RTK GPS Prices by Brand: What Actually Affects the Cost?
AI-assisted article. The technical content and pricing examples should be reviewed against current product information before publication.
When someone searches for GPS RTK price, the first thing they usually want to know is a number.
But RTK GNSS receivers are not priced based on one specification alone. Two devices can both support RTK positioning while having very different hardware, software, correction methods, communication options, accessories, and support packages.
That is why comparing RTK GPS prices by brand is more useful when you also understand what is included in the price.
What Is an RTK GPS Receiver?
RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic. It is a GNSS positioning technique that uses correction data to improve real-time positioning accuracy.
A typical workflow uses a base and a rover, although network-based correction services can also be used. The rover receives correction information and calculates its position using the GNSS observations and correction data.
This is why professional surveyors often look at geodetic GPS receivers rather than ordinary navigation devices.
RTK GPS Prices by Brand
There is no single fixed price for an entire brand. Models within the same product family can differ substantially.
The table below gives examples published in a 2026 CV.BNT price guide. These figures should be treated as market/listing examples rather than universal brand prices, because configurations, promotions, accessories, and software packages can change.
| Brand | Example Model | Example Listed Price | Position in the Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimble | R12i | Rp285,000,000 | Premium GNSS receiver example |
| Topcon | HiPer VR | Rp195,000,000 | Professional GNSS example |
| Hi-Target | V200 | Rp82,000,000 | Mid-range GNSS example |
| CHCNAV | i90 | Rp140,000,000 | Professional GNSS example |
| ComNav | T300 | Rp68,000,000 | Value-oriented example |
| STEC | K5 UFO | Rp92,000,000 | Higher-spec/value example |
These figures show why the phrase “GPS RTK price” is incomplete without specifying the model and package.
Why Do Brands Have Different GPS RTK Prices?
Brand is only one part of the equation.
A receiver can become more expensive because of its positioning capabilities, integrated sensors, communication hardware, software ecosystem, or the level of support included with the purchase.
| Price Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| GNSS capability | Determines which satellite signals and constellations the receiver can track |
| Channel count | Affects signal-tracking capacity |
| RTK performance | Important for precise real-time positioning workflows |
| IMU/tilt functionality | Can improve field workflow for certain survey applications |
| Communication | Radio, cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other options affect configuration |
| Controller | Hardware and field-control software can add substantially to the package |
| Software | Survey, stakeout, coding, and data-management features may differ |
| Battery | Larger or additional batteries can increase package value |
| Accessories | Poles, tripods, cases, chargers, radios, and antennas affect the final package |
| Support | Training, warranty, service, and technical support can influence total cost |
A More Useful Way to Compare Brands
Simply asking which brand is cheaper can lead to an incomplete comparison.
A better approach is to compare equivalent configurations.
For example, compare:
| Comparison Item | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Receiver | Are the GNSS capabilities comparable? |
| Accuracy | Are the quoted accuracy specifications based on comparable conditions? |
| Correction method | Does the workflow use local base, radio, network RTK, or another method? |
| Controller | Is a controller included? |
| Software | What surveying functions are included? |
| Communication | Is cellular or UHF communication built in? |
| Accessories | Is the quoted price for the receiver only or a complete field set? |
| Support | What warranty, service, and training are included? |
This approach is especially useful when comparing GPS RTK for sale from different manufacturers.
Example: Why the Package Matters
Imagine two receivers with similar positioning specifications.
One quote might include only the receiver.
Another might include:
| Package Component | Possible Inclusion |
|---|---|
| GNSS receiver | Yes |
| Field controller | Yes |
| Survey software | Yes |
| UHF radio | Yes |
| Rover pole | Yes |
| Tripod | Yes |
| Batteries | Yes |
| Hard case | Yes |
| Training | Yes |
The second quote may appear more expensive, but the actual comparison is not “expensive vs cheap.” It is single component vs complete field system.
What About Premium GNSS Brands?
Brands such as Trimble, Topcon, and other established survey manufacturers can sit at a higher price level because the purchase may involve a broader hardware and software ecosystem.
A recent 2026 CV.BNT guide, for example, listed the Trimble R12i at Rp285 million and the Topcon HiPer VR at Rp195 million as example configurations. These are useful as reference points, but they should not be interpreted as fixed prices for every model or package.
The important point is that a higher price can reflect differences beyond raw positioning accuracy.
What About Mid-Range RTK GPS?
There are also many receivers positioned below premium-brand pricing.
Current Indonesian listings illustrate this spread. CV.BNT's product catalog currently shows examples such as the ComNav T300 at Rp75 million, Hi-Target V30+ Plus at Rp95 million, and Emlid Reach RS2+ at Rp96 million.
Another Indonesian survey-equipment retailer currently lists products including CHCNAV i73+ at Rp60 million and Hi-Target V500 in the Rp85–123 million range, showing how pricing can vary even among products in similar market segments.
These are examples of listed market prices, not standardized manufacturer pricing.
Does a Higher GPS RTK Price Mean Better Accuracy?
Not necessarily.
Price and accuracy are related to the specifications and system around the receiver, but they are not interchangeable.
Field results can also be affected by:
| Field Variable | Possible Effect |
|---|---|
| Satellite visibility | Changes the quality and availability of GNSS observations |
| Multipath | Can degrade positioning quality |
| Correction quality | Affects RTK solution performance |
| Communication link | Determines whether correction data reaches the rover reliably |
| Antenna setup | Influences measurement quality |
| Survey procedure | Poor field procedures can reduce practical accuracy |
| Operator workflow | Configuration and data collection affect the result |
So when comparing geodetic GPS equipment, specifications should always be evaluated together with the intended field environment.
Buy or Rent GPS RTK?
For some projects, purchasing is not the only option.
A company may need an RTK receiver for a short construction package, a temporary increase in workload, or a project where equipment ownership is unnecessary.
In those situations, GPS RTK rental can be another way to access professional surveying equipment.
| Situation | Option to Consider |
|---|---|
| Frequent long-term use | Purchase |
| Short-term project | Rental |
| Temporary additional survey crew | Rental |
| Testing a workflow before purchasing | Rental/evaluation |
| Multiple simultaneous projects | Combination of owned and rented equipment |
The financial decision should consider actual usage, project duration, and the full cost of ownership.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
A good surveying equipment for sale comparison should start with the project rather than the brand.
| Project Requirement | What to Determine |
|---|---|
| Survey type | Topographic, construction, cadastral, mining, or mapping |
| Accuracy requirement | Required horizontal and vertical performance |
| Environment | Open sky, urban, vegetation, or obstructed areas |
| Correction method | Local base, network RTK, or another correction source |
| Mobility | How frequently the rover must move between points |
| Data workflow | Required controller and software |
| Operating time | Expected field duration per day |
| Budget | Total package cost rather than receiver-only cost |
| Support | Warranty, service, calibration, and training |
The Real Meaning of “RTK GPS Price”
When someone searches for GPS RTK price, they are often comparing several different products without realizing that the packages may not be equivalent.
The real cost of an RTK system can include:
Receiver + controller + software + communication + accessories + support.
That is why the best comparison is not simply the lowest number.
It is the configuration that matches the project's technical requirements and operating workflow.
Final Takeaway
RTK GPS prices by brand can vary widely, but brand name is only one factor.
Specifications, GNSS capabilities, correction technology, IMU functionality, controller and software, communications, accessories, and after-sales support can all change the total price.
For professionals comparing GPS RTK for sale, the most useful question is therefore not:
“Which brand has the lowest price?”
A more meaningful question is:
“What configuration do I actually need for my survey workflow?”
That shift makes it much easier to compare Trimble, Topcon, Hi-Target, CHCNAV, ComNav, STEC, Emlid, and other GNSS options on a like-for-like basis.
About This Article
This article was created with AI assistance and should be reviewed by a knowledgeable human before publication, particularly for current product specifications and market prices.
