10 Best Gps Chartplotters 2025 in the United States

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an impressive chartplotter designed for boaters and anglers looking for reliability and advanced features. With its 9-inch touchscreen display, users can expect easy navigation with bright, clear visuals that remain readable even in sunlight. The included GT56-TM transducer provides traditional sonar along with ClearVü and SideVü scanning, ensuring detailed underwater views, which can greatly enhance fishing efficiency. Plus, the built-in Garmin Navionics+ charts cover U.S. coastal areas, offering comprehensive navigation options right out of the box.

One of the standout features is the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to wirelessly share data with another compatible ECHOMAP UHD2, making it easy to coordinate between multiple devices. This chartplotter also connects to the Garmin Force trolling motor, enabling users to create routes and control motor functions directly from the chartplotter interface.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, some users might prefer physical buttons, especially in rough waters or when wearing gloves. The resolution at 1024 x 600 is decent, but some competitors offer higher resolutions, which could provide even sharper images. Additionally, while it’s a versatile device, users entirely new to chartplotters may find the initial setup slightly complex, though the included documentation helps ease that process.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is designed for anglers looking for an advanced tool to enhance their fishing experience. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which integrates CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technologies, offering clear views of underwater structures and fish. This feature is beneficial for identifying key fishing spots, making it highly valuable for serious fishermen. The 9-inch multi-touch screen is user-friendly and offers high resolution, ensuring that details are easy to see and navigate.

Connectivity is another strong point, as the Elite FS 9 allows for building a complete fishing system with options for wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connections. This makes it flexible for users who may want to integrate additional devices like radar or autopilot systems later. While the screen size is adequate for most users, some may find it small compared to larger competitors in the market, especially when navigating more complex waters. Additionally, the reliance on touchscreen may be less favorable in wet conditions or for users who prefer tactile buttons. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts provide detailed mapping, but users should verify if these charts cover their specific areas of interest, as coverage can vary. This unit is ideal for both recreational and avid anglers seeking up-to-date tech features, but those who prefer a more traditional or larger setup may want to explore other options.

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a 9-inch chartplotter with a bright, touchscreen widescreen that’s easy to read outdoors, providing clear navigational visuals on a moderately sized display. It includes C-MAP Discover charts ideal for US and Bahamas coastal and inland waters, which is great for recreational boaters and anglers focused on these regions. Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi allow for accurate positioning and convenient updates or mobile device mirroring.

The included transducer supports multiple sonar imaging types—CHIRP, Forwardscan, Sidescan, and Downscan—offering detailed underwater views that are especially useful for fishing. Connectivity options are broad, featuring Bluetooth, Ethernet, and a radar port, enabling integration with other marine electronics like autopilots and communication devices through NMEA 2000. It also comes with practical extras such as a suncover and gimbal bracket for flexible mounting and screen protection.

The touchscreen is responsive, but some users may find physical buttons preferable for use in rough conditions or with gloves. The unit’s price and size might exceed the needs of casual boaters. Additionally, coverage is focused on certain areas, so boaters outside US or Bahamas waters might require additional chart cards. This model suits serious anglers and boaters seeking a versatile, reliable multifunction display with advanced sonar and good connectivity, though it may be more advanced than necessary for beginners or those with simple navigation needs.