Who makes the best Fishfinder?
Let's look at the top 5 consumer products.
- Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4
- Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5″, 7″ and 9″
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
- Reelsonar iBobber
- Raymarine Element 7 HV
Garmin Vs Lowrance? Raymarine... the list goes on
Choosing the best fish finder in 2025 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With new features and tech upgrades from Garmin, Lowrance, and Raymarine, it’s important to know which one fits your fishing style.
In this guide, we’ll cover key features, user experience, and the unique pros and cons of each brand. From sonar tech to ease of use, you’ll have everything you need to pick the best fish finder for 2025.
So what are the key factors in making your choice?
Choosing the right fish finder for 2025 means evaluating several key factors that can impact your fishing experience. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing Garmin, Lowrance, and Raymarine:
1. Screen Size
The screen size should suit both your boat and mounting location. Larger screens provide better clarity and detail, but you’ll need to balance size with available space on your dash.
2. Performance
Where do you fish? The depth and type of water you’ll be navigating should influence your choice. If you fish in deep waters or offshore, ensure your fish finder can handle greater depths and still deliver accurate results.
3. Expansion and Future-Proofing
Think ahead — will you add radar, sonar, or AIS later? Many modern fish finders offer expansion options, so choose a model that can grow with your needs.
4. Price
What’s your budget? Fish finders come in a wide price range, so consider what features are essential for your fishing style without overspending on unnecessary extras.
Common Specs and Features to Understand
Touch Screen vs. Physical Buttons
Many fish finders now feature exclusively touch screens, offering a sleek, modern look. While this design is visually appealing, it can be frustrating to use, especially when you’re cruising at high speeds. When choosing between a touch screen and models with physical buttons, consider the type of boat you have and the conditions you fish in. A touch screen may be perfect for calm, slow-moving waters, but buttons could be more reliable in rough conditions or while underway.Transducer Type
For trailer boats, a transom mount transducer is usually the easiest to install and offers solid performance. Larger vessels, such as launches, typically use a thru-hull transducer — either low profile or with a fairing block — for better accuracy. In both cases, the placement of the transducer is crucial for optimal performance and depth readings.Transducer Frequency and Power
Transducer frequency plays a significant role in both image quality and the depth your fish finder can reach. For instance, if you’re targeting snapper in shallow waters, there’s no need to invest in a high-powered 1kW transducer. A 300W or 600W transducer will be more than sufficient for your needs. Always consider your fishing environment and the type of fish you’re after when selecting the appropriate frequency and power for your transducer.LOWEST PRICE IN 30 DAYS!
Deep Sea Fishing: Transducer Power and Frequency
When fishing at depths over 150m, a 1kW transducer is essential to get clear, definitive fish targets and bait visibility. While a 600W transducer may work in some situations, it won’t provide the same level of detail. If you’re fishing at depths of 150m or more, you’ll likely be going even deeper, so investing in the extra power of a 1kW transducer will help you see the bottom with more clarity — at depths of up to 1000m.
Expert anglers with a finely tuned setup and a noise-free electrical environment can even detect fish as deep as 500-600m. But, remember, high performance at these depths requires both the right equipment and the right knowledge.
For consistent fishing at depths between 300m and 500m (for species like swordfish, hapuku, and bass), you’ll want to switch from the standard 50kHz frequency to 38kHz for better depth penetration. This upgrade also requires additional power, meaning you’ll need to use a sounder module capable of supporting 2kW or 3kW power.
At this level, gear costs rise, and installation becomes more complex. If you need guidance on high-end gear and setup, don’t hesitate to contact us for unbiased advice on choosing the right equipment for your needs.
Navigation Charts and Mapping Features: Navionics vs. C-Map
When it comes to charts and mapping, fish finders rely on external suppliers like Navionics and C-Map to provide the mapping data. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on where and how you fish.
Navionics offers Platinum charts with SonarChart™ options, which provide high-resolution bathymetric data. While these charts are excellent in many areas, they can sometimes lack accuracy, especially in certain locations. If you’re fishing in popular areas or shallow waters, Navionics can be a solid choice.
On the other hand, C-Map has spent years conducting hydrographic surveys along many coastal areas, resulting in more accurate maps for these regions. If you’re targeting deeper fishing grounds or exploring less-charted coastal areas, C-Map’s data may be the better option, as it tends to be more reliable in these zones.
Lowrance Hook Reveal
OVER 50% OFF!!!! Only $384.99 (Amazon)
GPS: Internal vs. External Antennas
Boats with aluminum hard tops may experience difficulties maintaining a strong GPS signal. In these cases, it’s recommended to use an external GPS antenna mounted outside the boat for a more reliable connection. Fiberglass boats usually have fewer issues, but metallic coatings and tinted windows can still interfere with signal strength. If you have a hard-top boat, the best practice is to prioritize an external GPS antenna for optimal performance.
GPS is a critical safety feature for your boat, so it’s important to make an informed decision that ensures reliable navigation.
Ease of Use: Try Before You Buy
Before investing thousands of dollars in a fish finder, it’s worth visiting a store to test out different models. Make sure the user interface makes sense to you and is intuitive. Some fish finders are designed with everyday users in mind, while older models from brands like Furuno can be more complex and less user-friendly. Additionally, consider the level of support provided by the manufacturer — some companies offer excellent customer service, while others may not be as responsive.
Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 (2025 Review)
LOWEST PRICE IN 30 DAYS (AMAZON) $89.97*
The Garmin Striker 4 is a compact, budget-friendly fish finder that delivers solid performance for anglers looking for reliability without breaking the bank. Equipped with CHIRP sonar and a bright, 3.5-inch display, the Striker 4 provides clear and detailed images of underwater structure. It also includes GPS capabilities for marking waypoints and tracking your fishing spots. While it’s best suited for smaller boats or anglers just starting, this unit doesn’t skimp on quality, offering good depth and coverage for most freshwater fishing scenarios.
Best for: Budget-conscious anglers seeking a compact, reliable unit for freshwater fishing.
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5″, 7″, and 9″ (2025 Review)
CURRENTLY 40% OFF (AMAZON)
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal series offers a variety of screen sizes (5”, 7”, and 9”) to suit different preferences and boat sizes. These fish finders feature SplitShot™ sonar technology for DownScan and CHIRP sonar, delivering high-definition imaging and clearer views of underwater fish and structures. Autotuning sonar makes it easy to adjust settings for optimal performance, and the built-in GPS mapping ensures you can navigate with confidence. The larger screen options offer more detailed views, making it ideal for both novice and experienced anglers.
Best for: Anglers seeking a range of sizes with high-definition imaging and reliable GPS.
Best for: Anglers who want a compact, high-performance fish finder with vibrant imaging and GPS functionality.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv (2025 Review)
SHOP AMAZON
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is designed for anglers who want vibrant and clear underwater images. With its CHIRP sonar and ClearVü sonar scanning, it provides incredible detail, especially in shallow waters. The 7-inch screen offers a good balance of size and portability, and the unit is easy to use with intuitive controls. Equipped with GPS and the ability to mark waypoints, it’s an excellent choice for fishermen who need reliable navigation and high-definition sonar. For those who want a no-fuss, high-performance fish finder, the Striker Vivid 7cv is a solid option.
Best for: Anglers who want a compact, high-performance fish finder with vibrant imaging and GPS functionality.
Realsonar iBobber
SHOP AMAZON
The Reelsonar iBobber is a portable, Bluetooth-enabled fish finder that pairs with your smartphone, making it ideal for shore fishing or kayak anglers. It’s small, lightweight, and connects wirelessly to the iBobber app, giving you real-time sonar data on your phone. While it doesn’t have the depth and range of traditional fish finders, the iBobber is perfect for those who want a quick, easy-to-use tool for casual fishing. With its 10-hour battery life and 100-foot depth range, it’s great for fishing in shallow waters.
Best for: Casual anglers and those looking for a portable, easy-to-use fish finder.
Raymarine Element 7 HV
SHOP AMAZON
The Raymarine Element 7 HV is a high-performance fish finder featuring HyperVision™ sonar, which provides exceptional clarity and detail, even in deeper waters. The 7-inch screen is bright and easy to read, and it’s equipped with CHIRP sonar, SideVision, and DownVision for all-around coverage. The built-in GPS and easy-to-use interface make navigation and waypoint marking a breeze. This unit is perfect for serious anglers who need high-end sonar technology and a durable, reliable system for a range of fishing environments.
Best for: Serious anglers seeking high-definition sonar and top-tier performance for both deep and shallow water fishing.
Older Units:
Raymarine Axiom
Key Specs and Features
This Raymarine is an easy choice, Axiom units are very easy to use, good looking and fast operating. They have all the normal features and are suitable for a wide range of applications. You can easily build on a network with Raymarine and add radar, a larger sounder, AIS, more displays…
Screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″, 16″
Depth capability: 200m with Downvision, 300m with CHIRP Sonar (expandable with modules)
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Flir, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2500 – $8000+
Pros
- Easy to use
- Many expansion options
- Fast processor
Cons
- Touch screen is tricky in rough water
- Higher pricepoint
Lowrance HDS
Key Specs and Features
Lowrance comes in at a lower pricepoint considering it is packed with features. The user interface can be a little clunky if you are not using it often. Great price point unit that still offers expansion.
Screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″
Depth capability: 50m/75. Side/Downscan (800kHz/455kHz), 300m+ CHIRP Sonar
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2100 – $7500
Pros
- Well priced
- Tactile buttons (not only touch)
Cons
- Not ideal for deep water fishing (300m+)
- Slower processor
Garmin EchoMAP
Key Specs and Features
Garmin offers great options on the fishfinder and more flexibility on the charts. The side SideVu features are excellent for inland waterways and shallow water fishing.
Screen size: 10″, 12″, 16″
Depth capability: 50m/75. SideVu/ClearVu, 300m+ 1kW CHIRP Sonar
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2700 – $7500
Pros
- Garmin/Navionics Charts
- Easy Fusion integration
- Built in 1kW sounder
Cons
- No 9″ available
- Harder to use
