Handheld GPS review and compare

Results table

Full results for all models are shown in the table below

Table notes

• * When tracking tracking satellites only.
• (A) Optional accessory.

How we test

Ease of use testing is conducted in two stages. Members of the Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad examine each unit, plot a simple route and follow the track log to gauge its accuracy. This is followed by an assessment conducted by CHOICE, which includes starting the unit, logging a waypoint or route, button accessibility and screen readability.

Acquisition Our testers measure how long each unit takes to acquire a satellite fix under a clear sky and then under dense foliage. Three runs of each test are carried out on different days and at different times to provide a variety of satellite constellations.

Battery life Each unit is set up to constantly fix its position, then checked every hour until its batteries run out or the unit shuts down with a low battery indication.

Accuracy is assessed by testing the devices at four survey points and a variety of altitudes. The test is repeated twice at different times of day, when a different constellation of satellites would be within range. No handheld GPS tested had more than 6m average location error, and none had more than 7m average height error.

Waterproofing All models claim to be waterproof to IPX7 Standards; they are submerged to a depth of one metre for 30 minutes. The units are then dried and turned on to obtain a fix.

For CHOICE’s recommendations / overall score:
Models are ranked from best to worst by overall score. Five factors are included in the overall score, weighted as follows:

• Ease of use: 40%
• Acquisition: 25%.
• Battery: 15%.
• Accuracy: 10%.
• Waterproofing: 10%