Stonex GNSS Receiver Comparison Guide: S599 vs S999 vs S950 vs S990+ vs S880

Choosing the right GNSS receiver can dramatically impact your field productivity, accuracy, and workflow. At SiteSurv USA, we carry a full lineup of Stonex receivers, from ultra-compact units to full-featured, survey-grade workhorses. This guide breaks down the key differences between the S599, S999, S950, S990+, and S880 so you can confidently select the receiver that fits your work.

Introduction

Stonex GNSS receivers are known for reliability, precision, and strong satellite tracking even in difficult environments. Factors like satellite constellation support, IMU performance, integrated radios, battery life, and form factor are what separate compact GIS receivers from high-end survey instruments.

Below, we compare five key models in the Stonex lineup: S599, S999, S950, S990+, and S880.

Quick Comparison Table

Stonex S599 (Compact Power for Everyday GIS and Survey)

The Stonex S599 is the newest ultra-compact GNSS receiver in the Stonex lineup. It is designed for GIS professionals and surveyors who need survey-grade accuracy in a device that literally fits in the palm of your hand.

Main Advantages of the S599

• Ultra-compact and lightweight: around 380 grams with a footprint of about 98 × 46 mm, making it very easy to carry and mount on a pole or backpack.
• Full GNSS and PPP: tracks all major constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, IRNSS) with 1408 channels and support for precise point positioning.
• Advanced IMU tilt: the integrated IMU allows tilt compensation up to 60°, so you can measure points where a perfectly level pole is not possible.
• AR camera for stakeout: built-in camera enables augmented reality stakeout and mapping, making it easier to visualize targets on screen.
• Rugged IP68 rating: dust-tight and highly water-resistant, ready for harsh field conditions despite its small size.
• All-day battery: up to around 12 hours of operation, ideal for full days in the field without a recharge.

Because of this combination of size, battery life, and advanced features, the S599 is an excellent choice for:

• GIS data collection and asset mapping
• Light to medium survey work
• Utility and municipal crews who need a compact, durable receiver
• Contractors and inspectors who work long days and move between sites often

If you want a modern, high-performance GNSS unit that will not weigh you down, the S599 is the most future-forward option in this comparison.

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Stonex S999 (Premium “All-in-One” GNSS Solution)

The Stonex S999 is a compact, high-precision GNSS receiver built for full-scale professional surveying. It combines advanced IMU tilt, 1408 channels, dual cameras, and integrated communication hardware in one receiver.

Key Features of the S999

• 1408-channel, multi-constellation receiver for high-accuracy RTK in challenging environments.
• IMU tilt compensation up to 60° to speed up stakeout and topo work where a vertical pole is not practical.
• Dual UHF radio bands (typically 410–470 MHz and 902.4–928 MHz) for flexible base/rover setups.
• Two integrated cameras: one optimized for stakeout and one for photogrammetry or 3D modeling workflows.
• Integrated 4G modem, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for robust communication and network RTK.
• Rugged design for reliable operation in harsh outdoor conditions.

The S999 is ideal if you want a receiver that can do almost everything on its own: local radio RTK, network RTK via cellular, visual stakeout, and 3D data capture.

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Stonex S950 (Rugged Versatility in the Field)

The Stonex S950 is built for surveyors who need a rugged, flexible GNSS receiver that can handle a wide variety of jobs. It combines a long-lasting battery, dual cameras, and a laser distance meter in a relatively lightweight housing.

Key Features of the S950

• 1408 channels for robust satellite tracking and stable RTK results.
• IMU tilt compensation up to about 60° for faster work in tight or obstructed areas.
• Integrated 4G modem and 2 W UHF radio for base/rover and network workflows.
• Dual cameras for visual stakeout and documentation.
• Laser distance meter that allows you to measure hard-to-reach points and combine them with GNSS position.
• Rugged, lightweight design (about 810 g) with an IP67 rating and battery life over 10 hours.

The S950 is a solid choice if you frequently work in varied environments and want a receiver that can:

• Perform standard topographic and boundary surveys
• Handle construction and monitoring projects
• Measure inaccessible points using the integrated laser

View the Stonex S950 on our store:

Stonex S990+ (Advanced Survey Accuracy)

The Stonex S990+ is the high-end survey-grade receiver in this group. It is designed for demanding RTK and static applications where accuracy, stability, and connectivity are critical.

Key Features of the S990+

• 1408 GNSS channels with tracking of all major constellations.
• IMU tilt compensation (typically up to 60°) for efficient stakeout and topo data collection.
• Integrated UHF radio (400/900 MHz range options) for base/rover configurations.
• Internal 4G modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for flexible communication and NTRIP corrections.
• High update rate (around 20 Hz) for smooth tracking on moving platforms.
• 8 GB internal memory for logging static sessions and backups.

Choose the S990+ when you:

• Need a primary RTK rover and base for a survey crew
• Run larger construction or infrastructure projects
• Require reliable static/PPK data for high-precision work

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Stonex S880 (Lightweight Rover with Radio Options)

The Stonex S880 is a compact GNSS receiver that combines strong radio performance and modern features in a lightweight package. It is a good fit for crews who want a light rover with built-in communication options.

Key Features of the S880

• High-performance 2 W UHF radio for long-range base/rover communication.
• Integrated IMU for tilt compensation and faster point collection.
• High position update rate (around 20 Hz) for smooth real-time tracking.
• 4G modem and onboard memory (commonly around 8 GB) for logs and remote connectivity.
• AR stakeout camera on many configurations for visual stakeout in the field.
• IP68-rated housing and operation across extreme temperatures for tough jobsites.

The S880 is a strong option if you prioritize:

• Light weight with built-in radio power
• AR-guided stakeout and modern field workflows
• Reliability in wet, dusty, or very hot/cold environments

View the Stonex S880 on our store:

Which Stonex GNSS Is Right for You?

Here is a quick summary to help you pick the best receiver for your workflow:

• Choose S599 if you want a compact, ultra-light receiver with AR camera and all-day battery for GIS and survey work.
• Choose S999 if you want an all-in-one compact rover with dual cameras, powerful IMU, and dual-band UHF built in.
• Choose S950 if ruggedness, laser distance measurement, and long battery life are your main priorities.
• Choose S990+ if you need top-tier RTK performance, extensive connectivity, and reliability on large, complex projects.
• Choose S880 if you want a lightweight rover with strong radio performance and AR stakeout capabilities.

Still not sure which receiver is the best fit? Our team at SiteSurv USA can walk through your projects, crew size, and budget to recommend the most suitable Stonex solution.

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