What Is the Best Aviation GPS?

Whether you’re looking for the best handheld aviation GPS, or something a little bigger and with more features, there are several excellent models to consider that are suitable for all budgets.

Best For:

The Garmin Aera 510 is a step up from Aera 500, adding support for NEXRAD imaging and SiriusXM Satellite Weather. Aera 510 combines the best moving-map display features with intuitive, menu-driven touchscreen control. It has a 4.3-inch QVGA wide-format touchscreen and is preloaded with detailed aerial mapping of terrain contours and structural components to help decision-making.

Dimensions: 5.3"W x 3.3"H x .9"D (13.5 x 8.4 x 2.3 cm)

Weight: 9.5 ounces (270 g)

Receiver Type: ADS-B receiver-compatible with GDl 39 receiver 

Ipad or Tablet Compatibility: No

Removable Antenna: Yes, GXM 40 antenna-compatible

EFB Compatibility: No

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes, the Bluetooth can connect to two devices at once (iOS, Android, or Garmin aera 660/796).

WiFi: No

Battery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion, up to five hours (less with full backlight and options)

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Pricing: $599.00

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The Garmin Aera 660 combines many of the capabilities of panel-mounted avionics into one unit. It is light enough to fit in a flight bag. It quickly and reliably acquires GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations which it combines with advanced navigation tools on interactive aviation maps. The sunlight-readable 5-inch diagonal touchscreen display makes it easy to use in most environments.

Dimensions: 5.5”W x 3.4”H x .8”D (14.1 x 8.7x 2.1 cm)

Weight: 8.64 ounces (245 g) with battery; 7.23 ounces (205 g) without battery

Receiver Type: SBAS/WAAS/GLONASS receiver: hi-sensitivity, WAAS position accuracy

iPad or Tablet Compatibility: No

Removable Antenna: Yes,  

EFB Compatibility: No

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

WiFi: Yes

Battery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion, Up to four hours during most daytime conditions, (80 percent backlight) and wireless connectivity in the cockpit, e.g. GTX 345; up to six hours during typical nighttime conditions, (5 percent backlight) and without wireless connectivity.

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Pricing: $799.00

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The XGPS190 is a WAAS-capable GPS with a dual-band ADS-B receiver for weather and traffic information. It connects to up to two devices via Bluetooth and is compatible with iPad, Android, and Windows tablets. It has an AHRS artificial horizon for EFB apps with synthetic vision and an internal battery to allow five hours of continuous operation. You can also use it in your car, on a boat, or hiking. 

Dimensions: XGPS190 (without the antenna): 4.3″ x 2.7″ x 1.0″

Weight: (with the antenna): 5.3 oz

Receiver Type: ADS-B receiver

Ipad or Tablet Compatibility: Yes,

Removable Antenna: Yes

EFB Compatibility: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes, two simultaneously

WiFi: Yes

Battery:  Built-in rechargeable battery, five hours of continuous use in ADS-B mode

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Pricing: $699.99

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The iLevil Sport combines AHRS, GPS technology, and data recording for every pilot. The portable unit is compatible with both iOS and Android and works with various apps. The iLevil Sport can be connected to six devices simultaneously, providing redundancy and almost limitless panel display options. It can record your data and save all of your flight information.

Dimensions: 3.2 x 4.2 x 1.1 in

Weight: 0.3125 lbs

Receiver Type: No

iPad or Tablet Compatibility: Yes

Removable Antenna: No

EFB Compatibility: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: No

WiFi: Yes

Battery: Internal battery, 8 hours fully charged + 4 hours of battery life from solar panels 

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Pricing: $795.00

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The Garmin Aera 796 can replace either a Class I or Class II electronic flight bag and comes with charts preloaded that show your aircraft’s position overlaid directly on the relevant chart. Optional European and Canadian VFR and IFR charts are also available. By adding optional City Navigator maps, helicopter and fixed-wing pilots add street addresses as waypoints or direct-to destinations. 

Dimensions: 5.1"W x 8.0"H x 1.5"D (13.0 x 20.3 x 3.8 cm)

Weight: 26.4 ounces (748 g) with battery pack; 18.3 ounces (519 g) without battery pack; 12.7 ounces (361 g) RAM mount

Receiver Type: ADS-B receiver–compatible with GDl 39 receiver 

Ipad or Tablet Compatibility: No

Removable Antenna: Yes, GXM 42 antenna, GDL 39 antenna

EFB Compatibility: Yes, Class I/II

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes, two simultaneously

WiFi: No

Battery: Rechargeable, replaceable lithium-ion, up to 3 hours with full backlight and GXM 40 connected (8 hours with 50% backlighting and XM connected)

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Aviation portable features

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Pricing: $1,599.00

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The 7-inch touch screen aviation GPS includes a suction mount with multiple articulation points and a touch screen interface that is easy to use. The iFly 740b is loaded with digital copies of FAA sectionals, IFR low enroute charts, airport diagrams, approach plates, etc. It comes equipped with synthetic vision, has built-in power, and is easy to read. 

Dimensions: 7.25 x 4.5 x 0.82 inches

Weight: 14.4 ounces

Receiver Type: WAAS-GPS receiver

Ipad or Tablet Compatibility: No

Removable Antenna: Yes

EFB Compatibility: No

Bluetooth Connectivity: No

WiFi: Yes

Battery: 1650 mAh internal circuit protected Li-Po battery

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Pricing: $599.99

Aviation GPS systems are designed to meet strict requirements as to shock, vibration, electrical surge, electromagnetic interference, sunlight readability, night visibility, signal acquisition, not required of ground GPS units. Marine GPS systems have similar unique requirements. 

Regardless of the type, a GPS receiver needs signals from a minimum of three satellites to provide position information (trilateration), which provides three-dimensional location.  A fourth satellite gives you your location exactly (neglecting multipath, ionosphere and troposphere induced errors) that includes elevation. Mobile aviation GPS units are less accurate than hardware installed on the airplane and aren’t suitable for approach procedures.

How should you pick the right aviation GPS? Here are some points to consider:

It’s important to ensure that the GPS unit you plan to use is compatible with the rest of your navigation systems, electronic flight bag, mobile devices with different operating systems, or airplane before you make the purchase.  

H3: Receiver Type

The receivers used for GPS navigation under VFR vary from a complete IFR installation to support a VFR flight to a VFR-only installation (in either a VFR or IFR capable aircraft) to a hand-held receiver. The limitations of Figures 16-40. Satellite constellation. The pilot must understand each type of receiver installation to avoid misusing navigation information. In all cases, VFR pilots should never rely solely on one navigation system. Pilots must augment GPS navigation with other electronic navigation, pilotage, and dead reckoning. Only through the integration of these techniques can the VFR pilot ensure accuracy in navigation. Some critical concerns in VFR use of GPS include RAIM capability, database currency, and antenna location.

While a handheld GPS receiver can provide excellent navigation capability to VFR pilots, they should be prepared for intermittent loss of navigation signal, possibly with no RAIM warning to the pilot. If mounting the receiver in the aircraft, be sure to comply with 14 CFR Part 43. 

While most GPS units will function the same, they may all have unique features, like satellite communication or weather and traffic receivers. Think about what you need in a unit based on your airplane capability, trip profile, and budget.

Frequently, pilots use their GPS devices with other pieces of technology, such as a mobile phone or tablet. Check to see that the GPS unit you want to use is compatible with the version of iOS or Android device devices you have or your aircraft's electrical system. Also, verify if your GPS unit has BlueTooth or wireless capabilities that allow you to transfer data or sync with other devices. 

Don't rely on GPS to solve all VFR navigational problems. Unless your GPS is approved for IFR navigation, the unit can assure no standard of accuracy or integrity. Only the pilot can navigate the aircraft, and GPS is just one of the pilot's tools to do the job. 

Most receivers are not intuitive. The pilot must take the time to learn the various keystrokes, knob functions, and displays used in the receiver's operation to minimize their head-down time and become familiar with your receiver. Some manufacturers provide computer-based tutorials or simulations of their receivers. Take the time to learn about the particular unit before using it in flight.

Some GPS units have internal batteries, and others need to be powered by the aircraft. Before you make your purchase, pay attention to the power connection. If the unit is independently powered, aim to use one with enough continuous power to match your trip profile. 

Aviation GPS makes flying easier for pilots. Pilots who plan to purchase portable units have many options based on their needs and budget. Investing in a suitable GPS unit will relieve your workload as a pilot and allow you to enjoy your time in the sky.