
The 66i sports a 3-inch color display that presents imagery in crisp and vibrant detail. Though the 66i is built in the same outer casing as some of the other models in the 66 lineup, it’s packed with a plethora of superior features making it worth every bit of that $600. Of these, the GPSMAP 66i - at a steep $600 - is our pick for the best handheld GPS on the market. Garmin’s GPSMAP 66 series contains four distinct models. Best Wrist-Mounted GPS: Garmin Foretrex 601.



Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for. Simply put, Garmin has a firm grasp on the handheld GPS market, and its products are top-notch. We don’t have a special relationship with Garmin, nor do we have an inherent preference for the brand. You’ll notice this list is dominated by Garmin products. While we do still recommend bringing a map and compass as an analog backup in case technology fails you, the products on this list are high quality, and we stand by each one. Whether you’re trying to stay on course through a whiteout or chart an efficient path through the desert, the portable GPS devices on this list will get the job done. Simply put, no other kind of device on the market can take the place of a good handheld GPS. A high-quality handheld GPS allows you to view a layered overview of the terrain, insert waypoints, plan a route, and seamlessly log data.Ĭompared to a smartphone, a handheld GPS has some major advantages, including superior durability and much longer battery life. While smartphones and GPS watches are indeed useful for navigation, they can’t match the interactive and detailed capabilities of a handheld GPS.
