Best Off Road GPS Units Reviewed

Trackimo says that the difference between passive and active GPS has to do with time. "If you purchase a passive GPS tracker, also known as a data logger, you do not get real-time updates unlike an active tracker. Data loggers store their information through an internal memory, memory card, or a USB stick.”

Fitness and outdoor enthusiasts often opt for passive GPS trackers. This type of device is perfect for logging activity data, tracking distance covered, and monitoring overall performance. Since active trackers are able to deliver real-time data updates, they are the more ideal choice for driving off-road vehicles.

Of course, accuracy needs to be a concern when choosing any type of GPS device. Ideally, the GPS will show a user exact mapping details of the area. Look for a system that shows landmarks and points of interest, like campsites, parks, and gas stations. You'll also want your GPS to display information on unsealed roads and popular 4WD trails.

Just remember that the main objective of an off-road GPS device is to provide the user with highly accurate maps of the surrounding terrain. Even if you wish to visit the most remote areas of the world, your GPS should be able to notify you of any upcoming obstacles, like rocky terrain, cliffs, and swamplands.

Part of the beauty that comes along with off-roading is the disconnect from the rest of the world. However, this also means that you might not have access to a power source for charging your GPS. Consider the battery type that is best for you, like AA batteries or a rechargeable lithium-ion.

If you choose a device that uses AA batteries, be sure to bring an extra battery supply. The more reliable option is to find a device that uses a lithium-ion, but you’ll want to find one that features a long battery life. Keep in mind that devices that come equipped with lithium-ion batteries are often more expensive, but there’s a reason for this.

One of our top picks for best off-road GPS devices is the Garmin GPSMAP 64. Any off-road adventurers can use the 64st, but it is especially useful for hikers and trekkers. This handheld device looks like an old-school cell phone, similar to the Nokia design. The screen is sunlight readable and provides a user with colored maps of the area.

Long battery life in a GPS device is a must for avid hikers. The 64st features an impressive 16-hour lifespan per charge. Users love the dual battery system since it offers the option for 2 traditional AA batteries or the rechargeable NiMH battery pack. The perk of using the NiMH is that it can be conveniently charged while protected inside the device.

The device is preloaded with over 100,000 maps of the US. Every purchase comes with a 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription. You’ll have all the tools that are necessary for finding your way around rough terrain. This includes a 3-axis electronic compass with barometric altimeter and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or ANT+.

On top of sharing information wirelessly with other compatible devices, the 64st features a Smart Notification system. If you have an iOS device that is later than the iPhone 4s, you'll be able to stay connected with email and text alerts sent directly to your mobile device. There have been complaints about the durability of this GPS, and the small size of the screen can be challenging to read.

If your off-road adventure of choice is biking, you’ll want to check out the Garmin Edge 520 Plus. This advanced bike GPS is the perfect bike computer for competing and navigating. It features advanced navigation tools like preloaded maps specific to cycling and turn-by-turn direction while on and off the road. Cyclists love that the device is smart enough to guide them back to the route when they get off course.

The Edge 520 Plus comes with preloaded Strava Live Segments. These allow a rider to compete second-by-second with his or her own previous cycling stats. You’ll be able to see real-time progress results, right on your screen. Not only does it monitor overall performance, but the device can also keep tabs on heart rate. You’ll need to purchase the Garmin heart rate strap separately for this.

With the Edge 520 Plus, you’ll be able to stay connected with your mobile device. With the GroupTrack app, there’s never a need to reach for the phone or pull over to read a message. As long as you have a Garmin compatible smartphone, you’ll be able to use the rider-to-rider messaging feature. You can send prewritten notes to your fellow riding buddies that are also paired with the GroupTrack app.

All in all, this is the #1 choice for off-roading cyclists. Even if you plan to stick to on-road locations, the Garmin Edge 520 Plus is an amazing tool.  Most users have only good things to say about the device, but some have complained about the difficulty they’ve experienced with connecting to an iPhone. But as long as you have an iPhone 7 or later, you should be just fine.

The Wahoo ELEMNT GPS is another top choice for cyclists and mountain bikers. Wahoo reviewers have only good things to say about the product. Most of these positive comments have to do with the device’s connectivity option. It comes equipped with Bluetooth and ANT+dual-band technology, allowing it to pair seamlessly with all cycling sensors. It’s 100% wireless.

This is one of the most integrated GPS bike computers on the market, and the ELEMNT app is partly to thank for this. This companion smartphone application comes free with every device purchase. It allows a user to set up data fields, customize profiles, track performance, and effortlessly share ride data with other riders.

The turn-by-turn navigation gives riders ease while navigating an unknown area. The device comes preloaded with global maps of North America, Asia, Oceania, and South America. It’s possible to download additional maps of other areas of the world over WiFi. Routes will be automatically updated among all compatible accounts, including Strava, SingleTracks, Ride With GPS, and more.

It’s difficult to say which biking device is better when comparing the Wahoo ELEMNT and the Garmin Edge 520. We can, however, tell you that the Wahoo device offers simplicity in every aspect. It’s simple to set up, simple to navigate, and simple to stay connected. The other perk is the extra-long battery life of 17 hours. If a simple riding experience with high connectivity is what you’re looking for, the ELEMNT is a top choice.

The last on our list of best off-road GPS devices for biking is the Garmin Edge 1030. Similar to the Edge 520, this device is an ideal solution for mountain bikers and cyclists hoping to keep track of performance. It allows bikers to ride longer and stronger while also staying connected with the rest of the world. The coolest feature of this device is the Trendline popularity rating. This technology uses billions of miles of logged rider data to display the best routes, both on and off-road.

The preloaded Garmin Cycle Map offers turn-by-turn directions and alerts for any upcoming hazards that a rider should be aware of. A rider using the Edge 1030 will receive up-to-date information about points of interest, helpful landmarks, and elevation data. In order for the device to generate a route, all you have to do is tell Edge where you’d like to go and how long you’d like to ride. The device will then offer up to 3 unique routes to choose from.

If you prefer to ride with a group, you’ll love the device’s communication features that allow for rider-to-rider messaging. This not only makes riding in a group more fun but also much safer. What sets this device apart from the other biking off-road GPS systems is its ability to hold a continuous charge. The Edge 1030 comes with a Wearable4U USB power bank so that a rider can keep the device charged at all times.

Every trekking enthusiast needs a device that’s easy to use, highly durable, and features a long battery life. You’ll get all this and more with the Garmin eTrex 30x off-road GPS device. The enhanced screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and the device itself was built for navigating rugged terrain. The 30x was upgraded from the original eTrex 30 model, and Garmin customers are loving the new improvements.

The large 3.7GB internal memory means that you’ll be able to save and store all of your trekking and hiking routes. While on the road - or should we say off the road - you’ll be able to share your waypoints, tracks, and routes with other compatible devices. The built-in device sensors enhance safety with a 3-axis tilt compass and a barometric altimeter.

If you want to use this device for activities other than hiking and trekking, by all means, go ahead. The 30x is compatible with a variety of mounting systems, so it can be used for biking, hiking, boating, or driving. Some users have even claimed to use this while off-roading in ATVs. No matter how you use the device, you’ll love that it comes with extra satellite coverage. This is possible since the eTrex can track both GPS and GLONASS satellites.

There are just a few criticisms that come along with the eTrex 30x. The first is that the screen can easily become scratched, especially while trekking in rugged areas. The easy solution is to invest in a screen protector. The other negativity is that users must purchase a separate microSD card, and the device is not compatible with all card types. It’s best to reach out to the Garmin Support Center to see which SD card is best.

There’s a lot of reasons to start using the Garmin Oregon 650t model, but it is mainly used for camping. This handheld device is the perfect camping tool, especially for campers who intend to move locations throughout the trip. It features a large 3-inch sunlight-readable screen and a touchscreen display with multi-touch capability.

The Oregon 650t is highly effective at tracking location and offering navigation instructions. This is because it utilizes dual-band GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning. No matter where you are off the road, you’ll be able to connect using the ANT and Bluetooth technology of the 650t. Users can wirelessly share routes, waypoints, tracks, custom maps, and photos with any compatible device.

Like most Garmin off-road GPS devices, this one comes with a dual battery system. This essentially allow s you to double your power while embarking on long outdoor adventures. If you’ve lost your bearings along the way, the 3-axis electronic compass can help to get you back on track. You’ll also be able to gauge precise altitude with the built-in barometric pressure reader.

According to one reviewer, the User Interface of this device can take a while to get used to. This isn’t true for everyone, but some have found the touchscreen to be glitchy and slow to respond. Overall, though, this is a solid device for camping, hiking, and trekking. Like all Garmin outdoor recreation products, this one was built to be reliable and durable.

The affordable Garmin eTrex 20x is a useful tool for trekking, hiking, and camping. It can be used for a variety of off-road activities, but handheld usage means that is best for hiking and trekking. With the proper mounting system, this device is also suitable for boats, cars, ATVs, bicycles, hot air balloons… you name it. If you plan on using this for in-vehicle use, be sure to download the City Navigator On the Road Map by Garmin.

The highly-sensitive tracking device is able to pick up a signal on even the most remote treks and hikes. The 20x model is upgraded from the eTrex 20, with improvements made to the screen resolution and internal memory. This device is easy to use, durable, and one of the most affordable products on the list of reviewed off-road GPS devices.

For the low price, the navigation features of the 20x are impressive. Users can see the way with the sunlight-readable display that is both shock and water-resistant. The interface has been fully upgraded to withstand everything from dust and dirt to water and humidity. No matter the weather conditions, you'll be able to see the turn-by-turn directions provided by the 20x.

According to Garmin, here’s why the eTrex line of products is so accurate at delivering off-road location: “The eTrex series is the first-ever consumer-grade receivers that can track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. When using GLONASS satellites, a system developed by the Russian Federation, the time it takes for the receiver to ‘lock on’ to a position is (on average) approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS.”

If you’re a fan of geocaching, you’ll love this next device. To give you a little bit of background on the practice of geocaching, here’s how Geocaching.com defines this fun outdoor activity: 

Not all off-roading activities are the same. Just consider the differences between hiking, biking, and fishing. A handheld GPS might work well for a hiker, but it's definitely not suitable for a mountain biker. This is why it is crucial to consider the different types of off-road GPS devices before purchasing one.

How you use your new off-road GPS depends entirely on the specific model. The steps for setup, operation, and downloading offline maps aren’t the same for every off-road GPS on the market. This means you’ll need to read the device User Manual or follow the instructions provided by the GPS app. For those of you with a Garmin device, this guide on downloading BaseCamp software will come in handy.