The Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS is our best budget handheld gps pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
A pocket-size dual-system handheld that runs on two AA batteries and covers the basics well without the price of the GPSMAP line.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top handheld GPS units, and below we break down how it did on Reception, Ease of Use, Display Quality, Speed, Weight and Size, Versatility, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Best Budget Handheld GPS
Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS
- Display: 2.2 in, 240 by 320 px color
- Battery: 2 AA, up to 25 hr
- Weight: about 5 oz with batteries
- GNSS: GPS and GLONASS
- Water rating: IPX7
- Memory: 8 GB internal, microSD slot
Bottom Line : A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
Pros
- Low price for a real mapping GPS
- Light and pocketable at about 5 oz
- AA batteries you can swap anywhere
- Sunlight-readable color screen
Cons
- No multi-band, so less accurate in tough terrain
- Fiddly joystick with gloves
- No altimeter or compass
Our Verdict: Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS
A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
A pocket-size dual-system handheld that runs on two AA batteries and covers the basics well without the price of the GPSMAP line.
So, is it any good?
About 5 ounces with batteries, one of the lightest units here.
Compact enough to ride in a jacket pocket or clip to a pack strap.
For the money it does everything a weekend hiker needs and the AA batteries mean I am never stranded. The joystick drives me a little mad with gloves on, though.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Low price for a real mapping GPS
- Light and pocketable at about 5 oz
- AA batteries you can swap anywhere
- Sunlight-readable color screen
Reasons to avoid:
- No multi-band, so less accurate in tough terrain
- Fiddly joystick with gloves
- No altimeter or compass
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on weight and size and weakest on versatility.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Reception
Tracks GPS and GLONASS, but no Galileo and no multi-band.
Owners report quick signal acquisition and a solid lock even under tree cover.
Accuracy is fine for trails but drifts more than multi-band units in canyons.
| Reception | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 7/10 |
| Category average | 8.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Ease of Use
Controlled by a small thumb joystick and a few side buttons.
The joystick takes finesse, especially with gloves, and text entry is slow.
Here's what that means:
Basic navigation is simple once you learn the button layout.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Display Quality
A 2.2 inch, 240 by 320 transflective color screen that stays readable in direct sun.
Colors do not wash out in bright light, though it is small for detailed maps.
The backlight helps in dim light but drains the AA batteries faster.
| Display Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Speed
Cold-start fix is quick in open sky.
Redrawing and zooming maps is a touch slow on this budget processor.
Fine for waypoint and track work at a walking pace.
| Speed | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Weight and Size
About 5 ounces with batteries, one of the lightest units here.
Compact enough to ride in a jacket pocket or clip to a pack strap.
| Weight and Size | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Versatility
Preloaded base map with support for adding TopoActive and custom maps.
No barometric altimeter and no electronic compass, so elevation and heading are GPS-derived.
Handles waypoints, tracks and simple geocaching but lacks sensor extras.
| Versatility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS?
A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
It is best suited to first-time buyers who want a light, affordable trail gps.
Bottom line?
The big win: Low price for a real mapping GPS.
The main compromise: No multi-band, so less accurate in tough terrain.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Handheld GPSs Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator is our best handheld gps for hiking. The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 Multi-Band Handheld GPS is our best handheld gps for fishing. Multi-band accuracy on swappable AA batteries, a strong pick for anglers who want long field runtime.
The Garmin GPSMAP 67 Rugged Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps. The most accurate button GPS Garmin sells, held back only by an aging screen resolution.
Specifications
| Display | 2.2 in, 240 by 320 px color |
| Battery | 2 AA, up to 25 hr |
| Weight | about 5 oz with batteries |
| GNSS | GPS and GLONASS |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| Memory | 8 GB internal, microSD slot |
Conclusion: Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS
After testing it against the other top handheld GPS units, the Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS earns its place as our best budget handheld gps pick.
Its standout strength: Low price for a real mapping GPS.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: No multi-band, so less accurate in tough terrain.
If you want first-time buyers who want a light, affordable trail gps, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Handheld GPS guide.
