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Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart

The chart below shows all current Garmin backcountry and marine handhelds (in alphabetical order) that include a high-sensitivity chipset. I do not recommend any units without such chipsets for backcountry use. Links go to my review/resource pages for each model except where I’ve yet to post those; in that case the links go to the Garmin product page. Features in the header are explained below the chart. You might also find my handheld GPS buyers guide and specialty GPS buyers guides helpful.

Model Display
type		 Display size Rated battery life (hrs) Weight with batt- eries Pre-loaded detailed maps Ability to add maps/ storage Accepts custom maps Elec- tronic compass Paper-
less
geo-
caching		 Turn by turn Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks Miscell-aneous Compare prices
Colorado 300 Color,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 15 7.3 oz No SD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/20		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Colorado 400c Color,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 15 7.3 oz Limited coastal SD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/20		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Colorado 400i Color,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 15 7.3 oz US Inland Lakes SD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/20		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Colorado 400t Color,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 15 7.3 oz Topo SD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/20		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Dakota 10 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.43″ x 2.15″ 20 5.25 oz No 850 MB Yes No Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200
Compare prices
Dakota 20 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.43″ x 2.15″ 20 5.25 oz No microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Model Display
type		 Display size Rated battery life (hrs) Weight with batt- eries Pre-loaded detailed maps Ability to add maps/ storage Accepts custom maps Elec- tronic compass Paper-
less
geo-
caching		 Turn by turn Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks Miscell-aneous Compare prices
eTrex H Mono-
chrome		 1.1″ x 2.1″ 17 5.3 oz No No No No No No 500/20
10K/10		  
Compare prices
eTrex Legend H Mono-
chrome		 1.1″ x 2.1″ 18 5.3 oz No 24 MB No No No No 1000/20
10K/10
Compare prices
eTrex Legend HCx Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 25 5.5 oz No microSD No No No Yes 1000/50
10K/20
Compare prices
eTrex Summit HC Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 14 5.5 oz No 24 MB No 2-axis No No 500/50
10K/10
Compare prices
eTrex Venture HC Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 14 5.5 oz No 24 MB No No No No 500/50
10K/10
Compare prices
eTrex Vista H Mono-
chrome		 1.1″ x 2.1″ 18 5.3 oz No 24 MB No 2-axis No No 1000/20
10K/10
Compare prices
eTrex Vista HCx Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 25 5.5 oz No microSD No 2-axis No Yes 1000/500
10K/20
Compare prices
Model Display type Display size Rated battery life (hrs) Weight with batt- eries Pre-loaded detailed maps Ability to add maps/ storage Accepts custom maps Elec- tronic compass Paper-
less
geo-
caching		 Turn by turn Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks Miscell-aneous Compare prices
Foretrex 301 Mono-
chrome		 1.4″ x 0.9″ 18 3.1 oz No No No No No No 500/20
10K/10
Compare prices
Foretrex 401 Mono-
chrome		 1.4″ x 0.9″ 17 3.1 oz No No No 2-axis No No 500/20
10K/10		 Wireless data
Compare prices
GPS 72H Mono-
chrome		 1.6″ x 2.2″ 18 7.7 oz No No No No No No 500/50
2K/10		 Floats
Compare prices
GPSMAP 60Cx Color 1.5″ x 2.2″ 18 7.5 oz No microSD No No No Yes 1000/500
10K/20
Compare prices
GPSMAP 60CSx Color 1.5″ x 2.2″ 18 7.5 oz No microSD No 2-axis No Yes 1000/500
10K/20
Compare prices
GPSMAP 62 Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 20 9.2 oz No 1.7 GB Yes No Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200
Compare prices
GPSMAP 62s Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 20 9.2 oz No microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200
Compare prices
GPSMAP 62st Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 20 9.2 oz Yes microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200
Compare prices
GPSMAP 76Cx Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 18 7.7 oz No microSD No No No Yes 1000/500
10K/20		 Floats
Compare prices
GPSMAP 76CSx Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 18 7.7 oz No microSD No 2-axis No Yes 1000/500
10K/20		 Floats
Compare prices
GPSMAP 78s Color 1.6″ x 2.2″ 20 7.7 oz No microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200		 Floats
Compare prices
Model Display type Display size Rated battery life (hrs) Weight with batt- eries Pre-loaded detailed maps Ability to add maps/ storage Accepts custom maps Elec- tronic compass Paper-
less
geo-
caching		 Turn by turn Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks Miscell-aneous Compare prices
Oregon 200 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz No microSD Yes No Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200
Compare prices
Oregon 300 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz No microSD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 400c Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz Limited coastal microSD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 400i Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz US Inland Lakes microSD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 400t Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz Topo microSD Yes 2-axis Yes Yes 1000/50
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 450 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz No microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 450t Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz Topo microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200		 Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 550 Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz No microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200		 Camera, Wireless data
Compare prices
Oregon 550t Color,
touch,
hi-res		 1.53″ x 2.55″ 16 6.8 oz Topo microSD Yes 3-axis Yes Yes 2000/200
10K/200		 Camera, Wireless data
Compare prices
Rino 520HCx Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 14 10.3 oz No microSD No No No Yes 500/50
10K/20		 Two-way radio
Compare prices
Rino 530 HCx Color 1.3″ x 1.7″ 14 10.3 oz No microSD No 2-axis No Yes 500/50
10K/20		 Two-way radio
Compare prices
Model Display type Display size Rated battery life (hrs) Weight with batt- eries Pre-loaded detailed maps Ability to add maps/ storage Accepts custom maps Elec- tronic compass Paper-
less
geo-
caching		 Turn by turn Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks Miscell-aneous Compare prices

Feature explanations

  • Display type – Monochrome and high resolution (hi-res) units tend to be more difficult to read in daylight conditions. Even so, the newer hi-res units are suitable for handheld use, where you will intuitively tilt the screen for the best view. They can also be customized to enhance viewing in bright conditions. The only “hi-res” units I recommend for fixed mount, non-external power use (e.g., bike handlebars) are the Dakota series, which is a bit brighter but not quite as high resoluion as the others.
  • Ability to add maps/storage – If a unit accepts maps, the storage medium or available internal memory is listed. Units with pre-loaded detailed maps also offer some internal storage, in addition to SD/microSD. Please note that there are lots of free maps available for these units. Also note that a micro-SD card is included with the purchase of the 60/76C(S)x series units, but not with any of the others.
  • Accepts custom maps – These units can accept custom raster maps and Garmin BirdsEye imagery.
  • Electronic compass – These units also have a barometric altimeter. You can read more about electronic compasses here. A two-axis compass must be held level; a three-axis (AKA tri-axial) compass does not need to be held level, but is more of a pain to calibrate.
  • Paperless geocaching – These units will dispaly the full geocache description, cache size, difficulty and terrain ratings, and recent logs.
  • Turn by turn – These units can give turn-by-turn highway directions when the proper maps (usually City Navigator) are added, making them effective dual-use units.
  • Waypoints/Routes and Trackpoints/Tracks – The numbers listed are the number of waypoints and routes that can be saved, followed by the tracklog capacity and number of tracks that can be saved.
  • Miscellaneous – Wireless data refers to these unit’s ability to transfer data wirelessly with other compatible Garmin units. You can transfer waypoints, tracks, routes and geocache summaries (paperless caching details cannot be transferred).

Return to chart

Comments

22 Responses to “Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart”
  1. Teak says:
    April 19, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    I am looking for a recommendation. I currently have an Oregon 400t and am looking for a second unit to use while teaching a Geocaching class. Considering the Dakota 20 or the Nuvi 550 (because of its many features). Looks like the Nuvi is not so great on the geocaching side, lacking a compass. Have you tried the nuvi on a geocache?

    Reply
  2. Rich Owings says:
    April 20, 2010 at 9:53 am

    You can check out my nuvi 500 review (same as the 550 except it has topo maps and drops the highway maps for Alaska)… http://gpstracklog.com/2008/09/garmin-nuvi-500-2.html

    I’ve heard that it has improved somewhat, thanks to firmware updates. Still, I’d go with the Dakota 20 or Oregon 450.

    Reply
  3. Jack Davis says:
    July 1, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    Its a toss up between the 78s and the oregon 450, I have a gps map 76 cs
    Imputting data can be a pain and with out a s/d card slot its memory is limited. Garmin has it on the discontinued list so the new maps wont work.
    Does the oregon and ther 78s have a track back feature? Thanks

    Reply
  4. Rich Owings says:
    July 2, 2010 at 9:06 am

    Yes, both have this feature.

    Reply
    • Jack Davis says:
      July 3, 2010 at 11:40 am

      Rich i need your advise my 76cs cant take garmins new maps, I still use it but I am on the fence about the new 78s 62s or the Oregon 450 When compared they are almost the same, except sink or float buttons on top or bottom, touch screen or not, which ever one i choose They need to do everything road, hike, rivers & lakes, motorcycle, seems they all of them do the things i need them to do i guess it comes down to ease of use. Any suggestions leaving for alaska in two weeks
      Thanks
      Jack B.

      Reply
      • Rich Owings says:
        July 4, 2010 at 7:05 am

        Jack, you read my mind. I’m going to email you a draft post I’ve been working on, covering this very topic; well, at least looking at the 450 vs 62s. A lot of folks are going to be trying to make this decision. As for the 62s vs 78s, I think it comes down to form factor, flotation and the 78s patch antenna, giving it better reception when held flat. Also, I’m not sure you can get the 62s before your trip. They aren’t shipping quite yet.

        Reply
  5. SERENA says:
    July 5, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    I AM CONSIDERING PURCHASING A NEW GPS AND WOULD LIKE TO BUY ONE THAT DOES BOTH REGULAR GPS AND GEO CASHING. WE ARE JUST STARTING OUT AND WOULD TAKE ALL SUGGESTIONS WITH REFERENCE TO PRICING AND QUALITY..

    Reply
  6. Rich Owings says:
    July 6, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    Assuming you mean that you want one that works for road use too, the Oregon 450 plus City Navigator maps is my current dual use favorite. You might want to read this and then follow up with more questions…

    http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html

    Reply
  7. Rich Owings says:
    July 19, 2010 at 10:47 am

    @Mike – Check your email.

    Reply
  8. tansingh says:
    August 12, 2010 at 5:21 am

    i have gps 60csx.but i want measure more accurate distance.please suggest me which model is appropriate for me.

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      August 12, 2010 at 1:20 pm

      What do you mean, more accurate distance? Most handhelds aren’t going to get you better than 10-20′ accuracy, under ideal conditions. If you want better, you’re probably looking at spending thousands of dollars.

      Reply
  9. tan singh says:
    August 15, 2010 at 10:37 am

    yes i am ready to spend thousands of dollor.please suggest me which handheld gps device is perfect for me.i am working on the map which has magnetic bearing and not has any lattitued or longitued.i have read only distanse and magnetic bearing.so i take distense of target from two referense points.first i measure distanses of target from two referenses on map help of scale.then i goes to field and mark both referenses and searching for target.scanner is not available here.i have garmin 60 csx.please suggest me any other easy method to find target and easy to carry handheld gps which is measurng accurate distense atleast 1 meter.

    Reply
  10. Al Schober says:
    August 18, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    I notice the chart doesn’t include the Garmin GPS76 or GPSMAP76 – is this because they’re discontinued or because they don’t have the high sensitivity chip? Do any manufacturers publish sensitivity data?
    I notice that my MAP76 seems to be more sensitive than the plain 76. Is it just my imagination? The plain 76 needs a relatively clear sky, while the MAP76 seems to tolerate considerable tree cover.
    What about refresh speed after zoom in/out. The biggest beef I have with my MAP76 (other than not being color) is the very slow (to me) speed to show the full detail of the zoomed screen. Manufacturers also seem to be reluctant to provide this information.

    Reply
  11. Rich Owings says:
    August 19, 2010 at 9:04 am

    I don’t have a review or page up for either model, which is why they aren’t on my chart. Neither has a high-sensitivity chipset, though the GPSMAP 76 probably has a better receiver than the GPS 76. Garmin product pages (the Specs tab) shows whether or not each unit has a high-sensitivity chipset. Refresh speeds have definitely improved on the newer units.

    Hope this helps.

    Reply
  12. Ronald Brewer says:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:22 am

    I want a GPS unit to do both duties, one for the road and other for hiking. I have looked at Organ 450 and Nuvi 500. Same price range but, Nuvi 500 has speaking ability while driving but reduces battery life to 8 hours for hiking. Of coarse it won’t be on continuously while driving or hiking yet recharging could be a problem while hiking.

    Reply
  13. Rich Owings says:
    August 30, 2010 at 7:30 am

    Wow, I wonder if you really get 8 hours out of it. Have you read this?…

    http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html

    Personally, I’d go with the Oregon or just buy a separate unit for the car.

    Reply
    • Ronald Brewer says:
      September 1, 2010 at 2:02 am

      I found that the Oregon 450 isn’t compatible with SD cards (2) Topo US 100k and City Navigator. Is this true or did I miss something?

      Reply
  14. Rich Owings says:
    September 1, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    Answered at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html/comment-page-1#comment-94764

    Reply

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