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The 8 Best handheld marine gps of 2024

Are you trying to find handheld marine gps among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling handheld marine gps on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 13 hours of research and did 63 handheld marine gps tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best handheld marine gps you can buy today

SaleNo. 1
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water
  • Rugged, floating, water-resistant (IPX6 — unit level only) handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass.Special Feature:Designed to Float; Accurate Tracking; Increased Memory; Built-in Compass; BlueChart Coverage.Water Resistant: Yes
  • Increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes and 300 fit activities
  • Supports multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS) for reliable tracking around the world
  • Includes preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts
  • Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass shows heading while standing still
  • Barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude
  • Battery life: up to 20 hours in GPS mode
SaleNo. 2
Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters
  • Water-resistant, floating design, sunlight-visible 3” display and button operation provide ease of use on the water
  • Stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments to consolidate your marine system information
  • Preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts include the best of Garmin and Navionics data
  • Functions as a remote control for convenient operation of your Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products; to activate, download free apps from our Connect IQ store
  • Adjustable GPS filter smooth speed and heading indications as you cross swells
  • Pair with your compatible smartphone to receive smart notifications
  • Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 50 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode
  • Sync with the Earthmate app and Garmin explore portal For cloud management of waypoints, tracks and routes
  • Includes Wi-Fi connectivity, ANT+ technology and Bluetooth wireless technology
SaleNo. 3
Garmin GPSMAP 79s, Marine GPS Handheld with Worldwide Basemap, Rugged Design and Floats in Water
  • Rugged, floating, water-resistant (IPX6 — unit level only) handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass
  • Increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes and 300 fit activities
  • Supports multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS) for reliable tracking around the world
  • Includes worldwide basemap
  • Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass shows heading while standing still
  • Barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude
  • Battery life: up to 20 hours in GPS mode
No. 4
Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
  • Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
  • WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
  • Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
  • Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
  • See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleNo. 5
Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters (Renewed)
  • Water-resistant, floating design, sunlight-visible 3” display and button operation provide ease of use on the water
  • Stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments to consolidate your marine system information
  • Preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts include the best of Garmin and Navionics data
  • Functions as a remote control for convenient operation of your Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products; to activate, download free apps from our Connect IQ store
  • Adjustable GPS filter smooth speed and heading indications as you cross swells
  • Pair with your compatible smartphone to receive smart notifications
  • Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 50 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode
  • Sync with the Earthmate app and Garmin explore portal For cloud management of waypoints, tracks and routes
  • Includes Wi-Fi connectivity, ANT+ technology and Bluetooth wireless technology
SaleNo. 6
Garmin GPS 73, 2.6 inches, Black
  • SAILASSIST - Includes several sailing features such as virtual starting line, countdown timers, speed history and tack assist
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE - The handheld can operate for 18+ hours on 2 AA batteries
  • MARINE FEATURES - Offers marine features such as MOB, marine alarms (off course, anchor drag, etc.), route planning and navigation
  • EASY TO USE - Intuitive user interface with dedicated backlit buttons for quick and easy operation
  • USER DATA STORAGE - Stores up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks that help you get back to your favorite spots
  • Included Components: Gps 73
  • Lanyard
  • Quick Start Manual
No. 7
Garmin GPSMAP 86s Marine Handheld GPS with Worldwide Basemap
  • Fusion-Link Audio Remote Operation
  • Worldwide Basemap
  • Accurate Tracking with GPS Filter
  • ABC Sensors
  • Water-Resistant and Floating
No. 8
Standard Horizon HX890NB Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Handheld VHF/GPS - Navy Blue
  • HX890 comes packaged with all the accesories including the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, Alkaline battery tray, 110V wall charger, 220V adapter, charging cradle, 12V charger, PC programming cable and belt lip with lanyard
  • 6W transmit power output (Selectable 6/ 2/ 1 W) | 700mW Loud Audio and Noise Canceling Function for both TX/RX audio | Submersible IPX8 Construction and it floats
  • DSC (Digital Selective Calling) ITU-R M.493 Class-H Operation | W2.60’’ x H5.43’’ x D1.50’’ – Round Case Design provides excellent ergonomics
  • Built-in Integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver | 11-hour Operating Time with 1800mAh high capacity Li-ion battery | Easy to Operate Menu System with a large (1.7’’ x 1.7’’) Full-dot matrix display | Selectable Display Mode - Day & Night Mode | Waypoint and Route navigation | Group Monitor Function utilising DSC Group Position Call
  • MOB (Man over Board) feature | Water Activated Emergency “WHITE” Strobe Light | Two Scrambler Systems built-in – 4-code CVS2500A & 32-code FVP-42 | Versatile Scanning operation (Dual Watch and Triple Watch) | NOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert | FM Broadcast Radio Receiver | Micro USB Data jack for PC programming | 3 Year Waterproof Warranty
No. 9
Cobra MR HH600FLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, GPS, Bluetooth, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, Memory Scan, Grey
  • Bluetooth and GPS - Keep your phone safe and dry by making calls directly from your radio with added Bluetooth capabilities. With built-in GPS receiver, see your GPS coordinates on screen and automatically send your exact location with DSC calls.
  • Replay Missed Calls – The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noisy conditions to make sure you never miss important information from you boat.
  • Maximum Coverage – Allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels, and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.
  • Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn you real-time if threatening weather is nearby.
  • Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
No. 10
Retevis RM40 Handheld Marine Radio with GPS, DSC Radio Marine,Boat Radio Floating IP67 Submersible Waterproof,Mob,NOAA Weather Alert,1500mAh,Marine Radio Handheld with Distress for Boats Coast Guard
  • Note: DSC radio with GPS needs to enter MMSI code to use GPS location recognition function
  • RM40 Marine radio handheld with GPS function can automatically identify your position;high-precision navigation and positioning; its maximum error does not exceed 100 meters
  • DSC system can send SOS signal to others; and then you can wait for help; you need to set the DSC signal in advance; when you are in danger; you can send DSC signal; turn on the GPS; DSC can real-time update the location
  • The MOB function record your geographic location; if only you open GPS function;the geographic coordinates will be sent to other ships
  • Tri-watch can provide necessary and important information when you have commercial vessels
  • NOAA weather alarm can provide real-time weather conditions; which can help you to prepare for the bad weather in advance
  • Super waterproof performance; IP67 waterproof; quickly floating on the water surface and flashing alarm after falling into the water; it can prevent immersion in water for 30 minutes within one meter depth of water
  • Sturdy and durable; specially designed for harsh environment; strong salt spray resistance and corrosion resistance; can be used at sea for long periods of time
  • Long range; can meet the daily use needs; even far-sea operations can ensure communication safety
  • Safety guaranteed; clear sound quality; double/triple watch; can watch the channel 16 while listening to the current channel; the horn will shake the drainage and make the communication clearer
No. 11
Cobra MR HH600WFLTBTGPS Handheld Floating VHF Radio 6 Watt, GPS, Bluetooth, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, MemoryScan, White
  • Bluetooth and GPS - Keep your phone safe and dry by making calls directly from your radio with added Bluetooth capabilities. With built-in GPS receiver, see your GPS coordinates on screen and automatically send your exact location with DSC calls.
  • Replay Missed Calls – The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noising conditions to make sure you never miss important information from you boat.
  • Maximum Coverage – Allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels, and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.
  • Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm warn you real-time if threatening weather is nearby.
  • Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
SaleNo. 12
Uniden MHS335BT 6W Class D Floating Handheld VHF Marine Radio with Bluetooth, Text Message Directly To Other Vhf Text Message Capable Radios, IPX8 Submersible Design
  • The new MHS335BT pushes the boundaries of Handheld Marine VHF radio functionality, with Full 6 Watts of Power, Class D Industry Standard DSC, and integrated GPS.
  • It floats, meets the toughest waterproof IPX8 standards, clears its speaker of water after a dunking and even includes an integrated flashlight. NOAA Weather Channels – Weather Alert and S.A.M.E. local location alerts.
  • The MHS335BT is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. It’s completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather & waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to information & communication that keeps you safe at sea.
  • Full Class D Industry Standard DSC - Meets ITU-R M.493-13, 14, IEC 62238, with Integrated GPS Receiver – WAAS, SBAS, and QZSS for worldwide accuracy.
  • Bluetooth Wireless – Use smartphone app to set up the radio and text message other VHF text message capable radios. Auto Plot to Distress Call – Built-in compass screen, & Water Activated MOB – Automatically activates Distress feature when in water.
  • Includes VHF Radio, AC/DC Charging Cables, Charging Cradle, Li-Ion Battery, Alkaline Battery Tray, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, Antenna, and Printed Materials. Waypoint Navigation – Navigate to your stored locations using the compass screen.
SaleNo. 13
Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter
  • Marine-friendly handheld with high-sensitivity GPS receiver and 2.6-inch color TFT display
  • Perfect for boating/watersports--waterproof to IPX7 standards; floats in water
  • Built-in BlueChart g2 U.S./Bahamas coastal charts with shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas, and more
  • Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter for heading/altitude/weather
  • Share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible device user
No. 14
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded with BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water (Renewed)
  • Rugged, floating, water-resistant (IPX6 — unit level only) handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass
  • Increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes and 300 fit activities
  • Supports multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS) for reliable tracking around the world
  • Includes preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts
  • Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass shows heading while standing still
  • Barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude
  • Battery life: up to 20 hours in GPS mode
No. 15
Garmin Etrex 30 - REF
  • Refurb, Etrex 30 Gps, Ww
  • Garmin
SaleNo. 16
Standard Horizon HX210 6W Floating Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver [HX210]
  • Box Content: HX210 Handheld VHF, Antenna, AC/DC Rapid charger cradle, Documentation | 3-year Waterproof Warranty.
  • HX210 Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes). Built in FM Broadcast band receiver
  • HX210 Features Compact Case Design. Water Activated Emergency Strobe light. Oversized full dot matrix display. E20 Easy to Operate Menu System
  • All USA, International and Canadian channels. Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output power. Receive WX and FM radio bands 76MHz to 108MHz
  • High resolution dot matrix LCD display. Programmable function keys. Speaker mic Jack. High capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion battery. 3 hour desktop rapid charger. 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables and charging cradle included.
SaleNo. 17
Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy
  • Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
  • 2.2" sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
  • Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
  • Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
  • 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot.Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
No. 18
Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 44cv, 4.3-inch Sunlight-readable Combo, Includes GT20 Transducer, with Bluechart G3 Maps and Clearvu and Traditional Chirp Sonar
139 Consomer Reviews
Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 44cv, 4.3-inch Sunlight-readable Combo, Includes GT20 Transducer, with Bluechart G3 Maps and Clearvu and Traditional Chirp Sonar
  • Bright, sunlight-readable 4.3” combo
  • Includes GT20 transducer for Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar with transom and trolling motor mounts
  • Preloaded BlueChart g3 charts with integrated Navionics data for the coastal U.S.
  • Built-in Garmin Quickdraw Contours mapping software instantly creates personalized fishing maps on-screen with 1’ contours as you fish
  • Share waypoints and routes with other ECHOMAP or STRIKER units
SaleNo. 19
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Navy Blue - Floating 6 Watt Class H DSC Two Way Radio
  • HX890 comes packaged with all the accesories including the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, Alkaline battery tray, 110V wall charger, 220V adapter, charging cradle, 12V charger, PC programming cable and belt lip with lanyard
  • 6W transmit power output (Selectable 6/ 2/ 1 W) | 700mW Loud Audio and Noise Canceling Function for both TX/RX audio | Submersible IPX8 Construction and it floats
  • DSC (Digital Selective Calling) ITU-R M.493 Class-H Operation | W2.60’’ x H5.43’’ x D1.50’’ – Round Case Design provides excellent ergonomics
  • Built-in Integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver | 11-hour Operating Time with 1800mAh high capacity Li-ion battery | Easy to Operate Menu System with a large (1.7’’ x 1.7’’) Full-dot matrix display | Selectable Display Mode - Day & Night Mode | Waypoint and Route navigation | Group Monitor Function utilising DSC Group Position Call
  • MOB (Man over Board) feature | Water Activated Emergency “WHITE” Strobe Light | Two Scrambler Systems built-in – 4-code CVS2500A & 32-code FVP-42 | Versatile Scanning operation (Dual Watch and Triple Watch) | NOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert | FM Broadcast Radio Receiver | Micro USB Data jack for PC programming | 3 Year Waterproof Warranty
No. 20
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
2,340 Consomer Reviews
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio - 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
  • Noise-Cancelling Microphone - When embarking on a marine adventure, you need a fixed-mount marine radio for communication and safety. Our noise-cancelling microphone blocks background noise for crystal clear conversations.
  • 6 Watt VHF – This radio provides the ability to customize your conversations when there are days you spend on the water further from shore. Select between 1, 3 and 6 watts for short- and long-range communication.
  • Backlit plus Floats - This radio is backlit and has an easy-to-read orange display for higher visibility in all conditions. The orange core floating design also makes it easier to retrieve your radio if dropped overboard.
  • USA, Canada & International Channels – Maximum coverage wherever you go. This VHF marine radio allows operation on any of the three different channel maps established for these areas.
  • NOAA Weather & Emergency Radio - Be prepared and never surprised when it comes to changes on the water. Get 24-hour updates on threatening weather conditions, emergencies, and incoming hazards with built-in NOAA Weather radio channel.

How to choose a good handheld marine gps

Does the idea of finding a fantastic handheld marine gps make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in handheld marine gps. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top handheld marine gps products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top handheld marine gps on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top handheld marine gps brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top handheld marine gps based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the handheld marine gps were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good handheld marine gps, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your handheld marine gps.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting handheld marine gps for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our handheld marine gps. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what handheld marine gps should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on handheld marine gps.