The Three Best Handheld GPSs Of 2025
The Garmin GPSMAP 67 is at the highest of its class in terms of accuracy and reliability, earning it our high honors. It boasts a robust quad-helix antenna and reliably connects to more satellite networks with higher accuracy than most different fashions. 800 hours in the battery-saving expedition mode. Our lead tester reported, "Thanks to its multi-band expertise, I found this unit maintained satellite connection even in less-than-best locations, like beneath dense forests and tree canopies or a tight slot canyon." When in the range of cell service, this unit can pair with your smartphone to overlay actual-time weather knowledge on your maps. Its 16GB of inner memory is more than double what is obtainable by most other units and comes preloaded with topo maps for the US and Canada and subscription-free entry to Garmin's Bird's Eye Imagery (a program that offers extra detailed, excessive-decision satellite imagery). If you are in the marketplace for a easy GPS unit that sacrifices little concerning pure navigation performance, the Garmin eTrex 32x is an excellent option.
Our lead reviewer reported, "I discovered this unit performs nicely past its weight class compared to the more superior models." An incredible value that doesn't skimp in reception and processing pace, this handheld GPS comes preloaded with Garmin's TopoActive basemap (that gives a variety of features together with city and wilderness trails, contour lines, factors of curiosity, etc.) that provides sufficient data for many who don't need to mess with the technique of searching for and uploading particular person maps. The software can be loaded based mostly on the place you buy the device, so in case you buy your handheld in California, it can come preloaded with maps for North America (including the US, Canada, Mexico, etc. Its impressive navigational accuracy is the result of linking multiple networks, including GPS and GLONASS, to tug data from quite a few satellites to identify your specific location, a monitoring feature that's then improved with the addition of a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis digital compass.
Yet, these enhanced capabilities in some way do not have an effect on the eTrex 32x's dimension and weight. Just as small and lightweight as other items in the eTrex line, iTagPro online this compact GPS can simply be stowed away in a pack or tossed right into a pocket for a day hike. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a perfect companion for many who need to stay related while exploring the backcountry. Whether you need an updated weather report, need to offer peace of thoughts to your loved ones, or have to document an correct observe to trace your route, this tiny unit weighs just 3.5 ounces and iTagPro online measures only 7.8 cubic inches, so it simply stows away inside your pocket or latches onto your backpack shoulder strap (because of a Garmin specific carabiner included with your purchase). "The amount of features packed into this tiny machine actually amazed me," remarked one tester. For comparison, the top-performing Garmin GPSMAP 67 weighs more than double the Mini 2 and is 2.5 inches longer, whereas the Garmin Montana seven hundred is a whopping 3.5 times heavier and yet one more full inch bigger in every path.
The Mini 2 relies on good design decisions and highly effective Garmin Apps to ship enhanced capabilities - Messenger for texting and Explore for sturdy mapping instruments - while nonetheless dwelling up to its diminutive identify. The Mini 2's battery life stands out as impressive, with as much as 336 hours or 14 days of use when in default mode and as much as 720 hours when set to expedition mode (relying on its exact configuration). It is usually equipped with an SOS feature that alerts Search and Rescue groups to your specific location (because of satellite options from each Galileo and QZSS) ought to you've an emergency past cellular phone range, and its digital GPS compass offers reliable navigation in the sector. Our lead tester commented, "I appreciate the intuitive button design. Our lead testers - plus scores of friends and partners - tested these GPS units in actual-world situations. From mountaineering in Alaska to ski touring within the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and winding by way of the canyon nation of the Southwest, our testers used these GPS models in whiteouts, in slot canyons, and whereas temporarily stranded by flash floods during unexpected storms.