3 Best USB GPS Receivers for Accurate Navigation

Here are the best GPS receivers for your laptop

Reading time icon 3 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • If you're hiking in the middle of nowhere, a USB GPS receiver will pinpoint your location on the laptop.
  • The devices from the list below offer perfect accuracy and portability.
USB GPS Receivers

A USB GPS receiver is an affordable option for travelers who are looking for a positioning device that can be connected to the laptop.

USB GPS receivers are designed to deliver superior performance at the fraction of a conventional GPS system’s cost. These receivers connect to any Windows computers with ease and predict satellite location in advance.

In this article, we have listed the best USB GPS receiver to help you navigate in all weather conditions with ease.

Note: Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price tag often varies. We recommend going on the vendor’s website to check the price. Some of the products may be out of stock by the time you’ve made your purchasing decision. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.

What are the best USB GPS Receivers to buy?

GlobalSat BU-353-S4

  • A highly compact magnetic USB GPS receiver
  • Compatible with Windows OS
  • 48-channel All-in-View Tracking
  • Nothing noticeable

If you are looking for a magnet mount USB GPS receiver, the GlobalSat BU-353-S4 is a highly sensitive, low power consumption chipset packed in a compact form factor.

GlobalSat BU-353-S4 is compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 10 running laptops and is powered by a SiRF Star IV GPS chipset to provide superior performance everywhere.

With the help of SiRF CGEE, this device can predict the satellite position for up to 3 days in advance.

Stratux Vk-162

  • Value for money USB GPS receiver
  • IPX6 certification for water and dust resistant build
  • WAAS support
  • Nothing noticeable

The Stratux Vk-162 is a remote mount USB GPS receiver offering affordable positioning hardware for the drivers and laptop owners. It offers an impressive start time of 32 seconds to get signals.

Stratux Vk-162 comes with plug-and-play functionality and depends on the Stratux project to establish a connection. This GPS receiver offers IPX6 certification making it water and dust resistant.

Pros:

  • Value for money USB GPS receiver
  • IPX6 certification for water and dust resistant build
  • WAAS support

Cons:

  • Nothing noticeable

VFAN USB GPS Receiver

  • Compact, lightweight USB GPS receiver
  • Value for money
  • 56-channel VFAN receiver
  • Nothing noticeable

The VFAN USB GPS Receiver is another low-cost GPS hardware that is compatible with most of the Windows OS editions. It can also be used with Ubuntu and macOS with some tweaking.

VFAN USB GPS Receiver is powered by a Ublox 7 chipset which helps in initiating location-based searches. To activate the GPS you need to install the UBlox’s UCenter software that triggers the 56-Channel VFAN receiver.

USB GPS receivers offer a low-cost alternative to big, bulky, and expensive GPS receivers that require consistent recharging.

All the USB GPS receivers listed in this article are compatible with Windows laptops and work with either proprietary software or third-party navigation software like Google Earth.