Ever feel lost, even when you’re holding a shiny iPad? Maybe you’re on a boat, hiking a trail, or flying a small plane. Your iPad is a great tool, but it might not always know exactly where you are. That’s because the built-in GPS on your iPad isn’t always the best. It can be slow, or even miss your location. That’s where an external GPS comes in!
Choosing an external GPS for your iPad can be tricky. There are many choices! You need to think about accuracy, battery life, and how easy it is to use. You also need to be sure it works well with your iPad. Picking the wrong one can lead to frustration and a lot of time spent wandering around!
This blog post will help you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about external GPS units for your iPad. We’ll look at the best options available. You’ll learn what to look for, and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect external GPS to make your iPad a super accurate navigation tool. Let’s dive in and explore the best GPS options for your iPad!
Our Top 5 External Gps For Ipad Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 External Gps For Ipad Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin GLO 2 GPS and GLONASS Receiver for Precise Position Information on Mobile Devices
Rating: 9.4/10
The Garmin GLO 2 GPS and GLONASS Receiver is a small device. It helps your mobile devices know exactly where they are. It connects wirelessly to your iPad, iPhone, and other devices. This receiver uses both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. This gives you very accurate location data. The GLO 2 is great for pilots, boaters, hikers, and drivers. It’s a handy tool for anyone who needs to track their location.
What We Like:
- It works with many devices. You can use it with your phone or tablet.
- The GLO 2 uses both GPS and GLONASS. This helps it find your location quickly and accurately.
- It has a long battery life. You can use it for up to 13 hours.
- It’s good for many activities. Pilots, hikers, and drivers all use it.
- You can charge it easily with the included USB cable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The price is higher than some basic GPS receivers.
The Garmin GLO 2 is a solid GPS receiver. It offers great accuracy and long battery life. This makes it a good choice for anyone needing precise location information.
2. Dual Electronics XGPS150A Multipurpose Portable Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver
Rating: 9.4/10
The Dual Electronics XGPS150A is a portable GPS receiver. It boosts your GPS signal on your phone or tablet. It connects wirelessly using Bluetooth. This device works with many devices, like iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. You can use it for car navigation, hiking, and more. The XGPS150A is water resistant and comes with helpful accessories.
What We Like:
- Adds GPS wirelessly via Bluetooth.
- Works with many devices and operating systems.
- Has a long battery life of 8.5 hours.
- Comes with a USB charging cord, strap, and non-slip pad.
- You can use it with hundreds of apps.
- It is water resistant.
What Could Be Improved:
- There is no information about the accuracy of the GPS signal.
Overall, the Dual Electronics XGPS150A is a useful tool. It is a great way to get a better GPS signal on your devices.
3. Dual Electronics XGPS160 Multipurpose Universal 5 Device Bluetooth GPS Receiver with Wide Area Augmentation System and Portable Attachment
Rating: 9.4/10
The Dual Electronics XGPS160 is a handy GPS receiver. It can connect to five devices at once. This device uses Bluetooth. It gets signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellites. The XGPS160 also uses WAAS, which helps make the location more accurate. It records your route automatically. This makes it great for many activities.
What We Like:
- It uses WAAS for better accuracy.
- It gets signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellites.
- The receiver can connect to up to five devices at the same time.
- It records your route automatically.
- It provides up to 10 position samples per second.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery life could be longer for extended use.
- The initial setup can be a bit tricky.
The Dual Electronics XGPS160 is a useful GPS receiver. It is a good option for anyone who needs accurate location data for multiple devices.
4. Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver Bundle with Vehicle Power Cable 010-02184-01
Rating: 9.2/10
The Garmin GLO 2 Bluetooth GPS Receiver Bundle with Vehicle Power Cable 010-02184-01 helps you get a better GPS signal. It works with your phone or tablet. You can use it in your car or on a plane. This bundle comes with a power cable for your vehicle. It makes sure the GPS receiver always has power.
What We Like:
- The Garmin GLO 2 uses both GPS and GLONASS satellites. This helps it find your location quickly.
- It connects to devices using Bluetooth.
- The receiver gets accurate location data.
- The vehicle power cable keeps the receiver charged.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
The Garmin GLO 2 is a great way to get a strong GPS signal. It is a good choice if you need accurate location data.
5. VFAN USB GPS Receiver Antenna Gmouse for Laptop PC Car Marine Navigation Magnetic Base
Rating: 8.8/10
The VFAN USB GPS Receiver is a handy tool for getting your location. It works with laptops, PCs, cars, and even boats! It uses a strong chip to find your spot quickly and accurately. It supports GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, and SBAS systems. You can use it with free software to see your data. It also has a magnetic base for easy setup and is water and dust resistant. This GPS receiver is perfect for navigation, mapping, and getting accurate time.
What We Like:
- Gets your location fast with a high-performance chip.
- Works with many devices like laptops and phones.
- Includes free software to see your GPS data.
- Has a magnetic base for easy mounting.
- Is water and dust resistant.
- Supports different navigation systems like GPS and GLONASS.
- Offers a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Comes with a USB to Type-C converter for Android devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- None
This VFAN USB GPS Receiver is a good option for anyone who needs accurate location data. It’s easy to use and has many great features.
External GPS for iPad: Your Guide to Navigation
Do you use your iPad for traveling or outdoor adventures? Do you want a more accurate GPS signal than your iPad provides? An external GPS receiver can help! This guide explains what to look for when buying one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an external GPS for your iPad, consider these features:
- GPS Accuracy: This is super important! Look for a receiver that provides precise location data. This helps with navigation and tracking. The best ones are very accurate.
- Connectivity: Your GPS receiver needs to connect to your iPad. Most use Bluetooth. Make sure the receiver is compatible with your iPad’s Bluetooth version.
- Battery Life: How long can the GPS receiver work on a single charge? Longer battery life is better, especially on long trips. Check how the battery charges.
- Water Resistance: If you use your iPad outside, water resistance is a plus. It protects the receiver from rain or splashes. Look for a rating like IPX7.
- Mounting Options: Some receivers come with mounts. These let you attach the receiver to a car window or other surfaces.
- WAAS/EGNOS Compatibility: This helps improve GPS accuracy. It uses extra signals from ground stations.
Important Materials
What is the GPS receiver made of? The materials affect its durability and performance.
- Casing: The outer shell of the receiver is important. It needs to be strong to protect the internal components. Durable plastics are common. Some use metal for extra protection.
- Antenna: The antenna receives the GPS signals. The quality of the antenna affects accuracy. Look for antennas made from durable materials.
- Battery: Lithium-ion batteries are often used. These are lightweight and provide good power.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of an external GPS receiver.
- Brand Reputation: Buy from a well-known brand. They often make better products. Read reviews from other users.
- Chipset: The GPS chipset is important. It processes the GPS signals. Better chipsets provide more accurate data.
- Signal Strength: The receiver’s ability to get a good signal matters. Obstacles, like buildings or trees, can reduce signal strength.
- Construction Quality: How well the device is made affects its durability. Check for sturdy construction.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does an external GPS receiver work for users?
- Easy Setup: Most receivers are easy to set up. You pair them with your iPad via Bluetooth. Then, you open your favorite navigation app.
- Improved Navigation: External GPS receivers provide more accurate location data. This is great for driving directions, hiking, or flying.
- Outdoor Activities: Hikers, cyclists, and boaters can use them. They help with tracking and mapping.
- Use Cases:
- Driving: Get more accurate turn-by-turn directions.
- Hiking: Track your hikes and see where you have been.
- Boating: Navigate on the water with better accuracy.
- Flying: Improve GPS data for flight apps.
- Geocaching: Find hidden treasures with more precision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why do I need an external GPS for my iPad?
A: An external GPS receiver gives you more accurate location data than your iPad’s built-in GPS. This is helpful for navigation and outdoor activities.
Q: How do I connect an external GPS to my iPad?
A: You usually connect via Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPad. Then, pair it with your GPS receiver.
Q: What apps work with an external GPS receiver?
A: Many navigation apps work, such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Gaia GPS. Check your app to see if it supports external GPS.
Q: How accurate are external GPS receivers?
A: They are usually very accurate. The accuracy depends on the receiver and the environment.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Battery life varies. Check the product specifications. Most receivers last for several hours on a single charge.
Q: Is an external GPS receiver waterproof?
A: Some are, some aren’t. Check the product description. Look for an IPX rating for water resistance.
Q: What is WAAS/EGNOS?
A: WAAS and EGNOS are systems that improve GPS accuracy. They use extra signals from ground stations.
Q: Can I use an external GPS receiver with multiple iPads?
A: Yes, you can pair it with multiple devices. However, you can only use it with one device at a time.
Q: How do I charge the GPS receiver?
A: Most receivers charge with a USB cable. The type of cable will be listed in the product description.
Q: Where can I buy an external GPS receiver?
A: You can buy them online at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. You may also find them at outdoor stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.