10 Best Bluetooth GPS Receiver 2022 – Reviews & Guide
These days, most people rely on their smartphones for GPS navigation. But GPS functionality can be spotty in some areas and the battery drain of running a map app is often intense. For those situations, you might want to consider an external Bluetooth GPS receiver.
Bluetooth GPS receivers are beneficial because they allow you to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer as a GPS device without having to plug in any additional hardware. They can be used on boats and in cars, when hiking, and for geocaching.
GPS receivers have been around for decades. The earliest models were large and expensive pieces of equipment designed for military use. Those devices were bulky, heavy, and not all that reliable. But as technology progressed, the devices became more affordable and easier to use.
These receivers connect to your phone and provide reliable satellite signals without having to use any data. Some even come with integrated apps to help with navigation, so you don’t have to use your phone at all.
The best Bluetooth GPS receiver is also small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. The receiver wirelessly connects to a variety of devices so you can use your phone or computer as a GPS device instead of purchasing an additional gadget or renting one from a car rental company while traveling.
Many of these receivers are waterproof or water-resistant and can be used on boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. We’ve also included some that are compatible with drones or action cameras so you can track the location of your shots.
How to Choose the Best Bluetooth GPS Receivers?
Bluetooth GPS receivers are a great piece of technology that you can use with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to get accurate positioning data and navigation information. They enhance the capabilities of your existing device, making it easier to get where you need to go. As you consider your purchase options, keep these important points in mind:
Performance. Make sure the receiver is compatible with your device and will work well in the environment where you intend to use it.
Additional features. Some of the more advanced receivers offer features as Bluetooth hotspotting and voice prompts for turn-by-turn directions. Consider whether those features will be useful for you and your purposes before making a purchase.
Pricing. Bluetooth GPS receivers vary widely in price depending on their quality and performance. You may not need all the bells and whistles that come with high-end models if you’re simply looking for basic geotagging capabilities or trip logging.
What is a external GPS receiver?
External GPS receivers are ideal if you have a device without GPS or with an underperforming GPS. They’re very easy to use. You simply plug the receiver into your device using a USB cable or connect via Bluetooth. Many receivers come with software for logging and managing your tracks on your computer, but you can also use third-party software such as Google Earth for viewing and managing tracks.
Some receivers are very small, making them ideal for carrying when hiking. However, miniaturization has its drawbacks. The smaller the receiver, the more difficult it is to achieve a good signal in built-up areas and near trees.
Some manufacturers make external receivers that are compatible with many devices, while others make receivers that only work with their own products (such as Garmin’s eTrex range of handheld GPS units). It’s important to check compatibility before buying an external receiver.
What does GPS receiver do?
The main function of a GPS receiver is to receive these signals from satellites and calculate your location using this information. This means that it will know where you are, where you are going and how long it will take to get there if you are using navigation software.
GPS receivers come in a range of shapes and sizes, from small chips to full-size devices. They do not necessarily have to have a screen, but GPS receivers with a screen are easier to use as they allow you to see your location and any other information you may need (see the section below on what they can show you).
1.Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver
The Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver 010-02184-01 (Renewed) is a powerful GPS and GLONASS receiver that wirelessly delivers GPS/GLONASS positioning data to your tablet, iPad, or smartphone. With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix satellite prediction, GLO 2 quickly locates your position and maintains it – even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of operation on a full charge.
GLO 2 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to your mobile device so you don’t have to worry about bringing cables with you or fumbling for them if you need to connect your device. It takes advantage of a technology called Assisted GPS (A-GPS), which downloads correction data from the Internet when available.
This allows GLO 2 to lock on to satellites approximately 20% faster than devices that rely on standard GPS signals alone, and it remains connected even at high speed. GLO 2 can receive position information from both the GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations, allowing it to connect to up to 24 more satellites than devices that rely on GPS alone.
2.Dual Electronics XGPS150A Multipurpose Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver
Dual electronics xgps150a multipurpose portable universal bluetooth gps receiver | wide area augmentation system is great for use with tablets, pcs, iphones, ipads and android phones. The xgps150a is a compact, portable GPS receiver that adds GPS to devices, allowing them to be used with apps that require GPS, including apps for aviation, car and marine navigation, golfing, geocaching, hiking and many more. With its high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and hot start-up time of less than 15 seconds makes it a powerful companion in the field or on the water.
The xgps150a receives GPS position information from a network of 24 dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth in formation. The satellites are operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and managed for civilian use by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
The satellites continually broadcast their exact position and the exact time of day using very accurate atomic clocks. These signals are received by your xgps150a at ground level through antennas housed inside your unit’s housing unit. The GPS receiver calculates its position using triangulation between each satellite and itself to determine distance and direction from each satellite.
3.Dual Electronics XGPS160 Multipurpose Universal 5 Device Bluetooth GPS Receiver
The Dual Electronics XGPS160 GPS Receiver with Wide Area Augmentation System and Portable Attachment is your ideal road companion. This highly sensitive, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can be placed on your car’s dash or windshield to provide you with superior GPS data.
The XGPS160 features a rechargeable battery offering up to 10 hours of continuous use and comes with a 12-30 volt DC adapter to power the unit while in the vehicle. To ensure accurate positioning and receptions, this Dual Electronics GPS receiver comes equipped with a built-in patch antenna that provides superior performance in urban areas where tall buildings may interfere with satellite signals. In addition to this, an extra-long 5 ft. USB cable is also included for flexible placement.
It offers high-sensitivity reception that tracks up to 20 satellites and has USB connectivity for easy charging and set up. This Bluetooth compatible device connects seamlessly with any Bluetooth enabled device within a 100 foot range and its easy to store design makes it easily portable so it can be used anywhere, anytime.
This device also comes packed with many other exciting features such as an adjustable attachment strap, non-slip pad and a battery meter that displays the remaining battery life available on your device.
4.GlobalSat BT-821C Bluetooth GPS Receiver
The BT-821C Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a wireless GPS receiver, allowing you to use with your Laptop, PDA or Tablet PC in car, boat or outdoor. It also works with all your favorite Windows-based programs and many others.
The BT-821C features an ultra sensitive low power consumption chipset in a ultra compact form factor. With the high gain active antenna, it can receive signals from up to 12 satellites at once and track your location under the thickest tree cover or deepest canyon.
The BT-821C comes with the latest SiRF Star III technology built inside and operates for 20 hours on one pair of AA batteries, so you can take it anywhere.
5.GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB GPS Receiver
The BU-353-S4 is a USB GPS receiver that features a highly sensitive, low power consumption chipset in a ultra compact form factor. The BU-353-S4 is powered by a SiRF Star IV GPS chipset, and will provide you with superior performance in urban canyons, and in dense foliage. With the SiRF CGEE (Client Generated Extended Ephemeris) technology, has the capability of predicting satellite positions for up to 3 days in advance, and will deliver a CGEE-start time of 15 seconds compared to 45 seconds for the BU-353.
The BU-353-S4 is completely powered by the USB port, and does not require an external power cable. This receiver is compatible with Google Earth, Google Maps, Microsoft Streets & Trips and other popular mapping software.
Built-In GPS Patch Antenna – Built into the receiver is a high performance GPS patch antenna that provides excellent reception capability in any environment. External antenna jack is also provided for optional active antenna use.
Built-In Roof Mount Magnet – On the bottom of the receiver is an embedded roof mount magnet that allows you to place it on any metal surface with ease and keep your installation simple. .
6.CASEMATIX Carry Case Compatible
Protect Your Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset , Controllers and More – The CASEMATIX Protective VR Headset Carrying Case will keep your Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset and accessories safe, secure and organized. With a pre-cut foam interior that holds your headset, controllers and more, this case is the ultimate travel solution for your Oculus Quest 2!
Fits Oculus Quest 128GB / 64GB & Oculus Quest 2 64GB / 256GB Models – The interior of this case includes a custom-cut foam tray with compartments for your VR headset, controllers, cable, charger and other accessories. Measuring 16″ x 13″ x 6″, this case easily fits the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset along with all of its accessories!
Perfect for Traveling or Storage – Keep all of your headset’s components in one place with this protective carrying case. With a comfortable reinforced carrying handle on top and durable hard shell exterior, this case is perfect for traveling with or storing away your Oculus virtual reality headset.
Customizable Foam Layout – Not only does this case have a customizable middle foam layer, but it also features dense egg-crate foam on the lid and bottom to ensure that nothing moves around during transit.
7.Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver
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Satellite positioning has never been easier. Now you can get accurate GPS position information without the hassle and expense of installing a compatible GPS antenna. The portable Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver makes it easy to connect your Apple iOS, Android or Windows smartphone or tablet with satellite accuracy.
GLO 2 offers up to 13 hours of battery life and a position update rate of up to 10 times per second (update rate may be limited by the host device). It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to iPad, iPhone, Android devices and other Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops. This allows GLO to lock on to satellites approximately 20% faster and remain connected even at high speed.
GLO can receive position information from both the GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations, allowing it to connect to up to 24 more satellites than devices that rely on GPS alone.
8.Qstarz BT-Q818XT 10Hz 66 Channel Bluetooth GPS Receiver
The Qstarz BT-Q818XT utilizes the latest SiRF Star IV GPS Chipset, and also equipped with high sensitivity 66-channel MTKII chipset. This is a standard GPS Receiver with Bluetooth wireless technology.
The Qstarz BT-Q818XT is the perfect GPS solution for all your mobile applications. It provides you with fast signal acquisition and reacquisition even at a weak signal environment. With the enhanced super high sensitivity -165 dBm, the device can track the signal from satellite quickly even at a weak signal environment.
The Qstarz BT-Q818XT has “Smart On Demand” mode for saving power consumption of battery life up to 30 hours operation time. The “Smart On Demand” mode will only turn on Bluetooth when there is any Bluetooth devices trying to connect to avoid unnecessary power consumption. It also allows you to log 500,000 track points into its internal memory by using compact flash SD card, which provides large enough storage for your long distance traveling record or journey tracking data.
9.Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro (Black/Silver)
The Bad Elf GPS Pro is the most powerful and capable GPS accessory in the world. It has been built to meet the demanding needs of pilots, boaters, surveyors, hikers, geocachers and other GPS enthusiasts who require a reliable connection between their iOS device and a high-quality external GPS receiver.
Weighing in at only 2 ounces and measuring less than 3″ long, the Bad Elf GPS Pro works seamlessly with hundreds of apps in the App Store (see below for a partial list). It’s also an excellent standalone GPS datalogger that logs up to 100+ hours of tracking data.
The Bad Elf GPS Pro is Apple MFi certified and supports all iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches with a 30-pin or Lightning connector. It supports up to 5 simultaneous Bluetooth connections (iOS devices only) and 10Hz reporting rate for fast position updates. Its rugged shell is splash-proof to IPX4 standards.
10.Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker
The Cellular GPS Tracker by Invoxia is the smallest, most accurate and reliable device in this category. It’s a standalone tracker that requires no connection to your smartphone and offers you peace of mind.
Works across the Continental US and Hawaii.
The Cellular GPS Tracker by Invoxia is a lightweight, compact and concealable device that offers real-time motion and tilt alerts. An alert will be sent directly to your phone if your vehicle is moved, towed or if someone touches it. This data is stored for 30 days for free on our platform.
This tracker works even if it’s hidden under your seat, under the car, in the glove box or in the trunk.
For owners of cars, motorcycles, bikes, vans, boats, trucks or any high-value equipment – this device can help prevent theft of your valuable assets. Protect your family and friends too – great for seniors, teens, kids or anyone you care about!
Built-in SIM card – Get up and running in seconds via the companion app. 2-year free subscription included. After 2 years only $2.49/month! No credit card needed.