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10 Best Marine Handheld Gps Devices 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a robust handheld GPS device designed for marine and outdoor use. Its 3-inch sunlight-readable color display ensures clear visibility, which is crucial for navigating in bright conditions. The device's accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GNSS support, ensuring reliable location tracking. Durability is a strong suit with this handheld, boasting a rugged build and a good waterproof rating suitable for marine environments. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 165 hours in tracking mode and up to 425 hours in expedition mode, making it ideal for long trips without frequent recharges.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,325
Accuracy
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Battery Life

Most important from
271 reviews

Accuracy
Extremely accurate tracking and navigation, even in dense forests or remote areas.
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Robust and well-built, designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting for several days on a single charge.
Mapping and Charting Capabilities
Preloaded with detailed maps and the ability to add more, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Learning curve for full utilization, but manageable with online tutorials.
#2
9.6 score

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a robust and feature-rich marine GPS device that caters well to serious anglers. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which provides detailed views of underwater structures using CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technologies. This makes it highly accurate in locating fish and understanding underwater terrains. The device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar, offering real-time, high-resolution images of fish and how they react to your lure, enhancing your fishing strategy effectively.

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Mapping and Charting Capabilities
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
521 reviews

Battery Life
Using the Elite FS 9 on a kayak is highly effective, especially with a 20ah lithium battery that lasts all day and is lightweight, making it a perfect fit for smaller vessels.
Mapping and Charting Capabilities
The preloaded maps are incredibly useful, providing all the details needed for a great fishing experience, from depths and water temps to side scan and fish finding.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Even for beginners, the device becomes more intuitive with each use, making it a valuable tool for any angler.
#3
9.4 score

Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc stands out as a solid choice for marine enthusiasts looking for a reliable handheld GPS. Its rugged design is built to endure harsh conditions, and its IPX6 water resistance means it can handle splashes and brief immersion. One of its key strengths is its ability to float, making it less likely to be lost overboard. Users benefit from the built-in BlueChart g3 coastal charts, which provide detailed mapping for navigation, while the increased memory allows for tracking thousands of waypoints and routes, enhancing its usability for both casual and serious navigators.

Rating
9.4
Accuracy
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Battery Life

Most important from
118 reviews

Accuracy
Accuracy and startup time are excellent, with predicted battery life being close to 19 hours.
Durability and Waterproof Rating
The unit's durability is commendable, though the small screen and touchy scrolling buttons can be challenging.
Battery Life
Accuracy and startup time are excellent, with predicted battery life being close to 19 hours.
Screen Size and Readability
The unit's durability is commendable, though the small screen and touchy scrolling buttons can be challenging.
Mapping and Charting Capabilities
Preloaded coastal charts are a nice touch, enhancing the device's utility for marine navigation.
Connectivity
The device supports NMEA output, a feature not well-documented but useful for communication with autopilot systems.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Despite the confusion surrounding its instructions, patience and exploration reveal the device's full potential.

Top 10 Best Marine Handheld Gps Devices 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping

Accuracy: multi-band GNSS support
Durability and Waterproof Rating: rugged build, good waterproof rating
Battery Life: 165h tracking, 425h expedition
Screen Size and Readability: 3-inch sunlight-readable display
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: TopoActive maps, satellite imagery
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
User Interface and Ease of Use: easy buttons, pairs with smartphone

Chosen by 1325 this week

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Accuracy: Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, CHIRP
Durability and Waterproof Rating: solid build, waterproof design
Screen Size and Readability: 9 Inches, high-resolution, sunlight readable
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts
Connectivity: wireless, NMEA 2000, Ethernet
User Interface and Ease of Use: user-friendly, intuitive

Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

Accuracy: Multiple satellite systems
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX6
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in GPS
Screen Size and Readability: 6 Inches, 240 x 400
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Built-in BlueChart g3, North America
Connectivity: USB
User Interface and Ease of Use: Functional, may take time to master

Humminbird Helix 7 G4 Fish Finder with Chirp Side Imaging, GPS

Battery Life: decent
Screen Size and Readability: 7 Inches
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Humminbird Basemap, AutoChart Live
User Interface and Ease of Use: friendly, keypad control

Garmin GPSMAP 86Sci, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts And Inreach Satellite Communication capabilities, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters

Durability and Waterproof Rating: Water-resistant, floating design
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Screen Size and Readability: 3 Inches, sunlight-visible
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Preloaded BlueChart G3 charts
Connectivity: Bluetooth, inReach satellite
User Interface and Ease of Use: Button operation, user-friendly

Garmin GPSMAP 65, Button-Operated Handheld with Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-Band Technology, 2.6" Color Display, 010-02451-00

Accuracy: Expanded GNSS, multi-band technology
Battery Life: 16 hours on 2 AA batteries
Screen Size and Readability: 2.6-inch color, sunlight-readable
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Preloaded TopoActive maps, Garmin Explore
Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
User Interface and Ease of Use: Button-operated

Garmin GPSMAP 79s, Marine GPS Handheld with Worldwide Basemap, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

Accuracy: GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX6
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in GPS mode
Screen Size and Readability: 3 inches, high-resolution, scratch-resistant, fogproof
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Worldwide basemap, waypoint and route storage
Connectivity: USB
User Interface and Ease of Use: Button controls

Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator

Accuracy: WAAS, HotFix, GLONASS
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Battery Life: 25 Hours
Screen Size and Readability: 2.2 inches, monochrome
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Preloaded basemap, no detailed marine charts
Connectivity: USB
User Interface and Ease of Use: Straightforward interface

Uniden MHS338BT Floating, Handheld Marine VHF Radio, 6-Watts, GPS and Bluetooth, Submersible IPX8, Emergency Strobe & Flashlight, NOAA Weather Alerts, FM Radio, Chargeing Cradle & Li-ion Battery.

Accuracy: Integrated GPS
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX8 submersible
Battery Life: Li-ion rechargeable battery
Screen Size and Readability: Large, backlit LCD screen
Mapping and Charting Capabilities: Basic, save positions, plot courses
Connectivity: Bluetooth
User Interface and Ease of Use: Straightforward, noise-canceling features
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Buying Guide for the Best Marine Handheld Gps Devices

Choosing the right marine handheld GPS device can significantly enhance your navigation experience on the water. These devices are designed to provide accurate location data, help you plot courses, and ensure you stay on track during your marine adventures. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a marine handheld GPS device.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how precisely the GPS device can determine your location. This is crucial for marine navigation, where even small errors can lead to significant deviations. Accuracy is often measured in meters, with high-end devices offering accuracy within 3 meters or less. For casual boating, a device with 5-10 meters accuracy might suffice, but for serious navigation or fishing, you should aim for higher accuracy.
Durability and Waterproof RatingDurability and waterproof rating indicate how well the device can withstand harsh marine environments. Look for devices with an IPX7 or higher rating, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is important to ensure the device remains functional even if it gets wet or is exposed to saltwater. If you frequently encounter rough conditions, prioritize higher durability and waterproof ratings.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the device can operate before needing a recharge or battery replacement. This is particularly important for extended trips where access to power sources may be limited. Devices typically offer anywhere from 10 to 30 hours of battery life. Choose a device with longer battery life if you plan on long voyages or multi-day trips without the opportunity to recharge.
Screen Size and ReadabilityScreen size and readability affect how easily you can view maps and data on the device. Larger screens provide better visibility, especially in bright sunlight, but can make the device bulkier. Smaller screens are more portable but may be harder to read. Consider your typical usage conditions and whether you prioritize portability or ease of reading in various lighting conditions.
Mapping and Charting CapabilitiesMapping and charting capabilities refer to the device's ability to display detailed maps and marine charts. Some devices come preloaded with maps, while others allow you to download additional charts. This is important for navigating unfamiliar waters and identifying hazards. If you frequently explore new areas, opt for a device with comprehensive mapping features and the ability to update or add new charts.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB, allow the device to connect with other devices or networks. This can be useful for downloading updates, sharing waypoints, or integrating with other marine electronics. If you value seamless data transfer and integration with other devices, look for a GPS with robust connectivity features.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how intuitive and straightforward the device is to operate. A well-designed interface with clear menus and easy-to-navigate controls can make a significant difference, especially in challenging conditions. If you're not tech-savvy or prefer simplicity, choose a device known for its user-friendly interface.

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