Top 5 Editorial Picks
Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.
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Best Compact Value
A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.
Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder
A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.
Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade
The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.
Best Side-Imaging Upgrade
A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.
Best Premium Expandable System
A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.
| Rating | 4.2/5 |
The Humminbird 788ci HD DI is a high powered fishfinder that gives any angler what they need to fish like a pro. Customize the easy to use interface with your choice of colors. Use the X-press menu system to easily go between those components you prefer to use most. Take advantage of desired features such as split-screen zoom and Selective Fish ID. Track fish easily with advanced technology and an accurate display.
| Rating | 4.5/5 |
The Garmin Echo 550C has set the bar high for those anglers who want to step up their game. Everything about this fishfinder exudes user-friendly from the set-up to the operation. Installation of the unit and the included transom-mount transducer occurs in minutes using the quick release tilt mount. The interface is simple for even a beginner to navigate with easy to understand buttons and a trouble-free menu.
| Rating | 4.3/5 |
Improve your success with the Humminbird 596c HD DI, a fishfinder that combines ease of use with top notch components to deliver action packed adventure to the angler. Set up quickly and easily to enjoy features like a split screen zoom, Selective Fish ID and a customizable interface. The high powered sonar and superb display ensure that nothing is missed on your fishing excursion.
Lowrance is a very well known brand name in the fishfinder market. They not only have great products, but also great prices. They are very well liked because of their cost efficiency. Their ability to be a leader in the industry is no surprise, because getting a high-end product at
| Rating | 3.5/5 |
Designed with absolute simplicity in mind, Garmin Echo 300c is one of the most perceptive and affordable fishfinders on the market. It features Garmins exclusive HD-ID tracking technology which allows you to see flawlessly through the water on a 3.5 inch sunlight readable color display.
There are so many exceptional fishfinders out on the market today that it makes your job as a consumer easier to get the one that best suits your needs. There are a variety of models with different options, designs, and most importantly prices for you to choose from. If you
| Rating | 2.8/5 |
The Humminbird 581i Combo is a sonar fishfinder and full GPS locator in one. Target tracking,Trackplotting, chartplotting, mapping, and waypoint creation are all possible with this single unit from Humminbird. And all of it is finely displayed on its 5 inch screen with 16 levels of grayscale and 640×320 pixels of high resolution.
For the ultimate in sonar portability look no further than the Smartcast RF15 from Humminbird. Looking for a step up from traditional fishing? Like the idea of being able to search for fish from virtually anywhere? Want a fishfinder that can be used away from the boat?
With the 400c fishfinder, Garmin gets down to the basics: finding fish. The 400c is versatile, powerful and expandable. The control unit is outfitted with a 4 inch full color QVGA display that boasts a 320×240 pixel resolution. The 400c is as easy to read and operate at night and low light conditions as it is in broad daylight thanks to a backlit keypad and the monitor’s night mode function.
If you are an angler just looking to get your feet wet in the world of sonar fishfinders, then you could do a lot worse than the PiranhaMax 170 from Humminbird. This unit is simplicity exemplified and yet it doesn’t compromise when it comes to features. And with a suggested retail price of $99.99, it is affordable under any fisherman’s budget.
The Cuda 350 s/map from Eagle is a multi-function unit that is has both sonar and GPS navigational functionality. See all of the action on the 4 inch lcd screen with 16 level grayscale and a 240×160 resolution. With Supertwist, the screen can be viewed in broad daylight without glare and at night with the backlight. The low profile Skimmer transducer is designed for fast speeds and reduced interference. 800 watts of peak to peak power emit sonar signals down to 600 feet below the surface.
The waterproof LS6100 from Furuno is small and compact but carries a lot of muscle for its size. With 2400 watts of peak to peak power, it provides all of the performance needed for fast and accurate identification of fish targets. The 6 inch lcd screen reproduces the sounder findings in gorgeous detail with its 240×320 pixels of resolution. Ten levels of backlight adjustments and five different color palettes provide ample contrast and illumination in high and low light situations.
The GPSMAP 421 is a chartplotter from Garmin that offers many features and an easy to use interface. Maps are rendered beautifully on the full color 4 inch QVGA monitor. Garmin has invested heavily in the overall design of the unit as well. A simplified interface with a minimal number of buttons to push allow for easy navigation to critical menu options.
Humminbird has been in the marine electronics business for over 40 years and they are one of the most respected names in the business due to the ease of use and full functionality of their equipment.
High definition in all of its glory has arrived into the world of marine electronics with the HDS line of fishfinders and chartplotters from Lowrance. The HDS 7 is one of the newer models in Lowrance’s flagship series. The 7 inch full color monitor displays splendid images and its readability is excellent whether seated directly in front of it or at an angle. Adjustable brightness levels and color palettes customize the viewing experience and tailor it for all conditions.
Performance and affordability meet in equilibrium with the Lowrance X59DF. The notable features begin with the 4 inch high definition lcd screen with a 38,400 pixel count. Outfitted with what Lowrance calls Film Supertwist, the monitor provides superior contrast for easy readability in direct sunlight and backlight for reading at night. It’s viewable from nearly every conceivable angle even with polarized sunglasses.
Humminbird offers the ultimate in portable and hassle-free fish-finding with the 120 Fishin Buddy. The Fishin Buddy line has been completely redesigned with all of the latest high tech features that anglers have come to expect from their fishfinders but in a uniquely compact unit which does not require any wiring or transducer mounting. See clearly with the 4 inch 8 level grayscale display that boasts 240×160 pixels for adequate detail.
Furuno LS4100 is the little brother to the LS6100 with a slightly smaller screen size, but with all of the power and features to satisfy both entry level and more advanced users. With 2400 watts of peak to peak power, it provides all of the performance needed for fast and accurate identification of fish targets. The 6 inch lcd screen reproduces the sounder findings in gorgeous detail with its 240×320 pixels of resolution. Ten levels of backlight adjustments and five different color palettes provide ample contrast and illumination in high and low light situations.
The Garmin 160c is a compact fishfinder that is perfectly suited for the freshwater fisherman. The 3.2 inch full color QVGA monitor provides bright and clear graphics and can be maneuvered into various positions using the attached adjustment bar. And dont worry about it getting wet; the 160c is absolutely IPX7 grade waterproof and can easily stand up to water splashes and rain storms. At just over one pound in weight, the 160c packs a lot of punch in a small and lightweight package.
If youre looking for a single unit that has full GPS/Sonar/Mapping functionality, then look no further than the Eagle Fishelite 480. Youll be impressed with the 16 level grayscale monitor with a full 5 inches of viewable real estate. The 480×480 pixels of resolution and backlit LED makes for an impressive presentation. And the screen is viewable from nearly every angle with the included SuperTwist mount.