Buying Guide to the Best Fish Finder Under 500

Buying Guide to the Best Fish Finder Under $500

1. Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 63cv: Best Overall

Key Takeaways

• 17, 000 LakeVu US lake maps
• Quickdraw map creating technology
• MicroSD slot and WI-FI

Display

This unit runs a 6.2-inch screen with ClearVu and CHIRP built in.

It matches the pixel count of the Helix 5 and 7 and the Lowrance units, so targets stay crisp and easy to work.

Features

The 77/200 kHz RMS transducer with built-in ClearVu imaging is my favorite part.

Watching it paint the right spot in real detail is what sold me.

But that's not everything.

Here is where it earns its keep: it also links to trolling motors with built-in transducers, though the adapter cable ships separately.

Quite epic.

It comes loaded with 17,000 LakeVu US lake maps [R]. 6,700 of those are high definition with 1-foot contours, which is strong value.

You can also draw your own maps with Quickdraw and save sonar recordings and a waypoint map [R].

A microSD slot and Wi-Fi store all that data. A gimbal mount comes in the box.

Is the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 63cv for You?

The 63cv suits anglers [R] who lean on preloaded maps and like building their own. It gives up little to its pricier siblings.

Suffice to say...

...if you want full control over settings and features, this one is for you.

One tip: to run the GT22 transducer from the pricier models, buy the 63cv without a transducer and add the GT22 on its own.

Pros

• Thousands of pre-loaded maps
• You can create your maps
• Excellent number of pixels
• Micro SD slot and WI-FI
• Comes with gimbal mount

Cons

• Pricey
• Only has regular 2D sonar in 200 and 77 kHz

2. Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Fishfinder and Chartplotter: Best Value

Key Takeaways

• Only GPS Chart Plotter and Side Imaging
• Compatible with Lakemaster and Gold/HotMaps cards
• AutoChart Live

Display

The Helix 5 CHIRP SI runs a 5-inch screen that shows down imaging, side imaging, and CHIRP returns at once.

This was once the top fish finder under 500. Newer units have passed it, but only on screen size.

On sonar and features, it still holds its own.

But hey, talk about OG and high quality!

The 5-inch screen still shines at 800 x 480, one of the sharpest displays in this price range.

Features

To this day it is the only unit at this price with both a GPS chart plotter and side imaging.

It ships with the XNT 9 SI 190 T transducer, the compact side imaging unit.

Here is a perk worth knowing: it qualifies for Humminbird's exchange program, so you can step up to the HD side imaging transducer (XHS 9 HDSI 180 T) for a little extra.

As for mapping...

...the Helix 5 SI reads Lakemaster cards and Navionics Gold/HotMaps cards [R].

Before you buy, check the Lakemaster lake list [R] for the water you fish.

If your lakes are well covered, the Lakemaster card wins with Depth Highlight and Water Level Offset.

Like the rest of this lineup, it maps live with AutoChart, painting depth contours as you drive the boat.

For real!

You get 8 hours of recording to build maps where none existed. The Zero Lines card extends that time if you add it.

As a matter of fact...

...the Bottom Hardness layer shows the shift from mud to harder bottom, right where fish hold.

Add a Vegetation Layer and it maps weeds, turns, points, and cuts where fish gather.

It also runs SmartStrike cards that highlight likely holding spots from your inputs: weather, season, and species.

The microSD slot stores all of it, so you miss nothing.

Is the HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 for You?

If you value imaging and map building over 2 inches of screen, this is a strong fish finder under 500.

With the core sonar, multiple views, and GPS, it was hard for me to pass up.

Pros

• Micro SD card slot
• Down and side imaging
• Can be exchanged for HD transducer
• Create your own maps
• Bottom Hardness layer displayed
• Vegetation layer
• Compatible with SmartStrike mapping cards

Cons

• Not the biggest display size
• Not portable

3. Humminbird Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder: Best Budget

Key Takeaways

• Depth and fish alarm
• Three frequency options
• Great for deeper waters

Display

The Humminbird PiranhaMax is a reliable unit. Even at this price, it carries a lot of what the pricier models offer.

As a matter of fact...

...this portable unit runs a 3.5-inch full-color display with sharp image quality. It is light, easy to move, and ships with a carrying case.

That said, the screen may run small for some anglers.

Features

The PiranhaMax skips GPS but answers with a depth and fish alarm and three frequency settings that read down to 600 feet.

Here is what matters at this price: accurate readings and clear images, on a screen that is easy to read and run.

Note that it does not link to a PC.

Is the Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 Fish Finder for You?

If you want accurate readings and clean images at depth, the Humminbird PiranhaMax fits.

It skips the fancier extras, but its accuracy makes it one of the best fish finders at a friendly price.

Pros

• Great image quality
• Excellent for deeper water
• Several frequency options
• Portable
• Easy to use
• Accurate

Cons

• Screen may be too small
• No PC linking capabilities
• Mount could be better
• No GPS
• No microSD slot

4. Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI G2 Down Imaging Fish Finder

Key Takeaways

• Downscan imaging capabilities
• CHIRP and Dual Beam sonar
• SwitchFire system

Display

The name gives away the 5-inch display. At 800 x 480, it matches the other units in this range.

But this guy is special in some ways.

I loved how easy it reads even in full sun. The extra-wide 256-color display kept shapes and colors clear in any light.

A backlight covers both day and night use.

Features

A dual GPS and GLONASS receiver keeps the signal steady and accurate.

That makes it easy to pin where fish hold and to land the bigger game.

No hide and seek with the fishies anymore.

If that’s not enough...

...the Helix 5 adds down imaging and high-resolution returns for a clean read in tough spots.

The SwitchFire Sonar also allows you to choose between two modes:

• Clear Mode - gives you a better image of fish and small objects, and;
• Max Mode, which works faster and works better for larger, human-made objects or thermoclines. [R]

Here is a detail I leaned on: a color-coding system that shows how close objects sit to the boat, which kept me alert to my surroundings.

Near objects show in orange and distant ones in blue.

If blue and orange don’t fit your preferred color choice, you can customize the colors to your desire.

As for the sensors, CHIRP and Dual Beam allow you to balance between distance and clarity of images and readings.

Finally, SmartStrike lets you collect various data and makes it easier for you to find fishing spots depending on the factors you choose to input.

The GPS tells you up to 2 500 waypoints and 45 routes and is capable with AutoChart, like the other Helix units we have reviewed here.

Bu wait, there's more.

It can also read other vital data, such as water depth through its depth finder, large rock formations, and nearby ports.

However, some users have reported battery leakage issues, so be sure to check your unit regularly and have a warranty with it!

This is more affordable than the CHIRP SI GPS G2 fish finders in the same lineup, though this is not capable of side imaging.

Everything can be stored in a card in its microSD slot.

Is the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI G2 Down Imaging Fish Finder for You?

If you want a fish finder that's perfect for kayaking or boating and has no problem squeezing into tight spaces, the small footprint of this device is the answer to your wishes.

Pros

• Color coding and customization
• Side and down imaging for accurate readings
• Choose between Clear and Max modes
• Good balance between distance and clarity
• See and create maps
• SmartStrike technology for finding fishing spots

Cons

• Battery leakage issues
• It takes longer to charge
• No side imaging

5. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv with GT20-TM Transducer

Key Takeaways

• Down imaging only (ClearVu)
• Big and bright screen
• Operates at three frequencies

Display

The Garmin STRIKER series fits when you want a low-cost fish finder without giving up quality.

The Vivid 7cv runs a 7-inch display at 800 x 480. The 5cv model drops to a 5-inch screen at the same resolution.

Features

The DownVu sonar runs three frequencies: 260 kHz, 455 kHz, and 800 kHz. That range lets you tune the image for depth and side reach.

With practice you pull sharp images of fish and structure from the wide and narrow beams the transducer sends.

You can also step the GT20-TM transducer up to the GT22-TM or GT23-TM for stronger CHIRP.

In addition to this...

...it ships with a trolling motor mount plus the transom bracket, so you mount it your way.

Note that it has GPS but no side imaging and no microSD slot.

Is the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv with GT20-TM Transducer for You?

If you want a solid Garmin and can skip side imaging, mapping, and a microSD slot, the STRIKER 7cv delivers accurate, reliable readings.

Pros

• Bright screen
• Excellent build quality
• Great screen resolution
• Accurate down imaging

Cons

• No side imaging
• No microSD card slot
• No maps

6. Garmin Striker 7sv Plus

Key Takeaways

• Excellent value option
• Internal GPS and mapping capabilities
• Big screen (Side, down, and CHIRP view)

Display

The Striker 7sv runs a 7-inch screen with ClearVu, SideVu, and CHIRP. It is one of the best value units in the STRIKER series.

At 800 x 480, the 7-inch screen lays out SideVu, ClearVu, CHIRP, and standard 2D sonar with room to read each one.

Features

Here is where the 7sv wins: Garmin packs the features that matter into a value unit, with internal GPS, side imaging, and mapping.

The catch is the missing microSD slot, which trips up some anglers.

Is the Garmin Striker 7sv for You?

If you want side scanning on the biggest screen you can get, the Striker 7sv is the best fish finder under 500 for you.

Nothing else gives you side, down, and CHIRP on a 7-inch screen at this price.

Pros

• SideVu, DownVu, and CHIRP
• Excellent value
• Internal GPS

Cons

• No Micro SD card slot

7. Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Mega DI GPS G3N Fish Finder

Key Takeaways

• Split-screen display
• Compatible with AutoChart
• 2D sonar and down imaging

Display

The Helix 7 CHIRP Mega DI balances sonar power and screen size for the money.

The bright, detailed 7-inch screen shows dedicated down imaging, with a split screen for the 200/455 kHz 2D sonar or the GPS chart plotter.

Features

A single microSD slot runs your Navionics or Lakemaster maps. You also get CHIRP sonar and CHIRP down imaging.

Here is a habit worth building: save sonar recordings of your home lake and turn them into a custom map with the Lakemaster AutoChart system.

Our favorite feature, to say the least!

A bonus tip: record now without AutoChart, then buy the program later and import your data to build the map.

Overall, the Helix 7 DI is a strong fish finder with plenty to like.

Note that it will not share waypoints with another unit.

Is the Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp Mega DI GPS G3N Fish Finder for You?

If you want a unit that builds charts and takes a microSD card, the Helix 7 is a strong choice.

It skips side imaging, but it reads deep water well and answers with a bigger 7-inch display.

Pros

• Compatible with Navionics and Lakemaster cards
• MicroSD card slot
• Capable of mapping
• Compatible with AutoChart program
• Bigger display

Cons

• No side imaging
• Cannot share waypoints

Lowrance Hook2 4x Bullet

Key Takeaways

• CHIRP sonar and down imaging
• Split-screen display
• DownScan overlay feature

Display

The Lowrance Hook2 4x CHIRP is one of the newer budget units, replacing the Hook 3x.

For its size, it's powerful.

It runs a 4.3-inch full-color screen with 16-bit color, an LED backlight, and 480 x 270 resolution.

Features

The sonar is the highlight of this easy-to-run unit.

It runs CHIRP sonar and down imaging together. View them split screen or in Lowrance DownScan Overlay to keep the key detail in front of you.

Its CHIRP sonar tightens target separation on screen, especially in deeper water.

Here is the trick that makes it work: DownScan Overlay blends 2D and down imaging into one view.

You get a hybrid picture that layers the structure detail of down imaging over 2D sonar, so fish and objects read apart on one screen.

Is the Lowrance Hook2 4x Bullet for You?

If screen resolution is not a dealbreaker for you...

In that case...

...I recommend the Lowrance Hook2 4x Bullet for its strong sonar and CHIRP, which lands it among the best fish finders under 200 bucks.

Pros

• Downscan overlay for better target distinction
• Powerful despite size
• Color screen with LED backlight
• Relatively big LCD
• Easy to see
• Easy to read

Cons

• Screen resolution could be better.

How Do Fish Finders Work?

Like a bat using echolocation, a fish finder sends out a sound wave that the transducer builds from a simple electric pulse.

Once this sound wave hits the fish, it bounces back.

The newest models read and display size, shape, and even composition.

However...

...a unit's accuracy leans hard on the frequency and the pulse it sends.

The best fish finder under 500 shows you what your eyes cannot, deep beneath the boat. It should read reliable and accurate every time.

A good one also carries a navigation system for a safe trip.

That system keeps you on the right path and marks your exact coordinates at any moment.

It earns its place when you run far from shore, guiding you back to the beach, port, or a fresh spot fast.

Factors You Should Pay Attention to When Choosing the Best Fish Finder for You

A few features decide which fish finder fits you best. Here are the ones I check first.

Transducer

Check the transducer first, since it is the core of the unit. It sends and receives the sound waves that bounce off fish, rocks, and structure.

The fish finder will only display the information that the transducer accurately sends and receives.

Think of it as a translator: it turns bounced sonar into a clear picture you can read.

You can mount it a few ways. Transom is easiest but suits small to mid boats, so a bigger boat needs at least a thru-hull mount.

They also come in different materials, so match one to your boat.

If you only head out now and then, a plastic transom mount is enough and fits most boats.

Steel and aluminum hulls, though, call for stainless steel mounting.

Cone Angle

Cone angle matters too. It is the full width of the beam your boat fires into the water.

Remember:

A wider cone covers more water, and the deeper the signal, the wider the cone.

Cone width shifts with the transducer model.

Most run between 9 and 60 degrees. Some fire more than one cone, which lifts the price.

Screen

Weigh the size and clarity of the display before you buy.

A bigger display reads easier from across the boat.

That helps most on units that map the bottom, where a big screen flags rocks and hazards in your path.

Weigh portability as well, since a bigger screen is harder to move.

Scanner

Side-scan and DownScan are the two available options that you can choose from in fish finders.

DownScan units suit smaller water and a tighter area. Fish have to pass under the boat to show up.

On the other hand...

...side scan units suit bigger water. They favor breadth over depth, so they fade in deep water.

Some units run both scans, though they cost more.

Top Picks

Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 63cv: Best Overall

I love the Garmin ECHOMAP for its thousands of lake maps, strong GPS, CHIRP, sonar, Quickdraw contours, and Wi-Fi.

It also takes a microSD, charts your water, and ships with a gimbal mount.

This fishfinder and GPS combo carries every core feature I look for.

HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2: Best Value

For the price, the Helix 5 specs are hard to beat: down and side imaging, CHIRP, GPS, 2D sonar, and custom map building.

Humminbird Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder: Best Budget

This is the best pick when your budget runs tight.

It is the cheapest unit here with down imaging, and its three frequencies still read accurate.

For the money, it is one of the cheapest fish finders under 500 you will find.

Conclusion

If you want to level up your fishing, this guide to the best fish finders under 500 covers it. No more guessing where the fish hold.

Testing these was as fun as writing it up. Each one brings something that made picking a favorite tough.

Have you chosen yours? Let us know your experience!

Related Articles :

• Best fish Finder For Kayak
• Best fish finder under 200