around a number of cities and found the Garmin GPSmap 62s excellent. Some comments that may help others:
- the save waypoints from GoogleMaps feature very useful. Look up hotel address on Goggle Maps click on send then GPS and save waypoint directly to 62s via USB. Needs Communicator Plugin for Windows. Download from Garmin Home=>Support=>Additional Software
- great to arrive at a railway station in a strange city, select the hotel and just head straight there. The turn by turn arrows are very large and easy to read. Great for getting off the main streets and taking short cuts without getting lost.
- I used the City Navigator Europe NT map and found it very accurate. Lots of useful POIs. Good for finding restaurants and ATMs.
- make sure you select pedestrian mode and on Road for Distance as Car/Motorcycle routing will have you unnecessarily obeying one way streets.
- I found the menu system on the 62s very fast to use once you got used to the buttons. If you are going to buy one to use for
- In built compass on 62s worthwhile to get heading in the right direction when you come out of a building.
- The fast GPS lock on the 62s worked very well. If you moved a few hundred km with the GPS off it would take 2 mins to get a new fix but after that it was pretty much immediate. As soon as it finished powering up you would have a fix. Held its GPS lock in very narrow streets. Even worked on high speed trains and jets provided you had a window seat. Fun to clock Eurostar at 310kph and surprisingly useful to track your location so you knew when your stop was coming up.
- Battery life very good. Lithium batteries were worth the extra cost but it was great to be using AAs. If you ran out it was easy to buy some ones almost anywhere.
- If you are planning to use one as a tourist buy one a few weeks before you go and get used to using it. I had never used a handheld before and there is quite learning curve involved.
- Very comfortable to hold while walking and fits easily in jacket pocket.
- In summary I was pleasantly surprised how effective it was and used it much more than expected. It gave us a lot of freedom, flexibility and confidence to navigate around strange cities without wasting valuable sightseeing time.
John, thanks for taking the time to write that up and share it. I’m glad you had such a positive experience with it.
Rich, i am looking for a GPS u it to help be define boundaries, trails and other landmarks on heavy forested land with moderate elevation changes – 500 acres. Im willing to spend up to 700-600 for the unit. I love the idea of tagging pictures to physical locations. Whats ur pic of the litter fornthis purpose?
First of all, be aware that consumer-level units will give you an accuracy of about 10-30′, depending upon terrain and the satellite constellation that day.
The Oregon series MAY have the most mature firmware and therefore the greatest accuracy. The 450 would be good; the 550 if you want the geotagging camera.
Otherwise I’d consider the GPSMP 62s or 62sc (the latter has the camera).
For the biggest screen, I’d look at the Montana 600 or 650.
what is a good handheld gps for marking fishing spots is it a etrex h
I’d stay away from it because of the serial interface. The new eTrex 10 would be a good choice. If you want to spend more, the eTrex 20 would allow you to add satellite imagery, which a lot of folks spending time on the water find useful.
I just got the iphone 4s and wanted to know if you have a recommendation for an app that I can download instead of buying a hand held unit. I’m a fisherman that would like to store points of success on the lake. I’ll probably only use it a handfull of times per year and would like it to be fairly simple to use. Any thoughts?
Trail Maps and Gaia GPS are two popular apps, but I’m not an iPhone user and haven’t had any direct experience with them.
Here’s a question though. Can you just tap and hold on the maps app to save your location? If so, that would probably be simpler.
Hi Rich,
I’m trying to decide what kind of GPS to by for my husbands birthday (Dec 3rd). He currently has a GPS (I don’t know what kind).
I know that he wants one with topo maps. I think he would prefer the 1:24 ratio. Are there free maps with this ratio?
He goes hunting out west in wooded areas and out on the plains.
I was considering the Oregon 450 or 450t and the 62s or 62st. Some websites recomend that hunters have a GPS with WASA, way point to waypoint and
20 channel reception(?). DO any of these models have this stuff? Or any other suggestion would be helpful.
I would prefer the least expensive route.
Thanks for your help
Lisa
Yes, you can get free 1:24,000 scale topos at http://gpsfiledepot.com. And yes, the models you are looking at should meet all those requirements. I’d suggest the Oregon 450 or the 62s. I expect the 62s to go on sale Thursday for $249 and the Oregon to go on sale the next day for the same price. I’ll be posting the deals here and at my GPS Deals site. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much! I will check your sites for the sales.
this is a quote taken from a review: “The Gps unit (Garmin eTrex Venture HC) is very accurate if you use TOPO USA maps. If you use the MapSource maps the Gps is up to 500 feet off…Call and ask them to send the green GPS unit if you buy the bundle pack it comes with TOPO USA the yellow will come with MapSource in the bundle…” It is from 2009 so don’t know if still accurate?? Nervous about Mapsource…
Anyway, I do get lost easily and lose track of time when fishing. My MINIMAL goals are: find way back to car when hiking. Mark put-in and take-out spots for my boat on small rivers/streams. Know distance to take-out spot via the winding waterway I’m on. Ability to mark an ‘important’ location on waterway for future reference. Longer battery life. At least water resistant.
MAXIMAL goals would include: the ability to see map of canoe put-ins or DNR landings(which will probably make unit too $$). the general shoreline shape i”m travelling on. (don’t need fancy -actual detail photo. A winding blue line with x’s for landings/public areas is an example of something that would be fine.) Waterproof. Of course cost would determine what is purchased. If any suggestions to meet min or max goals that would be great.
And yes, I will next read the links I found for novice handheld GPS users. Thanks!
All the Garmin 100K scale maps have inaccurate road placement based on TIGER data. Their new 24K scale maps or the free ones at http://gpsfiledepot.com are much better. If you can swing it, I’d look at the eTrex 20 or another recent Garmin that can accommodate aerial imagery. You’re unlikely to get accurate shoreline outlines with a map. Aerials are awesome for that use. There are some good deals going thru tomorrow…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/11/the-best-thanksgiving-weekend-gps-deals.html
Thanks. Looking to spend max of $300. 78 could be an option & was lking at the eTrex 20, then, although if I remember correctly, it is large.
When the model has a ‘Barometric altimeter’, can I assume it also gives me readings of barometric pressure? I’m not concerned about altitude.
The eTrex is small; the 78 is larger. The 78 floats though. And yes, models with a barometric altimeter will give you barometric pressure and trending.
thx. Looked at eTrx and Dakota 20. Hard to learn much when they are on 12″ leashes & U know sales clerk doesn’t know much. But the Dakota seemed better for me. Worried about the toggle on the eTrex. Concerned about downloading maps vs. already having them. Feel like the GPS will be more about necessity than pleasure! LOL. Thanks for the advice. Happy Holidays.
Hi, we own a ranch in Colorado and are interested in a GPS as a management tool. We would like to be able in find weed patches from year to year,maybe even map and photograph them and do the same with weak spots in pipelines. We would also like to mark sucessful hunting spots. We have three different pieces of property with a total of about 4000 acres. It would also be nice to be able to find the areas of field and pastures in acres. We are not technology people and don’t cre about bels and whistles. We just want it to do what we want. Thanks, Rebecca
First of all, realize that you will only get 10-30′ accuracy, depending upon conditions, including satellite positions which vary daily. If that is okay with you, almost any recent high-sensitivity GPS handheld will do.
And while you don’t care about bells and whistles, one of the newer Garmins that allow you to add satellite imagery could be useful; the interface is better on the newer models too. That may be particularly important to you since you say you aren’t technology people, because handheld GPS are powerful and complex beasts, and can have quite the learning curve.
There are some great deals today on the GPSMAP 62s (my top choice for your needs) and the Oregon 450 and eTrex 20 (either of which would serve you well too)…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/11/last-chance-for-some-great-gps-deals.html
There are also some models that have a camera included for geotagged photos, like the Oregon 550 and Garmin 62sc.
Hope this helps. Feel free to follow up with more questions.