Best Handheld GPS for Marine of 2026

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Handheld GPS for marine is a reliable and essential tool for boaters and fishermen. These devices are designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the location, speed, and direction of the vessel. They are also equipped with advanced features such as chart plotting, fish-finding, and weather forecasting. Handheld GPS devices are compact, portable, and easy to use, making them perfect for any type of marine activity. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and are built to last, ensuring that you can navigate with confidence on any waterway. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a novice, a handheld GPS for marine is a must-have tool for safe and successful navigation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Cover #TOP 1
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures Cover #TOP 2
Garmin inReach Mini 2: Compact Satellite Communicator for Global Adventures
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Dual Electronics XGPS160 GPS Receiver Cover #TOP 3
Dual Electronics XGPS160 GPS Receiver
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Handheld GPS for Marine

#TOP 1

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 2

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 3

Dual Electronics XGPS160 GPS Receiver

Dual Electronics XGPS160 GPS Receiver Cover
Dual Electronics XGPS160 Multipurpose Universal 5 Device Bluetooth GPS Receiver with Wide Area Augmentation System and Portable Attachment

Dual GPS Receiver is a multipurpose universal Bluetooth device that allows you to connect up to five devices in seconds. With the highly sensitive Wide Area Augmentation System, you can get accurate and reliable GPS coordinates, even in areas where GPS signals are weak. The device comes with a long battery life of up to 10 hours of continuous use and a USB charging cord. It also includes an adjustable strap, 12-30V car charger, and non-slip pad that can stick to most surfaces. With this GPS receiver, you can now use hundreds of available apps for car, marine, and aerial navigation, hiking, fitness, social networking, and more.

What We Like
Accurate and reliable GPS coordinates
Connects up to 5 devices via Bluetooth
Long battery life of up to 10 hours

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator

010-02256-00
Black/Navy
One Size
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy

The Garmin eTrex 22x is a reliable handheld GPS navigator that comes preloaded with Topo Active maps for cycling and hiking. It features a 2.2" sunlight-readable color display, 8GB of internal memory, and support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. Customers have praised its accuracy, ease of use, and portability, though some have noted that it lacks a true electronic compass and the current time cannot be displayed with seconds.

What We Like
Preloaded with Topo Active maps
2.2" sunlight-readable color display
GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
8GB of internal memory
Accurate, easy to use, and portable
#TOP 5

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

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
#TOP 7

Garmin Foretrex 801

010-02759-00
Balck
Garmin Foretrex 801 Cover
Garmin Foretrex 801, Wrist-Mounted GPS Navigation with Strap, Upgraded Multi-Band GNSS, Longer Battery Life

The Garmin Foretrex 801 is a wrist-mounted GPS navigator that offers advanced navigation features and longer battery life. With its monochromatic screen, it is easy to read in various lighting conditions. Equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass, and barometric altimeter, this device helps you navigate the terrain with precision. The upgraded multi-band signal reception technology ensures improved position accuracy. Additionally, the Foretrex 801 offers features like stealth mode to protect your privacy, a kill switch to erase device memory for security purposes, and night vision compatibility. You can also connect it to the Garmin Explore app to plan and review your adventures, and receive smart notifications when paired with your smartphone.

What We Like
Advanced navigation features
Longer battery life
Improved position accuracy
#TOP 8

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

ZL1000
One Color
One Size
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Cover
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator – Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location – Android iOS Smartphone Accessory

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a rugged and GPS location-aware device that connects with your smartphone via the free ZOLEO app to provide seamless coverage wherever you go. It extends your messaging coverage to everywhere on earth transmitting over the lowest cost network available, allowing you to send and receive messages from any SMS text number, email address or another ZOLEO app user. The device also features emergency alerting, dedicated SMS phone number and email address, long-lasting battery life, easy device sharing, and configurable message check interval.

What We Like
Seamless messaging coverage wherever you go
Dedicated SMS phone number and email address
Long-lasting battery life
Easy device sharing
Emergency alerting feature
#TOP 9

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

010-02812-00
Black/Flame Red
One Size
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a rugged GPS handheld device that offers a range of features to enhance your outdoor adventures. With its large 3-inch color display, you can easily view maps and navigate with ease. The device also includes two-way messaging and location tracking capabilities, allowing you to stay connected even in remote areas. In case of emergencies, you can trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center. The GPSMAP 67i also provides access to preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, as well as satellite imagery, active weather forecasts, and Geocaching Live when paired with your compatible smartphone. With its long-lasting rechargeable battery, this handheld GPS device is ready for any expedition.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable display
Two-way messaging
Interactive SOS
#TOP 10

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator

010-00970-00
Yellow and black
Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator

The Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator is a rugged and waterproof device with a 2.2 inch monochrome display. It is preloaded with a worldwide basemap and supports paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. It is powered by two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use and can track more satellites than other GPS devices. It is great for cyclists, walkers, hikers, and off-roaders, but the contrast on the display is weak and the light can come on with a simple flick of the button.

What We Like
Rugged and waterproof
Preloaded with worldwide basemap
Supports paperless geocaching
Tracks more satellites than other GPS devices
Powered by two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you use a handheld GPS on a boat?

Yes, you can use a handheld GPS on a boat. If you intend to use it as your primary navigation tool, it is recommended to mount it in a helm location where it can be easily seen and operated. It is also important to connect it to the boat's power source to avoid relying solely on the unit's internal batteries.

2. Is a handheld GPS worth getting?

Yes, a handheld GPS is worth getting. While smartphones and GPS watches can be useful for navigation, they do not provide the same level of interactive and detailed capabilities as a high-quality handheld GPS. With a handheld GPS, you can view a layered overview of the terrain, insert waypoints, plan routes, and easily log data, making it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and marine navigation.

Editor's Notes

During our handheld gp for marine research, we found 16 handheld gp for marine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 64,359 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handheld gps for marine list. We found that most customers choose handheld gps for marine with an average price of $208.52.

The handheld gps for marine are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handheld gps for marine, including Garmin, Dual Electronics, ZOLEO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 109 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.