What Is The Easiest GPS To Use? (What to Look For)
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INTRODUCTION
What Is The Easiest GPS To Use?
How many people think handheld GPS devices are too complicated for new adventurers?
Let me assure you that’s not true at all.
Let’s admit it.
No matter where you head for your adventure trips, a reliable GPS is a must-have in your pack or pocket.
The question is, what is the easiest handheld GPS to use among the various options?
Whether you’re a hiker, mountaineer, or a hunter, heading into the wilderness with a GPS that you can’t operate is a sure-fire way to invite trouble.
And the truth is, losing your way in the wild is not at all as romantic as you might imagine.
On the other hand, there are easy to use gps devices that make getting lost an almost impossible task.
Seriously speaking, such devices simply won’t allow you to take a wrong turn.
Moreover, they’ll pinpoint your location to within just a few feet.
Just for the newbies out there, here’s an excellent piece about how the satellite navigation system works.
Now, not everyone is tech-savvy.
But should that prevent you from heading out on an adventure?
Absolutely not.
So for us, a simple handheld GPS should have some essential features which include the following:
- Easy to use interface
- Good display
- Excellent speed
- Great build quality
Related: 10 Best Handheld GPS
What Is The Easiest Handheld GPS To Use?
Let’s come back to the question of “what is the easiest GPS to use”.
The TopNotch Team recently reviewed the top 10 handheld GPS units on the market for 2024.
And guess what?
All of them belonged to the top brand to dominate the segment – aka Garmin.
In reality, there’s hardly another brand that comes close to the quality, reliability, and wide range of features that Garmin GPS devices deliver.
So let’s check out some of the top products to find what is the easiest handheld 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.
The high-end GPS chip in the device keeps the performance sharp and precise at all points.
Don’t forget, the black and white display offers excellent all-round readability.
In fact, you can make it more comfortable by getting a camping seat pad.
The GPS allows you to store all your routes and waypoints and there’s also the excellent Tracback feature to retrace your path.
Also, you get the electronic compass and barometric altimeter to provide all the data you need.
The menus can be easily customized and there’s wireless data sharing too.
The dual AAA batteries delivered a running time of around 17 hours to our team.
Moreover, it’s compact, waterproof, and rugged enough to withstand a few bumps.
If you want to keep it simple but efficient, nothing beats this easy to use handheld GPS from Garmin.
In case you want a more traditional looking GPS with a first-rate color display, try the eTrex 20x; the Best Value Choice in our review. It’s a basic model that’s inexpensive and perfect for first-time users.
The combination of a toggle switch and buttons makes navigating the menu a smooth affair. You can easily load topographic maps in the device and use the Garmin Basecamp software to plan your route.
Even though it’s a small device, you’ll be surprised how fast and accurate it is – thanks to the highly sensitive GPS receiver.
In addition, it also supports GPX files to guide your geocaching adventures.
Then again, the GPS comes without a compass but the excellent battery life makes it a dependable choice. It’s a rugged GPS that’s also IPX7 rated for waterproofing.
All in all, if lightweight convenience is what you need, this simple to use GPS is definitely a superb pick.
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is a great option when you want a more advanced model that still keeps things simple. Note that it supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite networks which makes it extremely accurate.
Additionally, there’s enough memory to load all the high-resolution maps you need. What’s more, you get support for BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
The screen quality is very good and the overall readability is first-rate. A 3-axis compass along with a barometric altimeter is also included.
Being a traditional buttoned unit, the handling is pretty simple and the large buttons make it even easier. The menu is easy to use and customizations can be made to suit you. Also, there are 250,000 preloaded geocaches for geocaching support.
Overall, it’s not only among the most accurate handheld GPS units, but also an all-weather device to support you anywhere and everywhere.
Our final choice is for all the touchscreen lovers out there who love a GPS with smartphone-like getup would be a Garmin Montana. The main attraction is the 4-inch dual-orientation touchscreen display that makes the operation smooth and easy.
Beyond that, it’s also one of the fastest devices that we tested and the accuracy levels are best-in-class. The best part is, while a beginner will love its simplicity, advanced users will dig the high-end features.
On top of that, it’s got an 8 MP camera that allows you to share your waypoints as images. Like other Garmin devices, the build quality is Top-Notch and the battery life is pretty impressive too.
Due to its large size, we didn’t recommend it among the best waterproof handheld GPS devices. But if you ask me what is the easiest GPS to use in a car, the Montana 680 is definitely a great option.
To sum up, this is one of the best all-rounders from Garmin with its remarkable versatility.
Conclusion: What Is The Easiest GPS To Use?
So, what’s the magic formula for choosing a simple to use GPS?
Actually, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice when you ask ‘what is the easiest handheld GPS to use?’.
Before going through the various options and exhausting yourself, it’s best to find out what you really need from a GPS.
Your choice will also depend on the type of activity you’re planning and your budget.
Our advice: If this is your first purchase, it’s best to start with something simple and then advance as you gain experience.
In any case, the above options are some of the easiest handheld GPS to use on the market today.
Now, you have all the necessary information at your fingertips – it’s up to you to make your choice.
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