When comparing marine electronics sonar navigation gear, the first big choice is fixed vs handheld: do you want a chartplotter mounted at the helm, or a portable GPS you can grab on the way out? Both approaches have merit, and Garmin's GPSMAP line covers both. The GPSMAP 440S is a boat chartplotter, while the GPSMAP 79s is a floating, waterproof handheld. This head-to-head breaks down the differences so you can match the device to the way you actually navigate.
Quick Verdict
If you want a fixed navigation screen at the helm, the Garmin GPSMAP 440S is the straightforward choice at $279.99. If you'd rather have a portable handheld with built-in compass, barometer, and altimeter, the Garmin GPSMAP 79s costs $309.99 and gives you a device you can take off the boat. The $30 price gap between them is small enough that your boating style should drive the decision.
Price and Feature Comparison
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 440S | Garmin GPSMAP 79s |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 279.99 | USD 309.99 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Form factor | Boat chartplotter with suncover and mount | Floating waterproof handheld |
| Mounting | Included mount | Handheld / portable |
Where Each Product Wins
- Garmin GPSMAP 440S wins for boaters who want a fixed screen at the helm and prefer a chartplotter that stays in place. This is the classic choice for a center console or dash where you want to glance at your route without juggling a device.
- Garmin GPSMAP 79s wins for those who want a handheld that can go overboard safely. It's the pick if you fish from a kayak, paddle to shore, or want a backup that rides in your pocket.
Product Notes
Garmin GPSMAP 440S Marine Boat GPS Chartplotter With Suncover With Mount
The Garmin GPSMAP 440S puts a full chartplotter in your helm without requiring a separate mount purchase, since the listing includes the suncover, mount, and power cord. That makes it a convenient all-in-one package for a console installation. The trade-off is that this unit is sold as used, so its condition is the main thing to evaluate before buying. If your priority is a permanent navigation station rather than a portable device, this is the route that gives you a Garmin chartplotter with fewer accessories to buy separately. For a boat with a suitable dash, this is a particularly straightforward setup.
Garmin GPSMAP 79s Floating Waterproof Handheld Marine GPS Device 010-02635-00
The Garmin GPSMAP 79s is the handheld that can take a swim: it's designed to float, is water-resistant to IPX7, and has a scratch-resistant, fogproof display. It also includes a built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass, making it a more versatile companion for exploring beyond the boat. It can store up to 10,000 waypoints and supports optional BlueChart g3 coastal charts. Garmin rates it for up to 19 hours of battery life in GPS mode, so it can keep up with a full day on the water. The limitation is that it's a handheld, so you're not getting a fixed screen at the helm; that's the trade-off for portability.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 440S if you want a chartplotter for your boat's helm.
- Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 79s Floating Waterproof Handheld if you want a portable GPS to take on or off the water.
