10 Best Side Imaging Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an impressive option for side-imaging fish finders, especially for anglers seeking clarity and ease of use. Its 9-inch touchscreen is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight, which is a significant advantage during outdoor fishing trips. The included GT56-TM transducer offers excellent traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning capabilities, allowing you to see underwater structures and fish with great detail, enhancing your fishing strategy.

One of the standout features is the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts, which provide detailed mapping that can guide you to the best fishing spots. The device also offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to share sonar data, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units wirelessly. This is particularly useful if you're fishing with a partner or need to coordinate with others on the water.

While the ECHOMAP UHD2 is packed with great features, it might have a bit of a learning curve for those who are not tech-savvy. Some users may find the multitude of options slightly overwhelming at first. Additionally, while the touchscreen is responsive, using it with wet hands or in the rain could be a challenge, which is something to keep in mind in tougher weather conditions. In terms of power output and frequency, it performs well within its category, though it’s always good to check if it meets your specific fishing needs. The choice of mounting, whether dashboard or flush, adds versatility but may require some additional tools for installation.

For recreational boaters and serious anglers alike, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv provides an excellent combination of functionality and advanced features, establishing it as a strong contender in the side-imaging fish finder market.

The Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder is equipped with a 9-inch full HD touchscreen display, which offers excellent visibility and ease of use whether you prefer touch or keypad controls. The screen size and resolution (1280 x 720) ensure clear and detailed imaging, which is crucial for identifying fish and underwater structures. This fish finder boasts premium sonar technology, including MEGA Side Imaging+ with a 200-foot range and MEGA Down Imaging+ that reaches depths of 200 feet, along with Dual Spectrum CHIRP for precise fish detection. The built-in advanced GPS navigation system is a significant asset, providing coverage of over 10,000 lakes through the Humminbird Basemap, and it comes bundled with LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map cards for extensive U.S. and Canada regions.

This integration facilitates real-time mapping features like AutoChart Live, which allows you to create detailed maps of your fishing spots, recording up to eight hours of data. Connectivity options are robust, including high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, making it compatible with the NMEA 2000 network and seamlessly integrating with other products like Minn Kota and Cannon. This compatibility is ideal for anglers looking to build a comprehensive fishing system. One downside is the product's weight at 9 pounds, which may be a consideration for some users. The two-year warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring long-term reliability. Given its advanced features, this fish finder is best suited for serious anglers who need high-quality imaging and mapping capabilities for a professional-grade setup. It may be overkill for casual fishers or beginners due to its extensive feature set and higher price point.

The Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder is a strong choice for anglers looking for detailed side-imaging and navigation capabilities. Its 12-inch HD touchscreen offers clear visuals with a 1280 x 720 resolution, making it easier to spot fish and underwater details. The standout feature is the MEGA Side Imaging+ sonar, which provides wide 200-foot scans on each side, delivering highly detailed underwater views. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar further enhances fish detection with both wide and narrow beam options, helping you find fish more effectively.

GPS integration is solid, featuring built-in maps with coverage of over 10,000 lakes and compatibility with popular mapping cards like LakeMaster, CoastMaster VX, and Navionics. The AutoChart Live feature allows you to create custom maps in real time, which is a big plus for exploring new waters. Connectivity options include Ethernet, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000 compatibility, allowing smooth integration with other marine devices like Minn Kota motors. The package includes a quality transducer and offers dual control options (touchscreen and keypad), which adds flexibility depending on your preference or weather conditions.

One downside is that it’s battery powered, which might limit usage time compared to models with external power sources. While it has good power and imaging range, some users might find the price a bit high, especially if they don’t need advanced mapping features. The fish finder is well suited for serious hobbyists and semi-professionals who want detailed imaging and reliable GPS navigation, but casual anglers might find simpler models more cost-effective. This product effectively balances advanced sonar technology with user-friendly operation, making it a capable tool for freshwater and coastal fishing.