GPS Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right GPS Device

With so many GPS devices available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Whether you need a GPS for hiking, driving, marine navigation, or fitness tracking, this guide will help you find the best GPS device for your needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Primary Use Case

Different GPS devices are optimized for different purposes. Identifying how you plan to use your GPS will help narrow down your options.

1. Handheld GPS for Outdoor Adventures

Best For: Hiking, backpacking, geocaching, and hunting. Key Features to Look For:

  • Preloaded topographic maps
  • Waypoint marking and breadcrumb trails
  • Waterproof and rugged design
  • Long battery life and replaceable batteries

2. Vehicle GPS for Road Navigation

Best For: Driving, road trips, and RV navigation. Key Features to Look For:

  • Turn-by-turn voice navigation
  • Live traffic and weather updates
  • Large touchscreen display
  • Offline maps for travel in remote areas

3. Marine GPS for Boating and Fishing

Best For: Boaters, sailors, and anglers. Key Features to Look For:

  • Waterproof and floating design
  • Tide charts and depth maps
  • Sonar integration for fish finders
  • Marine-specific waypoints and navigation tools

4. Aviation GPS for Pilots

Best For: Private and commercial pilots. Key Features to Look For:

  • FAA-approved navigation systems
  • Airspace alerts and terrain awareness
  • Weather tracking and flight route planning
  • ADS-B integration for real-time traffic updates

5. Fitness & Smart GPS Watches

Best For: Running, cycling, triathlons, and general fitness tracking. Key Features to Look For:

  • GPS-based distance and pace tracking
  • Heart rate monitoring and fitness analytics
  • Smart notifications and music storage
  • Waterproof design for swimming and all-weather use

6. Emergency & Personal Safety GPS

Best For: Search and rescue, emergency preparedness, and backcountry travel. Key Features to Look For:

  • SOS functionality and satellite messaging
  • Personal locator beacons (PLBs) for distress signals
  • Two-way communication for off-grid messaging
  • Long-lasting battery life for emergency use

Step 2: Consider Important Features

Once you’ve chosen the type of GPS, consider key features that enhance usability and reliability.

1. Mapping and Navigation

  • Preloaded maps (topographic, road, marine, or aviation)
  • Turn-by-turn directions and route planning
  • Offline map storage for remote areas
  • Waypoint marking and trackback features

2. Satellite Connectivity

  • GPS (U.S.), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China)
  • Multi-band support for better accuracy

3. Battery Life and Power Options

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion vs. replaceable batteries
  • Solar charging capability for extended trips
  • Power-saving modes for longer usage

4. Connectivity and Smart Features

  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for syncing with smartphones
  • Smart notifications (texts, calls, app alerts)
  • Cloud backup and data sharing

5. Durability and Waterproof Rating

  • IPX-rated waterproofing for outdoor and marine use
  • Rugged casing for shock and impact resistance

Step 3: Compare Brands and Models

Several brands dominate the GPS market, each catering to specific use cases.

Top GPS Brands

  • Garmin – Leading brand for handheld, vehicle, marine, aviation, and fitness GPS.
  • TomTom – Known for vehicle navigation and turn-by-turn guidance.
  • Magellan – Specializes in outdoor and off-road navigation.
  • Suunto & Coros – Popular for fitness and outdoor GPS watches.
  • Lowrance & Simrad – Best for marine and fishing GPS systems.

Step 4: Set a Budget

GPS devices range from budget-friendly models under $100 to high-end units costing $500 or more. Consider your must-have features and compare prices accordingly.

Step 5: Read Reviews and User Feedback

Check customer reviews and expert opinions to ensure the GPS device meets performance expectations in real-world use.

Find the Best GPS for Your Needs

Selecting the right GPS device requires understanding your needs, comparing features, and choosing a model that balances performance and affordability. Whether you need a rugged handheld GPS, a high-tech fitness watch, or a reliable car navigation system, this guide will help you make an informed decision.