10 Best Depth Finders 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly 7-inch color fishfinder ideal for both amateur and experienced anglers. It comes with a GT20-TM transducer that supports both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, which helps in clearly identifying fish and structures underwater. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes further enhance visualization, making it easier to distinguish between different underwater elements.

The display is an LCD screen, providing clear and bright visuals, which are essential during fishing trips in various lighting conditions. The high-sensitivity GPS is a noteworthy feature, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor their boat speed, adding a layer of navigational convenience. Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is beneficial for creating custom fishing maps on the spot. Another modern touch is the Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling connection to the ActiveCaptain app for software updates and waypoint transfers, making it a tech-savvy choice.

However, the device is battery-powered, which might be a drawback for extended fishing trips unless spare batteries are carried. The unit is somewhat portable with a 4.4-pound weight and dimensions of 3.4"L x 6.1"W x 7"H, although it may not be the lightest option available. The surface mount installation could be a bit tricky for beginners but is manageable. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv stands out with its comprehensive sonar capabilities and smart features, making it a valuable tool for both casual and serious fishing enthusiasts.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a well-rounded device suitable for anglers seeking detailed underwater views and advanced fishing features. One of its standout strengths is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities. This combination allows users to see underwater structures and fish with high clarity. The inclusion of FishReveal helps in distinguishing fish from other objects, making it easier to identify targets. Additionally, the device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar, providing real-time images of fish movements and reactions to lures, which can enhance the fishing experience considerably.

The 9-inch multi-touch LCD screen is another highlight, offering a high-resolution display that is easy to navigate and read, even in bright sunlight. Its robust networking capabilities, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, enable seamless integration with other marine electronics, making it versatile for creating a comprehensive fishing system. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts are beneficial for navigation and locating fishing hotspots, covering 8,900 U.S. lakes with high-resolution contours.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks. The device requires a 12 Volt DC power source, which may necessitate additional power management on smaller boats. While the product is feature-rich, its size and weight (approximately 4.53 kilograms) might affect portability for some users. Lastly, the price point might be on the higher side for casual or beginner anglers. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is best suited for serious or professional anglers looking for advanced sonar capabilities and detailed underwater mapping.

The Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer is packed with advanced features suitable for serious anglers. It offers premium sonar technology with MEGA Side Imaging+ and Down Imaging+, giving clear views of fish up to 200 feet on each side and below your boat. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP allows for detailed fish detection in both wide and narrow modes. The built-in GPS with Humminbird Basemap and included LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map card provide extensive coverage of over 10,000 lakes in the US and Canada, enhancing navigation and fishing accuracy.

Its AutoChart Live feature creates real-time maps of depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation, which is highly useful for mapping your favorite fishing spots. The display is a noteworthy strength, featuring a 9-inch Full HD touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 720, ensuring clarity and ease of use. Additionally, it includes dual control options for versatility in operation.

Connectivity is robust with high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, and it integrates seamlessly with Minn Kota and Cannon products, enhancing its functionality in a One-Boat Network setup. On the downside, the unit weighs 9 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for those seeking more portable options. However, for stationary or mounted use, this shouldn't be a significant issue. It comes with essential components like the control head, power adapter, unit cover, mounting bracket, and transducer, making it ready for immediate use. With a two-year warranty, users can feel secure about its durability and service. This fish finder is ideal for dedicated anglers looking for top-tier technology and comprehensive mapping capabilities.