Last updated November 23, 2009
In my last post, we looked at automotive GPS receivers. This posts looks at several categories of handhelds, 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.
A few caveats first…
- I'll admit a bias towards Garmin. They manufacturer quality units with intuitive interfaces.
- Except where otherwise indicated, the product links go to handheld GPS reviews here at GPS Tracklog, where you’ll find several places to track down the current low price from trusted vendors.
- The prices listed below are current as of the last update of this post. Keep an eye on our companion GPS Deals site for some great values.
- Unlike most car units, these 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.
- Many of the receivers listed below do double duty. That is, they can be used in the field as a handheld, but they can also slip into a dashboard mount to become an auto navigation device. You'll need to buy City Select or City Navigator software for that though. I'll point these units out below.
- You may also be interested in one of our specialty GPS guides — GPS for hikers, GPS for bikers, GPS for geocachers, GPS for runners and GPS for golfers.
- Finally, all the units below have a high-sensitivity chipset for superior reception under canopy and in natural or urban canyons.
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 $200, but I often see the Venture HC for sale anywhere from $115 to $130
Other budget units
- The Garmin eTrex H has a monochrome screen and you lose the cable and the ability to load maps. The eTrex H is available for under $100 at the time of this update. I highly recommend getting the Venture HC instead.
Mid-range handheld GPS receivers
About Rich Owings
Does the Garmin 60 CSX have Canadian mapping if purchased in the U.S. ?
Regardless of where you buy it, the 60CSx only comes with an Americas basemap; there are no detailed maps pre-loaded. Having said that, there are some free Canadian topo maps available…
http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/
I’m looking for a new GPS for hiking/hunting, and flying ultralight airplanes and powered paragliders.
Currently I’m using a Garmin Geko 301 GPS which I’ve been very happy with (before that I had an early Magellan 2000). This is the smallest GPS around, and includes a barometric altimeter and a magnetic compass, but the tiny screen is getting smaller as my eyes age. 🙂 The tiny size of the Geko is great to keep the weight down when I’m carrying it all on my back, but it’s also getting hard to see it
in the dim light of sunrise.
Anyway, I’m looking at the 76Csx, 60Csx, and the eTrex Vista Hcx. All have the altimeter and compass, and can display vertical speed and glide ratio, as well as the ability to download maps. The eTrex is
smaller (better for hiking) and cheaper, but the side buttons seem a lot less convenient when it’s mounted in the plane or on my PPG frame. The 76 and 60 seem to have (at least from the side by side comparison I did in Campmor this morning) a slightly better display than the eTrex. The 76 is slightly larger than the 60 and has more internal memory (which hardly matters as both accept memory cards), but otherwise there seems to be little difference.
It seems that if it were just for flying the ultralight, I’d go with the 76. Just for hiking, I’d go with the eTrex. For PPG, hard to say, but I might keep using the Geko there… I use it mostly for logging and ETA in the PPG.
I don’t want/need to spend the extra $$$ for an aviation unit, which wouldn’t be all that much more useful to me anyway.
So, opinions? Alternate suggestions?
For a larger screen go with the 60 or 76. I agree that the buttons will work better for you on those than the eTrex. You need to think about the button layout on the 76 vs. the 60. I prefer the latter, with the buttons at the bottom, but it depends on your setup. I’d go with something where you’re less likely to block the screen with your hand.
Hi,
I’m looking for a GPS to use to create a map of some of the local trails. Will I be able to print out the map, or will the route be only in the GPS? Would also like to be able to mark a location when I’m on a trail, then as I explore an side trail, see if there is a way to return to the main trail. Mostly will be used for horseback riding, so easily viewed and one-handed operation are important. Would like to be able to use it in the car if I get lost on the road as a backup. Was leaning toward the Oregon or Colorado, but would love to get suggestions/recommendations.
Thanks.
Hi,
I’m looking for a GPS to use to create a map of some of the local trails. Will I be able to print out the map, or will the route be only in the GPS? Would also like to be able to mark a location when I’m on a trail, then as I explore an side trail, see if there is a way to return to the main trail. Mostly will be used for horseback riding, so easily viewed and one-handed operation are important. Would like to be able to use it in the car if I get lost on the road as a backup. Was leaning toward the Oregon or Colorado, but would love to get suggestions/recommendations.
Thanks.
Sally, this is exactly what GPS is great at. I’d suggest the Oregon 400t. You can do everything you want except the printing part. That will be easier to do with some extra software, like National Geographic TOPO! You can download a .gpx file from the unit, showing where you’ve been and any waypoints you created and transfer them to the map. There are some free programs out there (USAPhotoMaps comes to mind), but their printing capabilities are usually pretty rudimentary.
Hi Guys, I am about to purchase my first handheld GPS unit, and I need some help.
I will be using it mainly on my touring bike, I intend to ride from China to France. therefore I will really appreciate if I have a GPS with me.
I am not too sure if I should get the Oregon or the 60CSx. from all the reviews I have read, it sounds like 60CSx is more of a robust machine that you can rely on – and it doesnt use much battery as the Oregon, where the Oregon is more like a consumer electronics with fancy gadgets to attracts geeky users – and I admit I quite like the way Oregon is, especialy the worldwide basemap. But I was also really gutted to hear that the Oregon having hard to read screen problem
Should I sita and hope for another unit from Garmin?
Thanks guys.
I think the Oregon is very difficult to see at a fixed angle on bike handlebars, and I only recommend it as a handheld. Now if you aren’t going to look at it while biking, it might be a good choice. Unfortunately, I think we’re at least a year away from getting a high-resolution handheld GPS screen without these visibility problems.
What about the Delorme The PN-40 GP
I haven’t completed my review, so I haven’t included it here yet. But here’s my short take. It’s an excellent GPS. Biggest drawback is the learning curve for the software (Topo USA) but it’s gotten a lot better.
I will be purchasing a Garmin handheld GPS soon for use in geocaching in Germany. Are there any maps to download for Germany? Also, I can’t get your “Newer Comments” segment to come up when clicked.
Thanks Linda. I think I have the comments link fixed now. Garmin sells highway maps for Germany and here are topo maps for sale…
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mpc/#Germany
You can get free maps of Germany from these sites:
http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php?country=55
http://mapcenter2.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php?country=130
http://downloads.cloudmade.com/europe/germany#breadcrumbs
Thank you for the info on the maps. I think I have decided to purchase the Garmin eTrex Vista HCX if I can find a retailer who will mail to an APO address. My next question is about the basemap programmed in the unit. The sites just say “basemap”. Is this U.S. or Worldwide? I’ll be mainly in Europe for now.
Mmm, not sure. They list different versions on their website…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8703#versionTab
My 60CSx probably has the same basemap. All I see are major cities. No roads.
I’m looking for a good gps to mount on my quad. Durability (water/weather proof),reception in think woods/mountains, mapping, turn by turn routing, visibility, etc. all being a concern. What are your thoughts/suggestions on the right model?
Also, do you know where I can download orv trails to use?
Thanks!!
JG
Assuming money isn’t a big factor, I’d take a look at the Garmin Oregon, 60CSx or DeLorme PN-40. The Oregon has a great touch-screen, but I wouldn’t go there unless you can power it from your ORV. Otherwise the screen will be dim. The 60CSx will likely do a little better maintaining an accurate track in the woods, but not much better. The PN-40 gets you satellite imagery, but it has a small screen and its software has a nasty learning curve. Personally, having used all three, I’d lean towards the Oregon. For trails, search for “gpx” and the name of the area, plus terms like atv, ohv, and orv. Google advanced search is great for this. Feel free to follow up with more questions. Hope this helps.
That does help, thank you!!
Prior to my post I was leaning towards the Oregon and the 60CSx. Money isn’t a big factor other than I don’t want to pay to be “bleeding edge”.
That being said, what Oregon do you suggest I go with? From a specs perspective I don’t see much benefit in the 550 – any thoughts?
Also, I can power from the quad (12v outlet) but didn’t see where any of the models were set up for wired power; did I just miss that?
The big advantage to the 500 or 550 would be the tri-axial compass, meaning you wouldn’t have to have it level to get a correct reading while sitting still. Not a big deal in my mind.
The 12V will do fine. I don’t know about other options.
Hello, I am looking for a good handheld GPS unit while out on mountain bike trails. I will be the first one to admit I do not know anything about GPS units or how they work but really need one when we hit larger trails (hint: dont want to admit that I’m lost). Looking for a suggestion of a good make/model, whether any map could be downloaded to the GPS unit and if able to make up own maps. Not wanting to break the bank on a unit but dont mind spending if it is able to do everything I am looking for.
Check out this article on GPS for bikers…
http://gpstracklog.com/2006/11/gps_for_cyclist.html#mtnbiker
Also, I’d lean towards a Garmin for making my own maps. Let me know if you have more questions after reading the above post.
aloha rich
i am interested in a handheld weatherproof gps unit,that will work well (specifically)on the Big Island of Hawai’i.i have honed my search down to the garmin 76scx and the delome unit.please advise and additonal alternatives would be appreciated.
mahalo
mikel
Both are great units. The DeLorme software has a pretty big learning curve. What all will you be using it for?
aloha rich
Mahalo for the prompt response.My goal is to use the unt for hiking,fishing and directional assistance.I would prefer a unit that will do all three well.Your comments on the Oregon 400t have me intreged.Would this unit meet my requirements,and work well on the Big Island of Hawai’i?
Mikel
The Oregon is great if you can afford it, but the screen isn’t that legible, which may make it challenging in a bright environment (near or on the water). All of these units will work well in Hawai’i. The 76CSx will float, which could be a plus.
aloha rich
well i must say that your information has been prompt and precise.now i am going to put you on the spot (a little),with no strings attached:if you were moving to Hawai’i,and could only have one GPS,to function both of road and on road,what would be your choice (also include your “dream” GPS if you please).
Mahalo
mikel
I really like my Oregon a lot. I have my 60CSx in the mesh pocket of my daypack when hiking, but it’s the Oregon in my hand. It would be ideal if you could find a local geocaching group and see the Oregon in action, to make sure you’re okay with its visibility. Here are some tips on improving that…
http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Miscellaneous#toc7
I do think the Oregon is the best for dual-use. I wrote about this recently at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html
I live in California and am planning a motorcycle trip to Sweden and Norway in late July, and a bicycle trip in Spain in early October. I’d like to get one GPS device that I can use for both those trips to show me the roads I’m on and help me navigate without getting lost, and then be able to use it in California and the US after that. It should be mountable on a motorcycle as well as a bicycle. Any suggestions? Very much appreciated, thank you.
You could go with a Garmin zumo, which would be ideal on motorcycle, but probably not bright enough for a bike (since there would be no external power going to it). Or you could go with a recommended bike unit, but it wouldn’t be as nice as the zumo series on the motorcycle…
http://gpstracklog.com/2006/11/gps_for_cyclist.html
do they make a gps I cam use kayak rivers texas& new mexico
One you may want to look at is the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx (or Cx). http://gpstracklog.com/2006/04/garmin_gpsmap_7.html
It’s a little older than some models, but it floats.
Of the mid to high end recommended handheld units, is one easier than another to learn/operate (for those who are tech challenged)?
All handhelds are fairly complex. However, keep in mind that you only need to learn the basics at first — how to set a waypoint and navigate to it. Then you can learn to work with tracks and routes. I would definitely stay away from the DeLorme units due to their complex software. I’d recommend a Garmin Oregon 400t or 550t for two reasons. One is that the touchscreen interface is pretty user friendly. The other is the fact that they come with pre-loaded topo maps, so you won’t have to mess with loading maps.
Rich…are you still on the Mendocino Coast? My husband and I are rockhounds considering buying a Garmin Legend or Venture for rockhounding in central Oregon. We’d like to find someone on the coast we could pay to sit down with us for a half hour and make sure we understand how to use it…we’re techno-phobes/dweebes to a degree and will pay for handholding as we start. Any suggestions? Katy in Comptche
Hi Katy,
I’m not, I’m back in NC. First of all, get a Venture HC or Legend HCx if you’re going to be under canopy. The “H” stands for high-sensitivity chipset and means better reception. I’d be glad to talk you through any issues, so ask away. Let me know when you get a unit and I’ll point you towards some free maps.
Any thoughts about the Garmin Dakota Series GPS units? I read somewhere that they may be the replacement sometime from now for the Etrex series GPS. How does the Dakotas compare to the Legend HCx and Vista HCx?
I’ll be posting a full review of the Dakota 20 in another week or two. So far, I really like it. A lot. Comparing them to the eTrex series, you’ll get touch screen and paperless geocaching, and the new custom map support. Those are the differences that come to mind right away. I don’t know if they will discontinue the eTrex series, but it sure looks like a worthy successor.
I “misspoke” when asking about comparison to Etrex line since Dakota 20 is significantly more expensive. I am curious how it compares to the Oregon 300 and 400t. Other reviews seem to have concerns about reading the screen in bright daylight especially if the GPS is in a fixed position like on a bicycle. Why would one get the Dakota 20 versus the Oregon 300 which are at about the same price point(other than altimeter and compass on Dakota)? If the screen visibility is an issue I wonder if Garmin can do anything to improve existing and/or future units. The screen brightness seems to be an issue for all touch screen models. That’s why some people are still sticking with the tried and true 60Csx although it is a totally different animal.
I await your review.
They’re more expensive because they are so new. I think they compare well in terms of weight, size and battery life. I’m using the Dakota on my mountain bike and have been impressed with its visibility compared to the Oregon series, but it is much dimmer than eTrex color screen models.
Looking for guidence in purchasing a gps. I manage a luxury vacation villa in the USVI, ST. Croix to be eaxact. I want to get a unit for the use of our renters while on the Island and I would like to be able to add poi’s w/ pictures as well. The idea being a GPS tour of the Island that I can tweek to show all of the incredible sights, sites,stores, and restaurants. ANy ideas or rec’s?
Garmin units are set up for this. Here are a couple of resources:
http://www.geovative.com
http://travelbygps.com/faq.php#compatibility
What GPS unit would you recommend for fairly precise (<1 ft) locations on a construction site?
Thanks.
For that you’re going to need a surveyor grade unit with post-processing capability. Check out Trimble products. Its beyond what I cover here, which is consumer GPS.
Hey Rich,
Which is the better model of Garmin eTrex? The Legend HCx or the Summit HC?
I’d go with the Legend HCx so you can load more maps. Many free ones are available at http://gpsfiledepot.com
You’ll be missing the electronic compass and barometric altimeter, but those are less important, IMHO.
I am considering buying a Triton 500 gps and know there are some disappointments with Magellan handheld products, but I already own TOPO Explorer Deluxe and like the ability to load their maps onto the GPS unit, including aerial imagery. Their resolution looks pretty good, too. Garmin mapping products require complete downloads and thus are expensive. Have you heard of improvements or not with the Triton series?
I have indeed heard that they have improved. But don’t overlook the fact that there are a ton of free maps for Garmin units and that you can now add aerial imagery to more recent models. Here’s a source for free maps…
http://gpsfiledepot.com
Thanks for the advice Rich…I ordered the Legend eTrex from Cabelas and with a $20 off promo got it for $129.
When using a SD micro card with this unit I have a couple of questions:
#1 what is the largest SD Card that the eTrex legend will read?
#2 if you load multiple maps on the SD card like a topo and street map, how do you select between the topo and street on the SD card and the base map already loaded on the device?
I’m assuming you got the Legend HCx, and not the older Legend. While you can put a larger card in, only 4 GB can be used for storing maps.
I don’t have an eTrex now but, its something like this. From the mapping screen, hit menu, and one of the options will allow you to select which maps to show. Here’s a good tip too…
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/08/switching-betwe.html
Be sure to check out the free maps at http://gpsfiledepot.com
Have fun! Its a great unit!
Hi. Has anyone ever used the Bushnell Onix 350 or 400 model gps? They sound very good in their features, but websites offer limited information about them. Maps, reliability, ease of use?
Thanks!
I haven’t, but I’d be careful. The reviews have been pretty bad.