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10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder stands out due to its comprehensive feature set and high-quality components. Its most notable advantage is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities, allowing users to see underwater structures with remarkable clarity. The 9-inch LCD screen is large, high-resolution, and multi-touch, making it user-friendly and easy to install.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,497
Transducer
GPS Integration
Portability

Most important from
549 reviews

Transducer
Using the side scan feature, locating and marking fish becomes effortless, improving fishing success rates.
GPS Integration
Preloaded maps and detailed sonar features make it perfect for extended trips, providing everything needed for navigation and fishing.
Portability
Ideal for kayak fishing, with a 20ah lithium battery lasting all day and a lightweight design.
#2
9.8 score

Lowrance HDS PRO 16 Inch Fish Finder/ Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration

The Lowrance HDS PRO 16 Inch Fish Finder stands out as a high-end option for anglers seeking advanced features. With its impressive 16-inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen, users benefit from a clear view even in bright sunlight or through polarized sunglasses. This feature is essential for spotting fish in various lighting conditions. The unit's Active Imaging HD transducer offers multiple sonar options, including CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan imaging, providing comprehensive coverage of the underwater environment. Additionally, with support for ActiveTarget live sonar, users can track fish movements in real-time, which can significantly enhance fishing success.

Rating
9.8
Screen Resolution
Screen Size
Transducer

Most important from
27 reviews

Screen Resolution
The 16-inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen offers exceptional clarity, even in bright sunlight.
Screen Size
The 16-inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen offers exceptional clarity, even in bright sunlight.
Transducer
Active Imaging HD transducer provides comprehensive sonar options, including CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan imaging.
GPS Integration
Preloaded GPS charts make navigation easier and more intuitive, covering thousands of lakes in the US and Canada.
Portability
The weight and size might be cumbersome for smaller boats or those prioritizing portability.
#3
9.6 score

Simrad GO9 XSE 9’’ Multifunctional Display with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer and C-MAP Discover Charts

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a solid choice for anglers looking for a versatile fish finder with a large 9-inch bright touchscreen display, making it easy to see detailed sonar images in various light conditions. It uses advanced sonar technology including CHIRP, ForwardScan, SideScan, and DownScan, which helps provide a clear view of fish and underwater structures from multiple angles. The included 83/200 kHz transducer suits a wide range of fishing environments, offering a good balance between depth and detail.

Rating
9.6
Display Size and Resolution

Most important from
54 reviews

Display Size and Resolution
The large, brilliant touchscreen display makes charts and sonar images easy to view in any lighting condition.

Top 10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Power: 12 Volt DC
Screen Size: 9 Inches
Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1
GPS Integration: preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts
Portability: less convenient for mobile use

Chosen by 1497 this week

Simrad GO9 XSE 9’’ Multifunctional Display with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer and C-MAP Discover Charts

Sonar Technology (CHIRP, Traditional, Down Imaging, Side Imaging): CHIRP, ForwardScan, SideScan, DownScan
Display Size and Resolution: 9-inch bright touchscreen
Frequency: 83/200 kHz
GPS and Mapping: Built-in GPS, C-MAP charts US, Bahamas
Portability: Dashboard mount, 3 pounds
Transducer Type: 83/200 kHz transducer

Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen

Screen Resolution: full HD
Screen Size: 9 Inches
Transducer: Included
GPS Integration: built-in GPS with basemaps
Portability: relatively heavy, 9 pounds

Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen

Power: Battery Powered
Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720
Screen Size: 12 Inches
Transducer: Control head; adapter; cover; bracket; transducer
GPS Integration: Built-in GPS; 10,000+ lakes; popular charts
Portability: Weight about 7 kg

Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar & Side Imaging

Power: DC Power Supply
Screen Size: 7 Inches
Transducer: XNT 9 HW SI T transducer
GPS Integration: internal GPS with Basemap
Portability: less ideal for frequent moves

Simrad NSS12 Evo3S - 12-inch Multifunction Fish Finder Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Charts

Sonar Technology (CHIRP, Traditional, Down Imaging, Side Imaging): Active Imaging sonar, StructureScan 3D
Display Size and Resolution: 12-inch LCD
GPS and Mapping: Built-in GPS, preloaded C-MAP charts
Portability: Limited, mainly dashboard mounting
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Buying Guide for the Best Fish Finders

Choosing the best fish finder can make your fishing trips much more successful and enjoyable. Fish finders use sonar technology to detect fish and underwater structures, helping you decide where to cast your line. When picking a fish finder, it's important to match its features to your fishing style, whether you're in a small boat, a kayak, or fishing on a big lake, river, or the ocean. By understanding a few key specifications, you can confidently select a fish finder that meets your needs and enhances your time on the water.
Sonar Technology (CHIRP, Traditional, Down Imaging, Side Imaging)Sonar technology is what a fish finder uses to detect what's underwater. Traditional sonar gives a general idea of fish and bottom structure, while CHIRP sonar sends continuous signals for a clearer, more detailed view. Down imaging provides sharp pictures directly beneath your boat, and side imaging lets you see a wide area to each side. If you fish in shallow or calm waters and mostly want basic fish and structure detection, traditional or CHIRP sonar is usually enough. For anglers wanting the most detailed pictures or exploring large or unfamiliar areas, down or side imaging is very helpful. Think about where you fish and how much detail you want when choosing the right sonar type.
Display Size and ResolutionThe display is how you see all the information from your fish finder. A bigger screen makes it easier to read maps and sonar images, especially from a distance or in bright sunlight. Higher resolution means clearer and more detailed pictures. If you have a smaller boat or are close to the unit, a small display might be fine, but if you want to see a lot of detail or several pieces of information at once, a bigger, higher-resolution screen is better. Pick your display size and clarity based on your space, eyesight, and how much information you want to view at once.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output affects how deep and how clearly a fish finder can 'see' under the water. Higher wattage means stronger sonar signals and the ability to see deeper and with more detail. Lower wattage is usually enough for shallow water, like ponds or small lakes, while higher wattage is important for deep lakes or ocean fishing. Match the power output to the typical depth and water conditions where you'll be using the fish finder.
FrequencyFrequency measures how often the sonar signal is sent. Lower frequencies go deeper but provide less detail, while higher frequencies give more detail but don't penetrate as far underwater. Some fish finders let you choose or combine frequencies. If you fish in deep water, look for lower frequencies; in shallow water, higher frequencies give sharper images. Consider whether depth or image detail is more important for your style of fishing.
GPS and MappingMany fish finders come with GPS and mapping features. GPS lets you mark hot fishing spots, navigate, and track your route, while mapping features show underwater contours and help plan trips. If you fish in large or unfamiliar waters, GPS and detailed maps are extremely useful for finding your way and returning to good fishing locations. If you only fish in small, familiar areas, you may not need these features.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and set up the fish finder. Portable fish finders are great if you fish from a kayak, rent boats, or fish from the shore, as they are lightweight and easy to install and remove. Fixed, mounted units offer more stability and larger displays but are best for boats with a permanent setup. Choose based on how and where you fish most often.
Transducer TypeThe transducer is the part of the fish finder that sends out and receives sonar signals. Some are designed for mounting on the bottom of a boat (transom mount), while others may be installed through the hull or even attached to a trolling motor. Your boat, how you use it, and your willingness to install equipment can help you choose the right type of transducer.

FAQ