Best GPS Handhelds 2026

Garmin GPSMAP 67

Best for: Best overall GPS handheld — Garmin GPSMAP 67 with multiband satellite, preloaded topo maps, and 36-hour battery

Rated 9.5/10 by our testing team

The Garmin GPSMAP 67 is the definitive handheld GPS for serious hikers and backpackers. Multiband satellite reception delivers 2-3 meter accuracy even under dense tree canopy. Preloaded TopoActive maps cover the entire US with trail detail and elevation contours. The 36-hour battery handles multi-day trips without charging. The 3-inch sunlight-readable screen is usable in direct sun and deep shade. This is the GPS that search and rescue teams carry.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Best for: Best satellite communicator — Garmin inReach Mini 2 with SOS, two-way messaging, and GPS navigation

Rated 9.3/10 by our testing team

The inReach Mini 2 is the most important piece of gear for solo backcountry hikers. The SOS button connects you to GEOS 24/7 emergency response via the Iridium satellite network — anywhere on Earth. Two-way messaging lets you text family and trip contacts when there is zero cell coverage. At 3.5 oz it adds negligible pack weight. The GPS navigation is functional for waypoints and TracBack but the small screen makes it a supplement, not a replacement, for a full GPS unit. Pair it with a GPSMAP 67 for complete navigation and communication.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Garmin eTrex SE Handheld GPS

Best for: Best budget GPS handheld — Garmin eTrex SE with multiband GPS and AA battery compatibility

The eTrex SE brings multiband GPS to the budget price point — a first for Garmin's entry-level line. AA battery compatibility means virtually unlimited runtime with spare cells, and the 168-hour rating is the longest in this guide. At 5 oz with batteries it is ultralight. The 2.2-inch screen is small but readable. No preloaded maps — you download them free via the Garmin Explore app. For budget hikers who want reliable multiband GPS navigation without premium features, the eTrex SE is an exceptional value.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Garmin Montana 700i GPS

Best for: Best large-screen GPS — Garmin Montana 700i with 5-inch touchscreen, inReach, and preloaded maps

Rated 9.2/10 by our testing team

The Montana 700i is the flagship all-in-one GPS — a 5-inch glove-friendly touchscreen, built-in inReach satellite communication, preloaded topo and road maps, and an 8 MP camera for geotagged photos. It replaces a GPSMAP and inReach Mini in a single device. The 5-inch screen makes map reading genuinely comfortable. The trade-off is size and weight — this is a large device better suited to vehicle mounting or belt carry than pocket carry. For overlanders, hunters, and expedition hikers who want everything in one device, the Montana 700i is the premium choice.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radio

Best for: Best overall walkie-talkie — Motorola T800 with Bluetooth app, GPS sharing, and 35-mile FRS/GMRS

Rated 9.3/10 by our testing team

The Motorola T800 is the most feature-rich consumer walkie-talkie available. The Bluetooth-connected Talkabout app overlays GPS positions of all T800 users on an offline map — you can see where everyone in your group is without cell service. NOAA weather monitoring, 22 channels, and IPX4 weather resistance cover outdoor needs. In our field testing, the T800 delivered 2.5 miles of clear communication on forested trails and 4 miles across open fields. The GPS sharing alone justifies the premium over basic radios.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Retevis RT22 Two-Way Radio (2-Pack)

Best for: Best budget walkie-talkie — Retevis RT22 ultra-compact two-pack at the lowest price for basic communication

The Retevis RT22 is the simplest, most affordable walkie-talkie you can buy. At 3.2 oz each, they are genuinely palm-sized — smaller than most smartphones. The 16 FRS channels provide license-free communication. VOX hands-free mode activates transmission when you speak without pressing a button. Range is limited to 1-2 miles in real conditions, but for family camping, theme parks, ski resorts, and neighborhood use, the RT22 two-pack does the job at an unbeatable price.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio

Best for: Best mid-range walkie-talkie — Motorola T460 with built-in flashlight, NOAA weather, and emergency alert

Rated 9.1/10 by our testing team

The Motorola T460 is the practical mid-range choice — NOAA weather channels, a built-in LED flashlight, emergency alert button, and Motorola's proven audio quality at a price between the budget RT22 and premium T800. No Bluetooth or GPS sharing, but the core communication quality is excellent. In our testing it delivered 2.5 miles on forested trails with clear audio. The built-in flashlight is a surprisingly useful addition for camping. For users who want Motorola reliability with essential outdoor features at a moderate price, the T460 hits the sweet spot.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two-Way Radio

Best for: Best for ham radio beginners — BaoFeng UV-5R dual-band VHF/UHF with programmable frequencies

The BaoFeng UV-5R is not a consumer walkie-talkie — it is an entry-level ham radio that operates on VHF and UHF frequencies with 128 programmable channels and 4W output. An FCC amateur radio license (Technician class, $35, requires passing a 35-question test) is legally required to transmit on ham frequencies. The UV-5R's sub-$30 price makes it the cheapest way to enter amateur radio. For preppers, ham radio enthusiasts, and anyone who wants serious range (5-10+ miles with a better antenna), the UV-5R is the gateway radio.

Prices checked Jun 28, 2026