Best Compass Handheld GPS of 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
Top 10 Compass Handheld GPS
Garmin GPSMAP 65s
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.
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator
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.
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures
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.
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx
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.
Garmin eTrex Solar
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.
Garmin Foretrex 601
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.
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld
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.
Garmin eTrex SE GPS Handheld Navigator
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.
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.
SUNROAD Altimeter GPS Watch
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.
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.
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.

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.