4 Best Handheld GPS in 2022 [For Outdoor Adventure]
Are you looking for the best handheld GPS for your next outdoor endeavor? With a handheld GPS, you can travel without the concern of being lost.
A network of satellites and receiving equipment called the global positioning system (GPS) is used to pinpoint a location on Earth. Location is provided by GPS receivers in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude.
Any software that requires location and time information can be found using radio waves that travel between satellites and a receiver inside your phone. Some GPS units are so precise that they can pinpoint their location within one centimeter (0.4 inches).
Here’s the list of the best handheld GPS for you
What is a handheld GPS?
A handheld GPS is a gadget that uses the Global Positioning System and combines cutting-edge geographic technology into a handy, everyday item. The location of a user is determined and shown on a digital map using handheld GPS devices using a method known as satellite triangulation.
Related reads
6 Best GPS Trackers for Cars That Work with Android
4 Best Smartwatches for Kids With GPS (Don’t Miss the 2nd One)
The 6 Best Offline GPS Navigation Apps for Android
Why do you need a handheld GPS?
A handheld GPS can help off-road travelers like hikers, cyclists, and others avoid becoming lost in strange terrain. With handheld GPS devices, you may define a route, record the coordinates of a specific site, and keep track of your travels.
1.Garmin eTrex 10
The essential features that made eTrex the most dependable GPS gadget on the market are still included in eTrex10, along with its uncompromising design, reasonable price, and long battery life. There is no need for manual entry of coordinates or paper printouts anymore thanks to eTrex, which keeps and displays crucial information such as location, topography, difficulty, suggestions, and descriptions.
The eTrex swiftly determines your location and retains your GPS location even in dense cover and deep gorges because of its high sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, and satellite prediction. In addition to the map page, you will get a compass page as well.
Specifications
- Brand: Garmin
- Model name: eTrex 10
- Item weight: 5 ounces
- Screen size: 2.2 inches
- Special feature: Paperless Geocaching, Track More Satellites
Pros
- It is in the affordable range.
- The speed and accuracy of the baseline unit are impressive.
- It allows you to set the pace and distance.
- It’s convenient and user-friendly.
- The rechargeable batteries are idle for extended trips.
Cons
- It lacks a useful base map.
- It isn’t particularly good for navigation because it lacks internal memory.
- An SD card cannot be installed on this device.
- The operation is challenging, and the navigation is very poorly oriented.
2. Tracki GPS
Tracki GPS provides you with unlimited distance real-time tracking 4G LTE +extra triband.
It has the smallest and lightest battery you can find, which lasts just a few days in real-time tracking mode and up to three months in power save mode. You can use it to deter theft and locate lost items. But here comes the most interesting part, you will get a lifetime warranty on lost and damaged devices.
Specifications
- Brand: Tracki
- Color: Black
- Product dimensions: 1.81 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches
- Item weight: 1.23 ounces
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included with the package)
- Connectivity technology: Wireless
Pros
- It is simple to use and intuitive.
- The battery life is impressive.
- The menu system and settings are quite simple.
Cons
- It costs a lot to subscribe.
- The device compatibility is limited.
3. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
The cool thing about ZOLEO is that when you are outside of mobile coverage, ZOLEO sends messages through satellites, and when the options are available, by cellular and Wi-Fi. It features SOS alerting and professional 24/7 monitoring. Additionally, you can send and receive messages from any corner of the world. You also have the choice to send messages with your location coordinates included.
Specifications
- Brand: ZOLEO
- Product dimensions: 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches
- Item weight: 5.29 ounces
- Battery life: 200 hours
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Prize:$199.99
Pros
- Has an incredibly simple user interface
- Long-lasting battery
- Simple monthly plan prices
- Excellent communication
Cons
- This gadget plan is extremely pricey and lacking in any marketing information.
- It’s unable to access or compose messages on the device.
- It’s heftier than the average handheld GPS.
Also read,
5 BEST Pet GPS Tracker for Android for Tracking and Monitoring
A number of Galaxy S22 units experience GPS signal issues, fix incoming
Polaris Navigation GPS: Navigation for the Explorer in You
4.Garmin Edge 830
A revamped training insights system is included with the Garmin Edge 830 to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions. When paired with Garmin Cycle Map, the touchscreen interface of the Edge 830 enables you to Construct routes and courses on the device easily. The touchscreen cycle computer offers GPS and performance data like VO2 max recovery, hydration, and more.
The latest PIN-protected bike alarm will alert you on your smartphone if your bike is moved, while group chatting and tracking features let you stay in touch with your riding companions.
Specifications
- Brand: PlayBetter
- Screen size: 2.6 Inches
- Product dimensions: 7.44 x 6.34 x 3.66 inches
- Item weight: 15.1 ounces
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 5 days
- Batteries required: 1 Lithium Ion battery (included with the package)
- Price: $414.99
Pros
- It has a diverse set of features.
- The touchscreen is very responsive.
Cons
- It’s on the pricier side.
- The display is too small, making it hard to read.
Suggested reads,
5 Best Android GPS Navigation Apps
How to Fix Android GPS Issues: 8 Methods for You to Use
Maverick GPS Navigation: A Great Android Navigation App
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a handheld GPS be used for driving?
A handheld GPS can be used while driving without any problems. You can use it that way and even link this device to a different device to improve your vision. You only need to specify the desired place; the rest will be managed automatically by this device
2. What is a waypoint in a GPS?
A waypoint is a landmark that can be utilized for navigation and positioning. Waypoints can be a location’s precise latitude and longitude, a well-known structure, or a natural landmark.
3. How accurate is a handheld GPS?
If the device can receive a wide area augmentation system (WAAS) signal, it will be fairly accurate. Commercial grade portable GPS systems can retrieve coordinates with a horizontal accuracy of around 3 meters; otherwise, the precision is about 10 meters.
4. Is handheld GPS better than mobile GPS?
The honest answer is it depends. Your mobile phone, which has the same capabilities as a dedicated GPS unit, is typically a preferred outdoor navigation tool over a handheld GPS unit since you can download several map sources and boundary data layers to your device. However, handheld GPS systems are unquestionably superior to smartphones for features like accurate navigation in areas without cellular coverage for accurate mapping and location.
Winding Down
Handheld GPS devices come in handy for a bunch of reasons. The most crucial role would be in an emergency situation. Let’s say hypothetically, you are in an urgent situation where cell phone signals are out of reach, you can use a handheld GPS to inform emergency personnel of your specific location if you become injured or become stranded too far from any highways. Even though smartphones have GPS, it’s better to have a handheld GPS as it has more features and longer battery life. I believe this information will help you choose the best handheld GPS from the ones I have listed earlier.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on the best handheld GPS you have used in the comments below.
