GPS Types

Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

GPS technology has evolved beyond simple navigation, offering specialized solutions for various activities. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, driving cross-country, or tracking fitness goals, there is a GPS device designed to meet your needs. Below, we break down the different types of GPS devices and their best use cases.

Handheld GPS Devices

Best For: Hiking, Backpacking, Hunting, Geocaching, Off-Road Navigation
Handheld GPS units are designed for rugged outdoor use, offering topographic maps, waypoint tracking, and satellite connectivity for off-grid navigation. Many models include altimeters, barometers, and weather tracking.

Popular Brands: Garmin, Magellan, Satmap
Key Features:

  • Rugged and waterproof design
  • Preloaded maps and route planning
  • Long battery life for extended trips
  • Some models offer satellite messaging and SOS (Garmin inReach)

Automotive GPS & Road Navigation Systems

Best For: Road Trips, Commuting, Ridesharing, RV Travel
Automotive GPS units provide real-time navigation, traffic updates, and voice-guided directions. Many models integrate with smartphones for hands-free operation and include dash-mounted displays.

Popular Brands: Garmin, TomTom, Rand McNally
Key Features:

  • Turn-by-turn navigation
  • Offline maps and real-time traffic updates
  • Voice control and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dash cam integration in some models

Marine GPS & Fishfinders

Best For: Boating, Fishing, Sailing, Marine Navigation
Marine GPS units are designed for open-water navigation, with features like depth charts, sonar capabilities (fish finders), and tide tracking. They help boaters plot courses and avoid underwater hazards.

Popular Brands: Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad
Key Features:

  • Waterproof and saltwater-resistant build
  • Sonar integration for fishing
  • Tide charts and depth maps
  • Some models offer radar and autopilot features

Aviation GPS

Best For: Pilots, Flight Instructors, Private and Commercial Aviation
Aviation GPS units provide airspace alerts, weather updates, and terrain awareness for pilots. They enhance flight planning and in-air navigation, ensuring safer and more efficient flights.

Popular Brands: Garmin, ForeFlight, BendixKing
Key Features:

  • Flight route planning and navigation
  • FAA-certified systems available
  • Real-time weather and airspace alerts
  • Some models include ADS-B traffic tracking

Cycling & Fitness GPS

Best For: Cycling, Running, Triathlons, Fitness Tracking
Cycling GPS devices provide real-time tracking, route planning, and performance metrics. Many models sync with fitness apps to track heart rate, cadence, and power output.

Popular Brands: Garmin, Wahoo, Polar
Key Features:

  • GPS-based route tracking and turn-by-turn directions
  • Wireless connectivity with smartphones and fitness apps
  • Live performance monitoring (speed, elevation, heart rate)
  • Weather-resistant and lightweight design

Hunting & Outdoor GPS

Best For: Hunting, Off-Roading, Overlanding, Camping, Survival
Designed for wilderness navigation, these GPS units often include topo maps, hunting waypoints, and land boundary data. Some models feature two-way satellite messaging for off-grid safety.

Popular Brands: Garmin, Magellan, Bushnell
Key Features:

  • Preloaded hunting maps and land boundaries
  • Off-grid navigation with waypoints and tracking
  • SOS and satellite messaging capabilities
  • Rugged, shockproof, and waterproof design

Emergency GPS & Satellite Communicators

Best For: Search & Rescue, Emergency Preparedness, Solo Adventurers
Emergency GPS devices include Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and Satellite Messengers that send distress signals, share location data, and provide two-way communication when cellular service is unavailable.

Popular Brands: Garmin inReach, SPOT, ACR ResQLink
Key Features:

  • Global SOS distress signal via satellite
  • Two-way messaging and tracking
  • Waterproof and impact-resistant
  • Subscription-based satellite connectivity required

Which GPS is Right for You?

Choosing the right GPS depends on where and how you plan to use it. Whether you’re navigating backcountry trails, exploring open waters, or tracking your fitness progress, having a reliable GPS device enhances safety and efficiency.

Not sure which one to choose? Check out our [GPS Buying Guide] for expert recommendations.