Best Marine GPS Reviews 2023: Here's Our Top Picks With Buyer's Guide (2024)

Are you an angler or boating enthusiast? What do you use to navigate your position out on the water? Some people use landmarks, while others rely on instinct. If you ask us, that’s a great way to get lost at sea. If you want a safe trip back home or you need to find that last fishing spot, you need a marine GPS.

A marine GPS gives you accurate tracking of your position on the water. A GPS is essential for finding your productive fishing grounds and for alerting the Coast Guard and Search and Rescue services to your position. With a GPS on your boat, you never have to worry about becoming the latest castaway victim.

This post reviews the best marine GPS models available. We’ll unpack the details of the top systems and give you our recommendations on the right system for your boating experience.

Our Top Picks

• The Best Overall Marine GPS – Humminbird Helix 5
  The Humminbird Helix 5 wins our award for the best overall marine GPS. This model comes with a UHD split-screen for easy viewing, preloaded maps and charting data, and fishfinder technology. It’s a great choice for freshwater and saltwater fishing trips.
• The Best Premium Marine GPS – Simrad NSS12 Evo3S
  Simrad is the cream of the crop when it comes to marine GPS. This model has a massive 12-inch screen and too many features to list. If you’re looking for the best GPS and fishfinder combination, you can’t go wrong with this Simrad model.
• The Best Budget Marine GPS – Lowrance HOOK2
  If you’re looking for a marine GPS on a budget, we recommend the Lowrance HOOK2. This model comes with GPS and built-in maps. You also get a 7-inch screen with a fishfinder included. This GPS is a great choice for any angler on a budget.

Marine GPS Reviews

The Best Overall Marine GPS- Humminbird Helix 5

If you’re looking for the best overall GPS in this review, we recommend going with the Humminbird Helix 5. This GPS has everything you need to navigate out on the water to your favorite fishing and dive spots. The Helix 5 is the pinnacle of the Humminbird range, with plenty of functionality for your trips.

This GPS comes with a 5-inch high-definition color display, GPS mapping, CHIRP digital sonar, AutoChart Live, Basemap from Humminbird, SwitchFire, and DualBeam PLUS. You get a highly functional package at a decent price point. The Helix 5 features Basemap from Humminbird, giving you access to all the charting and plotting GPS data you need on the east and west coasts and around the gulf.

This GPS also includes fish finder technology. The CHIRP and SwitchFire sonar give you two display modes with split-screen viewing for convenience. The Dual Bean Sonar PLUS allows for accurate reading of depth and the bottom bathymetry of the ocean or lake floor.

The enhanced standard Basemap lets you identify day markers, buoys, marinas, hazards, water depth, contours, and much more. You also get coverage of over 10,000 inland lakes and waterways included with the Helix 5.

The large screen and rotary dial interface with raised buttons make navigating the menus on the Helix 5 a breeze. This model is a fixed unit for mounting to the boat’s console. It’s a great entry-level GPS with plenty of additional functions.

What We Liked

• GPS with Basemap included.
• 5-inch HD display.
• Rotary wheel and buttons for easy menu navigation.
• Fishfinder technology included.

The Best Premium Marine GPS- Simrad NSS12 Evo3S

When commercial anglers head out to sea, they rely on Simrad technology for their GPS. If you’re looking for the best premium GPS and fishfinder available, we have to recommend the Simrad NSS12 Evo3S. This model comes with the biggest display in its class, offering you a tremendous 12-inches of screen real estate.

The NSS12 evo3S features Simrad’s new iMX eight high-performance processors offering your seamless screen transitions and fast response times. This fixed mounted unit comes with a stand, or you can mount it directly into the console if you have the space. This model also comes with autopilot features included.

The Simrad NSS12 evo3S offers you a full-featured Chartplotter and navigation display. It features a built-in GPS, preloaded with C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts. You get full navigational control of every waterway and lake in the US, as well as coastal waters.

The Simrad also comes with fish finder capability. You get active-imaging sonar, HALO radar, StructureScan 3D, and much more included in your package. The Simrad NSS12 evo3S comes with readouts for your motor power and fuel efficiency and full control of your sound system through the system.

Switch seamlessly between the Simrad NSS12 evo3 intuitive touchscreen with multi-touch gestures or the keypad with soft-touch buttons and rotary dial control. The screen is easy to view when wearing polarized sunglasses. You’ll love the outstanding functionality of this device.

You get CZone digital switching, Mercury Smart-Tow for wake surf and wakeboarding sessions, and you can control lighting effects using the ITC Lighting control bar and Honda ECO-mode engine info. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line GPS for your boat, you can’t go wrong with this Simrad model.

What We Liked

• Massive 12-inch HD display.
• Too many integrations and features to mention.
• Fishfinder included.
• High-performance processor.
• GPS with chart plotter and C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts.

The Best Budget Marine GPS- Lowrance HOOK2

If you’re looking for a GPS on a budget, we recommend going with the Lowrance HOOK2. This system is very affordable and the only model in our review that retails for under $150. At this price point, you might think that this system doesn’t offer you the same value as the other top picks in this review.

However, the Lowrance HOOK2 comes with surprising functionality and features. You get autotuning sonar and a phone-like menu providing a simplistic, user-friendly interface. There’s basic navigation and a GPS plotter allowing you to add your waypoints and navigate to your favorite fishing and dive spots.

The Lowrance HOOK2 also includes a fish finder, allowing you to track schools of fish and identify the bottom of the ocean or lake. It’s an affordable, basic package ideal for any angler or diver. You get an external fixed mount design and easy setup and configuration of the GPS to your settings.

Overall, this model offers you excellent value for money. The affordable price tag and high levels of functionality with this device make it a top choice for the budget-conscious boating enthusiast.

What We Liked

• Full-color HD display.
• Easy menu navigation.
• Split-viewing.
• GPS included.

Garmin EchoMap

The Garmin EchoMap offers you a high-performance marine GPS. This model comes with preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts and integrated Navionics data. The charts cover the east and west coasts and the Gulf and Canadian waters close to the US border. You also get charting of the US and Canadian shores of the Great Lakes.

The Garmin EchoMap features a large, 7-inch touchscreen display for user-friendly operation. There is an assistant keypad to the right of the screen and a clean display design. This model comes with an external mounting bracket to fit it flush into the console.

The Garmin EchoMap also includes a fish finder. You get a GT24 transducer with UHD clearer scanning sonar, bolstered by Garmin high, wide CHIRP. There is support for Panoptix all-seeing sonar and the Panoptix live Scope sonar system.

The EchoMap is network capable, allowing you to share information like charts and GPS waypoints with other users. This model comes with everything you need to navigate your fishing or dive trip out on coastal waters.

It’s slightly expensive, but it’s great value when considering the device’s functionality. Connect to your autopilot system, or a Fusion-Link audio system, with full support for your AIS, VHF, and media, all from one screen.

The EchoMap also includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and it pairs with the OneChart feature. You get free software updates, smart notifications from your devices, and Garmin Quickdraw Community data included.

What We Liked

• Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts.
• Accurate GPS positioning.
• Wi-Fi and network capable.
• Fishfinder included.

Garmin GPSMAP 79s

If you’re looking for a portable GPS to take out onto the water, we recommend going with the Garmin GPSmap 79s. This GPS is a great choice for a handheld device, and it’s IPX6 water-resistant. You get a floating design if you drop it in the water, allowing easy retrieval.

The 79s comes with support for multiple satellite constellations, including GPS, Beidou, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, and SBAS. As a result, you get reliable GPS tracking from any destination around the globe. This model has a memory for storing up to 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 activities. You also get a worldwide Basemap included with the 79s, allowing tracking over an inland lake or waterway.

You get a built-in three-axis tilt-compensating electronic compass included. The compass shows your heading while standing still or moving. The 79s also comes with a barometric altimeter tracking the changes in air pressure.

The Garmin 79s has an excellent battery life, and you can expect up to 20-hours of service in GPS mode from a full charge. The large color screen is easy to read, and you get all relevant data displayed at the top of the screen for easy viewing.

Overall, this portable model from Garmin offers you a handy GPS for taking with you out on the water, and you get a wide range of maps included with the device.

What We Liked

• Floating design with IPX6 water-resistant rating.
• Excellent battery life.
• Multi-satellite GPS tracking.
• Built-in compass.

Simrad Cruise

Simrad gets another mention in this review for its Cruise model. The Simrad Cruise features the classic touchscreen design found in all the Simrad devices. You get options for mounting the unit directly into the console or to the fixed swing bracket included with your purchase.

The Simrad Cruise brings you preloaded US coastal maps with support for C-MAP and Navionics charts. The Cruise offers you user-friendly operation with straightforward GPS navigation and an intuitive, user-friendly Chartplotter.

Thanks to the rotary dial and soft-touch button controls, you get total control of navigating the menus. The Cruise comes with split-screen viewing, and there’s a fish finder included. The CHIRP sonar transducer allows for automatic depth tracking, bathymetry readouts, and fish life in the area. You get depth readings, positioning information, battery voltage, and critical information for your boat to improve situational awareness.

The Simrad Cruise can display your charts, navigation, and sonar information in a split-screen view or separately in full-screen mode. You have options for a 5.7-inch or 9-inch display featuring UHD readouts for accurate viewing.

Overall, the Simrad Cruise offers you a fantastic GPD with many of the same features as the advanced Simrad NSS12 evo3S model that costs five times the price. Sure, you don’t get the same amount of screen real estate as the evo3S, but it gives you all the functionality you need for a high-quality system for your boat.

What We Liked

• 7-inch color display (with 5.7-inch option).
• Preloaded US coastal maps.
• Supports maps from C-MAP and Navionics.
• Pre-selected split screens.

Raymarine Axiom 7

If you’re looking for a high-quality GPS at a reasonable price point, we recommend going with the Raymarine Axiom 7. This GPS offers you all the features of models that cost twice the price. You get a 7-inch color touchscreen allowing for easy navigation of the menu and an adaptable output screen to cut down on glare from the sunlight.

This model comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and you get preloaded maps of US coastal waters. The Raymarine Axiom 7 is compatible with Navionics charts, and you get full coverage of all the waterways and lakes in the United States. You get the Lighthouse raster, and vector charts included, sourcing from leading map makers like Blue Latitude, NV digital, and others.

This model is a pure GPS, and there’s no fishfinder capability. We would prefer to see this model come with sonar capability considering the price tag. The Axiom 7 features the upgraded Lighthouse 3 OS, offering you seamless transition between screens and a fast, fluid GPS experience out on the water. The touchscreen interface allows you to drag-and-drop databoxes while creating custom user profiles.

The GPS is suitable for flush or fixed mounting on the console, and the bottomless design means there’s no chance of malfunction.

What We Liked

• Large 7-inch UHD touchscreen.
• No-button interface.
• Compatible with maps from Blue Latitude, NV digital, and others.
• Upgraded OS for fast, seamless screen transitions.

Garmin GPSMAP 86Sci

The Garmin GPSMAP 86Sci brings you the ultimate in handheld GPS technology. This device comes with a floating body if you drop it in the water, and it has an IPX6 water-resistant rating. The large 3-inch display is easy to view in the sunlight without losing screen clarity.

You get a button-operated design suitable for use when wearing gloves and a navigation wheel for moving seamlessly between windows and settings on the device. This model can network with other Garmin devices to share chart and curse data with friends and colleagues.

The 86Sci comes with preloaded Bluechart G3 coastal charts for easy navigation along the east and west coasts and around the Gulf of Mexico. This Garmin model also allows the integration of Navionics data for improved positioning accuracy.

Stay in touch with people on land and out on the water using built-in satellite communications and two-way text messaging. The 89Sci relies on the Global Iridium satellite network for this function, which comes with an extra subscription cost.

There’s also the option for in-reach weather forecasting services, providing you with updates directly to your device in real-time. The adjustable GPS filters smooth out your speed and heading indicators while you’re moving over large swells. The additional satellite subscription gives you access to interactive SOS and 24/7 search and rescue.

Overall, this handheld model offers you the cream of the crop in portable GPS devices. It might be a very expensive model, but it’s worth the money, especially if you enjoy getting out onto the water frequently.

What We Liked

• Excellent mapping and GPS coverage.
• Satellite phone options.
• Works with Bluechart G3 coastal charts.
• IPX6 water-resistant and floating design to prevent sinking.

Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator

The Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator brings you everything you need in a portable marine GPS at an affordable price. This system has a large 2.6-inch color display and easy navigation thanks to the button and rotary interface.

The Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator has a worldwide shaded relief Basemap. You get a 1.7-MB onboard memory, and there’s a microSD card slot for optional mapping solutions. The device includes a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter for accurate positioning in any water.

This model comes with a floating design if you accidentally drop it in the water, and it has IPX6 water-resistant rating. Share waypoints, geocaches, and routes wirelessly with other users. The sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix satellite prediction get a quick fix on your position with remarkable accuracy.

The Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery if you want to pay the additional subscription fee. Overall, this device offers you a great GPS for saltwater or freshwater use, and you get plenty of functionality for any fishing or boating trip.

What We Liked

• Three-axis compass.
• Multi-satellite positioning.
• 6-inch color screen.
• 7-MB memory.
• Map upgrades available.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7

Lowrance makes some impressive GPS and fishfinder systems. We already discussed the HOOK2 as our best budget model in this review. However, if you want to step up your game, we recommend going with the HOOK Reveal 7. This model includes a GPS plotter with waypoint and route storage and full wireless sharing of your data with other users.

You get preloaded chart data for US and Gulf waters, and the GPS is accurate. The Reveal 7 comes with a 7-inch UHD color display for easy viewing of the screen in bright sunlight conditions. You get split-screen functionality for easy viewing, and there’s a keypad with a rotary wheel for easy navigation of the menus.

The Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 also includes a fish finder. You get autotuning sonar, automatically adjusting your settings as the fishing conditions shift. The SplitShot transducer on the Reveal 7 offers you wide-angle CHIRP sonar, with DownScan imaging for the best reveal of the bottom conditions at your fishing or dive spot.

The Hook Reveal 7 is a great choice for anglers, and it comes with a fixed mounted design, or you can mount it flush into your console.

What We Liked

• 7-inch color display.
• GPS Plotter with built-in maps.
• Compatibility with Navionics data.
• Fishfinder with CHIRP sonar and DownScan tech.

Other Best Selling Options

Marine GPS Buyer’s Guide

Back in the day, sailors would navigate using the sun and stars. While that’s admirable, it’s a good thing technology came along. We’re willing to bet that most sailors would find themselves lost at sea by navigating using celestial bodies.

Thank goodness for the GPS. GPS changed the game for global navigation at sea and on land. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites that connect the world to a geo-positioning system, giving them accurate coordinates of their location anywhere on the planet.

The marine GPS is a crucial piece of equipment for your boating trip. Without it, how will you get back to that productive fishing spot you found last weekend? How are you going to navigate home from deep water to the marina?

A GPS takes the guesswork out of your navigation. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about choosing the best marine GPS for your boating trip.

Why Do I Need a Marine GPS – What Can It Do?

So, why do you need a GPS in the first place? They are expensive equipment, so why should you invest hundreds of dollars into one of these systems? If you’re floating down the river or out on the lake, you probably don’t need a GPS.

However, if you’re heading out to sea, a GPS could end up saving your life. If there’s a storm and you lose engine power or capsize, the GPS provides you with coordinates dos the Coast Guard can plan your rescue.

GPS allows you to store and save your waypoints during your journey, allowing for accurate navigation when going home or when trying to trace your float plan from last weekend. Mark your favorite fishing spots and return to them without the need for lining up landmarks or guessing if it’s the right reef.

A GPS comes preloaded with maps of the east and west coast and Gulf waters. Some have extended mapping software that includes inland lakes and waterways and Canadian or Mexican waters. With a GPS, you have the best tool for mapping and planning your trip.

Act as a Compass

The GPS acts as a compass, allowing easy navigation of the seas. The GPS provides location information by assessing your exact longitude and latitude.

Mark Your Waypoints

As mentioned, the GPS marks your waypoints during your journey. It’s a great feature for tracking your movement on the return trip or marking fishing or diving spots on your trip.

Plot Positions

The GPS allows you to plot your position using your longitude and latitude. The GPS will back up your location data to the network, and if the rescue team doesn’t hear from you during the rescue, they will look for you at your last known location on the water.

Update Your Position

The GPS should tell you when you start shifting off-course. The unit will issue alarm sounds to alert you to get the boat back on course to your destination. If you sail too far off course, the GPS will replot your to keep you on the right path.

What are the Types of Marine GPS?

Marine GPS comes in three different styles – mounted fixed units, handheld units, and wearables. All three have their pros and cons. So, which one is the right configuration for your sailing needs?

Portable Hand-Held Devices

Portable, handheld models offer you all the power of fixed units in a compact, handheld device. These models are easy to use with one hand, and most of them operate with glove-friendly buttons to avoid those fat finger mistakes when using the keypad. The advantage of a portable model is that you can use it on any boat or take it with you anywhere you go.

Most handheld units come with IPX6 waterproof ratings, and they offer you floating action if you drop them in the water, allowing for easy device recovery. They also provide battery-powered operation, so you’ll have to ensure you have a charge before you head out for the day.

Fixed Mounting Systems

The fixed mounted GPS mounts to the console on the boat. Most models come with swingarm mounts allowing you to change the screen angle. Fixed units also offer flush mounting to the console for a clean look. While they have bigger screens and more memory, they aren’t portable.

Wearable Devices

Wearables are becoming more popular in GPS devices. However, these systems are not the best choice for boats as they don’t have the same accuracy or dependability as fixed or handheld models. The battery life on many wearables is usually terrible, with only a few hours of operation before the need to recharge.

What are the Features of the Best Marine GPS?

So, what are the features of the best marine GPS? Here is what you need to look for when assessing a prospective model. All the GPS systems in this review come with these basic features and much more.

Accurate Positioning

GPS is the most accurate positioning system available. IT measures your coordinates in longitude and latitude, pinpointing your exact location at sea.

Several Data Points

Typically, most GPS units operate on a network of between 12 to 24 satellites. It’s common for people to think that the more satellites in the network, the more accurate the GPS data is. However, that’s not the case. GPS triangulates your position using at least three satellites. The GPS will provide accurate data within 15-feet of your location in most cases.

Automatic Updates

Your GPS must come with automatic updates for the system. Updates patch vulnerabilities in the operating system and update your maps, making the device more accurate. Typically, these devices will offer you wi-fi updates, or you’ll have to log onto the company’s website to download the update.

Charts and Maps

Your GPS should come with pre-installed maps in the device. Look for systems that incorporate Navionics and C-MAP data as they are the most accurate and have the widest coverage. Some GPS will have onboard memory, while others rely on SD cards to expand the memory to store your routes and waypoints.

Screen or Touchscreen

The best marine GPS models come with a touchscreen interface. The touchscreen allows easy navigation of the menus and simple data storage at a push of the screen. Typically, GPS models can come with five to 12-inch screens allowing for accurate viewing of the trip data. Handheld models usually come with 2.6-inch to 3-inch screens. They are smaller, but they manage to include all the data you need.

Colors

When choosing your GPS, color is probably the last thing you’re worried about in a prospective model. However, color can make a difference, especially in handheld models. We recommend going for bright colors that make the device easy to identify when floating in the water.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the device also make a difference. If you’re out on the kayak, you can’t take a 12-inch touchscreen with you; you don’t have the space. However, a handheld model is perfect for your trip. Most handhelds only weigh a few grams, and they have a compact profile making them easy to store with your gear.

Lighting Modes

The GPS should offer you multiple modes for the type of sailing you do. If you’re out on the water with no sun protection, look for anti-glare screens to make the GPS easy to read without shading the screen. Models with backlit displays are the best choice if you’re out on the water at night in your boat.

Fishfinder Sonar and Radar

Many fixed-mount GPS models come with a fishfinder included in the package. The fishfinder will be your new best friend if you’re an angler. This device uses sonar to detect the water conditions and bottom around the boat.

With a fishfinder integrated into your GPS, you can view the life on the reef below the boat to decide if it’s a spot worth fishing. The GPS fishfinder connects to a transducer that fixes to the vessel’s hull. The transducer sends out sonar and receives the data, interpreting it on your screen. Most fishfinder models also offer split-screen viewing so you can track multiple data points simultaneously.

Wi-fi Compatibility

The best marine GPS models come with wi-fi compatibility. This feature lets you sync to other people’s GPS systems, allowing you to share data like waypoints, routes, and your favorite fishing spots.

VHS and MOB

Look for GPS models offering you a VHS transmitter, allowing you to combine the benefits of an Automatic Identification System (AIS) while sending your GPS location data in an emergency.

The “Man Overboard” (MOB) feature on your GPS instantly marks the GPS position, allowing you to share it with rescue services when they arrive.

Autopilot Function

Some GPS models include autopilot functions. Autopilot helps you stay on course without having to steer the boat. Some models also link to the boat’s stereo system to adjust your levels. The autopilot function is very useful, especially when you’re fishing or trawling and need to stay on course while you attend to the rod and line.

Water-Resistance

The best marine GPS models all come with a water-resistant rating of IPX6 or better. For handheld models, water resistance is critical if you drop the device in the water. Fixed models also need some level of resistance to spray and salt air. All the models in this review are suitable for ocean use.

Battery Life for Handhelds

The battery life of handheld models is critical to getting back home from a day out on the water. If your handheld dies on you while you’re out at sea, you’re sailing blind. So, make sure you have enough charge before leaving the shore.

Fixed models wire directly into the boat’s electrical system. Many of these models also feature surge protection to prevent the overloading of the device.

Navigation and Weather Sensors

Some of the top GPS models include a barometric altimeter for checking the air pressure. This feature is useful in helping you figure out if the weather is turning and there’s a storm approaching. The GPS will also feature an electronic compass to keep your course on track.

Marine GPS FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between GPS and chart plotters?

A: A GPS and a Chartplotter are two different systems commonly found on GPS devices. The GPS (Global Positioning System) records the data relaying your current position. Chartplotters take that data and map it for you on a digital maritime chart. You might also hear people refer to GPS systems as GPS plotters.

Q: Why use a GPS when I can download an app to my phone?

A: Sure, you could always download a GPS app to your phone. However, most of these apps don’t cover the coastal waters. Google and Apple only have maps of roads and residential or commercial areas, not the sea. Search and rescue teams rely on fixed GPS systems because they provide accurate results on the open ocean. If you decide to take your phone out onto the water, you also have to deal with the corrosive effects of the spray and salty air degrading your phone’s electronics.

Q: Do I need a GPS with CHIRP?

A: If you’re looking to find fish when you’re out on the water, you’ll need a GPS with integrated fish-finding technology. CHIRP is a type of sonar that reads what’s below the boat. Typically, fishfinder GPS systems include a transducer that uses sonar to check the water conditions around you. If you’re not an angler, then you can do without a fishfinder in your GPS.

Q: Where can I buy the best Marine GPS?

A: We recommend you buy your marine GPS from Amazon. Amazon has the best process and the widest range of models. Don’t waste your time going to the local fishing shop or boating store for your GPS. Chances are they’ll only have a few models in stock, and you’ll pay more for it in-store than you would online. Amazon offers free shipping to Prime members and guaranteed delivery of your order.

The Best Marine GPS – The Verdict

After reading our reviews and buyers guide, you probably have your eye on the best marine GPS for your activities out on the water. Whether you’re fishing on your boat or touring out on the kayak, a GPS is an essential equipment you can’t do without.

However, with so many great models in this review, which one offers you the best value for your marine experience? If you’re struggling to choose the right marine GPS for you, why not go with one of our top picks?

• The Best Overall Marine GPS – Humminbird Helix 5
• The Best Premium Marine GPS – Simrad NSS12 Evo3S
• The Best Budget Marine GPS – Lowrance HOOK2