Six of Our Best Fishfinder/ Chartplotter Combos

Shopping for a fishfinder has never been more exciting. That's because compared to fishfinders of yesteryear, today's anglers enjoy a panoply of technologies that make locating fish and structure easier than ever. While traditional sonar, with its limited number of frequencies still has its place, technologies like scanning sonar, CHIRP, and real-time 3D sonar imaging now provide anglers with unprecedented views of what swims below and around their boats. 

The following list of fishfinders/chartpoltter combos is arranged according to their relative price, from the least expensive to higher end, more expensive units. While the more expensive displays can cost north of $2000, it's surprising how even anglers on a budget can pick up some great technology for as little as $200 or less. 

• Under $200:
• Under $500:
• Under $1,000:
• Under $1,500:
• Under $2,000:
• Under $3,000:
• Conclusion

Under $200:

Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with GT20-TM Transducer

This compact, budget-friendly unit with CHIRP and basic fishfinding capabilities is ideal for a small boat or a kayak. 

At under $200, the STRIKER Vivid 4cv fishfinder delivers outstanding performance that belies its low price. With seven vivid color options, it's easy to spot fish and structure. The built-in sonar includes CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning, which taken together leaves finned quarry scant places to hide! Waypoint marking helps you never lose a hot spot, while high-sensitivity GPS aids in navigation. Store up to 2 million acres of maps with 1' contours using QuickDraw Contours. Plus, the package includes a convenient mount for easy installation. A fantastic companion for your fishing adventures!

Striker 4 Specs at a Glance:

• Diagonal Screen Size: 4"
• Dimensions: 3.9" x 6.9" x 1.8"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Vertical
• Display Type: Color QSVGA
• Frequency: Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: Traditional: 1,900’, ClearVü: 750’
• Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt, Swivel
• Screen Resolution: 272H x 480V
• Sonar: CHIRP, Down Imaging, Traditional
• Included Transducer: Garmin GT20 TM
• Transmit Power: Traditional 500W
• Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
• Warranty: One Year

 

Under $500:

HOOK Reveal 5 Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with SplitShot Transducer and C-MAP Contour Plus Charts

The Hook Reveal 5 takes the features up a notch with a larger display and additional features like mapping and chartplotting. 

With a bevy of features packed into its 5” display, this unit includes autotuning sonar for hassle-free adjustments, FishReveal™ technology that combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging™ to make fish more visible, and Genesis Live Real-Time Mapping for on-the-fly creation of contour maps. The SolarMAX™ Display ensures clarity in all conditions, and the user-friendly keypad makes navigation a breeze. With double the sonar coverage, the HOOK Reveal offers precise data and comes with preloaded US/Canada Inland and Coastal mapping. It's the ideal companion for anglers looking to enhance their fishing capabilities.

Hook Reveal 5 Specs at a Glance:

• Cartography: US/Canada Inland and Coastal
• Diagonal Screen Size: 5"
• Dimensions: 7.31" x 4.32" x 2.11"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Horizontal
• Display Type: Color LED Display
• Frequency: Varies with Transducer
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: 300’
• Mount Type: Tilt
• Screen Resolution: 800H x 480V
• Sonar: Down/CHIRP/Temperature/Fish Reveal
• Included Transducer: SplitShot Transducer
• Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
• Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
• Warranty: One Year

 

Under $1,000:

Elite FS 9 Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer and C-MAP Contour Charts

A mid-range option with CHIRP sonar technology, GPS, and advanced mapping features, the Elite Fishing System (FS) is a powerful yet user-friendly fishfinder that combines Lowrance's latest fishfinding technologies with an easy-to-install display. With features like Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan with FishReveal™, you'll see structure and fish in unprecedented detail. ActiveTarget™ Live Sonar allows you to track fish movements in real time, making your fishing techniques more effective. The device comes with preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Fishing Maps and offers extensive connectivity options, including wireless, NMEA 2000®, and Ethernet. With a high-resolution touchscreen and user-friendly interface, the Elite FS is an impressive tool for anglers looking to maximize their fishing success.

Elite FS 9 Specs at a Glance:

• Cartography: US Coastal, US Inland
• Diagonal Screen Size: 9"
• Dimensions: 3.05" x 7.04" x 11.02"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Horizontal
• Display Type: Backlit LCD
• Frequency: 83/200 kHz, 455/800 kHz
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: 2D Sonar 1000’, Side Scan 300’
• Mount Type: Flush, Tilt
• Resolution: 1280H x 800V
• Sonar: Down Imaging, Side Imaging, CHRIP
• Included Transducer: ActiveImaging 3-in-1 Transducer
• Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
• Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
• Warranty: Two Years

 

Under $1,500:

Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD2 94sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with GT56 Transducer and U.S. Coastal Navionics+ Charts

The 9" ECHOMAP™ UHD2 touchscreen chartplotter offers an impressive display with enhanced detail, clarity, and viewing angles, ensuring you're well-acquainted with the water. It supports Garmin traditional sonar, ClearVü™, and SideVü™ scanning sonars, each with vivid color palettes for high-contrast views. With built-in Garmin Navionics+™ cartography and Wi-Fi® connectivity, you can easily share sonar data and waypoints with other ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters. This versatile device also boasts multi-band GPS for improved position accuracy and compatibility with the ActiveCaptain® app, offering access to the OneChart™ feature and more. Additionally, it supports NMEA 2000® networks for seamless integration with autopilots, digital switching, and other systems, all on one screen. A must-have tool for navigating the waters like a pro. 

ECHOMAP™ UHD2 94sv Specs at a Glance:

• Cartography: US Coastal Navionics+
• Diagonal Screen Size: 9"
• Dimensions: 10.4" x 6.5" x 3.2"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Horizontal
• Display Type: Color WVGA LCD
• Frequency: Traditional High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz), ClearVü/SideVü 455 kHz (425-485 kHz), 800 kHz (790-850 kHz), 1000 kHz (940-1100)
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: Traditional: 800' (freshwater), ClearVü: 400', SideVü: 500'
• Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt
• Screen Resolution: 800H x 480V
• Sonar: Down Imaging, Side Imaging, Traditional, Temperature
• Included Transducer: Garmin GT-56
• Transmit Power: 500W
• Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
• Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
• Warranty: Two Years

 

Under $2000:

ECHOMAP™ Ultra 106sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with U.S. and Coastal Canada Garmin Navionics+ Charts

The ECHOMAP™ Ultra 106sv combo with a 10" keyed-assist, in-plane switching touchscreen display has all the built-in fishing tools you need for successful fishing.

Vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easier than ever to distinguish targets and structure. The device also supports the LiveScope™ and LiveScope™ Plus Systems and the entire line of live sonar products (transducers sold separately). Share sonar, waypoints and routes with other ECHOMAP Ultra 10” and 12” units as well as ECHOMAP Plus and UHD 7” and 9” units. The combo is preloaded with Garmin Navionics+™ maps offering both coastal and inland lake coverage as well as Auto Guidance+™ technology (for planning purposes only; does not replace safe navigation operations). It also includes Quickdraw Contours custom map drawing software.

ECHOMAP™ Ultra 106sv Specs at a Glance:

• Cartography: GN+ US Inland and US Coastal
• Diagonal Screen Size: 10”
• Dimensions: 11.6" x 7.7" x 3.9"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Horizontal
• Display Type: Color VGA LCD
• Frequency: Varies with transducer
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: Varies with transducer
• Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect
• Screen Resolution: 1280H x 800V
• Sonar: Down, Side, CHIRP, Temp
• Included transducer: Sold separately
• Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo

 

Under $3000:

Garmin ECHOMAP™ Ultra 126sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with GT56UHD-TM Transducer and U.S. Inland and Coastal Navionics+ Charts

A top-of-the-line fishfinder and chartplotter combo with RealVision 3D sonar technology and a wide array of features, Garmin's ECHOMAP™ Ultra 126sv combo boasts a 12” touchscreen display and an array of essential fishing tools for successful outings. Equipped with the GT56 transducer, it offers Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar, Ultra High-Definition ClearVü™, and SideVü™ scanning sonars with extended range and precise target distinction using vivid scanning sonar color palettes. Compatibility with LiveScope™ and LiveScope™ Plus Systems enhances your sonar capabilities (transducers sold separately). You can conveniently share sonar data, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP™ units, including ECHOMAP Plus and UHD models. Preloaded with Garmin Navionics+™ charts covering both coastal and inland areas, plus Auto Guidance+™ technology, it simplifies navigation planning. Quickdraw Contours custom map drawing software is also included, making this combo a comprehensive tool for anglers seeking success on the water.

ECHOMAP™ Ultra 126sv Specs at a Glance:

• Cartography: US Inland and Coastal Navionics+
• Diagonal Screen Size: 12”
• Dimensions: 13.4" x 9" x 3.9"
• Display Color: Color
• Display Shape: Horizontal
• Display Type: Color VGA LCD
• Frequency: Traditional High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz), ClearVü/SideVü 455 kHz (425-485 kHz), 800 kHz (790-850 kHz), 1000 kHz (940-1100)
• GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
• Maximum Depth: Traditional: 800’ freshwater; ClearVü: 400’; SideVü: 500’
• Mount Type: Flush and Quick Disconnect
• Resolution: 1280H x 800V
• Sonar: Down, Side, CHIRP, Temp.
• Included Transducer: GT56-TM
• Transmit Power: 600 Watts
• Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
• Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
• Warranty: Two Years

 

Conclusion

The fishfinder/chartplotter combos you see here are among the best that we offer. Keep in mind that the best fishfinder for you will depend on your specific needs and fishing style, such as whether you fish in freshwater or saltwater, your preferred display size, your budget, and the specific features you require. For more choices, browse our complete selection of dedicated fishfinders and fishfinder/gps combos.