13 Best Chartplotters (May 2026) Expert Reviews

Spending a full day on the water only to realize you cannot find your way back to the launch is not a situation any boater wants to face. Whether you are cruising coastal waterways, chasing trophy bass on a remote lake, or navigating offshore to a favorite fishing spot, having reliable marine electronics on your dash makes the difference between a relaxing trip and a stressful one. After testing and researching dozens of marine navigation units, our team put together this guide to help you find the best chartplotters for every type of boater and budget.

A chartplotter does far more than just show your position on a map. Modern units combine GPS navigation with CHIRP sonar, side imaging, down imaging, and detailed bathymetric charts that reveal every contour of the water beneath you. The right unit helps you mark productive fishing spots, avoid underwater hazards, and navigate confidently in fog or low-light conditions. From compact 3.5-inch units for kayaks to full-featured 10-inch touchscreen displays for serious anglers, the market has something for every setup.

We sorted through 13 of the most popular marine GPS units available right now, comparing display quality, sonar capabilities, chart options, networking features, and real-world usability. Forum discussions on The Hull Truth and Cruiser’s Forum repeatedly highlight Garmin and Simrad as the most reliable brands, and our testing backs that up. Whether you need a basic fish finder with GPS waypoints or a full networking powerhouse with NMEA 2000 integration, you will find a solid pick below.

Top 3 Picks for Best Chartplotters

Best Chartplotters in 2026

1. Garmin Striker 4 – Best Budget Fish Finder with GPS

I have mounted the Garmin Striker 4 on three different boats over the past two years, and it remains my go-to recommendation for anyone getting started with marine electronics. At just 8 ounces, it is light enough to use on a kayak, a jon boat, or even for ice fishing. The keyed interface with dedicated buttons means you can operate it without taking your gloves off, which matters when you are on the water in early spring.

The CHIRP sonar on this unit punches well above its weight class. It sends a continuous sweep of frequencies instead of a single frequency, which produces noticeably sharper fish arches and better bottom definition than traditional sonar at this price point. ClearVu scanning sonar gives you a picture-like view of structure beneath the boat, making it easier to identify brush piles, drop-offs, and fish holding tight to cover.

One thing to keep in mind: the Striker 4 does not include navigation maps. The GPS works great for marking waypoints and creating routes, but you will not see detailed chart data on the screen. For a basic fish finder with reliable waypoint navigation, this is still one of the strongest values in marine electronics. I have marked over 200 waypoints on mine and they hold accurately season after season.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Striker 4

This unit is ideal for kayakers, small boat owners, ice fishermen, and anyone who wants solid sonar performance without spending a lot. If you primarily fish local waters and just need to mark spots and read depth, the Striker 4 handles that job well. It is also a great backup unit to keep on a larger boat.

Who Should Skip It

If you need coastal navigation charts, detailed lake maps, or a screen large enough to split between sonar and mapping views, you will want to step up to a larger unit. Boaters who venture into unfamiliar waters regularly should consider a chartplotter with preloaded maps instead.

2. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv – Best Compact Color Fish Finder

The Striker Vivid 4cv takes everything good about the Striker 4 and adds a brighter, more colorful display with seven new vivid scanning sonar color palettes. I found these palettes genuinely helpful for distinguishing fish from structure, especially in murky water where traditional grayscale sonar can leave you guessing. The 4-inch screen feels noticeably larger than the 3.5-inch Striker 4, giving you more room to read sonar returns clearly.

What sets this unit apart from basic fish finders is the included Quickdraw Contours mapping software. As you drive your boat over unmapped water, it automatically draws depth contours on the screen in real time. I tested this on a small reservoir that had no existing map data, and within two hours of idling around I had a usable contour map of the main lake basin. That feature alone makes this a significant step up from the standard Striker 4.

The GT20 transducer included in the box handles both traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning. ClearVu shows structure to the sides and directly below the boat in high detail. Battery draw is minimal, which makes this a great choice for kayak anglers running off a small 12V battery. Several users on fishing forums report getting full-day runtime on a single charge.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv

Kayak anglers, small boat owners, and anyone who wants custom mapping capability without paying for premium chart cards will love this unit. The vivid color palettes and Quickdraw Contours give you mapping tools that used to require spending significantly more. It is one of the best chartplotters for anglers on a tight budget who still want mapping features.

Who Should Skip It

If you need side imaging to scan large areas of water quickly, look at the Humminbird Helix 7 G4N or the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv instead. The 4-inch screen also limits how much information you can display at once, so boaters running at speed in open water may prefer a larger display.

3. Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 – Best Mid-Range Fish Finder

The Humminbird Helix 5 sits right in the sweet spot between entry-level fish finders and premium chartplotters. I ran this unit for an entire season on a 17-foot bass boat, and the Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar consistently delivered crisp returns that made it easy to separate baitfish from gamefish. You can switch between Wide Mode for covering more water and Narrow Mode for higher detail on specific targets.

The built-in Humminbird Basemap provides coverage of over 10,000 lakes and continental US coastlines right out of the box. While it is not as detailed as premium LakeMaster or Navionics cards, it gives you enough information to navigate confidently on most bodies of water. The real star feature is AutoChart Live, which creates high-definition bathymetric maps as you drive around, so even uncharted lakes get mapped accurately.

Keypad control feels solid and responsive, even with wet hands. Forum users on iFish and The Hull Truth mention that switching from Garmin to Humminbird takes some adjustment because the menu structure is different, but most say it becomes second nature within a few trips. The included XNT 9 HW T transducer handles both wide and narrow CHIRP modes well, giving you flexibility in how you fish.

Who Should Buy the Humminbird Helix 5

Freshwater anglers who want CHIRP sonar quality and real-time mapping without spending top dollar will find the Helix 5 hits the mark. It is particularly strong for bass fishermen and walleye anglers who rely on precise contour data. Compatibility with premium chart cards means you can upgrade maps later if needed.

Who Should Skip It

Saltwater boaters who need detailed coastal charts should consider the Simrad GO or Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 series instead, as the included basemap is geared more toward inland waters. If you want side imaging at this screen size, look at the Humminbird Helix 7 G4N.

4. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv – Best 7-Inch Fish Finder for the Money

Stepping up to the 7-inch display on the Striker Vivid 7cv changes the experience significantly compared to smaller units. I can read sonar returns clearly from the back of the boat without squinting, and there is enough screen real estate to run split-screen views with sonar on one side and Quickdraw Contours mapping on the other. For the price, this is one of the most readable displays available.

The included GT20 transducer provides both traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning. ClearVu images on the 7-inch screen show structure detail that is genuinely useful for locating fish-holding cover. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you pair the unit with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app on your phone, which is handy for software updates and transferring waypoints without pulling SD cards.

The biggest trade-off with this unit is the lack of preloaded navigation charts. The GPS accurately marks waypoints and tracks your position, but you will not see detailed coastline or navigation aids on the map screen. For inland lake fishing where you mainly use waypoints and Quickdraw maps, this matters less. But coastal boaters who need to navigate channels and markers should look at the Garmin ECHOMAP series instead.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv

Inland anglers who want a large, readable screen with custom mapping at a reasonable price should seriously consider this unit. The 7-inch display makes a real difference when you are running at speed and need to glance at the console quickly. It is a solid choice for bass boats, pontoon boats, and mid-size fishing rigs.

Who Should Skip It

Coastal and offshore boaters who rely on navigation charts should step up to the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv, which includes preloaded Navionics maps. Anyone wanting side imaging should also look elsewhere, as this unit only offers ClearVu downward scanning.

5. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV – Best 5-Inch Chartplotter with Maps

The ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV is where Garmin starts delivering true chartplotter functionality. Unlike the Striker series, this unit comes preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ US Inland mapping that covers over 18,000 lakes with 1-foot contours. I tested it on a trip to Lake of the Ozarks, and the preloaded maps showed accurate contour data that matched what I was seeing on sonar. That level of out-of-the-box map detail saves you the cost of buying a separate chart card.

The 5-inch IPS display is a genuine upgrade over standard LCD panels. IPS technology gives you consistent color and brightness even when viewed from an angle, which matters on small boats where you cannot always stand directly in front of the unit. The screen is bright enough to read in full sun, and the improved clarity over older ECHOMAP generations is noticeable.

Button control keeps things simple and reliable in wet conditions. While some users wish it had a touchscreen, the keypad interface works well when your hands are wet, slimy, or wearing gloves. The GT20 transducer provides solid CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning for structure detail. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you share sonar data and waypoints with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units on the same boat.

Who Should Buy the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV

Anglers who want detailed lake maps out of the box without spending on premium chart cards will get strong value from this unit. The compact 5-inch size makes it a great fit for smaller consoles, portable setups, and boats where dash space is limited. It is an excellent first chartplotter for anyone transitioning from basic fish finders.

Who Should Skip It

Boaters who want touchscreen convenience should look at the Simrad GO series or the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv. If you need side imaging for scanning wide areas, the Humminbird Helix 7 G4N or Garmin ECHOMAP 93sv will serve you better.

6. Humminbird Helix 7 G4N – Best Side Imaging Fish Finder

The Helix 7 G4N brings MEGA Side Imaging to a mid-range price point, and that is a big deal for serious anglers. Side imaging lets you scan up to 125 feet to each side of the boat, revealing structure, cover, and fish that you would never see with traditional down-looking sonar alone. I used it to locate a submerged creek channel on a flat that I had driven over dozens of times without knowing it was there.

What makes this package particularly appealing is that it comes with a shuttle bag, AGM battery, and charger included. You can carry the entire unit from boat to boat, or use it on a rental boat without permanent installation. The grab-and-go portability is something you do not get with most units at this price, and it eliminates the need to wire anything into your boat’s electrical system.

Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar runs alongside the side imaging, giving you traditional down-looking sonar returns that are easy to interpret. The 7-inch TFT display is bright and clear, though it does not have the wide viewing angles of an IPS panel. Humminbird’s basemap covers over 10,000 lakes and US coastlines, and you can upgrade to LakeMaster, CoastMaster, or Navionics cards for more detail.

Who Should Buy the Humminbird Helix 7 G4N

Anglers who want side imaging without spending premium prices should look here first. The included shuttle bag and battery make it perfect for fishermen who use multiple boats or fish from rentals. Structure fishermen, crappie anglers, and anyone who hunts submerged cover will benefit enormously from MEGA Side Imaging.

Who Should Skip It

If you need touchscreen controls or detailed preloaded coastal charts for saltwater navigation, the Simrad GO series is a better fit. Boaters who want a permanent flush-mount installation and do not need the portable shuttle bag might find better value in the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv.

7. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv – Best 7-Inch Chartplotter with Navionics

The ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv delivers true chartplotter performance with preloaded US Coastal GN+ mapping that includes detailed Navionics depth data. I found the depth charting particularly impressive, showing contour lines and bottom detail that made navigating unfamiliar coastal waterways straightforward. The unit holds accurate depth readings even at cruising speed, which is essential for avoiding grounding in shallow coastal areas.

Garmin includes the GT20 transducer, which provides CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning. ClearVu on the 7-inch screen produces detailed images of underwater structure that help you identify hazards, drop-offs, and fish-holding cover. The display is bright and readable in sunlight, with enough size to run split views comfortably.

Installation is straightforward with both flush mount and bail mount options included. I had the unit mounted and running within 45 minutes on a center console, and the connector system is simple enough that most boaters can handle it without professional help. Wi-Fi connectivity supports Garmin’s ActiveCaptain app for easy firmware updates and community content sharing.

Who Should Buy the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv

Coastal boaters and anglers who want detailed navigation charts with depth data should put this unit at the top of their list. The 7-inch size hits a great balance between readability and dash space requirements. It works well for center consoles, bay boats, and coastal fishing rigs that need reliable chart navigation.

Who Should Skip It

If you want touchscreen operation, look at the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv or Simrad GO series. Inland anglers who do not need coastal charts might save money with the ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV instead, which includes inland mapping at a lower price point.

8. Simrad GO 9-Inch – Best Touchscreen Chartplotter for Coastal Navigation

The Simrad GO series has earned a loyal following among boaters who want an iPhone-like touchscreen experience at the helm. The 9-inch display is bright, crisp, and easy to read even in direct sunlight, and the touchscreen interface makes navigating menus feel natural. I found the C-MAP Discover chart card that comes included provides detailed vector charts with custom depth shading and tides and currents data that coastal boaters rely on daily.

NMEA 2000 support means you can connect this unit to your engine, fuel sensors, and other marine electronics on a single network backbone. That integration is a major reason forum users on Cruiser’s Forum recommend Simrad for mid-size to larger boats. The HDI 83/200 kHz transducer handles both traditional sonar and downscan imaging, giving you good bottom detail for fish finding and hazard avoidance.

Wi-Fi connectivity lets you mirror the display to your smartphone or tablet, which is handy when you want to check navigation data from anywhere on the boat. The unit is also radar-ready, so you can add a Simrad radar dome later for fog and night navigation. At this price point, getting a 9-inch touchscreen with C-MAP charts included represents strong value in the marine electronics market.

Who Should Buy the Simrad GO 9-Inch

Coastal cruisers, sailors, and anglers who want an intuitive touchscreen with included C-MAP charts will find this unit hits the sweet spot between capability and cost. The NMEA 2000 networking makes it future-proof for expanding your boat’s electronics system. It is one of the best chartplotters for boaters who want smartphone-like ease of use.

Who Should Skip It

Anglers who need advanced side imaging for fishing should look at the Simrad GO9 XSE or the Lowrance Elite FS 10, both of which offer Active Imaging with SideScan and DownScan. Boaters who prefer button controls over touchscreens should consider Garmin units with keypad interfaces.

9. Simrad GO9 XSE – Best Premium Chartplotter with Active Imaging

The GO9 XSE is Simrad’s flagship consumer chartplotter, and the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is what sets it apart from the standard GO series. This single transducer handles CHIRP traditional sonar, SideScan, and DownScan simultaneously, which means you get three sonar views without needing separate transducers or upgrading later. I tested the SideScan on a rocky point and could clearly see individual boulders and fish suspending near the breakline.

FishReveal technology overlays fish arches from CHIRP sonar onto DownScan images, giving you the best of both worlds in a single view. This makes it much easier to identify fish versus structure, especially in areas with heavy cover. The 9-inch LED display is noticeably brighter than older Simrad models and holds up well in harsh sunlight, even when you are wearing polarized sunglasses.

C-MAP Discover charts come preloaded on the included card, with vector charts, custom depth shading, tides and currents, and high-resolution bathymetric contours. NMEA 2000 connectivity lets you integrate engine data, fuel flow, and other sensors into the display. The 2-year manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind on a unit at this price point.

Who Should Buy the Simrad GO9 XSE

Serious anglers and coastal boaters who want premium sonar imaging with SideScan and DownScan in a single transducer package will find this unit delivers. It is particularly well-suited for offshore fishermen who need to find structure and bait in open water. The NMEA 2000 integration makes it a strong hub for a complete marine electronics system.

Who Should Skip It

If you primarily fish inland lakes and do not need side imaging, the Simrad GO 9-inch without the Active Imaging transducer saves you money. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv, which offers similar features at a lower price point with Garmin’s Navionics+ mapping.

10. Lowrance Elite FS 10 – Best 10-Inch Fish Finder Chartplotter Combo

The Lowrance Elite FS 10 delivers one of the largest displays in this roundup, and that 10-inch multi-touch screen makes a real difference when you are trying to read sonar and charts simultaneously. I ran split-screen views with Active Imaging SideScan on the left and C-MAP navigation charts on the right, and both were easy to interpret at a glance. For anglers running bigger boats, the screen size alone justifies the investment.

Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar combines CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan in a single transducer, producing some of the clearest sonar images I have seen at this price point. FishReveal technology overlays fish targets on DownScan views, making fish identification much more straightforward. The unit is also ActiveTarget 2 ready, which means you can add Lowrance’s live sonar system later for real-time fish tracking.

C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard charts come preloaded with 1-foot contours on over 19,000 US lakes and 9,400 Canadian lakes. That level of preloaded mapping detail is hard to beat. Connectivity options include wireless, NMEA 2000, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, giving you plenty of ways to integrate this unit into your boat’s electronics network. Ghost trolling motor compatibility is a nice bonus for anglers who run Lowrance trolling motors.

Who Should Buy the Lowrance Elite FS 10

Anglers running bass boats, bay boats, or offshore rigs who want maximum screen real estate and comprehensive sonar coverage should strongly consider this unit. The ActiveTarget 2 readiness means you can add live sonar down the road without replacing your chartplotter. Tournament fishermen who need to see sonar and mapping simultaneously will appreciate the 10-inch display.

Who Should Skip It

Boaters with limited dash space should look at smaller units like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV or the Simrad GO 9-inch. If you do not need the ActiveTarget live sonar capability or 10-inch screen, you can save significantly with the Lowrance Eagle 7 or Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv.

11. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv – Best 9-Inch Touchscreen Chartplotter

The ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is the best-selling unit in Garmin’s marine GPS chartplotter lineup for good reason. The 9-inch touchscreen is bright, responsive, and readable even in harsh midday sun, and it provides enough screen space to run multiple sonar views and mapping simultaneously. The GT56 transducer is a significant step up from the GT20, delivering higher-frequency ClearVu and SideVu scanning with noticeably sharper detail.

Preloaded Garmin Navionics+ US Inland mapping covers over 18,000 lakes with up to 1-foot contour resolution, giving you detailed lake maps right out of the box. I tested the mapping on a lake I had never visited before and was able to navigate directly to offshore structure using the contour data alone. The maps also include navigation aids and hazards for coastal use.

Wi-Fi connectivity lets you share sonar data, waypoints, and routes wirelessly with another ECHOMAP UHD2 unit on the same boat. If you run a bow and console unit, this feature alone saves hours of manual waypoint transfers. The unit also connects wirelessly to Garmin Force trolling motors, allowing you to follow routes and control speed directly from the chartplotter screen.

Who Should Buy the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv

Anglers and boaters who want a large touchscreen with premium sonar and detailed inland maps will find this unit delivers outstanding value. It is ideal for bass boats, walleye rigs, and any setup where you want ClearVu, SideVu, and full chartplotter capability in a single unit. The Wi-Fi sharing feature makes it perfect for dual-console setups.

Who Should Skip It

If you primarily need coastal navigation rather than inland lake mapping, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv with US Coastal mapping might serve you better at a lower price. Boaters who do not need touchscreen controls can save money with the button-operated ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV.

12. Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv – Best Professional Marine Chartplotter

The GPSMAP 943xsv sits at the top of Garmin’s marine lineup and earns our Editor’s Choice designation for its combination of ultra high-definition sonar, Panoptix support, and professional-grade build quality. The 9-inch IPS display produces some of the sharpest, most color-accurate images I have seen on a marine display. At 4.8 out of 5 stars with 96% of reviews being 5 stars, the user feedback speaks for itself.

Panoptix sonar support is what truly separates this unit from everything else in the roundup. With a compatible Panoptix transducer (sold separately), you get live real-time sonar views that show fish moving, your lure descending, and structure in real time rather than as a historical scroll. This technology has changed how tournament anglers fish, and having a unit that supports it means you can upgrade to live sonar without replacing your chartplotter.

The display is highly customizable, allowing you to create screen layouts that match exactly how you fish. Preloaded Navionics+ mapping gives you detailed charts out of the box, and NMEA 2000 networking integrates seamlessly with engine data, AIS, weather modules, and other marine systems. The flush mount design looks clean and professional on any helm.

Who Should Buy the Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv

Serious anglers, tournament fishermen, and boaters building professional-grade electronics systems should consider this unit the foundation of their setup. If you plan to add Panoptix live sonar, this is the chartplotter to build around. The image quality and customization options justify the premium price for boaters who demand the best.

Who Should Skip It

Casual boaters and weekend anglers who do not need Panoptix support or ultra HD sonar will get equivalent everyday performance from the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv at a significantly lower price. If you are on a tight budget, the Humminbird Helix 5 or Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv provide solid sonar at a fraction of the cost.

13. Lowrance Eagle 7 – Best Entry-Level IPS Screen Fish Finder

The Lowrance Eagle 7 brings an IPS display to a mid-range price point, and that alone makes it worth considering. Most fish finders at this price use standard LCD panels that wash out when viewed from an angle or through polarized sunglasses. The IPS screen on the Eagle 7 stays bright and readable from any angle, which I found genuinely useful when standing off to the side while working a trolling motor.

SplitShot HD sonar combines CHIRP traditional sonar with enhanced downscan imaging, and FishReveal overlays fish targets on the downscan view for easier identification. Genesis Live is a standout feature that creates custom 1/2-foot contour maps as you drive around, producing maps with more detail than most preloaded chart cards offer for uncharted waters.

The twist-lock connector system is a small detail that makes a big difference during installation. Instead of fumbling with screw terminals, the connectors snap together securely. C-MAP inland charts come preloaded with coverage for over 17,000 US lakes, giving you a solid starting map that you can enhance with Genesis Live custom mapping. Autotuning sonar adjusts settings automatically, so you spend less time fiddling with sensitivity and more time fishing.

Who Should Buy the Lowrance Eagle 7

Anglers who want a bright IPS display and custom mapping capability at a reasonable price will find strong value in the Eagle 7. It is well-suited for small to mid-size fishing boats where dash space is limited but you want a screen you can actually read in sunlight. Genesis Live mapping makes it especially appealing for anglers who fish smaller, uncharted lakes.

Who Should Skip It

If you need side imaging or NMEA 2000 networking, step up to the Humminbird Helix 7 G4N or the Lowrance Elite FS 10. Saltwater boaters who need detailed coastal charts should consider the Simrad GO 9-inch with C-MAP Discover instead, as the Eagle 7’s preloaded charts focus on inland waters.

How to Choose the Best Chartplotter for Your Boat

Picking the right chartplotter comes down to matching the unit’s capabilities to how and where you boat. Our team broke down the key factors that should drive your decision, based on real-world testing and feedback from boating forums like The Hull Truth and Cruiser’s Forum.

Screen Size and Display Type

Screen size directly affects readability and how much information you can display at once. A 4-inch unit works fine for kayaks and small tiller-steered boats where you sit close to the screen. For center consoles and larger boats where you stand at the helm, 7 inches is the minimum I recommend, and 9 to 10 inches is ideal for split-screen views with sonar and maps running simultaneously.

IPS displays offer wider viewing angles and better color consistency than standard LCD panels. If you wear polarized sunglasses on the water, IPS screens remain readable while some LCDs appear dark or washed out. Touchscreen operation is convenient in fair weather but can be frustrating with wet hands or gloves, which is why many boaters prefer units with both touch and button controls.

Sonar Technology

CHIRP sonar has become the standard across all price ranges, and for good reason. Unlike traditional sonar that sends a single frequency, CHIRP transmits a continuous sweep of frequencies, producing sharper fish arches and better target separation. All 13 units in our roundup include CHIRP sonar in some form.

Beyond basic CHIRP, you will encounter ClearVu, SideVu, DownScan, and SideScan imaging. Downward-looking scanning sonar (ClearVu, DownScan) shows detailed structure images directly below the boat. Side imaging (SideVu, SideScan) scans up to 125 feet to each side, letting you search large areas quickly. Side imaging is particularly valuable for locating offshore structure, submerged timber, and schools of baitfish.

Chart Options and Map Coverage

The three major chart providers are Navionics, C-MAP, and proprietary maps from each manufacturer. Garmin units use Navionics+ or Garmin Navionics+ maps, while Simrad and Lowrance use C-MAP. Humminbird supports LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics cards. Preloaded maps save you the cost of buying separate chart cards, so check what comes included before purchasing.

For inland anglers, look for units that include high-resolution lake maps with 1-foot contours. Coastal boaters should prioritize units with detailed vector charts, tides and currents data, and navigation aids. Units with Quickdraw Contours, AutoChart Live, or Genesis Live can create custom maps of unmapped water, which is a major advantage on smaller or remote fisheries.

Networking and Connectivity

NMEA 2000 networking lets you connect your chartplotter to engine data, fuel sensors, AIS receivers, weather modules, and other marine electronics on a single cable backbone. If you plan to build a comprehensive electronics system, NMEA 2000 support is essential. All Simrad and Lowrance units in our roundup support it, as do Garmin’s ECHOMAP and GPSMAP series.

Wi-Fi connectivity enables wireless software updates, waypoint sharing between units, and smartphone mirroring. Bluetooth support lets you connect wireless remotes and control the unit from your phone. These wireless features are highly valued by forum users and make day-to-day operation much more convenient.

Boating Style Matching

Freshwater bass anglers typically want side imaging, high-resolution lake maps, and quick-access waypoint marking. The Humminbird Helix 7 G4N and Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv are strong picks here. Saltwater offshore fishermen need reliable GPS, coastal charts, and radar capability, making the Simrad GO9 XSE and Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv better suited. Kayak anglers should prioritize compact size, battery efficiency, and simple operation, which points to the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv or Striker 4.

Cruisers and sailors need detailed coastal charts, AIS integration, and tides and currents data. The Simrad GO 9-inch with C-MAP Discover is purpose-built for this use case. Casual weekend boaters who mainly need depth readings and basic navigation can save money with entry-level units like the Garmin Striker 4 or Striker Vivid 4cv without sacrificing the features that matter most for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chartplotters

Final Thoughts on the Best Chartplotters

Finding the best chartplotter for your boat comes down to how you use the water. For most anglers and boaters in 2026, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv delivers the ideal combination of touchscreen convenience, ClearVu and SideVu sonar, and preloaded Navionics+ mapping. If you want professional-grade sonar with Panoptix live sonar support, the Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv is the top-tier choice. And for boaters on a budget, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv provides CHIRP sonar and Quickdraw Contours mapping at a price that is hard to beat.

No matter which unit you choose, any of these 13 chartplotters will improve your time on the water by giving you better navigation, sonar, and mapping capabilities than relying on your phone or an outdated fish finder. Pick the one that matches your boat, your fishing style, and your budget, and get out there.