Choosing between a multi-function display (MFD) and a GPS you can carry comes down to one question: how much of your navigation do you want to keep on the boat? The Garmin GPSMAP 2010 is an MFD with a display designed for your boat's navigation, while the Garmin GPSMAP 79s is a handheld you can take anywhere. Here's how they compare and which one fits the way you boat.
Quick Verdict
The GPSMAP 2010 lists for $169.99 and the GPSMAP 79s lists for $309.99. Pick the 2010 if you want a lower-priced display for your boat. Pick the 79s if you want a GPS you can carry with you, with up to 19 hours of battery life and built-in navigation tools.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin GPSMAP 2010 Color Marine GPS Chart Plotter Fishfinder MFD with Suncover | $169.99 | Used | Color chartplotter/fishfinder MFD with suncover |
| Garmin GPSMAP 79s Floating Waterproof Handheld Marine GPS Device | $309.99 | New | Floating handheld with built-in compass, altimeter, barometer |
Where Each Product Wins
The GPSMAP 2010 wins for boaters who want a dedicated display at the center of their setup. It's a full MFD that pairs chartplotting with fishfinding.
The GPSMAP 79s wins for boaters who want a rugged, portable backup or primary GPS that can go off the boat. It floats, is water-resistant to IPX7, and carries a built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 2010 Color Marine GPS Chart Plotter Fishfinder MFD with Suncover
This Garmin pairs marine GPS chartplotting with fishfinding in a single MFD, and the suncover is included. For a smaller boat or a more price-conscious upgrade, that's a direct way to add a dedicated display without buying a separate fishfinder. The trade-off is that no power cord is included, so you'll need a compatible power cord to run it. It's designed as a multi-function unit rather than a take-it-with-you device. If you want a chartplotter/fishfinder combo and you're comfortable supplying the power cord, this is the more affordable route.
Garmin GPSMAP 79s Floating Waterproof Handheld Marine GPS Device
The GPSMAP 79s has a scratch-resistant, high-resolution color display that's readable in bright sun, and it's rated for up to 19 hours of GPS battery life. It's also built to resist fog, so it belongs on the water. The trade-off is that it's a handheld navigation tool rather than a multi-function display, so you'd use it as a portable GPS rather than a single screen for multiple functions. If portability and screen visibility matter more than a full multi-function display, this is the one.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the GPSMAP 2010 when you want one display for your boat's navigation.
Choose the GPSMAP 79s when you want a GPS that goes where you go.
If your navigation setup stays mostly on the boat, the 2010 is the practical pick. If you need a rugged backup for off-boat use, the 79s is the better fit.
