10 Best Marine Gps Chartplotters 2026 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 10 is a solid choice for anglers and boaters wanting a reliable fishfinder and chartplotter combo. Its 10-inch multi-touch screen offers a clear and easy-to-navigate display, making it friendly for users of all experience levels. The high-resolution screen helps show detailed underwater structures and fish thanks to the included Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar with CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technologies, which enhances your ability to spot fish and underwater features clearly.

The product comes preloaded with C-MAP Contour+ charts, offering precise 1-foot depth contours on thousands of lakes, which is great for both fishing and navigation. Connectivity is another strong point, with built-in wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet support allowing you to network with other devices like radar or autopilot systems—helpful for building an integrated marine system. Its GPS accuracy is reliable for pinpointing your location and waypoints. The device is designed to be durable and water-resistant, suitable for marine environments, though the exact waterproof rating isn't specified here.

While it supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar for live fish movement imaging, this feature requires additional accessories, which adds to the cost. Being battery-powered means you need to ensure your boat’s power setup matches the requirements. The Lowrance Elite FS 10 is well-suited for users focused on fishing and recreational boating who want detailed sonar imaging combined with strong charting and networking options in a user-friendly package.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 is a strong choice for boaters needing a large, clear chartplotter. Its 12-inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution makes maps and sonar views easy to see, and the hybrid touch controls help with smooth navigation. It supports high-accuracy GPS by using multiple satellite systems at once, so you can trust your position on the water. The included LiveScope Plus sonar system is a major plus, providing real-time, detailed underwater views that help with fishing and navigation.

Connectivity options like dual microSD slots, network ports, and NMEA 2000 support allow you to connect this device with other marine electronics and update charts easily. Garmin’s preloaded Navionics+ charts cover North America well. The unit’s surface mount design is straightforward to install, and its durability and waterproofing make it suitable for marine environments. At 14 pounds, it is somewhat heavy, which might affect mounting choices on smaller boats. It offers Wi-Fi, though other wireless connections like Bluetooth are not mentioned, which could limit some smart device integrations. This chartplotter suits serious anglers and boaters who want advanced sonar and reliable navigation in one large, bright display, but it may be more than casual or occasional users need.

The Garmin 010-02367-61 GPSMAP 1243xsv stands out with its 12-inch WXGA display, providing clear and high-resolution visuals, which are crucial for detailed navigation and sonar imaging. The ultra high-definition scanning sonar, including SideVü and ClearVü, along with traditional Chirp sonar support, make it an excellent choice for anglers and marine enthusiasts seeking comprehensive underwater visibility.

Additionally, the Panoptix sonar support is a notable feature for those who want live, real-time sonar updates. Pre-loaded mapping and Navionics+ enhance its functionality, offering extensive chart options right out of the box. With a high GPS accuracy, this device is reliable for precise navigation and positioning.

At 13.17 pounds and with dimensions of 18.3 x 14.1 x 10.4 inches, it is relatively heavy and large, which might require careful mounting but ensures a robust and sturdy device.