10 Best Chartplotter 2025 in the United States

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an impressive chartplotter particularly suited for boaters and anglers looking for reliable navigation and detailed underwater insights. One of its standout features is the 9-inch touchscreen display, which is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight, making it user-friendly while out on the water. The included GT56 transducer offers multiple sonar modes—traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü—which give users a comprehensive view of what lies beneath, enhancing fishing and navigation experiences.

Another plus is the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts that come with integrated Navionics data, ensuring that users have access to detailed nautical maps. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connectivity allows for seamless sharing of sonar data and waypoints with another ECHOMAP UHD2, which can be particularly useful for teams or families fishing together. The ability to connect wirelessly to the Force trolling motor is another practical feature, letting users create routes and navigate effortlessly.

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an excellent choice for those serious about boating and fishing. Its combination of advanced sonar capabilities, user-friendly interface, and robust mapping functionalities makes it a valuable tool in any angler’s gear, although potential users should be mindful of the touchscreen usability in specific conditions.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with a 12-inch screen offers a sharp 1280 x 800 resolution, making maps and sonar images clear and easy to read. Its touchscreen combined with physical controls helps navigate menus smoothly, even in rough boat conditions. This chartplotter features a strong GPS system using multiple satellite networks (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU) with a fast 10 Hz update rate, which means your position is pinpointed quickly and accurately.

It comes bundled with LiveScope Plus sonar technology, providing detailed real-time views below and around your boat, which is great for fishing or exploring underwater structures. The device supports Garmin Navionics+ charts preloaded, a popular and reliable choice for North American waters, ensuring you have up-to-date and detailed navigation maps. Connectivity options are robust, with dual microSD slots for chart updates or extra storage, two network ports, and compatibility with NMEA 2000 systems for connecting other marine electronics.

The physical build is designed for marine environments, with Garmin known for making rugged, weather-resistant gear suitable for boats. The device weighs 14 pounds, which is on the heavier side for mounting flexibility, and the price might be higher compared to simpler chartplotters without the advanced sonar bundle. This product suits boaters who want a large, durable display with excellent navigation and sonar capabilities, ideal for serious anglers or those needing detailed underwater imaging combined with reliable chart plotting.

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a 9-inch multifunctional marine display designed for boaters, especially those interested in fishing and coastal navigation. Its bright, multi-touch widescreen provides clear, easy-to-read visuals even in sunny conditions, which is great for accurate chart plotting and sonar imaging. The built-in advanced echosounder supports CHIRP, Forwardscan, Sidescan, and Downscan, offering detailed underwater views that are very useful for fishing. GPS functionality is reliable and fast, supported by C-MAP Discover charts covering the US and Bahamas coasts and inland waters, giving you good regional coverage.

Connectivity options are strong, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, allowing it to connect to mobile devices for chart updates and software downloads, as well as NMEA 2000 for integration with radar, autopilot, audio, and engine systems. The user interface is intuitive thanks to the responsive touchscreen and included gimbal bracket for adjustable mounting. In terms of durability, the device is waterproof and built to withstand marine conditions, supported by a two-year warranty. While the 9-inch screen size is sufficient for many users, those wanting larger displays might find it a bit small. Although it supports various sonar imaging modes, the included 83/200 kHz transducer is a standard choice that may not cover all advanced sonar needs for serious anglers. Additionally, the C-MAP Discover chart coverage is region-specific, so users outside these areas might need additional chart cards. This unit is well-suited for recreational boaters and anglers looking for a solid, feature-rich chartplotter with good connectivity and sonar capabilities.