5 Best Handheld GPS in 2024

GPS is something that everybody relies on today but doesn’t quite realize. When you open an application like Google Maps, it’s very likely that the GPS is being used to locate your position on the map. Similarly, handheld GPS systems have been around for quite some time. Usually these navigators have been available in the form of dashboards (in cars) or as a bulky add on accessory. However, with technology evolving ever so often, there are now battery operated handheld GPS accessories in the market that can make life as easy as you’d like, especially if you travel a lot.


At A Glance: 5 Best Handheld GPS in 2022


ProductBrandNamePrice
41E3pCHp0gL. SL500GarminGarmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS ReceiverCheck Price on Amazon
41WSQlszF+L. SL500GarminGarmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera (US Topographic Maps)Check Price on Amazon
31YP1 irVL. SL500MagellanMagellan eXplorist 310 Summit Series Topo Map BundleCheck Price on Amazon
410wSSgPHML. SL500GarminGarmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver, Worldwide BasemapsCheck Price on Amazon

* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.

We’re going to talk about five of the best handheld GPS devices in 2018 right now. As you can probably see from the list, it is dominated by devices made by Garmin. That’s because they make some of the best GPS equipment out there, and it’s no surprise that there’s a dearth of quality manufacturers barring Garmin. If you know of any brand, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

So without waiting any further, let’s get to our top five handheld GPS devices in 2024.

Best Handheld GPS

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1. Garmin GPSMAP 64st

This is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Montana 680, which means it doesn’t have some of the features that we see on the device we spoke of above. However, that doesn’t mean the GPSMAP 64st is lacking in any way. It doesn’t have a touchscreen, but there are hardware buttons that are extremely reliable under any conditions. In fact, Garmin mentions that the display on the device is readable even under sunlight. The key factor here is that the device can be charged in the conventional fashion, or using AA batteries, making it convenient for hiking. The built-in rechargeable batteries don’t have to be removed to be charged. So it’s pretty much like a smartphone battery.

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded with a microSD card. You can also wirelessly transfer your data to Garmin Connect and then view it on your smartphone, which is a convenient feature. Overall, the GPSMAP 64st is an excellent GPS navigator and makes up for the lack of a touchscreen.


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2. Garmin Oregon 600t

Unsurprisingly, yet another Garmin GPS device has made it to our list. The Oregon 600t looks gorgeous on the outside, with its 3-inch touchscreen display giving you more room to view your maps and navigation details. The GPS comes with a 3-axis compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter, so all the essential sensors are covered here. Further, the Oregon 650t uses both GPS and GLONASS to gather signals, making sure the user gets the most accurate location information. This could be vital during your hunting trips.

The Oregon 600t comes with AA batteries, which have to be replaced. However, this battery pack is definitely worth it as it would negate the need to get AA batteries.


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3. Magellan eXplorist 310

This is the only other brand we’re going to talk about today, which is testament to Garmin’s dominance in this sector. But that doesn’t mean we have to completely ignore the smaller players. Magellan may not be a well known brand for many, but its eXplorist 310 GPS might just convince you to go its way. It comes with a sleek and pocket friendly design, making it easier to carry around compared to other GPS devices. The most important part for any GPS is its display. Magellan is using a 2.2-inch sunlight readable display here, making it suitable for camping in the woods.

Perhaps the best part about this device is the fact that it comes with an 18 hour battery life, allowing you to use it during long trips as well. This particular model is currently selling on Amazon as part of a Topo Map Bundle. It’s only available in one color, so you don’t have much say in that area.


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4. Garmin Montana 680

This is the perfect GPS to get you started on your travel or treks. It comes with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled GPS receiver, offering you the best and precise location data when you need it the most. It also comes included with a 1-year subscription of Birdseye Satellite Imagery, which will also come to your aid when you’re lost during hunting or hiking. What makes this an excellent GPS for any traveler is the fact that it comes with a 250,000 preloaded worldwide geocaches from a popular source.

The device offers comprehensive data mapping tech that allows you to map your entire journey. It also comes with an 8-megapixel camera on the back, allowing you to capture the moment during your travels. The photos you take from this camera are automatically geotagged, allowing users to get the location where the image was taken. Naturally, there’s a display here as well (4-inch), allowing you to view localities in high resolution. The large display also helps a great deal with navigation.

Reviews from customers are almost exclusively positive, and that’s no surprise for a Garmin GPS product. The fact that it comes with GLONASS is probably a bonus compared to some of the older Garmin models. So if you have one, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade.


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5. MapFactor GPS Navigation (App)

We’ve spoken about enough devices, but did you know that you can do most of these things using an app? Well, of course you know. MapFactor is a decent application to get your location data pinpointed accurately. It also has navigation of its own, with an exciting UI that can make traveling fun again. It also comes with a HUD (head-up display) feature that can come in handy during night driving. MapFactor also allows you to plan door to door routes, offering you the precision that other apps sometimes don’t. It also comes with freely downloadable maps for almost every country in this world, making it a worthwhile offline GPS app to have on your phone. The app has been installed millions of times by users, making it an incredibly popular offering out there.

It’s free to download, although you will be showered with ads. Getting the app’s premium subscription removes ads for good and adds features like head-up display and alternative routes. Given what it brings to the table, we’re certain it’s worth investing in. Be sure to check it out from the Play Store.

ProductBrandNamePrice
41E3pCHp0gL. SL500GarminGarmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS ReceiverCheck Price on Amazon
41WSQlszF+L. SL500GarminGarmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera (US Topographic Maps)Check Price on Amazon
31YP1 irVL. SL500MagellanMagellan eXplorist 310 Summit Series Topo Map BundleCheck Price on Amazon
410wSSgPHML. SL500GarminGarmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver, Worldwide BasemapsCheck Price on Amazon

* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.


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