10 Best Chartplotters 2025 in the United States

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is a 9-inch touchscreen chartplotter that is designed for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Its bright and sunlight-readable display ensures good visibility even on sunny days, while the 1024 x 600 resolution provides clear and detailed visuals. The included GT56 transducer supports traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonars, offering comprehensive underwater imaging. This chartplotter comes with built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts, which integrate extensive Navionics data for accurate navigation along the U.S. coastlines.

The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy sharing of sonar, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units, which is highly convenient for users with multiple devices or those who fish in groups. Moreover, it can wirelessly connect to Garmin’s Force trolling motor, giving you the ability to control speed, navigate to waypoints, and monitor battery life directly from the chartplotter. One of the standout features of this model is its user-friendly touchscreen interface, which simplifies operation and navigation through menus.

However, it is relatively bulky at 8.08 pounds, which may be a consideration for users looking for a more lightweight option. Additionally, it is positioned at a higher price point, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is a feature-rich and reliable choice for serious boaters and anglers who need a high-quality chartplotter with versatile connectivity and detailed charting capabilities.

The Garmin 010-02366-61 GPSMAP 943xsv is a high-quality chartplotter that offers a 9-inch IPS display, providing clear and vibrant visuals that are easy to read, even in bright sunlight. This is a significant strength, particularly for users who need to navigate in various lighting conditions. The screen size is ample, making it easy to view detailed charts and sonar images without straining your eyes.

The ultra high-definition scanning sonar, including SideVü, ClearVü, and traditional Chirp sonar, ensures detailed underwater imaging, which is beneficial for fishing and navigation. Additionally, the support for Panoptix sonar adds more advanced capabilities for serious anglers and boaters who require real-time feedback of what's happening beneath their vessel. The pre-loaded mapping feature, combined with Navionics+ compatibility, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date charting solution, which is essential for safe and effective navigation.

Garmin typically offers intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for both beginners and experienced users to operate the device. Durability is addressed through its flush mount design and robust construction, suitable for the marine environment. Despite its strengths, this chartplotter comes at a relatively high price, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious users. Additionally, its weight of 8.48 pounds might be considered heavy for some setups. This chartplotter is best suited for serious boaters and fishermen who need reliable and advanced sonar capabilities, high-quality display, and comprehensive mapping features.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer offers a 9-inch high-resolution multi-touch screen that is user-friendly and easy to install. The screen size and resolution make it easier to see detailed information while out on the water.

One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan with FishReveal, providing refined detail on underwater structures and fish. Additionally, it supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar for real-time images of fish, enhancing your fishing experience.

The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts cover 8,900 U.S. lakes with high-resolution 1-foot contours, aiding in precise navigation and fishing spot identification. The device also boasts full networking capabilities with wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to build an integrated fishing system and share data between displays. Durability is ensured with a rugged design meant for harsh marine environments. However, the unit's size and weight might be cumbersome for smaller boats, and the need for additional modules like the S3100 for Active Imaging HD could imply extra costs.