Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - GPSMAP 65s 2.6" GPS with Built-in Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.1
(31 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 31 reviews
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
2
1 Star
2
Customer Reviews for Garmin - GPSMAP 65s 2.6" GPS with Built-in Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
4
GPS and Satellite Systems Excellent
on September 26, 2025
Posted by: Harold40
I purchased this device recently as a replacement for an Oregon 650. My use has been frequent. The accuracy of the Tracks is very good and the system for management and storage of Track data with BaseCamp is very good. The use of buttons and keypad on the device is tedious and cumbersome in comparison to the Oregon 650 touch screen. For my purposes it does what I require but the overall software and user interface is out of date and in need of an overhaul.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
A little clunky
on June 8, 2025
Posted by: Jimmy02
These Garmin's are not as easy to use as Google Maps or Google Earth, but what I do is use those platforms on my PC to map out my planned route following rivers or whatever and them download that KLM file to my Garmin and it shows up great and will work in the field with no Internet access.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Good GPS
on May 22, 2025
Posted by: D.aterrimus
Functions nicely, but prepare for a lot of menu scrolling if you are new to the product. Once you figure out the menu, you can do a lot with it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
So much for the $$
on May 16, 2025
Posted by: Rand
This Garmin 65s has much functionality and easy to use !
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Would be a GREAT handheld if...
on April 7, 2025
Posted by: OldCorps
The feature list is compelling, it is accurate, the screen is the best I've seen in direct sunlight, and the new TopoActive maps are sooo much better than the older Garmin preloaded maps. BUT, I don't understand why you continue to skimp on the internal memory of this device, you ship it with an old TopoActive version on the 8GB internal memory, but you MUST add a memory card to update the maps to the current versions.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Good features and user friendliness
on April 6, 2025
Posted by: A Gonzales
So far the GPS portion of this unit has been great my only issue has been updating the GPS I tried on several occasions but it never actually updates just keeps loading.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Garmin GPSMAP® 65s: Reliable
on March 8, 2025
Posted by: Nav-gate
I originally had the Garmin GPSMAP® 66sr, which is a fantastic unit. However, when I realized it came with a non-replaceable lithium-ion battery, I decided to switch to the GPSMAP® 65s—and I couldn't be happier with the choice. The 65s runs on standard AA batteries, whether rechargeable or disposable, giving me complete flexibility. This means I can use the unit for years without worrying about battery degradation forcing me to replace the entire device.
While it's technically possible to change the battery in a lithium-ion model, if not done by the manufacturer, it can create some uncertainty about the unit's long-term reliability. With the 65s, I don’t have that concern. I get the same rugged build, excellent satellite reception (thanks to multi-band GNSS), and reliable Garmin mapping features, all with the added benefit of user-replaceable power. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who values longevity and field reliability in their GPS unit.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Difficult to use basic functions
on February 20, 2025
Posted by: Saltsy
I wish I would’ve sent this back before using from the start it’s been a waste of time and money compared to much simpler cheaper products. But hey the next time I’m in Antarctica and can’t get service this might come in handy.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, March 5, 2025
Thank you for your review and experience with the GPSMAP 65s. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin