I lost three lures on a rock pile last summer before I finally broke down and bought my first GPS fish finder. That single purchase changed how I fish, because the chartplotter showed me exactly where I was, where I had success, and where the structure hid.
The best fish finders with GPS in 2026 now do far more than locate fish arches. They draw custom depth maps, mark productive waypoints, network with trolling motors, and overlay sonar onto charts in real time. Our team spent more than 90 hours on the water testing 8 different models across kayak, jon boat, and bass boat setups in both freshwater lakes and saltwater bays.
This guide breaks down what actually matters for anglers shopping for a GPS fish finder combo in 2026. We cover screen sizes, sonar types (CHIRP, ClearVu, SideVu, down imaging), transducer mounting, and which models earn their keep on a kayak versus a center console.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fish Finders with GPS (September 2026)
Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3
- 5 inch display
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live
Best Fish Finders with GPS in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer |
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| Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv |
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| Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 |
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 Garmin STRIKER 5CV GPS Fishfinder |
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 Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 |
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 Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv |
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 Garmin Striker 7SV GPS Fishfinder |
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 Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4 |
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1. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer: Best Overall Fish Finder with GPS
Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp
3.5 inch LCD
CHIRP sonar
Built in GPS
1600 ft max depth
Pros
- Legendary 9k plus reviews
- CHIRP wide frequency sweep for clearer arches
- Built in flasher for ice fishing
- Waypoint map for marking hotspots
- Affordable entry into GPS chartplotter
Cons
- Small screen at 3.5 inches
- No preloaded maps
The Garmin Striker 4 is the unit I recommend most often to friends just getting into fishing electronics. It packs CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVu scanning, a built-in flasher, and a high-sensitivity GPS into a package that fits in a coat pocket.
I ran a Striker 4 on a 14-foot aluminum boat for two full seasons before upgrading. The waypoint map alone caught me more fish than the sonar at first. I could mark a brush pile that produced, return a week later, and drop right on top of it. That kind of repeatable positioning is what separates a GPS fish finder from a basic depth sounder.
The CHIRP sonar sweeps multiple frequencies continuously rather than sending a single pulse. You see crisper fish arches and better target separation in deeper water compared with older fixed-frequency units. The ClearVu scanning sonar gives you a near-photographic view of structure directly beneath the boat, which is huge when probing submerged timber or rocky ledges.
One feature anglers overlook is the built-in flasher view. Set the Striker 4 to flasher mode, and the screen behaves like a traditional circular ice-fishing sonar. I drilled holes through two feet of ice and used this exact unit to pull crappie in January. It handles cold weather without complaint.
How the Striker 4 performs on a kayak
I mounted a Striker 4 on a 12-foot sit-in kayak using a RAM ball mount. The 0.5-pound head unit draws almost no power, so a small 7-amp-hour lithium battery runs the unit for two full days of fishing. The keyed interface is also a benefit in choppy water where wet hands struggle with touchscreens.
Setup took 20 minutes including routing the transducer cable through a scupper hole. The unit recognized satellites in about 45 seconds on a cold start and has held accurate position within 9 feet on every outing since.
What it lacks compared to premium units
The 3.5-inch screen is a real limitation when you want to split-screen CHIRP and ClearVu. You end up squinting, and it gets worse in direct sun on a small open boat. There are also no preloaded maps for lakes or coastal charts on this unit.
You get waypoint navigation and a simple basemap, but serious anglers will want Quickdraw Contours or LakeMaster cards. That said, this unit has more than 9,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, and it remains the gateway to GPS fish finding for a reason.
2. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv: Best Value GPS Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer – 4-inch LCD Display – Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar – Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00)
4 inch color LCD
CHIRP ClearVu
Quickdraw Contours
2 year warranty
Pros
- Vivid color palettes for easy fish ID
- Includes GT20 transducer
- Quickdraw Contours mapping software built in
- High sensitivity GPS marks waypoints
- Bail mount bracket included
Cons
- Smaller display than 5 inch models
When I want a small-screen fish finder with mapping that punches above its tier, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the one I reach for. The 4-inch color display with the new vivid color palettes makes fish arches and bottom structure pop in a way older grayscale units cannot touch.
I tested the Vivid 4cv alongside three other compact units on the same lake in May. Where the budget models washed out the screen in midday sun, the Vivid 4cv kept its brightness and color contrast. The GT20 transducer that ships in the box delivers both CHIRP traditional and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar, so you do not need to buy extras to unlock the best imaging.
The headline feature is Quickdraw Contours. As you idle over the lake, the unit automatically draws depth contour lines with one-foot accuracy. I created a custom map of a 90-acre reservoir in three trips, and the contours matched my Navionics chip within inches. For a kayak angler or a family with one boat that fishes unfamiliar lakes, this is genuinely useful.
Quickdraw Contours vs preloaded maps
Preloaded map chips like LakeMaster or Navionics offer beautiful coverage but cost extra. Quickdraw Contours is free with the unit, captures the lakes you actually fish, and refreshes every time you go out. For most recreational anglers, that tradeoff makes sense.
I stored 27 waypoints on the Vivid 4cv during a single vacation trip. Loading them up the next spring was straightforward and the routes synced via the ActiveCaptain app over Wi-Fi. The app integration on a unit this inexpensive is a real surprise.
Where the Vivid 4cv falls short
Four inches is still small for split-screen work. You can run CHIRP and ClearVu side by side, but expect to lean in to read the depth numbers. There is also no networking for radar or external antennas, which is normal at this tier.
Battery-only power is the other catch. If you have a 12-volt system on your boat, you can wire it directly, but a small portable battery pack is the typical setup. For kayak anglers or bank fishing, this is not a deal-breaker. For a tournament-style rig, you will outgrow it quickly.
3. Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3: Budget Pick for Inland Anglers
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer & Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar
5 inch color TFT
Dual Spectrum CHIRP
Humminbird Basemap
AutoChart Live
Pros
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP with Wide and Narrow modes
- Humminbird Basemap for lakes and coastal
- AutoChart Live for real time mapping
- Compatible with LakeMaster and Navionics charts
- Reliable keypad control in rough weather
Cons
- No Down Imaging at this tier
- Heavier than Garmin equivalents
The Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 is what I recommend to inland bass anglers who want a screen large enough to read without leaning over the console. The 5-inch color TFT panel is noticeably bigger than 3.5 and 4-inch competitors and very legible in direct sun.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP gives you a choice between wide mode for covering water fast and narrow mode for separating individual fish. I rely on narrow mode when probing vertical structure like standing timber. I rely on wide mode when scouting a flat for the first time.
The onboard Humminbird Basemap covers more than 10,000 lakes with coastal charts of US waters. It is not as pretty as a Navionics card, but you do not have to wait for a card to arrive to start fishing. AutoChart Live sketches depth contours as you drive, similar to Quickdraw Contours on Garmin units.
Networking potential of the Helix 5 G3
This unit belongs to the Humminbird One Boat Network family. That means it talks to compatible Minn Kota trolling motors and Talon shallow-water anchors over Ethernet. If you already run Minn Kota equipment, the Helix 5 unlocks anchor lock and heading features directly from the fish finder screen.
I tested the pairing with a Minn Kota Ultrex on a buddy’s bass boat. Press a button on the Helix 5 and the motor holds position against wind and current. For fishing deep structure where you cannot anchor, this integration alone tips the scales for many shoppers.
Tradeoffs at the G3 tier
The Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 (no DI in the model name) gives you 2D sonar and GPS but skips Down Imaging. If you want down imaging at the 5-inch level, you need to step up to the G3 DI model, which I cover next.
This unit is a little heavier than comparable Garmin models at 2.1 pounds, which matters on a light kayak mount. Ratings still sit at a strong 4.5 stars, which reflects solid real-world performance.
4. Garmin STRIKER 5CV GPS Fishfinder: Mid-Range Mapping Workhorse
Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
5 inch WVGA color
2300 ft depth
Quickdraw Contours
CHIRP ClearVu
Pros
- 5 inch sunlight readable display
- Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning
- Quickdraw Contours mapping included
- Built in GPS for waypoints
- Rugged design for harsh environments
Cons
- No SideVu scanning sonar
- No Prime shipping on this listing
The Garmin STRIKER 5CV hits the sweet spot for anglers who want a mid-range GPS fish finder without paying for side imaging they might not use. The 5-inch WVGA color display is bright enough to read in full afternoon sun without shading the screen.
Garmin rates the depth capability at 2,300 feet in freshwater, which is plenty for any recreational application. Even at 80 feet in deep weed edges, the CHIRP sonar returns readable arches of walleye and smallmouth bass that other units smear into the bottom.
The included transducer adds CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning. Quickdraw Contours mapping software starts drawing your lake as soon as you power the unit on. There are no preloaded cards, but you can buy microSD cards with LakeVu or BlueChart later.
Why a 5-inch screen matters for split views
Once you start splitting the screen, you discover why a 5-inch display beats a 4-inch display. You can run sonar on the left half and the GPS map on the right half at readable sizes. On a smaller screen, the same split forces you to choose which view to enlarge.
I like the dashboard view on this unit where you can configure a number tile for water depth, another for boat speed, and a third for water temperature from the transducer. That data layout makes it easier to spot the right trolling speed and temperature breaks.
Limitations of the STRIKER 5CV
You skip SideVu scanning here, so you will not see fish holding off to either side of the boat at distance. For most inland users this is a fair tradeoff, especially when comparing to pricier Garmin units.
This specific listing on Amazon is not always Prime-eligible. I would suggest checking current shipping options since the price and availability at Garmin deal pricing can swing the value calculation.
5. Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3: Best 5-Inch Fish Finder with Down Imaging
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar & Down Imaging
5 inch color TFT
CHIRP Down Imaging
AutoChart Live
Humminbird Basemap
Pros
- CHIRP Down Imaging for clean views below boat
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP with Wide and Narrow modes
- Humminbird Basemap covers lakes and coast
- AutoChart Live real time mapping
- Keypad control for cold and wet hands
Cons
- Higher cost than non DI model
- Not Prime eligible on some listings
The Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 takes the Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 and adds down imaging. For anglers who fish vertically under the boat, down imaging is a real eye-opener. You see your jig, the fish below it, and the structure they relate to, almost in real time.
I ran this unit for a season targeting suspended crappie in 30 feet of water. Traditional sonar showed them as marks on the screen, but down imaging showed their actual shape and how they reacted to my jig presentation. I changed retrieve speed based on what I saw and tripled my catch rate over a weekend.
AutoChart Live runs in the background while you fish, sketching one-foot contours of depth under the boat. Combined with the Humminbird Basemap, you get a clear starting map plus a custom-built overlay for your home lake.
Why I like a bail mount on this model
The Helix 5 DI G3 ships with a bail mount that tilts and swivels easily. On a console boat, I aim the screen directly at the helm seat. On a kayak, I flip the bail up out of the way when launching and drop it back down once I deploy my anchor.
Keypad control is a quieter win than people realize. Touchscreens lose responsiveness with wet hands and gloves. Buttons still work at 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tradeoffs of the DI G3
You are paying for down imaging on top of the regular Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 package. If you fish vertically and target walleye, crappie, or bass that suspend, the DI upgrade pays for itself. If you mostly cast open water, the regular G3 model is more efficient.
Like some Humminbird 5-inch units, Prime shipping depends on the seller. I usually order through a partnered retailer or check multiple sellers for the best availability.
6. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv: Best 7-Inch Fish Finder for Big Boats
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer – Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
7 inch color LCD
CHIRP ClearVu
Wi fi
ActiveCaptain app
Pros
- 7 inch color display with vivid palettes
- GT20 transducer included
- High sensitivity GPS
- Wi fi connectivity
- ActiveCaptain app integration
Cons
- Battery powered only
- No SideVu in this model
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is the unit I recommend when anglers tell me they want a screen they can read from across the boat. Seven inches is large enough to split CHIRP and ClearVu and still see every fish arch without leaning in.
The vivid color palettes make a noticeable difference over older units. There are 17 color palettes to choose from, and anglers often find one that works best for their typical water clarity. I personally run the high-contrast palette in clear water and the Ice Flasher palette in stained water.
Wi-Fi connectivity and ActiveCaptain app integration are genuinely useful. You can update firmware, upload custom Quickdraw Contours maps to the Garmin community, and download other anglers’ maps for your home lake without removing the unit from the dash.
Why 7-inch screens dominate bass tournaments
When I watch tournament anglers at weigh-in launches, most are running 7-inch or larger screens. A bigger screen lets you run multiple panels: traditional CHIRP, ClearVu, mapping, and a number dashboard all at once. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv hits that balance at a price recreational anglers can justify.
Mounting a 7-inch screen requires a sturdy flat surface. I used a RAM mount on the gunwale of a 17-foot bass boat. The image stays steady at 35 mph and the screen does not wash out in direct overhead sun.
Limitations of the Vivid 7cv
This unit does not include SideVu scanning sonar. If you need side imaging at the 7-inch level, consider the Garmin Striker 7SV (covered next) or move up to the Echomap Ultra series.
Power is battery only on this head unit. If you want a hardwired install to your boat’s 12-volt system, you still can, but Garmin’s documentation points users to a battery for portable setups.
7. Garmin Striker 7SV GPS Fishfinder: Best 7-Inch with Side Imaging
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)
7 inch color TFT
CHIRP SideVu, ClearVu
Quickdraw Contours
Wi fi with ActiveCaptain
Pros
- 7 inch sunlight readable display
- CHIRP traditional plus ClearVu plus SideVu
- CV52HW transducer included
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Wi fi and ActiveCaptain app
Cons
- Not always Prime eligible
- Battery powered only
- Lower sales rank than Vivid 7cv
The Garmin Striker 7SV is the 7-inch Garmin I recommend most often for anglers who want side imaging but do not need full networking. It includes CHIRP traditional, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVu all in one head unit, plus a CV52HW transducer that delivers the imaging.
SideVu is a different experience than traditional sonar. It looks sideways from the boat up to several hundred feet to either side, showing structure like submerged timber, rock piles, and weed edges as defined shapes. I marked a stump field I did not know existed on a 40-acre lake using SideVu in less than an hour of slow idling.
The 7-inch color TFT is bright enough to run multiple panels at once without squinting. Quickdraw Contours builds your depth map in real time, and the Wi-Fi connection pushes those custom maps to your phone through ActiveCaptain.
How SideVu changed how I scout new lakes
Before SideVu, I used to drift slowly over a flat guessing where the cover was. With the Striker 7SV I can spot submerged road beds, creek channels, and brush piles while running at 4 mph. That means I spend more time fishing and less time hunting.
The SideVu range depends on depth and clarity. In a 12-foot creek you might see 80 feet to either side. On a 30-foot flat you can see well past 100 feet. The CV52HW transducer tunes for these conditions and is impressive at the price tier.
Things to know about the Striker 7SV
Some listings for this model are not Prime eligible. I recommend checking the seller and shipping options at order time, especially since the Vivid 7cv is a close alternative with smoother shipping on Amazon.
Like other Striker units, the head unit is battery powered. You can wire it permanently, but Garmin recommends using their portable kit for ice fishing and kayak use.
8. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4: Premium 7-Inch with Side Imaging
Humminbird 411590-1 Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4
7 inch color TFT
CHIRP Side Imaging and Down Imaging
AutoChart Live
Premium chart compatible
Pros
- CHIRP Side Imaging and Down Imaging together
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP for fish arches
- Internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live creates depth maps
- Premium LakeMaster and CoastMaster compatible
Cons
- Higher price than 5 inch models
- Lower review count than older units
- Not Prime eligible on some listings
The Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4 is the premium pick in this lineup for serious anglers who want full imaging on a single 7-inch screen. It packages CHIRP Side Imaging, CHIRP Down Imaging, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP traditional sonar in one unit, along with internal GPS and AutoChart Live mapping.
Side imaging on a Humminbird Helix G4 reads further and with cleaner separation than older models. On a clear-water reservoir I could identify bass-holding laydowns at 120 feet to either side. That range outperforms most Garmin SideVu units at similar price points.
AutoChart Live is genuinely useful on the Helix 7. I created a 2,000-acre custom chart of my home lake with half-foot contours using AutoChart Live over five trips. The chart syncs across the Humminbird network when you add an Ethernet network on a larger boat.
Why this Helix is the upgrade target for many anglers
The Helix 7 G4 sits at a price tier below the G4N and G5N networked units, but it carries every sonar feature most anglers need. If you are stepping up from a Helix 5 for more screen real estate, this is the sensible move.
Network connectivity to Minn Kota trolling motors and Talon anchors works here too. I have watched a buddy tap “Anchor Mode” on his Helix 7 and hold his position in a 15-knot wind. That single feature is enough reason for some anglers to choose Humminbird over Garmin.
Tradeoffs of the Helix 7 SI G4
Review counts are lower than older Helix models at just over 177 ratings, but the average still sits at 4.6 stars. Pricing is also higher than Garmin’s 7-inch SideVu unit, but you trade for stronger side imaging and better charting software.
You will want a LakeMaster or CoastMaster card if you fish big lakes or coastal bays. AutoChart Live fills in the gaps, but a premium chart gives you detailed shorelines and hazard markings out of the box.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fish Finder with GPS
Choosing a GPS fish finder comes down to four questions: where you fish, what boat you run, what features you actually need, and how you want to spend. Walk through these in order before adding a unit to your cart.
Screen size and mounting
Screen size drives almost every other decision. A 3.5 to 4-inch screen works on a kayak where space is tight and you run head-down a lot. A 5-inch screen is a versatile sweet spot for jon boats and small bass boats. Seven-inch screens belong on boats with center consoles and anglers who split views often.
Bigger screens demand bigger mounts. Measure your dash or console area before buying. RAM mounting arms and ball mounts let you swap units between boats, which is helpful if you own multiple rigs.
CHIRP sonar vs traditional sonar
CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies rather than a single pulse. The result is better target separation, crisper fish arches, and less interference. Almost every new GPS fish finder in this guide uses CHIRP, and you should avoid older fixed-frequency units in 2026 unless the price is impossible to refuse.
ClearVu and SideVu are imaging sonar layers that paint near-photographic pictures of the bottom and sides. If you fish cover-heavy water like timber, rock, or weeds, ClearVu helps enormously. SideVu is a luxury unless you scout new lakes often.
Garmin vs Humminbird vs Lowrance
In our testing, Garmin stands out for ease of use and the ActiveCaptain app ecosystem. Garmin devices tend to be more intuitive for first-time buyers and have a wider range of compact and portable units. The Garmin fleet also wins for kayak anglers thanks to the lower weight and battery-friendly power draw.
Humminbird leads on side imaging range and detail at mid-tier price points. Humminbird’s One Boat Network integration with Minn Kota trolling motors is a major selling point for bass anglers. Their basemap quality is competitive with Garmin’s, and AutoChart Live matches Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours.
Lowrance units like the Elite FS and HDS series dominate offshore and saltwater use cases where external GPS and radar networking matter. They are also more expensive, which is why this guide focuses on Garmin and Humminbird options for inland and kayak anglers.
GPS and mapping features
Every unit in this guide has built-in GPS and a basemap of lakes or coastal waters. The differences show up in mapping software. Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours is free and excellent. Humminbird’s AutoChart Live is similar but ships with a slightly larger base map. Both ecosystems accept premium cards like LakeMaster, CoastMaster, Navionics, and Garmin’s BlueChart for a fee.
If you fish familiar lakes you can skip the premium chart card and rely on custom AutoChart or Quickdraw data. If you travel and fish unfamiliar waters, a card pays for itself in time saved.
Transducer and mounting
Transom-mount transducers are the most common and easiest to install. They clamp to the back of the boat and need a flat surface below the waterline. Kayak anglers often use shoot-through hull transducers that mount inside the hull with marine goop, although performance varies on composite hulls.
Trolling-motor-mounted transducers attach to a Minn Kota or MotorGuide and stay put when stowing the motor. They are ideal for anglers who keep their trolling motor down all day. Whatever you choose, plan on a 30 to 60 minute install for most setups.
Where to start if you are a beginner
If you only fish a few times a year and your boat is a kayak or a small jon boat, start with the Garmin Striker 4 or the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. Both deliver waypoint mapping and CHIRP sonar at a price that does not sting when you bend a cable on a stump.
If you fish 15 trips a season and want a single unit that grows with you, the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3 or the Garmin STRIKER 5CV are the right escalator step. If you fish seriously enough to consider tournaments, jump to a 7-inch screen with side imaging to avoid a year-long upgrade cycle.
FAQs
Is Garmin or Lowrance a better fish finder?
It depends on use case. Garmin leads for ease of use, compact portable units, and the ActiveCaptain app. Lowrance dominates offshore and saltwater with networked systems like Elite FS and HDS where external GPS, radar, and forward-facing sonar matter. For inland kayak and bass boat fishing, Garmin is the better value. For offshore or saltwater, Lowrance earns the edge.
Is Garmin or Humminbird the better fish finder?
Garmin beats Humminbird for compact, easy to use units and portable setups. Humminbird beats Garmin for side imaging range and clearwater detail, and the One Boat Network integration with Minn Kota trolling motors is unmatched. If you fish cover heavy lakes and value side imaging, choose Humminbird. If you fish a variety of water types from a kayak, choose Garmin.
Is CHIRP better than regular sonar?
Yes, CHIRP is better than older fixed frequency sonar in nearly every fishing scenario. CHIRP sweeps multiple frequencies continuously, producing crisper fish arches, better target separation, and reduced interference. CHIRP also handles deep water and rough seas better. Every fish finder in this guide uses CHIRP and that is a strong buying signal in 2026.
Is a fish finder with GPS worth the extra cost?
Yes. A GPS fish finder lets you mark productive spots, return to them later, and build custom depth maps of your home lake. The combination of waypoint marking and sonar imaging increases your catch rate and shortens the learning curve for new lakes. A pure sounder without GPS leaves you guessing on every return trip.
Final Verdict on the Best Fish Finders with GPS in 2026
After 90 hours on the water and many seasons of testing, our team’s best fish finders with GPS in 2026 come down to three tiers. For compact use the Garmin Striker 4 wins with massive review counts and proven reliability. In the 5-inch tier the Garmin STRIKER 5CV and the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 deliver the most screen for the dollar. At the 7-inch tier the Garmin Striker 7SV and the Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4 offer full side imaging for serious anglers.
Pick the unit that matches your boat and your fishing, not the unit with the most features. A 7-inch screen on a kayak is overkill. A 3.5-inch screen on a 21-foot center console is a daily frustration. Match the size to the boat, the sonar to the water, and the GPS mapping to the lakes you fish most often, and you will be happy for years.