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.
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 1000: Lowrance Hook Reveal 9:
Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 fish finders are great devices that will allow anglers to explore new places, find bigger fish and get more successful at getting numerous catches.
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 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 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 600: Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 PT:
These fish finders come 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 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 fish finders will fulfill all your needs well and that is why anglers prefer it over other models.
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 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 200: Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV:
These fish finders are compact, have quick scan feature, and can be used for all kinds of fishing styles and weather conditions.
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. This is the best fish finder for the money who are on a budget.
Fish Finder Types
Traditional Sonar
A traditional sonar sends a single frequency at a time so you can identify fish locations, which is particularly useful for anglers relying on fish finders, that are at a particular depth. The accuracy of this kind of sonar is amazing!
Chirp Sonar
Chirp sonar, often used in fish finders, send out multiple frequency signals simultaneously, which means you can find fish in shallow as well as deeper spots.
Imaging Sonar
This kind of sonar, commonly utilized in fish finders, is best at identifying fish and finding the right locations. This technology will map images efficiently.
360 Sonar
The 360 Sonar, commonly integrated into fish finders, can give you an underwater view of the lake. The depth and side imaging range of this sonar is going to be an added advantage.
“Live” Sonar
Live sonar, a feature often found in fish finders, is like looking at the fish through a camera. You can see them react to lures and swim around.
Top 10 Most Important Features
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 using fish finders, 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
19 Best Fish Finders for the Money
- Garmin Striker Cast – Kayak Fishing Fish Finder
- Deeper Fish Finder Start – Cheap and Portable Option
- Deeper Sonar PRO+ Fish Finder – For Advanced Anglers
- Deeper Chirp 2 Fish Finder (Sonar)
- Deeper Sonar PRO+ 2 – High-End Castable Sonar Option
- Humminbird Piranhamax 4 – Portable Sonar
- Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder
- Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 PT Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 5CV Fish Finder
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder
- Lowrance HDS 7 Live Fish Finder
- Lowrance Elite FS 7 – Affordable Fish Finder For Ice Fishing
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 – Excellent Sonar And Transducer
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7SV Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV Fish Finder
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV Fish Finder
- Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Cast - Kayak Fishing Fish Finder
WHY WE LIKE IT: We like Garmin Striker fish finders 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
- Castable fish finder is suitable for kayak fishing, ice fishing and shore fishing
- Sonar technology is accurate and gives exact locations
- Garmin Striker Cast is built strong and can be used in rough waters
- Can be used in shallow and deep waters
Cons
- The Wi-Fi network can be lost if you cast it far away
- Some fish identification icons are not accurate
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 the best fish finder for the money who owns a kayak!
Deeper Fish Finder Start - Cheap and Portable Option
- Cutting Edge Technology: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Easy to Use: Yes
- App Connectivity: Yes
Pros
- Best fish finder for portability
- Accurate mapping
- Connection with Deeper app is a great tool
Cons
- The waterproof seal can break
- The device may take time to connect to the app, and the connection can break off quickly
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 these fish finders 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
- Castable: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Fishing Mode Variety: Yes
- Onshore Mapping: Yes
Pros
- Real time data for better hooking
- Good for small boats due to castable quality
- Excellent for all water depths
Cons
- Detects debris as fish
- The bulky device creates noise to alert the fish
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 that makes it the best fish finder for the money for serious anglers.
FEATURES: If you are going for a fishing adventure on a small boat, fish finders are excellent. There is no mounting complication as this castable device will not be attached to the boat. Moreover, the excellent sonar technology in these fish finders will be a great way to find more fish.
Deeper Chirp 2 Fish Finder
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
- Portable device
- Wi-Fi connectivity is stronger
- Mapping technology is good
Cons
- The waterproofing is not the best
- The device can be heavy for shallow waters and causes a loud noise when you cast it
BUYING ADVICE: We recommend this high resolution display fish finders 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
WHY WE LIKE IT: It was easy to cast, and the accuracy of the fish finders 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
- Portable castable for convenience
- Excellent GPS maps to mark waypoints
- Sonar technology for deep and side scan
Cons
- Not suitable for shallow waters
- Heavy device causes commotion when you cast it
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
WHY WE LIKE IT: When you buy this fish finder device, the fish finding time is reduced, and you can locate fish schools in deep as well as shallow waters. Mountable fish finders are small enough to be held in hand, and 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
- Easy to use interface for new anglers
- Deep sonar will not leave out any fishing spot
- Excellent colors for clarity of display
Cons
- The screen size is smaller than other models so you cannot use it on a bigger boat where it is mounted far from you
- Bubbles and water disturbance can distort images
- Anglers have to assemble the fish finder
BUYING ADVICE: Anglers will like this fish finder 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 these fish finders simple to use while they offer all the same features as high-end devices. The screen is bright, and even if it is smaller than other models, fish finders will give you the correct locations so that you can find your way through the water towards more fish.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4CV
WHY WE LIKE IT: We liked this fish finder 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
- High sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints
- Good coverage of fish locations as you move
- Compact for easy handling
Cons
- Too many buttons can be confusing
- The display becomes dull in sunlight
BUYING ADVICE: We recommend Garmin Striker 4 CV fish finder 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.
Garmin Striker 4
WHY WE LIKE IT: We liked this fish finder 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
- Easy to operate
- Does not get damaged when off mount
- Can find fish in shallow and deep waters
Cons
- The display can be difficult due to small screen
- The screen can get glared in sunlight
BUYING ADVICE: Anglers can work with these excellent fish finders because they provide quick scans, and the sonar sends out signals in all directions at varying frequencies for more coverage. You can get used to these small fish finders 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
WHY WE LIKE IT: If we ignore the mounting, these fish finders have all the features that you would need to catch more fish. Moreover, these devices are excellent for all kinds of water conditions.
- Humminbird Base Map: Yes
- SD Slot: Yes
- Interface: Keypad Control
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
Pros
- Portable carrying case makes it easy to use on various boats
- Dual beam sonar helps locate and identify fish
- SwitchFire Sonar improves imaging
Cons
- The display can be too small for some anglers
- The mount can be shaky in turbulent waters
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 Helix 5 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
- Screen Size: 5 Inches
- High Sensitivity GPS: Yes
- QuickDraw Contours: Yes
- Traditional Chirp: Yes
Pros
- Sonar waves are going to be strong, which means the imaging will be great
- Garmin is one of the reliable fish finder manufacturers
- The side imaging sonar and down imaging sonar make it a good choice for deep and shallow waters
Cons
- The screen display gets darker with time
- If you fish in the sun, the display will be too dull to read
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
- GPS: Yes
- Sonar Technology: Chirp integrated
- C Map Genesis: Yes
- Mountable: Yes
Pros
- Easy setup reduces time
- Good imaging with clear contours
- Excellent live positions
Cons
- Does not come with an SD card so you will have to carry one
- Maps are not saved on the device
BUYING ADVICE: Anglers will like these fish finders because they have 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 these fish finders for all those who need inland maps and love to explore.
FEATURES: Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 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
- Bluetooth: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- SD Card: Yes
- Chirp Sonar: Yes
Pros
- Easy to use
- No setup time required
- Horizontal scanning helps explore narrow streams and creeks
Cons
- Geofence might not allow access to maps
- Customer service is not reliable
BUYING ADVICE: This is the best fish finder for the money on a medium-high budget. 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 fish finders are great devices 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
- GPS: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- C-Map Contour: Yes
- Chirp Sonar: Yes
Pros
- Side imaging is available
- This fish finder device is one of the best portable fish finders
- High definition screen and excellent color palettes.
Cons
- Some anglers may find it hard to mount
- Requires a lot of complicated knowledge that the manual does not cover
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 Transducer
- GPS: Yes
- C-Map Inland Charting: Yes
- SD Card: Yes
- Mountable: Yes
Pros
- Excellent imaging and clear screen display
- High-sensitivity GPS to map waypoints
- Auto-tuning sonar means you will spend more time enjoying the trip and less time focusing on the device.
Cons
- The mount is very rough and often gets stuck
- The C Map Genesis maps cannot be downloaded
BUYING ADVICE: You can buy these fish finders because of the excellent area coverage and good fish identification. These fish finding devices are 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
- Built-in Receiver: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Traditional Sonar: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Fish Symbol ID: Yes
Pros
- Seven-inch screen improves chances of spotting the best locations
- Excellent cone angle and transducer quality
- Good for all kinds of water bodies
Cons
- Too many buttons for every command
- No maps and no chartplotter
- The ClearVu and SideVu do not add much to the imaging quality
BUYING ADVICE: You can buy these fish finders for a small price, and they will go a long way because of the hardware nature of this brand and the excellent quality of the transducer and sonar. Anglers like these fish finders, and we second their reviews because our experience with these devices 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
- Big Screen: Yes
- Deep Sonar: Yes
- ClearVu: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Built-In Receiver: Yes
Pros
- Includes QuickDraw Contours
- Wi-Fi connectivity helps connect to the Garmin app
- Anglers can receive notifications from phone on this screen
Cons
- Interface is not strong
- Hard to use due to tiny buttons
FEATURES: Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV fish finders are 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
WHY WE LIKE IT: Every angler likes to use technology that does not expect them to know everything. These fish finders fit this description best because we found them to be so easy to use, and the down imaging sonar always works best.
- Fish Reveal: Yes
- Downscan Imaging: Yes
- Chirp Sonar: Yes
- Preloaded Maps: Yes
Pros
- Excellent imaging
- Good fish finding ability
- Accurate locations will be clear due to frequent scans
Cons
- Difficult to set up
- Not user friendly due to complicated functions
FEATURES: The Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 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
WHY WE LIKE IT: Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV fish finders were 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
- Big screen for better view
- Good area coverage and deep sonar for more fish spots
- A good fish finder for the money due to Garmin features in place
Cons
- The screen is not clear in sunlight
- The ClearVu and SideVu features are not efficient
- This GPS fish finder takes time to show maps and you cannot map waypoints
Lowrance Elite FS 9
WHY WE LIKE IT: We chose these fish finders because they are strong and provide 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
- One of the best marine electronics due to deep imaging
- Can scan fish in any water depth
- High resolution screen is a big plus
Cons
- Not suitable for kayak fishing
- The mounting setup is hard for some anglers
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.