Best Fish Finders of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Fish finders are an essential tool for any angler, whether they're a seasoned pro or a beginner. These devices use sonar technology to locate fish in the water, allowing anglers to pinpoint their location and improve their chances of making a catch. Fish finders come in a variety of styles and sizes, from small handheld units to larger, more advanced models. Some even come equipped with GPS technology, enabling users to mark their favorite fishing spots and navigate new waters with ease. With a fish finder, anglers can take their fishing game to the next level and reel in more fish than ever before.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer Cover #TOP 1
Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fish Finder Cover #TOP 2
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fish Finder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder Cover #TOP 3
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Fish Finders

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer

010-01550-00
Black
Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer Cover
Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder with Chirp

The Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer is a 3.5" GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional Transducer. It features Clear Vu scanning Sonar, Waypoint map, Chirp Sonar, and Built-in flasher. It is easy to install and use, and is ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Customers have praised its accuracy, features, and value for small boat fishing.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy to use
Clear display in sunlight
Multiple useful features
Portable design
What We Don't Like
Fragile battery hookups
Defective units possible

Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fish Finder

000-15500-001
4000 US Lake Map
5 Inch SplitShot
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fish Finder Cover
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot - 5-inch Fish Finder with SplitShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 offers anglers an enhanced fishing experience with its advanced features. The FishReveal technology helps you easily spot and identify fish, making your time on the water more productive. With high-detail maps of nearly 4,000 inland lakes, you can quickly locate the best fishing spots. The SplitShot transducer provides clear views of underwater structures, essential for finding fish. Plus, the autotuning sonar automatically adjusts settings, allowing you to focus on fishing instead of fiddling with controls. This fish finder ensures you maximize your time and catch more fish.

What We Like
Easy to use
Clear images
Customizable settings
Good GPS functionality
Effective FishReveal feature
What We Don't Like
Fragile transducer
Poor coastal maps

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder

010-02552-00
7 Inch
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder Cover
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fishfinder is a 7-inch color fishfinder that is easy to use and comes with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure. It includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. With its high-sensitivity GPS, you can mark waypoints, create routes, and view your boat's speed. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping allows you to create personalized fishing maps with 1-foot contours. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app with a compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications, and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community. The Garmin 7cv Fishfinder is perfect for anglers who want to easily find fish and structure while on the water.

What We Like
Great screen size
Accurate depth and water temperature
Easy to use
Compact for smaller vessels
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Screen glare issues

Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fishfinder Bundle

010-01870-30
#06564
4 inch
Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fishfinder Bundle Cover
Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Ice Fishing Bundle, Includes Portable STRIKER Plus 4 Fishfinder and Dual Beam-IF Transducer

The Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fishfinder Bundle is a 4” color fishfinder with built-in high-sensitivity GPS, dual-beam ice fishing transducer with Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar for crystal-clear images, and built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping. It allows you to find fish, mark and return to hot spots, docks, and ramps. The rugged, portable carrying case is designed to fit all accessories.

What We Like
Easy to set up
Long battery life
Great for ice fishing
User-friendly interface
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Less sensitive fish detection
Missing accessory in some packages
#TOP 5

Lowrance HOOK2 4X Fish Finder

000-14012-001
Gray
One Size
Lowrance HOOK2 4X Fish Finder Cover
Lowrance HOOK2 4X - 4-inch Fish Finder with Bullet Skimmer Transducer

The Lowrance HOOK2 4X Fish Finder is an easy-to-use fish finder with a wide-angle sonar cone that provides double the coverage of traditional fish finders. It includes a Bullet Skimmer transducer for traditional 2-D sonar views and is easy to set up with a single transducer mount. Customers have found it to be reliable and easy to use, though some have experienced issues with accuracy and the scale jumping around at deeper depths.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good display clarity
Works well for the price
Includes transducer
Effective for fishing
What We Don't Like
Limited operating instructions
Customer service issues
#TOP 6

Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR G2 Fish Finder

410190-1
Black
Humminbird HELIX 5 SONAR G2 Fish Finder Cover
Humminbird 410190-1 HELIX 5 SONAR G2 Fish Finder

The Humminbird Fish Finder is a powerful tool for anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience. With its 5" widescreen display, you can easily view and analyze sonar returns. The SwitchFire Sonar feature allows you to customize how your sonar returns appear, giving you full control over the level of detail, water depth, temperature, and turbulence. This means you can easily identify fish, structure, and contours, and even watch lure presentations with just the push of a button. The Dual Beam PLUS Sonar feature combines two beams to provide a generous coverage area, allowing you to accurately locate fish, structure, and details. Whether you need a narrow beam for high-accuracy returns or a wide beam for a larger search area, this fish finder has got you covered. With the Humminbird Fish Finder, you can have a complete picture of what's happening underwater, giving you a significant advantage in your fishing endeavors.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good screen clarity
Affordable price
Intuitive operation
Effective fish locating
What We Don't Like
Small screen size
Limited GPS features
#TOP 7

Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS G4

411920-1
Black
One Size
Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS G4 Cover
Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4

The Humminbird Helix 7 offers a user-friendly keypad control, allowing you to easily navigate through its features with the touch of a button. With CHIRP Down Imaging, you can filter out noise for a clearer view beneath your boat, making it easier to spot fish. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar provides detailed fish arches and a clear view of underwater structures, ensuring that you know what’s below before casting your line. Additionally, the internal GPS and enhanced Humminbird Basemap give you confidence while fishing and navigating, as it clearly outlines underwater terrain and important points of interest.

What We Like
Clear graphics
Intuitive setup process
Robust transducer
Effective GPS and mapping
Simulation mode practice
What We Don't Like
Loose packaging during shipping
Breakaway transducer mount issue

Reelsonar Portable Fish Finder

SGG-IBOBBER
Classic
Small
Reelsonar Portable Fish Finder Cover
Reelsonar Portable Fish Finder Accurate Fish Depth Finder with Depth Range of 135 feet 10+ Hours Battery Life with iOS & Android App Wireless

The Reelsonar Portable Fish Finder is a Bluetooth fishfinder with a depth range of 135 feet and a rechargeable battery life of 10+ hours. It features sonar signals that are integrated to find and reflect visual images of both static and moving objects beneath the water's surface, as well as depth-tagged fish icons color coded by size. It also has a fish alarm to alert when fish congregate under docks and piers, and a strike alert to let you know when fish are biting. This fish finder is great for freshwater or saltwater, shore fishing, or fishing on the ice, making it a great gift for any angler.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Accurate fish depth readings
Wireless connectivity to devices
Long battery life
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Limited casting range
Concerns about battery accuracy
#TOP 9

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Finder

LUCKY
1108CP
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Finder Cover
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder Water Handheld Fish Finder Sonar Castable Kayak Boat Fishfinder Transducer Fishing LCD Display FFC1108

The LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Finder is a battery-powered fish finder with a 4 cm LCD display. It is designed to be handheld and portable, with a neck strap included for convenience. The sonar transducer can detect approximate fish location and water depth, as well as short and tall weeds, sand and rocks on the bottom. It also has a fish and fish schools alarm, and 5 levels of sensitivity adjustment. Customers have praised its accuracy, portability, and value.

What We Like
Easy setup
Portable and lightweight
Accurate depth readings
Long battery life
Affordable alternative
What We Don't Like
Limited water protection
Metric/imperial switch issues
#TOP 10

Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit

010-01550-10
black
3.5"
Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit Cover
Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit

The Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit is a powerful fish finder with a keyed interface and dedicated buttons. It is available in 3.5-, 5- and 7-inch display sizes and features a waypoint map, CHIRP sonar, and built-in flasher. It is ideal for both ice fishing and regular fishing, and comes with a battery, transducer, and foam float. Customers have praised its accuracy and ease of use, but noted that the foam mount can dry out if on the water for too long.

What We Like
Easy to use
Long-lasting battery
Clear picture quality
Portable design
Versatile for different fishing
What We Don't Like
Occasional inaccurate readings
Small screen size
Buying Guide Image

Some Factors You Should Know About Fish Finders

Introduction

Fish finders are an essential tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing success. With the right fish finder, you can locate schools of fish, determine the depth and structure of the water below, and even track your own movements to return to successful fishing spots. However, with so many options on the market, it can be daunting to choose the right fish finder for your needs. In this article, we will provide some tips and considerations for selecting the best fish finder for your fishing adventures.

Features to Consider

When shopping for a fish finder, there are several key features to consider. First, you will want to consider the type of display. Fish finders can have either a black and white or color display, with color being the more expensive option but also offering more detailed information. Next, you will want to consider the transducer, which is the device that sends and receives sonar signals to detect fish below the surface. Transducers can be mounted on the boat hull, transom, or trolling motor, and the type you choose will depend on your fishing style and boat setup.

Another important feature to consider is the frequency of the sonar signals. Higher frequencies provide better resolution and more accurate details, but they also have a shorter range. Lower frequencies, on the other hand, have a longer range but may not provide as much detail. It's important to find a balance between these two factors based on your fishing needs.

Price and Brand

Of course, price is always a factor when purchasing any piece of fishing equipment. Fish finders can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and technology included. It's important to consider your budget and strike a balance between cost and the features you need.

In terms of brand, there are several reputable manufacturers of fish finders, including Lowrance, Garmin, and Humminbird. It's worth doing some research and reading reviews to see which brand and model might be the best fit for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fish finder can be a daunting task, but by considering the features, price, and brand, you can find a device that will help you locate and catch more fish on your next fishing trip. With a little research and consideration, you can find the perfect fish finder for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a fish finder really worth it?

Yes, a fish finder is definitely worth it. It is a highly effective tool that allows you to see fish and underwater structures that you wouldn't be able to detect otherwise. However, it is important to choose the right fish finder and understand its capabilities to ensure you get the most out of it.

2. What type of fish finder do I need?

The type of fish finder you need depends on your fishing needs. If you are an occasional fisherman, a portable and simple fish finder with basic sonar technology like 2D, down imaging, and/or side imaging should suffice. However, if you plan to do more serious fishing, investing in a fish finder with more advanced features may be beneficial.

3. Do I need a transducer for my fish finder?

Yes, a transducer is an essential part of every fish finder. It sends out and receives sonar waves, allowing the fish finder to detect underwater objects and fish. The transducer emits waves into the water, which then bounce off different objects to provide readings and display information on the fish finder's screen.

4. Is it bad to run a fish finder out of water?

It is not recommended to run a fish finder and transducer on a boat that is not in the water. When the transducer is not submerged in water, it will not be able to provide accurate readings. However, a normal transducer with a power of 500w or less should not have any issues when running out of the water briefly.

Editor's Notes

During our fish finder research, we found 24 fish finder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 116,174 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fish finders list. We found that most customers choose fish finders with an average price of $207.96.

The fish finders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fish finders, including Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, ReelSonar, LUCKY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Fish Finders Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Garmin Lowrance Garmin Garmin Lowrance Humminbird Humminbird ReelSonar LUCKY Garmin
Model Name 010-01550-00 000-15500-001 Striker Vivid 7cv 010-01870-30 000-14012-001 HELIX HELIX Classic Starter 010-01550-10
Power Source Battery Powered 12 Volt DC Battery Powered Battery Powered 12 Volt DC Battery Powered DC Power Supply Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered
Screen Size 3.5 Inches 5 Inches 7 Inches 4 Inches 4.3 Inches 5 Inches 7 Inches 5 Inches 4 Centimeters 3.5 Inches
Display Type LCD LCD LCD WVGA color - Color TFT Color TFT - LCD LCD
Item Weight 0.5 Pounds - 4.4 Pounds 10.58 pounds 2.5 Pounds - - 0.05 Grams - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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