Disclosure: TheFishingTechReport is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The short answer
For most anglers buying a main boat display, the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv with GT56UHD-TM transducer is the best all-round fish finder chartplotter: a bright 10-inch touchscreen, Garmin Navionics+ mapping and ultra high-definition side and down imaging, plus a clean path to LiveScope later. If your boat already runs Humminbird or Minn Kota, the Humminbird XPLORE 10 is the pick, and Lowrance fans should go straight to the Lowrance HDS PRO 10. On a tighter budget, the Lowrance Elite FS 9 delivers a lot of capability for the money.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv — 10-inch touchscreen, Navionics+ maps and UHD imaging transducer. Check price on Amazon
- Best value: Lowrance Elite FS 9 — 9-inch touchscreen with Active Imaging 3-in-1 and C-MAP charts. Check price on Amazon
- Best premium: Humminbird APEX 13 — Big 13-inch display with MEGA Side Imaging+ for serious networked boats. Check price on Amazon
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Model | Screen | Imaging | Best for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv | 10″ | UHD ClearVü and SideVü | Bass and multi-species boats | Check price |
| Best for Humminbird | Humminbird XPLORE 10 | 10″ | MEGA Side Imaging+ | Minn Kota and Humminbird boats | Check price |
| Best for Lowrance | Lowrance HDS PRO 10 | 10″ | ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 | Networked Lowrance setups | Check price |
| Best premium | Humminbird APEX 13 | 13″ | MEGA Side Imaging+ | Large boats, multi-screen dashes | Check price |
| Best value | Lowrance Elite FS 9 | 9″ | Active Imaging 3-in-1 | Budget-minded upgrades | Check price |
| Best compact | Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv | 7″ | UHD ClearVü and SideVü | Small boats, second screens | Check price |
| Best for kayaks | Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N | 8″ | MEGA Side Imaging+ | Kayaks and jon boats | Check price |
How we picked
We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews from established fishing and boating outlets. A chartplotter is the hub of your boat’s electronics, so we weighed screen size and brightness, the quality of the included transducer, built-in mapping, networking with trolling motors and live sonar, and how easy the menus are to use with wet hands. We favored units sold with a transducer, because buying a head unit alone often leads to surprise costs.
1. Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv — Best overall
The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 is Garmin’s current premium mid-range line, and the 10-inch 106sv hits the sweet spot for most bass, walleye and inshore boats. This bundle includes the GT56UHD-TM transom transducer, which gives you traditional CHIRP sonar plus Garmin’s ultra high-definition ClearVü (down) and SideVü (side) imaging. It ships with Garmin Navionics+ mapping, so you get detailed lake and coastal charts without buying a separate card.
The bigger reason to choose it: it supports LiveScope, Panoptix and Force trolling-motor integration, so you can grow the system over time. If you already know you want live sonar, Garmin also sells an ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10-inch LiveScope Plus bundle.
Good to know: Garmin offers several map versions for the same hardware, so check which chart package the listing includes. See our forward-facing sonar guide before you commit to a live-sonar bundle.
Check the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv on Amazon →
2. Humminbird XPLORE 10 — Best for Humminbird owners
XPLORE is Humminbird’s newest display family, positioned above the long-running HELIX series. The 10-inch model pairs a high-definition touchscreen with MEGA Side Imaging+ and a GPS chartplotter, and it’s one of the displays that supports MEGA Live 2 live sonar. If your boat already runs a Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird’s One-Boat Network lets the display and motor share data such as Spot-Lock and routes.
Good to know: Humminbird sells many bundles under the XPLORE name. Make sure the listing includes the transducer you need, and confirm the chart card if you fish coastal water.
Check the Humminbird XPLORE 10 on Amazon →
3. Lowrance HDS PRO 10 — Best for Lowrance owners
HDS PRO is Lowrance’s flagship fishing display, and this 10-inch version ships with the ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 transducer and preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard charts. Lowrance says the HD transducer sharpens side and down imaging over the previous generation. The HDS PRO is built for networking: it runs ActiveTarget 2 live sonar, Ghost trolling motors and Smartphone Integration, which shows calls and texts on the screen.
Good to know: the HDS PRO is a step above the Elite FS in price and complexity. If you don’t plan to network multiple screens or add live sonar soon, the Elite FS 9 covers the basics for much less.
Check the Lowrance HDS PRO 10 on Amazon →
4. Humminbird APEX 13 — Best premium
APEX is Humminbird’s top-tier display line, built for boats with room for a big screen at the console or bow. The 13-inch APEX with MEGA Side Imaging+ gives you enough real estate to run side imaging, down imaging and a chart at the same time without squinting. APEX also supports Humminbird’s most advanced networking features, including MEGA Live 2 and MEGA 360 imaging.
Good to know: a 13-inch unit needs a large flush or bracket mount and draws more power than a 9- or 10-inch screen. Measure your dash before buying.
Check the Humminbird APEX 13 on Amazon →
5. Lowrance Elite FS 9 — Best value
The Elite FS 9 is one of the best ways to get a modern 9-inch touchscreen with side and down imaging without paying flagship prices. This bundle includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer and preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts. Lowrance also lets the Elite FS run ActiveTarget live sonar, which makes it a popular budget path to live sonar for kayaks, jon boats and small bass boats.
Good to know: the screen isn’t as bright as the HDS PRO in direct sun, and networking is more limited. Lowrance also sells an Elite FS 9 bundle with ActiveTarget if you want live sonar from day one.
Check the Lowrance Elite FS 9 on Amazon →
6. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv — Best compact
For smaller boats, or as a second screen at the bow, the 7-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv is a smart buy. It includes the GT54 transducer with Garmin’s high-definition ClearVü and SideVü, and it ships with Garmin Navionics+ inland mapping. It’s also compatible with Garmin’s Panoptix and LiveScope systems, though a 7-inch screen is small for live sonar.
Good to know: if you can fit it, the 9-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is easier to read. That listing doesn’t include a transducer, so budget for one.
Check the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv on Amazon →
7. Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N — Best for kayaks
The HELIX 8 is a proven favorite among kayak anglers because it packs MEGA Side Imaging+ and a GPS chartplotter into an 8-inch screen that fits on a kayak rail mount. It uses physical buttons rather than a touchscreen, which many paddlers prefer when their hands are wet or gloved.
Good to know: the HELIX line doesn’t support MEGA Live 2. If you think you’ll add live sonar, step up to an XPLORE display. On a kayak, plan for a dedicated battery and a transducer mount or scupper arm.
Check the Humminbird HELIX 8 MEGA SI+ on Amazon →
Buying checklist for a fish finder chartplotter
- Pick your ecosystem first. Trolling motors, live sonar and second screens network best within one brand. Garmin pairs with Force, Humminbird with Minn Kota, Lowrance with Ghost.
- Screen size. 7 inches suits small boats and kayaks, 9–10 inches suits most bass boats, and 12 inches or more is for split screens and big consoles.
- Transducer included. Side and down imaging need the matching transducer. Buying a display “without transducer” adds a significant cost later.
- Mapping. Garmin Navionics+, Humminbird CoastMaster and LakeMaster, and C-MAP each have strengths by region. Check coverage for the water you fish most.
- Touchscreen vs. buttons. Touchscreens are faster to use; buttons work better in rough water and with gloves. Some units offer both.
- Live sonar support. If you plan to add forward-facing sonar, confirm the display supports it now rather than replacing it later.
Garmin, Humminbird or Lowrance?
All three make excellent electronics, and the right choice usually depends on what’s already on your boat. Choose Garmin for strong mapping and the most popular live sonar. Choose Humminbird if you run a Minn Kota trolling motor and want tight One-Boat Network integration. Choose Lowrance if you want strong value at the Elite FS level or a deeply networked HDS PRO setup with a Ghost motor. For a closer look at live sonar between the two biggest names, read our LiveScope vs. MEGA Live comparison.
FAQ
What size fish finder do I need for a bass boat?
Most bass boats run a 9- to 12-inch screen at the console and a second 9- or 10-inch screen at the bow. A 10-inch unit is a good single-screen compromise.
Is side imaging worth it?
Yes, for most freshwater anglers. Side imaging shows structure, brush and fish off to each side of the boat, which helps you find new spots far faster than traditional 2D sonar alone.
Do fish finder chartplotters come with maps?
Many do. Garmin ECHOMAP bundles often include Garmin Navionics+, Lowrance units often include C-MAP charts, and Humminbird includes a base map with optional chart cards. Check the listing for the exact map package.
Can I use a boat fish finder on a kayak?
Yes. Units in the 7- to 9-inch range work well on kayaks with a rail mount, a dedicated battery and a scupper or arm-mounted transducer. Button-controlled models are easier to use in waves.
Can I add live sonar to my fish finder later?
Often, yes. Many current Garmin ECHOMAP, Humminbird XPLORE and APEX, and Lowrance Elite FS and HDS PRO units support live sonar. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list for your exact model.