Best Compass Handheld GPS of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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The Compass Handheld GPS is a versatile and reliable navigation device suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. This compact and lightweight device is equipped with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, allowing for accurate positioning even in challenging environments. The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it easy to use, while the rugged and durable design ensures it can withstand harsh conditions. With features such as waypoint marking, route planning, and track recording, the Compass Handheld GPS is an essential tool for anyone exploring the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin GPSMAP 65s Cover #TOP 1
Garmin GPSMAP 65s
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator Cover #TOP 2
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures Cover #TOP 3
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Compass Handheld GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 65s

010-02451-10
Green
Garmin GPSMAP 65s Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 65s, Button-Operated Handheld with Altimeter and Compass, Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-Band Technology, 2.6" Color Display

The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is a button-operated handheld GPS device with an altimeter and compass, expanded satellite support, and multi-band technology. It has a large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing, and includes routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only). It is compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app, and has a battery life of 16 hours.

What We Like
Large 2.6” sunlight-readable color display
Expanded global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and multi-band technology
Routable TopoActive mapping and federal public land map (U.S. only)
Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app
Long battery life of 16 hours

Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator

010-02734-00
Black/Yellow
One Size
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator Cover
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator, Extra Battery Life, Wireless Connectivity, Multi-GNSS Support, Sunlight Readable Screen

This handheld GPS navigator by Garmin comes with a 2.2” high-resolution screen that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. It has long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode. The device supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone. You can pair it with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping. It also comes with a water-resistant design and digital compass.

What We Like
Long battery life
Easy to read screen
Supports multiple global navigation satellite systems
Water-resistant design
Digital compass for accurate heading
#TOP 3

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures

010-02602-00
Orange
Unit Only
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures Cover
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange - 010-02602-00

Stay connected and safe on your outdoor adventures with the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This lightweight and compact satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally, with a special feature of Bluetooth and water resistance. You can navigate back to your starting point with TracBack routing and share your location with loved ones back home using your MapShare page or coordinates embedded in your messages. The digital compass provides accurate heading information even when you're not moving. Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping. With a battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, the inReach Mini 2 is a reliable companion on your adventures.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight for easy portability
Global two-way messaging and interactive SOS capabilities
TracBack routing and digital compass for navigation
Syncs with Garmin Explore app for trip planning and topographical mapping
Long battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
#TOP 4

Garmin GPSMAP 64sx

010-02258-10
Black/Tan
One Size
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Cover
Garmin 010-02258-10 GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass, Preloaded With TopoActive Maps, Black/Tan

The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is a rugged and water-resistant handheld GPS with a 2.6” sunlight-readable color display. It comes preloaded with Topo Active maps (U.S. and Australia only) featuring routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking, and is equipped with a high-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter. It also has wireless connectivity via Bluetooth technology and ANT+ technology, and a battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode.

What We Like
Rugged and water-resistant design
Preloaded with Topo Active maps
High-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna
Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and ANT
Long battery life
#TOP 5

Garmin eTrex Solar

010-02782-00
Black
Garmin eTrex Solar Cover
Garmin eTrex® Solar, GPS Handheld Navigator, Unlimited Battery Life, Water Resistant

The Garmin Solar GPS Navigator allows you to read the 2.2” display easily, even in bright sunlight. Enjoy unlimited battery life under sunny conditions or up to 200 hours without solar charging. Access multiple GPS frequencies for precise positioning. Use the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone for wireless updates, trip planning, weather information, and notifications. With cache updates from Geocaching Live, you can get descriptions, logs, and hints. This handheld GPS also features a digital compass for accurate headings and is water-resistant for hiking in any weather.

What We Like
Unlimited battery life
Multi-band GPS for accuracy
Pair with smartphone app
#TOP 6

Garmin Foretrex 601

010-01772-00
2 inches
Garmin Foretrex 601 Cover
Garmin 010-01772-00 Foretrex 601, 2 inches

The Garmin Foretrex 601 is a durable handheld GPS device constructed to military standards. It is compatible with night vision goggles and can be controlled by voice. With GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, it provides accurate positioning. Navigation sensors, including a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass, and barometric altimeter, help you know where you are. The smart notifications allow your device to receive emails, texts, and alerts. The battery life is exceptional, with more than 48 hours in navigation mode, up to 1 week in UltraTrac mode, and up to 1 month in watch mode.

What We Like
Durable
Multiple satellite systems
Navigation sensors
Smart notifications
Long battery life

Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld

010-02635-02
Black
No Size
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is a rugged, water-resistant handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass. It features increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 fit activities, and supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world. The device comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts, has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, and a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. The battery life is up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

What We Like
Water-resistant, rugged design
Increased memory for saving and tracking waypoints, routes, and activities
Supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world
Comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts
Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter
#TOP 8

Garmin eTrex SE GPS Handheld Navigator

Certified Brands
XN-P01
eTrex SE
Garmin eTrex SE GPS Handheld Navigator Cover
Garmin eTrex GPS Handheld Navigator | Extra Battery Life, Wireless Connectivity, Multi-GNSS Support, Sunlight Readable Screen

Adventure easily with the Garmin Handheld GPS Navigator. Enjoy extra battery life, wireless connectivity, and multi-GNSS support. The high-resolution 2.2” screen ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight. With access to multiple global navigation satellite systems, tracking is accurate in challenging environments. Connect to the Garmin Explore app for wireless updates, trip planning, and real-time forecasts. The digital compass provides precise heading information, making your outdoor exploration smoother.

What We Like
Extra Battery Life
Multi-GNSS Support
Wireless Connectivity
#TOP 9

Garmin eTrex 32x: Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator

010-02257-00
Brown
Garmin eTrex 32x: Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator

The Garmin eTrex 32x is a rugged handheld GPS navigator that is preloaded with Topo Active maps and supports GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. It features a 2.2” sunlight-readable color display, 8 GB of internal memory, a 3-axis compass, and barometric altimeter. With 2 AA batteries, it offers up to 25 hours of battery life in GPS mode. It is perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like
Preloaded with Topo Active maps
2.2” sunlight-readable color display
Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
8 GB of internal memory
3-axis compass and barometric altimeter

SUNROAD Altimeter GPS Watch

SG_B07KWVMQJ2_US
yellow
SUNROAD Altimeter GPS Watch Cover
Altimeter GPS Digital Waterproof Outdoor Altitude Pre-Warning Remind Compass Stopwatch Sports -Barometer Weather Forcast Pedometer SUNROAD

The SUNROAD GPS Watch is a versatile outdoor companion with a three satellite GPS tracker for accurate positioning, ideal for tracking speed, distance, and routes. Its altimeter function measures sea level or climbing height with precision, providing historical data trends and customizable height reminders. The barometer feature displays air pressure trends, while the 16-position compass ensures easy navigation on hiking trails. With added functions like humidity meter, thermometer, and LED flashlight, this watch is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.

What We Like
Accurate GPS Tracking
Altimeter with Historical Data
Barometer for Air Pressure
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the most accurate handheld GPS?

The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is at the top of its class in terms of accuracy and reliability, earning it our top honors. It boasts a powerful quad-helix antenna and reliably connects to more satellite networks with greater accuracy than most other models.

2. Which is better GPS or compass?

A GPS unit provides far more detailed navigational information than a compass, although the navigational understanding required is more superficial. Using a compass with a map gives a broader geographical context, helps you remember the route and learn about other things on the way.

3. What is the easiest hand held GPS to use?

The Garmin Foretrex handheld GPS is not only the TopNotch Top pick but also one of the most reliable and rugged devices around. It doesn't have a fancy display but being a wrist-mounted device, it offers hands-free convenience.

4. Is it worth getting a handheld GPS?

Compared to a smartphone, a handheld GPS has major advantages, including superior durability and much longer battery life. Simply put, no other kind of device on the market can take the place of a good handheld GPS.

Editor's Notes

During our compass handheld gp research, we found 16 compass handheld gp products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,922 customer reviews through our big data system to write the compass handheld gps list. We found that most customers choose compass handheld gps with an average price of $235.78.

The compass handheld gps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of compass handheld gps, including Garmin, Certified Brands, SUNROAD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.