The 5 Best GPS Devices On Earth Today

Global Positioning System (GPS) devices have become indispensable tools for navigation, location tracking, health and fitness monitoring, and more. Whether driving an unfamiliar route, exploring the backcountry, or keeping tabs on a vehicle fleet, today‘s GPS devices provide accurate positioning to guide your way.

Choosing the right GPS device depends largely on your intended use – are you a hiker needing topo maps? A driver seeking traffic updates? A parent tracking kids? This guide covers the capabilities of leading device types and recommends the top model in each category.

Best Handheld GPS: Garmin GPSMAP 66st

The Garmin GPSMAP 66st consistently ranks as the best outdoor handheld GPS device thanks to exceptional satellite connectivity, navigation features, and durability. Its dual satellite reception locking onto both GPS and GLONASS systems provides more accurate positioning in challenging environments like dense foliage or deep canyons.

The device is designed for use with gloves, with large buttons and a high-sensitivity receiver. The display is readable in direct sunlight or rain. With 16GB of internal memory and a microSD slot for more storage, it can hold substantial amounts of mapping data. The built-in 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer aid navigation and tracking.

Pairing the unit with a smartphone allows for wireless transfers of data like waypoints, tracks, and routes. For connectivity beyond mobile service, the 66st can transmit position reports and text messages via optional satellite communicators. This is the go-to GPS handheld for search & rescue professionals, geocachers, hunters, anglers, and extreme environs expeditions.

Best Automotive GPS: Garmin DriveSmart 66

The Garmin DriveSmart 66 brings high-end navigation features to a portable device tailored for automobile windshield mounting. While pricier than smartphone options, dedicated GPS units provide larger displays, more robust mapping databases, voice control, and integration of real-time data like traffic and parking availability.

This Garmin model stands out with its 6.8-inch touchscreen – 15% larger than prior versions – with pinch-to-zoom capability. The intuitive interface minimizes driver distraction. Turn-by-turn directions are supplemented by lane guidance, nearby point of interest notifications, and driver alerts. The unit auto-updates via WiFi when in range of a hotspot.

Advanced features like driver fatigue warnings, where-am-I emergency assistance, and Garmin’s “photoReal” junction views further aid navigation. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and wireless syncing with your smartphone. For peace of mind during road trips or crowded commutes, the DriveSmart 66 provides modern guidance.

Best Satellite Communicator: Garmin inReach Messenger

Where cell towers can’t reach, the Garmin inReach Messenger provides connectivity via the Iridium satellite network. Unlike personal locator beacons that only transmit emergency SOS signals, the Messenger enables two-way text communication, GPS navigation, interactive SOS, and remote tracking.

With a highly sensitive antenna, it locks onto satellite signals in dense cover and steep terrain. The IPX7 rating means it withstands rain, splashes and brief immersion. Weighing under 7 oz with a carabiner clip, it travels lightly at the hip. Pair it with a smartphone and the Earthmate app to share routes, check weather, navigate trails, and automatically send check-in messages.

In emergencies, trigger an interactive SOS to connect with GEOS rescue coordination specialists. They can exchange texts with the device, monitor location to direct rescuers, and call emergency contacts on your behalf. For backcountry reliability beyond mobile coverage, the inReach Messenger provides essential connectivity and potential lifesaving support.

Best Fitness Watch with GPS: Garmin Fenix 7

Serious athletes and adventurers needing advanced training features paired with GPS route tracking and mapping will benefit from the Garmin Fenix 7’s rugged yet sophisticated design. This high-end multi-sport GPS watch builds on the previous Fenix 6 with a touchscreen interface, solar charging lens, and Multi-band GPS support for more precise tracking under tree cover or in urban canyons.

The always-on 1.3” display stays readable in sunlight. Buttons provide glove-friendly control to start/stop activities, lap or mark locations. Along with the staple GPS, altimeter and compass sensors, it adds a gyroscope and accelerometer. Water rated to 100m, it tracks open water and pool swimming plus 38 other sports. Extended battery saver modes stretch usage to nearly a month between charges.

Sync wirelessly to your smartphone for notifications, training app connectivity, and status sharing. While pricey, the Fenix 7 stands atop Garmin’s outdoor watch lineup with the most navigation, training, and environmental integration features.

Best Vehicle Tracker: LandAirSea 54

Fleet managers, insurers and concerned parents seek ways to remotely monitor vehicle movements for logistics, safety or peace of mind. The LandAirSea 54 delivers robust tracking with trigger-based alerts for arrivals, departures, speeding, unauthorized usage and more.

Hardwired installation taps the vehicle battery with a supplemental backup source for tracking without downtime. Location pings every 60 seconds when driving via GPS and cell towers.The companion app displays locations on a map with 30-day historical playback. Geo-fencing establishes virtual boundaries which if crossed can trigger alerts or automated commands like engine disabling. This deters theft and enforces rules for younger drivers. With 24/7 live tracking and support, the LandAirSea 54 provides assurance your vehicle stays secure.

How To Pick the Best GPS Device

Choosing a GPS device depends largely on your intended activities and navigation needs. Prioritize key considerations like:

• Locations: Where will you use the device – outdoors, in a vehicle, internationally? Some work globally while others lose signal in remote locales without cell access.

• Accuracy: Do you need precise positioning to within a meter or is +/- 3-5m adequate? Premium models integrate dual satellite systems (GPS + GLONASS or Galileo) for better coverage.

• Connectivity: Will you pair with a smartphone or other devices? Features like Bluetooth, WiFi and ANT+ expand capabilities.

• Display: Prioritize screen size, brightness and touch vs button control for your expected environment – bright sunlight, rain, wearing gloves, etc.

• Battery life: How long should it last between charges? Is solar or vehicle power an option?

• Water resistance: If used outdoors, consider the water rating for splashes, swimming or marine use.

Also weigh size, weight and ruggedness. While feature-packed units appeal, simpler may suffice depending on navigation complexity. Compare options against these critical criteria relevant for your usage.

Benefits and Use Considerations

Modern GPS devices provide more than just positioning and routes. Tracking fitness progress, vehicle operating patterns, location sharing and emergency notifications represent just some expanded uses. Choosing the model well-aligned to intended application optimizes benefit. Most accommodate both real-time navigation and data recording for future reference. Over time, users learn how to best leverage features to enhance trips and activities.

With expanded utility comes data privacy considerations. Disable location sharing when not needed or utilize outright if uncomfortable transmitting positions from wearables and vehicles. Regardless of manufacturer assurances, no connectivity is absolutely secure against cyber intrusions so weigh risks against benefits.

GPS Reliability and Limitations

While GPS provides a technological marvel leveraged across industries, limitations still exist. Satellite signals transmit freely through the atmosphere but encounter some disruption from:

• Natural barriers – Mountains, dense tree cover, tall buildings, etc can block or impair signal reception.

• Intentional jamming – Rarely, bad actors attempt blocking signals for nefarious reasons.

• Solar events – Electrical disturbances related to solar storms occasionally disrupt satellite communications.

Additionally, the orbiting GPS satellites have a finite lifespan requiring periodic replacement launches. Joint initiatives by governments and private companies aim to continually upgrade this infrastructure to maximize global navigation capability.

For most consumer uses, GPS devices provide consistent accuracy to within 10 meters – sufficient for navigation, fitness tracking, and vehicle monitoring. But understand environments and conditions can impact reliability.

Takeaways on GPS Devices

GPS technology underpins a massive industry catering to diverse markets. Prices run the gamut from $50 for basic vehicle trackers and fitness bands to $800 for rugged outdoor handhelds with every navigation bell and whistle. Defining actual need helps right-size investment according to budget. For most, a mid-range automotive or smart watch GPS model strikes the ideal balance of utility and cost.

Reliability continues advancing with improved satellite infrastructure along with supplemental positioning from mobile and WiFi signals. And device designs better integrate GPS sensors with other critical components like cellular, Bluetooth, cameras and altitude sensors. Fitness trackers borrow extensively from multi-function watches. Vehicles may someday rely more on device-based guidance than built-in navigation.

But specialist models like emergency communicators and programmable tracking beacons fill important roles that smartphones can’t satisfy. The best GPS device depends first on identifying where and how enhanced location capability improves daily experience on the move.