I grew up in a time when hunting GPS devices were few and far between. Oh, and apps? Those were things you got at a restaurant and had nothing to do with hunting. In all seriousness, if you aren’t using GPS devices and apps on your phone to aid your hunting pursuits, I must say, you are severely missing the boat. The fact of the matter is, there are a ton of options out there for both categories.
To help smooth the process, we’re lining out our top picks for Best Hunting GPS Devices and Apps of 2025 and more.
What To Look For in a Hunting GPS Device or App
Hunting GPS devices and apps are tools to aid us in the field—but not all are created equal. Here are a few key features of GPS devices vs. apps to help you choose the best option for you.
Key Features for GPS Devices
For GPS devices, good satellite coverage is key. If your device can’t easily connect to satellites, all you’ll be doing is carrying around an expensive paperweight..
Another absolute must-have for GPS devices is good battery life. Hunting trips can last a week or more, so you need to be able to trust that your GPS will have the gas to last.
And then there’s durability, weather resistance, and waterproofing. You’re bound to drop your device and encounter all manner of elements. Your GPS needs to handle that.
Other features to look for are offline mapping as well as two-way communication and an SOS of some sort. Being able to use your maps offline will help save battery life and help avoid any hiccups if a map doesn’t load all the way. This usually requires you to download maps to the device ahead of time. Lastly, safety is a big plus for GPS devices. Having the capability of two-way communication to stay in contact with loved ones or hunting partners is huge. That, combined with an SOS button should things go south, is a must-have.
Key Features for GPS Apps
GPS apps are becoming the standard for hunters. A non-negotiable feature to look for is offline maps. Having maps downloaded to your phone within your app will help save battery life and ensure you can see terrain details without service. You can operate your phone in airplane mode and have full use of your app.
Weather can turn in a hurry on a hunt, so something else to be aware of within a GPS app is real-time weather and wind updates. Not only will you be prepared for any inclement weather, but you can also keep tabs on wind direction to help strategize for your hunt.
Knowing the property boundaries of public vs. private land is an essential feature of a good GPS app. You don’t want to get caught accidentally trespassing. And when you need help packing out a buck, you’ll want the ability to mark and share your Waypoint—another clutch feature I highly recommend.
Top 5 Best Hunting GPS Devices for 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 66i: Best for Versatile Hunting Needs
For a do-it-all all GPS device, the GPSMAP 66i from Garmin reigns supreme. The 66i comes pre-loaded with topo maps and also allows the user to load their own. Each unit is rechargeable and rated for up to 35 hours of battery life.
Along with being a fully functional GPS, the 66i is also an inReach device. So, you can stay connected with loved ones via text message. You also have access to an SOS button on the side of the unit.
The biggest downside of the 66i is the battery life. With proper battery management practices, you can get by just fine, but 35 hours is not a lot of time.
Garmin Montana 700i: Best for Large Screen and InReach Compatibility
The Garmin Montana 700i has a glove-friendly 5″ touchscreen (50% larger than other Montana models) and a battery life of up to a whopping 330 hours. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of two-way radio communication as well as the ability to connect to Alpha and Astro handhelds for tracking dogs. Pre-loaded topo maps are included as well as the option of seeing public land boundaries.
The rugged water-resistant Montana 700i is also an inReach device, giving you the ability to send and receive texts without service via the Iridium satellite network. InReach provides weather updates as well. And, an SOS button is present.
There’s a lot to love about the Montana 700i, but it all comes at a price, which is the biggest downside. The 700i sets you back $699.99.
Garmin eTrex 32x: Best Budget GPS for Hunters
If the budget is tight, but you still want a reliable handheld GPS device, the Garmin eTrex 32x deserves your attention. This durable water-resistant device comes pre-loaded with topo maps displayed by a 2.2″ sunlight-readable color screen.
The 32x also adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Garmin includes 8 GB of internal memory plus a slot for microSD cards.
The downside? The eTrex 32x’s battery situation. It’s rated for only 25 hours and isn’t rechargeable. It runs off of 2 AAs.
Garmin Rino 755t: Best for Communication in Remote Areas
For some, a two-way radio is a must-have GPS feature. If that’s you, the Garmin Rino 755t has you covered. The 755t offers a range of up to 20 miles for communication by voice or Rino-to-Rino text. There is also Position Reporting that will show the exact location of other Rino users in the area on the same channel.
The Rino 755t also comes pre-loaded with topo maps and high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite reception.
As for downsides, you’ll need to charge the Garmin 755t about every 14 hours (up to 18 hours with AA batteries). This could become an issue for backcountry hunting pursuits where battery charging opportunities are limited.
Magellan eXplorist 310: Best for Basic GPS Tracking
For those not looking for all the bells and whistles and just want a basic GPS, the Magellan eXplorist 310 might be right up your alley. The Magellan eXplorist 310 is a waterproof (IPX-7) fully functional GPS device that runs off of one AAA battery. Each unit comes pre-loaded with topo maps and the ability to load your own.
The Magellan features a 2.2″ sunlight-readable high-resolution color screen. Further, you’ll have 500 megabytes of user memory available to store things like topo maps, geocaches, waypoints, and tracks.
Magellan hit the nail on the head here for a basic GPS. It would be even better, though, if the screen was a bit bigger and if it was rechargeable instead of taking a AAA battery.
Best GPS Apps for Hunting, Planning, and Fishing
onX Hunt
onX Hunt has been a leader in GPS hunting apps since 2013. With hundreds of map overlays, digital mapping has never been easier, whether for planning a hunt or executing strategies in the field. A few standout Map Layers include private/public land boundaries, roads and trails, and game management units. You’ll also enjoy topo, satellite, hybrid, and 3D map modes.
Your onX Hunt App will show you exactly where you’re standing, can be used without service when you download Offline Maps, and can help you coordinate with hunting partners through customized Waypoints and other map markups.
As far as pricing goes, onX Hunt offers several different packages to fit all budgets.
onX Hunt App packages:
- Premium Single State ($34.99/yr) – Single-state land ownership maps, Offline Maps, GPS tools, topo, satellite, 3D, and more.
- Premium Two State ($49.99/yr) – Includes all Premium features with the benefit of adding a second state.
- Elite Yearly ($99.99/yr) – Nationwide land ownership maps, Pro Deals, Expert Resources, advanced mapping tools, and more.
- Elite Monthly ($14.99/month) – Same features as Elite Yearly. Pay as you go.
TroutRoutes
For the trout anglers out there, there’s no better app to help with your pursuits than TroutRoutes. Whether you’re looking for designated trout streams or trying to find the perfect fishing easement, anglers can set the App to filter out certain criteria so they see exactly the locations that meet their requirements.
You’ll find public/private bridge access, potential camping spots, and more. Once you find what you’re looking for, easily mark these areas within the App. Anglers can even jot down notes on specific areas for reference on future fishing trips. All of this can be done without service, too. Download maps ahead of time and you can operate offline when in the field.
TroutRoutes offers a basic plan and PRO plan. The basic is free to get started. Everyone gets a 7-day free trial of PRO, though, to see if it’s a good fit. If you decide it’s a good fit for you, PRO is $58.99 per year.
Hunt Reminder
If you’ve never missed an application deadline for a hunt, kudos, and you’re in a league of your own. For the mere mortals, Hunt Reminder has your back.
Hunt Reminder allows you to search for hunts by state and species. Once you select your species of choice and hunt, Hunt Reminder will send you notifications via email and/or text when the application period opens and before it closes.
The Hunt Reminder app has an annual fee of $19.99 (onX Hunt Elite Members get access at no additional cost). It’s well worth it and could very well save a good chunk of your hunting season.
Why Use a Hunting GPS App?
Safety and Navigation
Having a fully functional GPS right in your phone via an app offers peace of mind when it comes to navigating and general safety. On the navigation side, hunting GPS apps make it easier than ever to pick a route through terrain, especially with satellite imagery. You’ll be able to see how dense an area is with vegetation, potential cliffs, where water is, etc. And, being able to see exactly where you’re standing during the whole process, the direction you’re facing, public land boundaries, and even where you’ve been is a massive advantage. All in the palm of your hand on one device and one device only.
Scouting and E-Scouting
Hunting GPS apps have changed the game for scouting and e-scouting. There is a whole lot of intel a hunter can gather on a piece of potential hunting ground before they even step foot out of the door—from knowing the predominant wind direction and temperatures to road conditions and potential food sources for the game you seek. Just figuring out access points into areas and what looks like good glassing spots beforehand saves a lot of time. You’ll be a more efficient hunter and narrow down areas to focus on before heading afield.
Marking Trails, Waypoints, and Game Sign
With how busy life gets, there’s only so much one can remember. This brings me to another advantage of hunting GPS apps. While in the field, whether you have service or not, you can essentially have a digital diary of your findings. Mark Waypoints on trails and promising game sign. Drop Waypoints on potential camping spots, reliable water sources, or along a blood trail. I’ve also dropped Waypoints on where animals are bedded to aid in closing the distance.
Comparing GPS Devices vs. Apps: Which Is Right for You?
When To Choose a Handheld GPS Over a Hunting App
While a hunting GPS app may border on the lines of perfect, there are some advantages to carrying a handheld GPS instead. One is the durability of the unit: Handheld GPSs are designed specifically to withstand rugged conditions. There are also some GPS units that still use changeable batteries, which can be a useful feature if you have no means of charging a device.
Handheld GPS units are valuable for hunting certain species, too. For instance, big game hunters are often on the move. A GPS unit clipped on your pack is much easier to quickly look at as opposed to reaching in your pocket and unlocking your phone. And speaking of phones, screen durability comes back into play here. Negotiating your way through cliff country and using your phone to do so is a great way to invite a cracked screen into the mix. With a GPS unit, there is no worry about dropping it.
Other hunts where a handheld GPS unit will shine are waterfowl, small game, and hunting with hounds. Waterfowl hunters will benefit from waterproof GPS devices.. If you’re using dogs to hunt small game, lions, bears, etc., a GPS device linked to your dog’s collar is a massive benefit.
When a GPS App is the Best Option
The first word that comes to mind when I think of GPS apps is “efficiency.” With a GPS app, you’ve got everything you need in one device. No switching between two units in the field. You’ll also save money by paying for one service and device vs. two devices and two potential service plans. There are way more useful features within GPS apps too. For instance, the onX Hunt App offers tools like Line Distance and Compass Mode: Measure distances ahead of time to set up potential shooting positions and use Compass Mode to drop Waypoints on certain areas from afar to help with future navigation. Apps also come with the benefit of ongoing software updates so you have access to the latest and greatest capabilities without having to upgrade devices.
On backpack hunting trips, weight matters. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. For that reason, a GPS app will shine. By opting to solely use your phone as a GPS, you’re eliminating an entire device to carry. It’s one less thing to worry about using, or losing, and one less battery to charge. Again, efficiency.
GPS apps also make it easier to plan a hunt with others. Being able to share points of interest via Waypoints, certain roads for access, or potential places to camp is easier than ever. You’ll be able to bounce ideas off one another and then walk into the field on the same page with a solid game plan. Even hooking your buddy up with a good spot to glass from or sit can be done via GPS app without a hiccup.
Hybrid Approach: Use Both for the Best Hunting Experience
Nobody said you’ve got to just use one or the other. In fact, there are benefits to going afield with both a GPS device and a GPS app. One of them is battery life. You may have more batteries to potentially charge, but by splitting up the usage, you’re using less battery per device.
Communication is something else to keep in mind. When offline, we don’t have a means to communicate with loved ones back home with our phones. So, having a separate inReach device will allow us to do just that via satellite. I should also mention that pairing an inReach device with your phone makes texting much quicker and easier. And in the event that one device/phone does run out of battery/stops working for some reason, having the extra on hand will ensure you’ve still got the benefits of GPS technology to aid in your hunting trips.