The Best Fishing Sonar
We've compared the best fishing sonars—from castable models you can cast off the dock to GPS-imaging combos—to help you choose the right one for your boat and budget.
Our #1 pick
Garmin
Best Overall Sonar
$269.99
A fishing sonar (also known as a fish finder) shows what’s happening beneath the boat: the depth, the shape of the bottom, weed beds, rocks, and fish. For walleye and lake trout, which tend to hold near structure and at depth, this is often the difference between drifting aimlessly and fishing in the right spot.
There is no single “best fish finder”: the right choice depends on your fishing style. A fixed sonar with GPS is suitable for a rowboat or boat; a portable model is ideal for a kayak or rental boat; a castable sonar is best for shore fishing; and a flasher is ideal for ice fishing.
Our rankings cover these uses, and our guide explains the technologies (CHIRP, vertical and lateral imaging), GPS, screen size, and installation. The specifications listed are provided by the manufacturers; always check the specifications for the exact model before purchasing.
Garmin
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02550-00)
The fish finder we recommend to everyone: CHIRP sonar and ClearVü vertical imaging, built-in GPS for marking your spots, and an easy-to-learn interface.
Pros
- Sharp vertical imaging for the price
- Built-in GPS for marking spots
- Very easy to use
Cons
- The 4-inch screen is a bit small for viewing images
- No preloaded map of the lakes
Manufacturer description
- •Easy-to-use 4-inch color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure; tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included
- •Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- •High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- •Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
Specifications
- Size
- 4 Inch
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Lowrance
Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot - 5-inch Fish Finder with SplitShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
A 5-inch sonar and GPS combo with DownScan imaging and the FishReveal feature, which overlays fish arches on the bottom image.
Pros
- 5-inch screen
- Fish That Are Easier to Spot (FishReveal)
- Automatic Settings
Cons
- Menus that are less intuitive than Garmin's
Manufacturer description
- •FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- •HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS: Get high-detail maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live, so you can get onto the fish faster.
- •SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- •AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- •5-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
Specifications
- Color
- 4000 Us Lake Map
- Size
- 5 Inch SplitShot
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Humminbird
Humminbird 411670-1 Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 Fish Finder
A Helix 5 with CHIRP sonar, Down Imaging, and GPS: it provides a highly detailed image of the structure beneath the boat, which is great for finding walleye among the rocks.
Pros
- Detailed Down Imaging
- GPS and Mapping
- Leading brand in North America
Cons
- More expensive than the entry-level models
- Permanent installation
Manufacturer description
- •Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey controls that allow you to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions.
- •CHIRP Down Imaging: Filter out noise and clutter for a clear view beneath your boat. CHIRP Digital Sonar processing of Down Imaging Sonar means that you'll see great detail to make finding the fish simple and easy.
- •Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to highly-detailed fish arches and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by our proprietary, Low-Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
- •Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Our enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
- •Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts.
Specifications
- Color
- Not Available
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Garmin
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)
A 7-inch screen with SideVü side-scan imaging, which scans both sides of the boat: ideal for quickly exploring large lakes and locating weed beds and wrecks.
Pros
- Large, comfortable screen
- SideVü Lateral Imaging
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- More bulky
- Lateral imaging takes practice
Manufacturer description
- •easy-to-use 7" color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure
- •supports garmin chirp traditional sonar plus chirp clearvü and chirp sidevü scanning sonars (requires compatible transducer)
- •high-sensitivity gps to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat's speed
- •includes built-in quickdraw contours mapping
- •wi-fi connectivity allows you to connect to the activecaptain app with compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software update notifications) and access the garmin quickdraw community.Included components: STRIKER Vivid 7sv fishfinder; GT52HW-TM transducer; Power/data cable; 12-pin to dual 4-pin transducer adapter cable; Tilt/swivel mount; Hardware; Garmin bumper sticker; Documentation
Specifications
- Size
- 7 Inch
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Deeper
Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder for Kayaks, Boats and Ice Fishing with GPS Enabled | Castable Deeper Sonar with Free User Friendly App
A transducer that you cast out at the end of your line and that displays the image on your phone via Wi-Fi, with built-in GPS: the best choice for fishing from the shore, a dock, or a kayak.
Pros
- No installation required
- Shore and Pier Fishing
- Creates depth maps
Cons
- Depends on the phone and its battery
- Limited connection range
Manufacturer description
- •READY TO PERFORM: Wide beam, mid, and narrow beams make covering large expanses or drilling down on specific spots available at your disposal; Ideal for elite anglers who want to take their matchplay to the next level
- •SMART TECHNOLOGY: Accuracy at up to 330 ft; Own dependable Wi-Fi with rock solid connectivity
- •PINPOINT ACCURACY: Displays unerring accuracy in the water; Target separation of 0.4 in (narrow beam) and 1 in (wide and mid beams), easily pinpoint target species and track even the tiniest lure when vertical jigging
- •BUILT-IN GPS: Allows you to create bathymetric maps from the shore, dock, or bank simply and effectively; Saves all of your maps to the integrated Fish Deeper app
- •GAME CHANGING CAPABILITIES - Wireless, sleek and lightweight design makes for a seamless addition to your tackle box
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- 9 hour battery life
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Garmin
Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar with GPS, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in to Locate and Display Fish on Smartphone or Tablet (010-02246-02)
Garmin's castable sonar, connected to your phone: you cast it, reel it in, and the app displays the depth and the fish.
Pros
- More affordable
- Simple Garmin App
- Compact
Cons
- Fewer features than the Deeper
Manufacturer description
- •rugged, castable sonar device works with free striker cast app (compatible with apple or android devices) to wirelessly stream sonar, locate fish and display them on your smartphone or tablet
- •quick, easy out-of-the-box setup: download the app, pair your mobile device with the striker cast sonar, and start fishing in minutes
- •built-in gps lets you create your own custom fishing maps with 1’ contours by using quickdraw contours software
- •traditional 2-d and ice fishing flasher sonar modes stream wirelessly from up to 200’ away with the striker cast app on your mobile device
- •performs well in both shallow and deep water
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Garmin
Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit
A Striker 4 comes in a carrying case with a battery and transducer mount: you can move it from a rented rowboat to a kayak in just a few minutes.
Pros
- Portable, no drilling required
- Built-in GPS
- Also works in winter
Cons
- 3.5-inch screen
- No images
Manufacturer description
- •Clearvü scanning sonar, shows you more of what is in the water around your boat. This high-frequency sonar gives near-photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish
- •The power of simple, offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons. The device is easy to use and easy to install. Available in 3.5-, 5-And 7-inch display sizes
- •Waypoint map, use the waypoint map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks
- •Chirp sonar, chirp sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information. Chirp sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation
- •Built-In flasher, view your sonar data in the classic flasher format; ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- 3.5"
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Vexilar
Velixar FL-8SE Genze Pack with Ice-Ducer Fish Finder
The go-to circular flasher for ice fishing: it displays the bottom, the fish, and your lure in real time, so you can see the fish swimming up toward the bait.
Pros
- Instant Playback
- Sees the lure and the fish
- Durable in extreme cold
Cons
- Used mainly in the winter
- Reading to Learn
Manufacturer description
- •Dave Genz Blue Box with FL-8SE Flasher, 12-volt 7-amp hour battery with charger, built-in Ice-Ducer transducer, and instructional video
- •Velixar FL-8SE Genze Pack with Ice-Ducer Fish Finder
- •Dave Genz Blue Box with FL-8SE Flasher, 12-volt 7-amp hour battery with charger, built-in Ice-Ducer transducer, and instructional video
- •Base fits a five gallon bucket; easy-access semi-enclosed battery compartment
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
LUCKY
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder Handheld Kayak Fish Finders Wired Fish Depth Finder Sonar Sensor Transducer for Boat Fishing Sea Fishing
A small, portable handheld fish finder with a wired transducer: it displays depth and fish at a very low price. It’s enough to get a feel for how useful a fish finder can be.
Pros
- Minimum price
- No installation required
- Very light
Cons
- Very basic image
- No GPS
Manufacturer description
- •☀ The portable fish finder, with updated 2.4inch TFT color LCD screen(more clear to display), can detect and display underwater contour, water depth, water temperature and fish size(big/middle/small) and fish depth. It has two user modes: TRANSDUCER/SIMULATION. You can try all functions in simulation mode and go fishing in transducer mode.
- •☀ Lucky fish finder portable provides you 26FT wired operating distance and 328FT depth detection. Kayak fish finders has 45° beam angle with 200Khz in detection.
- •☀ The fish finder portable is rechargeable. Come with USB cable for charging. The fish depth finder can work continuously about 5 hours with full charge. The brightness of the display can be adjusted. So you can read the data either at night or in the sunlight easily.
- •☀ Various features settings: Lucky portable fish finder is with updated underwater contour display(3 kinds of display you can choose, more clear and professional). Also, you can set up sensitivity, screen brightness, depth range, zoom, depth alarm, fish alarm, fish icon, units(FT/M ℃/℉)alter and language by yourself.
- •☀ You can go fishing with the fish depth finder in different ways, such as ice fishing, river fishing, sea fishing, shore fishing, kayak fishing, etc. The bracket allows you to attach the sensor transducer to your boat or kayak.
Specifications
- Color
- Red
- Size
- kayak fish finders
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Sonar, fish finder, or fish detector: What's the difference?
None: In Quebec, all three terms are used to refer to the same device. The probe (or transducer), placed in the water, emits sound waves that bounce off the bottom and the fish; the screen converts these echoes into an image.
The main distinction is between “traditional” sonar, which displays arcs for fish, and imaging, which produces an almost photographic image of the seafloor. Most recent models combine the two.
The 4 Types of Fishing Sonars
The fixed sonar is installed at the console of the rowboat or boat, with a transducer mounted on the transom and a 12-volt power supply. It is the most comprehensive solution for those who frequently fish from the same boat.
The portable sonar comes in a case with its battery and a transducer mount (either a suction cup or a clamp). It’s suitable for kayaking, outfitter-rented boats, and ice fishing.
A castable sonar is a small floating probe that you cast out with your rod; the image appears on your phone. It requires no setup and is the only real option for shore fishing.
The fish finder is the essential tool for ice fishing: its instantaneous circular display shows the lure and the fish in real time through the hole.
CHIRP, vertical or lateral imaging: Which technology should you choose?
CHIRP scans a range of frequencies rather than just one: fish that are close to one another or hugging the bottom appear as distinct targets. This is now the foundation of a good sonar system.
Vertical imaging (ClearVü from Garmin, DownScan from Lowrance, Down Imaging from Humminbird) provides a highly detailed view of the bottom beneath the boat: rocks, submerged logs, and weed beds. It’s the most useful option for walleye and bass.
Side-scan imaging (SideVü, SideScan, Side Imaging) scans both sides of the boat. It allows you to quickly explore a large lake, but it is more expensive and requires practice to interpret correctly.
GPS: Almost Indispensable
A GPS-enabled fish finder lets you mark a spot as soon as you find a drop-off, a school of fish, or a productive rock, and then return to that exact spot on your next outing. On a large body of water, this saves a tremendous amount of time.
Some models also let you create your own depth maps while navigating, a very useful feature on Quebec's poorly mapped lakes.
Screen Size and Budget
A 4- to 5-inch screen is sufficient in a rowboat or kayak. At 7 inches or larger, the imagery becomes much easier to read, especially when split-screen with the map.
As a general guide, expect to pay about $150 to $350 for a good entry-level fish finder with GPS, $400 to $800 for a model with a large screen and imaging, and more for high-end combo units. Prices often vary: check the price listed on Amazon at the time of purchase.
Installation and Power Supply
A fixed sonar unit plugs into a 12-volt battery, and its transducer is mounted on the transom or the electric motor. A portable model runs on its own rechargeable battery, which should be kept warm in the winter to preserve its battery life.
For a kayak, choose a portable kit or a transducer mount designed for kayaks to avoid drilling into the hull. A castable sonar, on the other hand, requires no installation.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best fishing sonar for beginners?
For most anglers, a 4- to 5-inch CHIRP fish finder with vertical imaging and GPS—such as the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv or the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5—offers the best balance of price, simplicity, and effectiveness.
Does a castable sonar really work?
Yes, for fishing from the shore, a dock, or a kayak. It displays depth, structure, and fish on your phone. Its limitations are the range of the wireless connection and your phone's battery life.
Can you use a fish finder for ice fishing?
Yes. A flasher is the best tool for use on ice, but several portable fish finders can also be used in a hole with a suitable transducer mount. Keep the battery warm to preserve its runtime.
Do I need a fish finder with GPS?
This is highly recommended: GPS lets you save productive spots and return to them with precision. The price difference compared to a model without GPS is often minimal.
What is the difference between a sonar and a flasher?
The screen-based sonar displays a history of the bottom and fish in a scrolling image, making it ideal for use on a boat. The flasher displays an instantaneous circular view of what’s beneath the transducer, making it ideal for ice fishing to see how the fish react to the lure.