There are two types of people in the world: those who like adventures, and those who like the safety and comfort of their home. For the former, taming their inner (or blooming) travel junkie can be hard. Regardless of your experience, everyone is bound to get stuck during hiking or mountain climbing adventures. Or, if not losing the trail, you may take a wrong turn in the woods and find it impossible to find your way back.
In the earlier days, campers and hikers used to mark their path by leaving a trail. Thankfully, today’s generation doesn’t have to go through all that trouble, thanks to handheld GPS devices. They are one of the most innovative inventions of this century, and they help you find your way, no matter where you are.
If you are looking for a handheld GPS but can’t seem to decide which one to pick, we are here to help. We have rounded up the best handheld GPS devices 2025 has to offer!
Meet your new guardian angel for your belongings: the Portable Tracking Device. This mini GPS tracker is a game-changer, with a compact design that’s perfect for keeping tabs on your car, kids, trucks, or any valuable assets like boats or RVs.
What sets it apart? Well, buckle up because it operates on 4G coverage, spanning across North America, including Canada and Mexico. This means you’ve got the entire continent as your tracking playground. No need to worry about compatibility issues either – our tracker is the real deal, working seamlessly with both iPhone and Android platforms. No restrictions, just real-time tracking from anywhere in the world.
Worried about the elements? Don’t be. The weatherproof magnetic M2 case is made of durable ABS plastics, ensuring your Gl300 mini tracker stays safe and sound, rain or shine. It’s like a superhero for your belongings, firmly attached to vehicles and ready to record in any situation.
This isn’t just any GPS tracker; it’s a versatile gem. Whether it’s trucks, motorcycles, or managing a fleet, the GL300 is up for the task. So, go ahead, and embrace the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your important stuff is, anytime, anywhere.
The Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS has a compact and rugged construction. It features a black and yellow body, as well as a 2.2-inch clear monochrome display that you can even see in low lighting. The device is equipped with a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, which also provides connectivity with HotFix and GLONASS. This ensures that you can quickly pull up a map of your surroundings without losing signal strength.
This handheld GPS is IPX7 waterproof rated, which makes it protective against rain and splashes. It runs on two AA batteries and has an impressive battery life of 25 hours. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere and running out of power for your GPS.
Garmin eTrex is a must-have for all campers, hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and thrill seekers.
Our second pick of the list is the GolfBuddy Voice 2Handheld GPS, which is a compact square-shaped device with rounded edges. It is the perfect companion for golf players, and it can be securely clipped onto your cap or shirt while you are playing. The device features a small bright LCD that displays relevant information, such as the distance to the next hole. It is equipped with voice guidance, which helps you find out the distance and other information without having to hold it.
This handheld GPS makes use of QZSS GPS reception to map out the golf course, and it is also pre-loaded with more than 40,000 courses across 170 countries of the world.
If you are a golfer, the SkyCaddie SX400 Handheld GPS is another stellar option for you. Unlike the previous device we reviewed, this one comes with a handheld device and a four inch color touchscreen display, making it look similar to a smartphone. The device provides you with a clear and vivid layout of the golf course you are playing on, thus helping you navigate your way around it.
This handheld GPS comes with more than 35,000 golf courses worldwide. It clearly shows you the distances between two subsequent holes, as well as any hazards, or targets that are nearby.
Overall, it is one of the best handheld GPS when it comes to golf. Moreover, you can easily carry it around in your pocket.
Our next option is the Spot X Handheld GPS, which is one of the most solid devices you can find out there. It is the perfect choice for adventurers and travel enthusiasts who like to explore new places. This handheld GPS is built like an old-timey cell phone, and it comes with a keyboard, navigation buttons, and an SOS button as well. The SOS button immediately sends a signal to the nearest Search and Rescue services, allowing you to communicate with them about the nature of your emergency.
Apart from this, you can also communicate with any phone number or email address in the world, thanks to its satellite connectivity. Moreover, its tracking capabilities are also at par, and you can make use of tracking intervals for easy navigation.
Our last pick is the Te-Rich Handheld GPS, which also has a compact design and resembles a cell phone. It has a rugged, durable construction and features a bright colored 2.4 inch LCD screen that displays everything clearly. It is also equipped with the GLONASS navigation satellite system, which allows for instant and accurate positioning no matter where you are in the world. It also comes with additional features that help you measure the area and length of any place or object, be it a slope, flat field, or elevation.
This handheld GPS is equipped with a high-powered battery that provides an impressive battery life of 32 hours, making it the perfect companion for all your trips and adventures. Thanks to its satellite signal intensity and positioning precision, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded.
A handheld GPS is a device that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to help you track your location and find your way wherever you are. These devices have been around since the early 1990s, and they feature many different functions like navigation assistance, area measurement, land surveying, and tracking landmarks.
Some of the more advanced devices also allow you to send out SOS signals to Search and Rescue services in the area, as well as messaging and internet features. Since they rely on satellites to help you track your location and navigate, you don’t have to worry about not getting signals due to being far from a cell tower.
Over the years, handheld GPS devices have become much more compact, and they are packed with even more features. For instance, there are special GPS devices that people can use while playing golf to receive different information and use it to improve their game.
Handheld GPS devices are highly useful for a wide range of people. Whether you are traveling from one state to another or you are taking a hike in a new spot, the device will help you navigate your way through. Handheld GPS devices are also built to provide you with accurate positioning and navigation capabilities—that way, you can always find your way to where you need to go.
These devices have a long battery life that ranges anywhere from 12-36 hours. Some models can run for even longer than this, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power when you are stuck. With a handheld GPS, you have the freedom to travel anywhere without the fear of getting lost or ending up in an emergency.
When it comes to adventures and trips, most organizations and agencies provide you with coordinates of hotspots that you should visit. If you think you are stuck and you have a handheld GPS on you, all you need to do is input those coordinates. This feature is particularly useful for places that have a vast landscape.
Last but not least, having a handheld GPS also ensures that you can share your location with the authorities if you are in an emergency. Most devices also come with messaging and SOS sending features so you can use them to get in touch with the nearest rescue services.
Buying a handheld GPS that suits your needs can be a challenging feat. Here are some factors you should consider before you choose one.
Most handheld GPS devices feature a touchscreen feature instead of the traditional buttons and LCD display. In snowy conditions, having a GPS with buttons is your best bet because you will be able to use it easily. Therefore, you should consider the conditions in which you are going to use your handheld GPS.
One of the key components of any handheld GPS is its display, which offers you all the relevant information you need to find your way in an unknown place and calculate the distance to your base. Most GPS devices come with a small LCD screen that might be clear but isn’t always readable, especially during inclement weather.
While you can opt for a larger LED screen that offers a better view of the map, the display size and quality also depend on the purpose for which you need a handheld GPS. If you are going hiking, backpacking, or on another type of adventure you can make do with a small-sized display. On the other hand, geocaching, mountain climbing, and other advanced activities might require the use of a larger screen.
When you come across handheld GPS devices, you would also come across the term Global Navigation Satellite Systems or GNSS. GNSS refers to the entire spectrum of satellite systems that various countries have, and having this is a major bonus as it provides you with precise positioning.
If you are a world traveler, you would benefit from a device that offers GNSS connectivity. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting stranded anywhere.
Another thing to keep in mind is the mapping functions a handheld GPS contains. All models come with a standard base map, as well as a couple of pre-loaded maps. Ideally, you should look for a device with extensive mapping features so it shows you more detail and displays the proper layout of the area on your screen.
Last but not least, having messaging and SOS features in your handheld GPS is a major add-on. It can help you send an instant signal to the nearby authorities and notify them of your location.
You can certainly use your smartphone for navigation purposes. However you might get stranded if your phone runs out of battery, causing you further inconvenience.
You can find several handheld GPS devices that are specially designed for a particular sport or activity, such as the golf GPS devices we reviewed above. You can find them for cycling, hiking, trekking, and skiing. If you know you need a GPS device for a particular activity, avoid using devices that are made for other sports as this can impact your experience.
Depending on the satellite navigation system they are embedded with, each handheld GPS device has a certain range and accuracy that it can work with. Some of the high-end models are much more accurate than others, so be sure to check the product description prior to purchasing.
Generally speaking, you’ll know when your GPS device needs replacement if it shows signs of slowing or a general degradation of its processing abilities.
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