Best GPS Accessories in the US: Where to Buy and What to Choose

Why GPS Accessories Matter More Than You Think

If you rely on navigation for daily commutes, road trips, marine adventures, or outdoor sports, the right GPS accessories can make a night-and-day difference. They can improve signal reliability, protect expensive devices, boost battery life, and keep your hands where they belong—on the wheel or the handlebars. Think of accessories as the unsung supporting cast: the mount is the steady hand, the charger is the lifeline, and the antenna is the scout that finds signals others miss. Choosing the right ones saves time, reduces frustration, and keeps you safer on the road or trail.

Top Types of GPS Accessories to Consider

Before you shop, it helps to know what gear typically improves a GPS setup. The big categories are mounts, power solutions, external antennas, protective cases, data and connectivity tools, and specialty items like marine transducers or bike sensors. Each category has clear leaders and niche options depending on whether you drive, boat, hike, or ride. Spend time matching accessories to how you actually use your GPS—this avoids paying for features you’ll never use.

Mounts: Stability and Visibility

A good mount keeps your device visible without blocking your view and absorbs bumps. For cars, look for a mount that offers a firm grip, flexible positioning, and easy detachment. Motorcycle and bike mounts need vibration damping and secure locking. Boats demand corrosion-resistant materials and options that can handle spray. Popular options come in suction, vent, adhesive, and clamp styles—choose what fits your dash or handlebars best.

Power Solutions: Chargers and Power Banks

Nothing ruins a plan faster than a dead GPS mid-journey. In-car fast chargers, USB-C power adaptors, and high-capacity power banks are must-haves. For long trips or multi-day hikes, consider battery packs rated to recharge your GPS multiple times, or hardwired vehicle chargers if you need constant power. Look for quick-charge compatibility if your device supports it.

External Antennas and Signal Boosters

In urban canyons, dense forests, or when your GPS is tucked inside a rugged case, external antennas can dramatically improve satellite lock time and accuracy. Marine users often rely on roof-mounted antennas to maintain a steady connection over open water. Choose antennas with weatherproofing and compatible connectors for your device.

Protective Gear and Cases

Rugged cases and screen protectors extend the life of your GPS. If you’re outdoors often, go for water-resistant or fully waterproof cases that still allow touchscreen use. For bikes or motorcycles, consider cases that protect against dust and rain while allowing quick access. Think of protection like insurance: cheaper than replacing a cracked GPS screen.

Retailers in the US Where You Can Find Quality GPS Accessories

There’s no single best store for every GPS accessory; different retailers shine in different areas. Below I’ll walk through major US retailers and what they do best so you can shop smart.

Amazon: Huge Selection and Fast Shipping

Amazon is the go-to when you want sheer variety and quick delivery. You’ll find everything from brand-name mounts and Garmin accessories to affordable third-party cables and power banks. The advantage is the volume—user reviews, Q&A, and fast Prime shipping make it easy to compare items. Just watch for counterfeit listings and focus on highly rated sellers or items sold by the brand.

Best Buy: Electronics Expertise and In-Store Pickup

Best Buy is great if you prefer seeing electronics in person before buying. They carry major GPS manufacturers and accessories like car mounts, chargers, and dash cams. Their staff can help with compatibility questions and in-store pickup or curbside options make last-minute shopping painless. Best Buy often bundles warranties or protection plans that are useful if you want extra coverage.

Walmart: Budget Options and Wide Availability

Walmart offers budget-friendly GPS accessories and wide availability across the US. Their selection is practical for shoppers who need basic mounts, cheap cables, or entry-level power banks. Walmart’s physical presence also makes it handy for emergency replacements when you’re on the road and need something fast.

Garmin: Direct Source for Premium Accessories

If you own a Garmin GPS, buying directly from Garmin often ensures perfect compatibility. Their store stocks OEM mounts, charging docks, marine transducers, and software upgrades. While OEM items can cost more, the fit and long-term support—especially for marine and aviation products—are hard to beat. Garmin also releases accessories designed for specific models, which reduces guesswork.

Crutchfield and B&H Photo: Specialist Electronics Retailers

Crutchfield and B&H Photo cater to enthusiasts who want professional-quality accessories. Crutchfield is excellent for vehicle integration kits, hardwired chargers, and audio/GPS combos, while B&H offers a wide array of antennas, rugged cases, and photography-grade mounts that double for GPS devices. Both stores provide knowledgeable support and detailed product descriptions.

REI, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops: Outdoor and Marine Gear

Outdoor-focused retailers like REI, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops serve hikers, anglers, and boaters. Expect to find handheld GPS cases, solar chargers, marine-grade antennas, and mapping accessories. These stores often carry rugged brands and items designed to survive exposure to water, salt, and rough handling—perfect for outdoorsy users.

How to Match Accessories to Your GPS Use Case

Think of your GPS setup like a team—each player has a role. For commuting, a low-profile dash mount and fast in-car charger are your MVPs. For long road trips, add a power bank and a dual USB charger. For marine use, focus on waterproofing, marine transducers, and roof-mounted antennas. Hikers want lightweight, waterproof cases, extra battery capacity, and perhaps a solar panel for extended outings. Matching accessories to real-world needs prevents unnecessary spending and improves reliability.

Commuter Setup

A commuter benefits most from a compact magnetic or vent mount, a fast 12V USB adapter with at least one quick-charge output, and a discreet cable management solution. These choices keep your device charged and accessible without cluttering your dash.

Road Trip Essentials

For extended driving, add a high-capacity power bank, a 10-foot USB cable to reach passengers in the back seat, and a sturdy suction mount that can handle long highway stretches. Consider a dual-port car charger so passengers can charge phones while the GPS stays powered.

Marine and Fishing

Marine users should prioritize corrosion-resistant mounts, waterproof housings, and external transducers for depth and fish-finding data. A roof- or radar-arch-mounted antenna and a reliable battery system make navigation safe and stress-free on open water.

Outdoor and Hiking

Lightweight, rugged cases, solar chargers, and compact power banks are key. Also consider mapping accessories and microSD cards for offline maps; offline mapping is invaluable when you’re miles from cellphone reception.

What to Look for When Comparing Prices and Quality

Price is important, but don’t let it be the only deciding factor. Look at build materials, warranty length, compatibility details, customer reviews, and returnability. For outdoor or marine gear, check IP ratings (water-resistance levels) and corrosion resistance. For power gear, battery capacity listed in mAh tells you how many recharges you’ll get. Reading a handful of detailed reviews gives a realistic sense of durability and compatibility.

Brand vs. Third-Party: When to Spend More

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) accessories like those from Garmin are usually pricier but guarantee fit and firmware compatibility. Third-party brands can offer excellent value, and many match OEM quality at a lower price, but you’ll need to vet them via reviews. If your device is mission-critical—marine navigation, aviation, or pro-level surveying—lean toward OEM or well-reviewed professional brands to avoid costly failures.

Smart Tips for Buying GPS Accessories Online

When shopping online, use filters to narrow results by compatibility and rating. Compare shipping times and return windows, and check whether the seller is the manufacturer or a third-party. Look for product bundles that combine mounts, chargers, and cables—these often save money and ensure compatibility. Also, check for firmware or software updates on the manufacturer’s site after purchase, especially for accessories that interact with your GPS device.

Check Compatibility Carefully

One of the most common mistakes is assuming a mount or charger fits all models. Measure your device’s dimensions in inches and cross-reference mounting patterns or connector types. When in doubt, contact seller support before buying or stick to universal mounts that list device dimensions and weight limits.

Buy Bundles for Better Value

Bundles are useful if you’re outfitting a vehicle or boat from scratch. A bundle might include a mount, hardwired charger, and extension cable—often cheaper than buying items separately. Just verify each included item’s specs to avoid surprises.

Maintenance and Care for Long-Lasting Accessories

With basic care, your accessories should last for years. Keep connectors clean and dry, avoid leaving suction mounts in direct sun for long periods, and store battery packs in a cool, dry place when not in use. For marine gear, rinse salt-prone components with fresh water after trips and lubricate any moving parts per the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular checks will prevent failure at the worst possible moment.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

Here’s a short checklist to make shopping painless: 1) Verify device compatibility in inches and connector type; 2) Decide whether you need OEM reliability or a third-party bargain; 3) Choose mounts based on where the GPS will live; 4) Ensure power solutions have enough capacity for your trips; 5) Prefer weatherproof materials for outdoor or marine use. Keeping this list handy will cut down on returns and buyer’s remorse.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Store

Your ideal store depends on priorities: fast shipping and wide choice (Amazon), hands-on testing and tech support (Best Buy), outdoor and marine specialty (REI, Cabela’s, Bass Pro), or OEM reassurance (Garmin). For high-end electronics or integrated installs, specialists like Crutchfield and B&H Photo are often worth the extra effort. Mix and match—buy the mount from a specialist and cables from a mass retailer—to get the best value and performance.

With the right accessories and a little research, your GPS can perform far beyond basic navigation. Whether you’re threading city streets, mapping out a fishing trip, or heading off-grid for a hiking weekend, the right gear makes navigation simpler, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.

Conclusion: Invest in accessories that support the way you use your GPS. Focus on compatibility, build quality, and buying from retailers that match your needs—whether that’s fast shipping, in-person testing, or specialized marine gear. When you pair the right accessories with the right vendor, your navigation setup becomes dependable and nearly effortless.