The Best Fish Finder For The Money

best fish finder for the money

We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Products or services advertised on this page may be offered by an entity that is affiliated with us. Learn more about our process here.

Ernest Grey

I love to test new fishing gadgets and share my opinion.

Top Fish Finders by Price Range

Here’s a breakdown of all the fish finders that fall within a price range. Our experiences can be of good use for you and you can decide which device you are ready to buy. The names in the list are there because we found these fish finding devices to be better than the rest. The detailed reviews of these devices show that novice, as well as seasoned anglers will find these fish finders to be the best.

Best fish finders under 100: Deeper Fishfinder Start:

Deeper Fishfinder Start is an excellent castable device that will give you accurate locations, a strong connection and will also identify the fish for your convenience.

Best fish finders under 200: Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV:

This device is compact, has quick scan feature, and can be used for all kinds of fishing styles and weather conditions.

Best fish finders under 300: Deeper Sonar PRO+ 2:

This fishfinder is one of the few that will give you side, and down scan within a short while. Moreover, the display is on your phone screen which means that it will be convenient to use.

Best fish finders under 400: Lowrance Hook Reveal 5:

Lowrance is a reliable brand and this device comes with all the features that you require while fishing, including affordability.

Best fish finders under 500: Lowrance Hook Reveal 7:

Who doesn’t want a large screen and excellent sonar technology at a reasonable price? The Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 fulfills all your needs well and that is why anglers prefer it over other models.

Best fish finders under 600: Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 PT:

This device comes with GPS and a dual beam sonar which allows use in all kinds of lakes, streams, creeks and even at the shore.

Best fish finders under 700: Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV:

The biggest display among fish finders is a convenience feature. Moreover, it gives all users the flexibility to explore shallow and deep waters.

Best fish finders under 800: Lowrance Elite FS 7:

A complete fish finder with amazing features and a long life. This device can be your companion for years to come.

Best fish finders under 900: Lowrance Elite FS 9:

This fish finding device offers all the features and convenience that anglers seek. The brand is quite reliable and the fish identification is on point.

Best fish finders under 1000: Lowrance Hook Reveal 9:

Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 is a great fish finding device that will allow anglers to explore new places, find bigger fish and get more successful at getting numerous catches.

Best Fish Finders by Type

Table of Contents

Top 10 Most Important Features [That We Tested] Of a Fish Finder

Transducer

The transducer can be considered the main ingredient that makes any device a hit or a break. The right fish finder will have an efficient transducer that can create accurate, and live images.

Frequency

If you want to explore different rivers, streams, lakes or even the deep sea, frequency ranges will matter. Look for an affordable choice for this device and ensure that the frequency can get you more fish in deep as well as shallow waters.

Power

Power on the boat can be a reliable source to plug in the fish finder so that you get many hours of angling fun. However, if your gadget can use rechargeable batteries or has a long battery life, it will work equally well.

Cone Angle

The cone angle is the angle or spectrum of view from the transducer. This cone angle will determine the area that the device can scan. If the cone angle is wide, you got yourself a great device! However, some fish finders have narrow cone angle and the displays are accurate and clear.

Display

The display screen must be clear, with crisp colors and contouring that can get anglers closer to the fishing spots within minutes. Selecting a device that has a good display will cut the time for figuring out the fish locations while you can enjoy the sport.

Greyscale of Color

As explained earlier, the colors of the display can make a vast difference in finding fish. Any down scan fish finder must have vivid colors to help find the right spots on the screen, and hence in the water.

Screen Resolution

Any high-definition screen will be better for fish finders because if the imaging is not clear and the screen resolution is low, you will need more time to figure out the right spots. Pick a fish finding device that has high screen resolution.

Screen Size

There are a few fish finders that are compact and have a small screen. The screen size will automatically reduce the time it takes for anglers to locate spots where fish are gathered under water.

Size of the Fish Finder

Are you going kayak fishing? Or are you shore fishing? In both these styles, you would need a small sized device. However, the size of the fish finder should be selected according to your boat size and the style of fishing.

GPS

The GPS feature is a big advantage as it helps map waypoints so that you can find your way back easily. Many economical fish finders GPS combos can be a good purchase if you are exploring new water bodies

Top 19 Best Fish Finders Overall

Garmin Striker Cast - Kayak Fishing

Garmin striker cast
WHY WE LIKE IT: We like the Garmin Striker because it is small and does not occupy space. This device was quite accurate in marking maps. It added greatly to our trip because there was no time needed for set up.
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Castable Sonar: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Ice Fishing Flasher: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You can buy this fish finder because it is affordable and despite being one the cheap fish finders, it gives anglers all the features that they require when on water. Moreover, it is good for the money!
FEATURES: The Garmin Striker Cast is a great buy, especially since it has all the features at such an affordable price. You can explore shallow and deep water bodies with equal efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, this castable fish finder is a great choice because it gives you the freedom of using your phone as the display unit. Connect your device with phone through the Wi-Fi and watch detailed and variable info on Garmin app.

Deeper Fish Finder Start - Cheap and Portable Option

Deeper Fishfinder START
WHY WE LIKE IT: When we headed out to fish, this fish finder took less than a minute to start and begin working. The best part is that it did not fail and we got a lot of big catches. This device is a great buy for the price.
  • Cutting Edge Technology: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Easy to Use: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: A good pick for all the people who like to jump right into the action. Be sure to keep your fishing gear updated because this device will show you all the species in the area, and you will get accurate imaging to find a lot of catches.

FEATURES: Deeper Fishfinder Start is the best fish finder for people who do not want to waste time in setting up the device. It is a portable fish finder that will cover a vast area horizontally as well as vertically. The chirp sonar works well and the fish finder display is on your phone, which makes it an easier gadget because everyone is more comfortable with their phone screens.

Deeper Sonar PRO+ Fish Finder - For Advanced Anglers

Deeper Sonar PRO+
WHY WE LIKE IT: Deeper is a great brand for fish finders but we liked this model a lot because it helped us fish for some big fish on the small boat. It is easy to use, and the imaging is always accurate.
  • Castable: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Fishing Mode Variety: Yes
  • Onshore Mapping: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You will like this device like we did. It is a good choice for those who seek convenience while using a small boat. The Wi-Fi connection is not needed at all times and you can pair with this device to get imaging on your hone screen. When fishing for some big species, the Deeper Sonar Pro+ is going to prove successful because of the strong signals and excellent imaging.
FEATURES: If you are going for a fishing adventure on a small boat, this fishing device is excellent. There is no mounting complication as this castable device will not be attached to the boat. Moreover, the excellent sonar technology will be a great way to find more fish.

Deeper Chirp 2

Deeper CHIRP 2

WHY WE LIKE IT: We enjoyed working with this fish finder as it worked in shallow streams and creeks with the same accuracy as it worked in deep waters. This device is a good deal for a great price.

  • Portable: Yes
  • Castable: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Connectivity to App: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: We recommend this high resolution display device because it uses your phone screen, which automatically becomes a better option than any LED display unit. Moreover, this castable device gives you the flexibility to fish freshwater, as well as saltwater.
FEATURES: Deeper Chirp 2 is an excellent choice for anglers who want an affordable option among castable fish finders. This device is efficient and works well in all depths. Moreover, the anglers will be able to catch fish more quickly due to the deep and side imaging from this gadget.

Deeper Sonar PRO+ 2 - High-End Castable Option

Deeper Sonar PRO+ 2
WHY WE LIKE IT: It was easy to cast, and the accuracy was amazing. We caught some big fish with this castable device. Moreover, the imaging on the phone screen was clear. We found this device to be a great choice.
  • Three Beam Frequencies: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Target Separation: Yes
  • Fish ID: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: This fish finder is a great choice and will be a good pick for all anglers because it does not take up any space and can be used if you rent boats and cannot fix the device. Moreover, the Deeper app is a great way to access imaging, and you can get used to it very soon.
FEATURES: The Deeper Sonar Pro+ 2 is an excellent castable fish finder for anglers who like to connect to the Deeper app on their phone and access maps and images on the screen that they are comfortable using.

Humminbird Piranhamax 4 - Portable Sonar

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4
WHY WE LIKE IT: When you buy this device, the fish finding time is reduced and you can locate fish schools in deep as well as shallow waters. The mountable device is small enough to be held in hand it will scan fast to allow anglers to follow moving fish.
  • Dual Beam Sonar: Yes
  • Depth Down Imaging: Yes
  • Interface: Keypad
  • Mountable: Yes
  • Screen Snap Shot: No

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: Anglers will like this device because it is accurate and has numerous advantages such as shallow and deep water scanning. Moreover, the price is great, which all these features are packed in this compact gadget is a treat for anglers.

FEATURES: The HumminBird PiranhaMax 4 is a compact device for bank fishing. Anglers will find this fish finding gadget simple to use while it offers all the same features as high-end devices. The screen is bright, and even if it is smaller than other models, it will give you the correct locations so that you can find your way through the water towards more fish.

Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV

Garmin striker vivid 4cv
WHY WE LIKE IT: We liked this device because it has great imaging. The accuracy of this device is also on point. You will enjoy the fishing trip even more with this fish finding device.
  • High sensitivity GPS: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Portable: Yes
  • QuickDraw Contours: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: We recommend Garmin Striker 4 CV for kayak fishing because it can take the turbulence, and it will remain accurate. Moreover, there will be no time lost because you only have to switch it on! The battery life is also considerably high.
FEATURES: This fish finder has a lot of advantages for kayak fishers, who do not want to work with a device that needs time to set up or requires mounting. The compact device has all the Garmin features that will help you locate fish.

Garmin Striker 4

Garmin striker 4
WHY WE LIKE IT: We liked this device because it could handle rough waters. Moreover, the accuracy was good. We had slight issues with the mapping but that was only in deep waters when the sea was rough. This device surely helped us catch some big fish.
  • Dual beam transducer: Yes
  • Portable: Yes
  • Keypad Operation: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: Anglers can work with this excellent device because it provides quick scans ad the sonar sends out signals in all directions at varying frequencies for more coverage. You can get used to this small device with a long battery life.
FEATURES: Garmin Striker 4 is recommended for inflatable boats as it can take the turbulence. Moreover, it does not need screws to mount. This fish finding device has all the features and is compact for anglers who are using an inflatable boat.

Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 PT

HUMMINBIRD HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 PT
WHY WE LIKE IT: If we ignore the mounting, this device has all the features that you would need to catch more fish. Moreover, this device is an excellent one for all kinds of water conditions.
  • Humminbird Base Map: Yes
  • SD Slot: Yes
  • Interface: Keypad Control
  • GPS: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: We can advise this fish finder because it can perform all the functions easily. The view is always going to be clear due to the high number of scans per second. All in all, the reason this device is first on the list is because of its great price and has a lot of advantages.

FEATURES: Humminbird is one of the leading brands of fish finders and this one has a special place because it can be used for various kinds of fishing styles. The five inch screen offers a decent display and the GPS chartplotting works amazingly.

Garmin Striker Vivid 5CV

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
WHY WE LIKE IT: Anglers who do not want to sacrifice adventure will like this device because it does not keep your attention occupied. The fish finder displays clear contours and that is also quite fast. You will get a cover with this device when you buy it. Garmin fish finder with all the amazing features can never be a secondary choice.
  • Screen Size: 5 Inches
  • High Sensitivity GPS: Yes
  • QuickDraw Contours: Yes
  • Traditional Chirp: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You can use this device because of all the reasons stated above. Additionally, this best budget fish finder will help you find fish more than other fish finders, and that makes it special. The clear mapping and even the excellent active imaging makes it a good choice for any fishing style.
FEATURES: The Garmin Striker Vivid 5CV is an excellent choice for people who like to explore new places and require a mountable fish finder that does not occupy a lot of space. The five-inch screen will give you clear maps and this device will work in all weather conditions. Chirp sonar works well and transforms data with accuracy.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5
WHY WE LIKE IT: Our experience with this device was amazing. First of all it was easy to set up, and did not take too much time to map the fish locations accurately. This device is a great GPS combo and you will never be lost on water again!
  • GPS: Yes
  • Sonar Technology: Chirp integrated
  • C Map Genesis: Yes
  • Mountable: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: Anglers will like this device because it has maps to all the lakes in America, which is an excellent feature for you if you like to explore new places. Moreover, the screen is wide enough for clear imaging. We recommend this device for all those who need inland maps and love to explore.
FEATURES: Lowrance Hook Reveal is a good option for anglers seeking GPS and fish finding device in one. Of all the fish finder reviews, you will observe that this model is the most successful when it comes to all the model from this particular brand. The reason is that it is affordable, has excellent chip integrated technology and even has a great range of locating fish.

Lowrance HDS 7 Live

Lowrance HDS 7 Live
WHY WE LIKE IT: The live sonar is a great feature and after using this device we thought it had to be on the list for all anglers. It was accurate, and helped us prepare our gear for the fish nearby.
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • SD Card: Yes
  • Chirp Sonar: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: We recommend this fish finder for all anglers who want to explore shallow areas for some active, and hard to catch fish. The imaging will be clear and the seven-inch screen will show live mapping.
FEATURES: Lowrance HDS 7 Live is a great device for side imaging because it has a strong sonar and you can find the right transducer to attach near the trolling motor for best performance. Anglers can use the C Maps that help them explore new lakes and water bodies.

Lowrance Elite FS 7 - Affordable For Ice Fishing

Lowrance Elite FS 7
WHY WE LIKE IT: We chose this device among our list of affordable fish finders because you get all the facilities that any anglers requires. Moreover, it is ideal for use in all depths. When you set out to the deeper waters, a new fish finder can be hard to operate, but this one is so easy to set up that there will be no difficulty.
  • GPS: Yes
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • C-Map Contour: Yes
  • Chirp Sonar: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: We advise anglers to buy this because of its ability to pass off as a great kayak fish finder. It will give you every fish location down the water column and even horizontally. Among all the quality fish finders, this ones shines for many reasons.
FEATURES: When looking for the best fish finder for the money, anglers find Lowrance Elite FS 7 an obvious choice because it is portable, and has all the features needed. Chirp sonar technology is great, and it passes as a fish finder GPS combo, making it a better choice than many devices that do not have high-sensitivity GPS.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 - Excellent Sonar And Transducer

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7
WHY WE LIKE IT: We selected this model from Lowrance among the best devices for the money because it is an advanced fish finder that has excellent inland maps, contoured imaging for deep waters and even works well in shallow places.
  • GPS: Yes
  • C-Map Inland Charting: Yes
  • SD Card: Yes
  • Mountable: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You can buy this device because of the excellent area coverage and good fish identification. This fish finding device is a good addition to your gear if you are going ice fishing, shore fishing or offshore fishing.
FEATURES: There is hardly any time needed to set it up the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7. Moreover, the functions are all on point. The fish finder comes with an excellent sonar and transducer, and the parts are quite long-lasting, which means no repairs needed for years. The clear view of the map will help locate fish so that you never go home without multiple catches!

Garmin Striker Vivid 7SV

Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv
WHY WE LIKE IT: We liked this fish finder because it has amazing scanning and the transducer and sonar work well. Anglers who do not want to spend too much time reading maps will like this device.
  • Built-in Receiver: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Traditional Sonar: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Fish Symbol ID: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You can buy this gadget for a small price and it will go a long way because of the hardware nature of this brand and the excellent quality of the transducer and sonar. Anglers like this device and we second their reviews because our experience with this device was smooth and quick. Accuracy and good scanning is a big advantage.
FEATURES: The Garmin Striker Vivid 7SV comes with a seven-inch display which is worth much more than the price. Moreover, the SideVu, ClearVu and other Garmin features are in place. This device will help find fish in the depth as well as the horizontal distance of the water.

Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV

Garmin striker vivid 7cv
WHY WE LIKE IT: As with all Garmin devices, we liked this fish finder because of its strong hardware and easy interface. Moreover, this fish finder has a great depth range and therefore it was a good choice for ice fishing trips.
  • Big Screen: Yes
  • Deep Sonar: Yes
  • ClearVu: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Built-In Receiver: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: Anglers should buy this fish finder because it suits all fishing styles, especially for ice fishing. Moreover, the clear imaging and GPS can help mark waypoints. Another advantage that made this fish finder among our recommended list is the ease of use for all anglers.
FEATURES: Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV is great for ice fishers because it can scan deep in the water and creates clear contours to allow a good view. The Garmin devices can be used efficiently in all season extremes.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 9

Lowrance Hook Reveal 9
WHY WE LIKE IT: Every angler likes to use technology that does not expect them to know everything. This device fits this description best because we found it to be so easy, and the down imaging sonar always works best.
  • Fish Reveal: Yes
  • Downscan Imaging: Yes
  • Chirp Sonar: Yes
  • Preloaded Maps: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: You can buy this fish finder because it has a big screen, clear imaging, and the sensitive deep scan, which helps find fish in deep waters. If you want to catch various fish species, the fish dentification feature is a big plus for you.
FEATURES: The Lowrance Hook Reveal is an excellent device for deep rivers, lakes and sea. Anglers can explore the water column downwards and see where the fish are found. Moreover, there are many maps that encourage anglers to explore new places.

Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV

Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
WHY WE LIKE IT: Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV was a pleasure for us because of the clear images and the accuracy of this device. The hardware is long lasting so we didn’t have to waste time in protecting the device as we enjoyed the rough surf.
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Built-in Receiver: Yes
  • Garmin Features: All
  • Chirp Sonar: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: All anglers can enjoy fishing with this device because it gives fast scans and you will be able to find the live location. We recommend this fish finding device because of the big screen size, all the amazing features and the added convenience of mounting it on all kinds of boats.
FEATURES: This fish finder is an upgraded model and has a lot of advantageous features. Most fish finders have down imaging but this one has side imaging as well, which makes it work efficiently in deep and shallow waters. Whether you are fishing in the sea or on ice, the results of this fish finder are better than many more expensive fish finders.

Lowrance Elite FS 9

Lowrance Elite FS 9
WHY WE LIKE IT: We chose this device because it is strong, and provides the maps for all the lakes that you would like to explore. Moreover, the screen size is a big advantage. You can set up an external transducer near the trolling motor, and the imaging will be on point.
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • SD Card Storage: Yes
  • C-Map Contour: Yes
  • Multi-Touch Touchscreen: Yes

Pros

Cons

BUYING ADVICE: Out of all the fish finders reviewed, this one has a big screen, and many touch systems that add to the convenience. All anglers will like this device because it is affordable, and yet does not miss out any feature.
FEATURES: The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is great for side imaging, and deep imaging. Moreover, it has a storage capacity which can come in handy when you want to save maps or sonar data. Any standard sonar can work for anglers, however, this brand has excellent high quality and is one of the most advanced fish finder.