This review has been updated 27 times since it was first published in June of 2015. Don’t take your boat out on any serious excursion without a chartplotter qualified for the job. Many newer models support automatic waypoint generation and connect with extremely advanced sonar, GPS, and even GLONASS networks to keep you safe and monitor your ship’s systems. These make marine navigation so easy, you’ll never have trouble finding that favorite dive spot or fishing hole again. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.
10. Garmin Striker 4
At just a hair over $100, the Garmin Striker 4 is about the cheapest reliable model you can find. The level of information conveyed on the screen is extensive, and includes water depth, temperature, the speed of your vessel, and more.
- Can set audible alarms
- Smart choice for small boats
- Transducer lead isn't very long
9. Garmin 78S
If you don’t need any fancy bells and whistles and simply want something that can keep you on track during short trips, the handheld Garmin 78S is a decent choice. It runs on easy-to-find AA batteries and will float if accidentally dropped in the water.
- Equipped with a barometric altimeter
- Built-in three-axis compass
- Screen can be difficult to see
8. Lowrance Hook2-7
Anglers will appreciate the auto-tuning sonar on the Lowrance Hook2-7, which allows you to see potential catches below you more clearly, while requiring less manual tweaks. It is smartly designed with one-touch access to many important features.
- Includes a transducer
- Crisp solarmax display
- Crisp solarmax display
7. Raymarine Axiom 7
The Raymarine Axiom 7 is equipped with a quad-core processor that allows you to switch between different modes and plot your course with almost no lag. Its included transom mount has a gyrostabilizer that reduces interference from the vessel’s rocking.
- Realvision 3d for lifelike clarity
- Runs on the lighthouse 3 os
- Multitouch interface
6. Garmin Echomap Plus 74Cv
The Garmin Echomap Plus 74Cv is well-priced for a model with a bright touchscreen, the ability to instantly create depth contour maps, and autopilot support. It produces near-photographic-quality images of underwater, objects and is preloaded with BlueChart g2 charts.
- Quick-release mount
- Sailing assist features
- Can share waypoints with other units
5. Simrad Go7 XSE
The Simrad Go7 XSE offers a beautiful and responsive touchscreen that supports routing via both Navionics and Jeppesen, and which can be used to control a connected sound system, too. It can store a massive 10,000 waypoints for future reference.
- Nmea 2000 compatible
- Can be flush or bracket mounted
- Helpful cruise charting page
4. Garmin Striker 7sv
Advanced sonar capabilities allow the Garmin Striker 7sv to provide a clear, highly detailed image. It includes the company’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software, which lets you create and store your own maps for over two million acres of ocean or lake floor.
- Accurate speed tracking
- Wi-fi for transferring data
- Well-designed user interface
3. Garmin 1040xs
The Garmin 1040xs features a large, high-contrast, 10-inch display that is easy to see, even in bright conditions, and it is wide enough to comfortably view two different charts simultaneously when using its split-screen mode.
- Compatible with autopilot systems
- High-sensitivity internal receiver
- Updates heading 10 times per second
2. Humminbird Helix 5 G2
The Humminbird Helix 5 G2 is a wallet-friendly option with a vibrant five-inch display. It is equipped with both CHIRP and imaging sonar to reveal the slightest contours in the ocean bottom, and comes programmed with maps for U.S. coastal areas and inland lakes.
- Relays fish depth accurately
- Supports real-time mapping
- Relatively shallow learning curve
1. Lowrance HDS Live
The Lowrance HDS Live automatically plots the shortest, safest route based on your boat’s draft, beam, and height. This can help you save travel time and avoid potential hazards, like a low bridge you might not fit under or shallow areas on which you could run aground.
- Support for smartphone integration
- Produces super-detailed images
- Available in four screen sizes
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