2018 Guide: Best Fish Finder for the Money
Shopping for a new fish finder can be a daunting task, especially for the experienced angler. There really is no one “best fish finder”, and there never will be. There are dozens of models manufactured each year, and each has it’s own place for best use.
The purpose of this guide is to help you cut through the confusion and the marketing buzzwords to help you choose the best fish finder for the money that fits your style of fishing. We’ll walk you through the different types of sonar and features found on today’s top fishing electronics, and they can be used to help you enjoy your time on the water and catch more fish.
1. Choose by Price Range
Do you have a specific budget in mind for your next marine electronics purchase? We’ve got you covered with guides for choosing the best fish finder in several price ranges.
- Top Fish Finders Under $1,000
- Top Fish Finders Under $500
- Top Fish Finders Under $300
- Top Fish Finders Under $200
- Top Fish Finders Under $10
2. Latest Fish Finder Reviews
2018 looks to be another great year for marine electronics. There are a ton of products to review, and we’ll list them here.
- Garmin ECHOMAP Plus – The whole series has been refreshed, with side and down imaging sonars, plus some new touchscreens.
- Garmin STRIKER Plus – This popular series has added a 9 inch SideVu model.
- Lowrance Elite Ti – New 9 Ti and 12 Ti Totalscan touchscreen fish finders for 2018.
- Lowrance HDS Carbon – The Carbon series is replacing the HDS Gen3, and now has a massive 16 inch unit.
- Lowrance Hook2 – A welcome refresh of the Hook series, with all new displays, SplitShot and TripleShot configurations, and some very interesting prices.
- Humminbird HELIX MEGA SI G2N – Mega Imaging was HUGE last year, and so far only HUmminbird has this technology. The clearest, most detailed images around come off MEGA imaging units.
- Humminbird HELIX MEGA DI G2N – An expansion of the MEGA lineup, with MEGA Down Imaging only models.
- Humminbird SOLIX – From the ashes of the ONIX rises the SOLIX series, all new and improved in every aspect. SOLIX has been very popular thanks to MEGA and now comes in a more affordable SOLIX 10 option.
- Raymarine Axiom – Raymarine is making a new push into consumer fish finders with the Axiom. They look fantastic, with their own 3D imaging technology.
3. Top Fish Finders by Type of Sonar
Every few years there seems to be some type of new sonar technology that pushes the envelope for consumer grade fishing electronics. For many years, flashers were the deal, like Lowrance’s famous “Green Box” locator, and Humminbird’s equally renowned “Super 60” flasher. From there, fish finders turned to paper “graphs”, and then LCD displays that revealed more information about what was below the boat.
Then in the mid 2000’s, Humminbird was the first company to release affordable side imaging to the consumer, and it was a smash success. From that point on there has been an arms race that some have come to call the “Sonar Wars“. The guide below will help you understand each of these fish finding technologies and help you decide if you need them.
Kayak Fish Finders
Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity in the last five years. If you are looking to get into kayak fishing, now is a great time. There has never been so many awesome fishing kayak options and quality fish finders to put on them. There are several really good 5 and 7 inch models that have awesome screens and are easy on your budget. See all our Kayak Fish Finder Reviews, or check out our Top 3 recommended Kayak Fish Finders.
*Last updated 2019-01-15 at 17:37 / Product info from Amazon Product Advertising API
Portable Fish Finders
Portable fish finders are units that are easily attached to and removed from a boat. A portable unit can be useful if you take infrequent trips to the lake, rent boats, or have a smaller fishing boat that isn’t conducive to a permanently mounted fish finder. These units typically come with a separate battery that you stow in the carrying case
Guide: Top Portable Fish Finders
There are also castable fish finders, which are basically a transducer pod that floats, and a smartphone app is the fish finder. These kinds of fish finders are excellent for fishing from shore or from small watercraft.
*Last updated 2019-01-15 at 17:37 / Product info from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fish Finders for Ice Fishing
Ice fishing requires a special type of unit to be effective in catching fish under the ice. You are working your bait vertically so you want to be able to see fish under your bait, as well as see your bait as it drops down the water column.
The first thing to look for is a good flasher display. Mechanical flashers tend to breakdown more frequently and require repairs, so for that reason we suggest getting a digital flasher.
Most 5 inch portable units now have a flasher option in the available views. You can also do a split screen to see traditional 2D sonar. With these two views you can see fish and your bait under hole in the ice.
Down Imaging Sonar
Down imaging uses a transducer that emits a single extremely thin slice of high frequency sound waves to create a lifelike 3D appearance of whats below your boat. When stacked up and painted on your fish finder, these thin slices of sonar returns make it much clearer as to what is below the boat. What might look like a blob of “something” in standard sonar, is instantly revealed to be brush, rocks, fish, or other kinds of structure.
Each manufacturer has their own version of down imaging sonar; Humminbird’s Down Imaging, Lowrance’s DownScan, Garmin’s DownVü, and Raymarine’s Dragonfly. The imaging looks very similar on all the brands, so it’s really up to you to look closely at screenshots and specifications and decide what will work best for you. With imaging being more or less equal, look for the best and largest screen, as well as for the mapping capabilities that will meet your fishing style.
Down Imaging Fish Finder Reviews
- Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73sv
- Lowrance Hook2 7 SplitShot
- Garmin STRIKER Plus 7cv
- HELIX 7 CHIRP DI Sonar/GPS G2N
- Helix 10 CHIRP MEGA DI
- All Down Imaging Reviews
*Last updated 2019-01-16 at 11:44 / Product info from Amazon Product Advertising API
Side Imaging Sonar
Where down imaging uses one sonar beam looking directly towards bottom, side imaging uses two beams that are angled slightly upward in both side directions. The two beams together create photograph-like images of the lake bottom on both sides of your boat, revealing contour changes, bottom composition transitions, fish, and structure all at the same time.
Side imaging is an extremely useful tool for searching out fish holding structure on the lake. It can significantly reduce the time it takes to find fish, making you more efficient, allowing you to spend more time trying to catch them.
Side Imaging Tutorial, Tips and Tricks
Side Imaging Fish Finder Reviews
- HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N
- Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 93sv
- SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS
- Lowrance Elite-9 Ti TotalScan
- Garmin STRIKER Plus 9sv
- All Side Imaging Reviews
MEGA Side Imaging: If you are looking for the best possible images in a fish finder, there is nothing better than the Humminbird MEGA units. They utilize 1200 KHz frequency (1.2 MHz) to get ultra clear images both side and down looking sonar. MEGA is only available in the HELIX 9, 10, and 12, as well as the SOLIX SI models.
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders
*Last updated 2019-01-16 at 11:44 / Product info from Amazon Product Advertising API
360 Imaging & Scanning Sonar
As great as they are, down and side imaging have a few drawbacks. First, you need to be moving forward to be able to get a clear picture. Idling speed is best, but you can slow the scrolling speed down to show a good picture while fishing from the trolling motor. The second drawback, is that you can only see what you have already passed over with your boat. It’s great to see the structure, but it doesn’t do you much good if you’ve already passed it.
Humminbird came out with an innovative solution to this problem, called 360 Imaging. 360 Imaging uses a rotating transducer to sweep in a full circle around you and the boat. This allows you to see in front of you, behind you, and to all sides without moving at all. The rotating transducer refreshes the screen even while you are stationary, allowing you to see targets in front of you to cast to. Now you can clearly see casting targets such as pockets and turns in the weed-line, as well as brush, stumps, and trees.
The 360 Imaging transducers are a fairly expensive add on, but we truly believe it can be a huge leap forward forward for serious anglers, especially bass and panfish anglers. Most of Humminbird’s higher end units are capable of displaying 360 Imaging data, as long as you have the most recent software updates. We have used and recommend the bow mounted 360 unit, which you can see the review here.
CHIRP Fish Finders
CHIRP sonar is one of the newest technologies to come to fish finders that the average Joe can afford. Lowrance and Garmin and helped push this type of sonar into the mainstream, and now Humminbird and the others are starting to follow. You are probably wonder what exactly is CHIRP, how does it work, and what are the benefits? You aren’t the only one, so here is a short primer.
Where regular sonar uses a fixed frequency, such as 83 kHz or 200 kHz, CHIRP transducers transmit longer sweeps across a range of frequencies. CHIRP transducers are essentially putting many times more sound energy into the water column than a traditional transducer, making it much easier to detect objects in the water column. This also means objects in the water can be viewed with better clarity, with better target separation, and at greater maximum depths.
CHIRP has been normally been relegated to saltwater fishing boats, where they need the greater depth capabilities, but the fish finder manufacturers are finding ways to afford ably process the CHIRP signals in a way that benefits the typical freshwater fisherman in shallower water. For some of the best units with CHIRP, check out the below article, as well as the excellent primer video from Lowrance.
Best Fish Finder GPS Combos
Regular 2D sonar uses a cone shaped sound wave to ping the water column directly below the boat. The higher the frequency, the narrower the cone. In general, the narrower the beam, the higher definition you will see on the screen. The lower frequency beam with wider cone angle will give you more coverage area, which can be helpful when searching for fish.
When your boat passes over a large fish, or the fish passes through part of your sonar cone, it can appear as an arch. It takes a very specific circumstance to display an arch on a fish finder, so do not be alarmed if you do not immediately or always see the arches. Sometimes the fish look like thin lines, ovals, or balls, it just depends on the speed of your boat, and where the fish are in the cone.
When you see a fish finder advertised as “dual beam”, this just means it has the ability to use both beams at the same time. You can usually view them side by side, blended together, or on separate screens in order to help you understand whats happening below your boat.
All of the top fish finders today will be GPS combo units. These units have 1 or 2 SD or Micro SD card slots for using mapping cards such as Navionics or Lakemaster. Lakemaster map cards are exclusive for use in Humminbird fish finders, while Navionics can be used in almost any brand.
In the past few years there have been exciting advances in mapping technology coming out, such as DIY mapping software like AutoChart, AutoChart Live, Navionics SonarCharts, and Insight Genesis. Some cards like Lakemaster PLUS and Navionics Platinum+ are also offering Satelite Overlay as a way to enhance you lake maps.
- Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2
- Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G2/G2N
- Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 43dv & 63dv
- Lowrance Elite-5 Ti & Elite 7 Ti
- Garmin STRIKER Plus 9sv & 7cv
I would like to put a fish / depth finder on my float tube . I do some long trip in the high country (7-10 days). This makes a rechargeable battery a problem . What units would be best for this use?
Jeff, the only unit I’m aware of that would fit a float tube is the Humminbird Fishin’ Buddy (with Float Tube kit). I believe it runs on AA batteries, so you could carry extra sets fairly easily.
Tossed between the Humminbird Helix 7 Sonar/GPS and the new Lowrance Elite 7 Ti, most specifically at this time for use ice fishing. Obviously the Helix 7 comes in an ice pack already, and after checking with Lowrance, the Elite 7 Ti will work with the ice pack and a 9 to 7 pin adapter. Any thoughts?
The Elite 7 Ti is a great choice if you’ll use it on a boat too. But if used mainly for ice fishing it would seem a bit overkill. I know plenty of folks who use Helix 5 & 7 for ice fishing and are very happy with it.
Speaking of overkill, would you think the elite 7ti would be overkill for a kayak in the ocean? Or the 5ti good enough?
Thank you
If your kayak is decent sized, I don’t think a 7″ is too big at all. Just need to take some thought into the mounting, so it’s not getting in your way too much.
Raymarine Dragonfly series is in its own class and outperforms any finder at it’s price point. I use it on a boat/canoe, dock, ice fishing….can use mobile devices for more screens. Glad I bought a dragonfly over any of the other brands…. Awesome finder…..oh it’s waterproof too so you can flip your kayak and not damage your finder… let’s see if others can keep up with Raymarine’s Dragonfly!
I agree 100%… cant Beat My DragonFly… Plus the Wifi hooks up to my phone or Tablet.. So I can be anywhere on the boat and watch for fish…
I’m looking at Lowrance 7-series, but but confused on difference between 7&7-X
Theres a 12666 and 12660 in Lowrance catalog & one listed under 7 hook column, 12664, but says it’s a hook-9, yet saw factory bar code on a 7 with that number
If you are looking at the HOOK models, “X” means no GPS. The 12666 (HOOK 7) has Mid/High CHIRP + DownScan, The 12660 (HOOK 7x) is the same but without the GPS chartplotter.
Thanks! I’m tight for space & realize 7 won’t fit (15′ Whaler). Should I get the hook 5 or spring for the elite 5?
If you mean Elite Ti-5, then I would say yes. The Hook is a very basic unit.
Is there a unit for when you are fishing from shore and not in a boat?
Yes, there are units like Deeper and FishHunter (and others) that use your phone and a castable transducer. Check out this article https://www.sonarwars.com/portable-fish-finders/
H I would like a new sounder/plotter to show fish in 500m depth in the ocean along with good detail in the 0-50m range, appreciate this may incorporate a couple of different transducers.
maybe 1KW for depth and whatever you recommend for shallow. All will be in the ocean. in New Zealand.
Budget is $5000.. your thoughts? Appreciate your thoughts, cheers
Liam, I am afraid that is out of my range of knowledge. I’ve got lots of experience with freshwater, but unfortunately not deep water ocean. Check out thehulltruth.com and ask there.
I’m looking at getting a new plotter/fish finder for my boat. I. normaly fish depths up to 170 ft over sand banks etc is there a unit that can scan the sea bed and remember the data so it eventually builds up a better picture of contours etc. I do a lot of drift fishing for turbot and it would be handy to have a better picture of the lay of the banks to target them better. Kind regards Marcus
Marcus, look for the units with AutoChart Live (Humminbird) or Quickdraw Contours (Garmin). They do live mapping just like you are describing. To save more than 8hrs of map data, you’ll need a Zero Lines card for the Humminbird and a dedicated SD card for Quickdraw.
Looking for good overall fishfinder gps for lake erie mostly trolling for walleye and occasionally drifting. Would like to stay in $750-500 range Looking at Simrad Go7 xse and others which would you recomend
I’m looking for a depth/GPS for lake hopping with a pontoon. Yeah, Its kind of a pain but enjoy checking out different lakes. So I don’t need a fish finder just depth. Will have a fit if I go thru another prop! I now have a Hawkeye that doesn’t work more than it does, that’s why three props. I am looking at Garmin echomap 73 sv. Any thoughts? Thanks!
The Echomap 73sv is more unit than what you need for just depth and GPS/mapping. The Echomap 73dv would be cheaper and still have what you want. Or look at a Helix 7 DI or Helix 7 Sonar GPS. All of those units also have built in live mapping, so you can make you own map as you go.
Cant decide on what sonar to get for a center console. I fish mostly lakes in Texas so would like something to help find structure and have GPS. Price range from 1000 and down. Thanks
I would recommend something with side imaging sonar to find structure. Echomap CHIRP 93sv falls under $1000. The Helix 9 MEGA is a little more, but provides the best imaging clarity. For Lowrance, maybe an Elite 7 Ti with TotalScan.
Hi, I’m looking at a fish finder gps combo, in a 4.5m boat mostly fishing bays and estuaries around the $1200 but will pay more for a better product, the structure and views of the bottom is probably the biggest point for me thanks!
If you can jump up to the Helix 9 MEGA or Helix 10 MEGA…there is no comparison to the side imaging of those units right now.
I’m looking up Helix 10 Mega and finding Prices from $1,200 to $1,600. Are there different models or something?
(Sorry, I’m kind of a newb to this hi- tech stuff)
It’s no problem! There are only two HELIX 10 MEGA units. Prices may vary depending on where you buy them.
HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N
HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N
So it depends on what you need. The MEGA SI also dedicated MEGA DI built in, if you can swing it that’s the best way to go.
I’m looking at getting a new set up for my boat I currently have a hummingbird and was looking at the helix 7 with side scan, down imaging but I have also been looking at the lowrance hds7 gen3. Any input would be a big help
Chris, the HDS 7 Gen3 would be the more powerful unit, with a better transducer. And if you want a touch screen, it would be the way to go.
Is there any advice for sonars for commercial fishing vessels?
Go here: https://www.thehulltruth.com/
Looking to purchase a new fishfinder for fishing walleye in local lakes and using on the Columbia river in Washington state. Looking at the Garmin Echomap 73sv or 73cv. Also been thinking of the Helix 7 since it talks to may minn kota…any suggestions….would like to stick around 700$
Yeah, tough choice. I think the Echomap Plus 73sv/73cv are really attractive. Touch screen, QuickDraw mapping, and CHIRP sonar would be great for your fishing. I am a fan of the Helix units, but in that price range seems Garmin has the edge.
I am primarily a river fisherman who has never owned a fish finder. I will be anchored up more than trolling. What would you suggest?
If you can afford to get something with side imaging, you will be amazed at what you see on that river. You’ll find more spots, bait, and fish. Next best thing would be a down imaging only unit. I’d recommend the ECHOMAP Plus and HELIX units, 7 inch and up if possible.
I’m torn and I’m have a tough time making a decision. My primary time spent fishing is trolling, with the occasional river trip. With a budget of 1500.00 would pick the new Garmin echo map 93sv, lowarance HDS 9 gen 3 or Helix 9.
That’s a good budget amount. I think I would stick to the Echomap or Helix. The HELIX 9 MEGA will definitely have the best side imaging, but the Echomap PLUS 93sv has touchscreen (which I can confirm works very nicely). You could also add on the new Garmin Ultra HD Imaging at a later date. It’s supposed to be the answer to Humminbird MEGA, but it’s too new to know any details.
I appreciate the input, I will be upgrading from a Humminbird 788ci, so anything should be a step in a positive direction. I have heard that the Garmin units are not known for their image quality. Any thoughts?
Maybe, obviously it’s really hard to compare unless viewing side by side!
Its a toss up for me between the helix 7 si g2n or lowrance elite ti for me. I dont like the touch screens on fish finders for various reasons. and I do like the auto chart live from humminbird and the smartstrike map as well they also have a remote with bluetooth so you never have to touch your fishfinder. but the TI has 800kz while the humminbird only has 455kz for side&down imaging. I also find lowrance 2d sonar is clearer then hummingbirds but humminbird are more user friendly. what are your thoughts?
I don’t disagree with anything you said. Humminbird generally has better customer support should you ever need it. If you have a chance to use them in person, that would be the best way to break the tie.
I’m late to this discussion, but I found out that if you buy the Humminbird with the 455khz transducer, you can trade it in for the HD(800khz) for around $80 provided you haven’t opened the packaging on the 455khz transducer. I didn’t find out about this until it was too late and now I’d have to spend about $180 to buy the HD transducer.
Tossing up between raymarine dragon fly 7 pro, lowrance hook2 x7 and lowrance elite 7ti?
Do you use side view often ? Whats the best picture?
Its on a 5.3m boat
I use side imaging all the time, just not on those exact units. If you can afford one that has it, I would get that one. Also, that Hook2 7X only has GPS plotting, no cartography – just FYI, but an important distinction.
Hi there. I have a 12.5’ porta a boat and was looking for a unit to fish Texas lakes for bass and crappie with my boys. I also want to take it trolling in the lakes of Colorado and Wyoming. It has a 6hp Suzuki motor on it. Was looking at the lowrance Elite 7ti totalscan. I was going to pair it w a 10amp nocqua portable power source and a portable transducer mount. Thoughts, other suggestions of better setup? I’m new to this, so any suggestions would be much appreciated.
That sounds like a good setup for a porta boat. A 7-inch unit is a good size for that. I’m not familiar with that power source, my concern would be having enough juice for a full day plus charging any accessories.
How long is the transducer for the lowrance hook2 7 tripleshot? I have a vibe sea ghost 130 fishing kayak and it has a resessed hole in the bottom for a transducer but I believe it’s only about 6.5 inches long and I really want side imaging but heard the lowrance transducer is longer than others will it work or is there any other recommendations?
You can still use the recessed pocket. With the larger side-scanning transducers, you’ll usually need a custom mount so the transducer has a clear view to each side.
I have a Helix 7 di gps g2 on my console and just got a terrova I pilot tm. I want to mount a new fish finder on the bow. Since the helix 7s dont pair with anything else I’m open to something different if need be. What would you suggest and what are your thoughts on transducer location?
The Helix 7 G2N units will network with other Humminbirds, just make sure they say “N” in the model name.
Hello, I’m looking for my first fish finder. My boys and I fish Lake Winnipesaukee in NH on a 16 ft fishing boat. We mostly fish for bass although want to try trolling for salmon. The mega side scanning seems to be the best but do we need it is the question as it really jumps the price. I’ve just started my research. A big box store was steering me towards Garmin Echoplus 63cv, then doing some online research pointed me towards the Helix 5 CHIRP gps g2 but now I see articles about side imaging and the mega units.
I don’t mind investing in something good that will be useful and will last but don’t want to overspend on something that has features we will never use or that are not really necessary. HELP PLEASE?!?!
Any unit with side imaging sonar is going to be a great asset, yes Mega is the clearest right now but any brand will show you what you need to see (weeds, rocks, sunken brush, etc).
The key to not wasting your money is to actually learn to use and read the features of the unit. Too many people buy an imaging sonar unit and have no clue how use it.
I want to fish the tenn river in my 17/54 grizzly. I’m learning to fish but the river is so big I need a fish finder to find the drop offs and all the stuff you need to know . I have never used a fish finder what would you buy?
Mike, the best fish finders for the money will be in the 7-9″ size. They are big enough to see sonar detail and have many of the important features like CHIRP, and imaging.
For fishing ledges, side and down imaging will help you find structure and fish, and you better have good maps. Garmin has built-in maps on the Echomap Plus, but Humminbird (Lakemaster maps) is also excellent.
I do a lot of kayak fishing for lake trout in 50-150′ of water. I use two 10Ah batteries at the moment for my current non-mapping unit and have room for 2 more batteries if needed. I mount the unit on top of my pedal drive so size isn’t much of an issue. With 40 Ah of juice available and moderately deep freshwater, what are some good units to help me map reservoirs? I like C-Map and Social Maps so far, so if there are similar products out there to complement the unit… Thanks in advance for the recommendations.
Most Garmin and Humminbird come with built in mapping capability. Garmin has QuickDraw and QuickDraw Community, Humminbird has AutoChart Live and now LiveShare. What unit is up to you, however much you are willing to spend to get the imaging features and screen size.
I have a 2065 Aluminum Jon Boat. It has a center console for mounting any monitor I need to. I fish the river and occasional lake strictly for catfish. I have never owned side imaging or gps units. I’m looking for something around 1000$ that will help me find fish, and possibly chart my travel on a river for channel driving at night. I am completely new to side imaging and down scan. I don’t think I need all the bells and whistles, what would be a good choice to begin with?
Ready to update and torn between Helix 5 DI GPS G2 for $309 or US Inland Hook2 Tripleshot for $399. I want the GPS w/ ability to use plotting (depth contours) and was 95% set on Helix DI GPS G2 but then desire for SI started to creep back in. Seems like I’m getting more for my money by choosing this Helix model but don’t want to regret not having SI.
I also looked at Dragonfly models (online only) and although they have some great features, seems like Helix is leading in many areas.
Plan is for this to be kayak unit and occasional fly-in/drive-in use in a lodge boat, will also purchase ice transducer and PTC U2 kit for double duty as ice sonar/flasher/gps.
The question, am I going to miss having SI on 5″ screen? I’ve never used SI, still running HB 565 & 718 with GPS on my boat.
Would buy G2N for future networking if they offered in 5″, cannot afford 7″ currently.
I would keep saving your money until you can get a 7″ with SI.
Thanks for the advice, I may do just that.
What would you recommend for offshore fishing in 30′ to 600 ft of water in a 27 foot boat.
A 10″ unit (minimum) with CHIRP, Side, and Down Imaging. Brand is not as important, they are all pretty good. Garmin for quality touchscreen, Humminbird for best imaging quality, Lowrance/Simrad for good 2D.
What would you recommend for a bow mounted unit that the transducer will be mounted on the trolling motor? I am purchasing a minn kota foretex with the US2 universal sonar. I would like the ability to side scan for structure near the shoreline. I will be fishing lakes in Oklahoma. Thanks
Helix 9 or 10 SI or MSI would work well for that. If you want another brand the ECHOMAP Plus 93sv is a good unit, as are the HOOK2 Tripleshot.
Have you ever considered the 360 imaging for the bow? You could get a regular 2D unit plugged into the US2, and add the 360. It would work awesome for what you describe, that’s how I use it. Read my review here.