10 Best Garmin Chartplotter 2025 in the United States

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv with GT56 Transducer is a robust choice for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The standout feature is its 9-inch touchscreen, which is sunlight-readable, making it easy to view even in bright conditions. The screen resolution of 1024 x 600 ensures clear and detailed images, which is crucial for navigation and identifying underwater structures.

It comes equipped with the GT56 transducer, supporting traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonars, giving you comprehensive underwater visibility. The built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts are a significant advantage, offering detailed and accurate mapping data for U.S. coastal areas. Its built-in Wi-Fi allows for wireless sharing of sonar, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units and can connect to the Force trolling motor for added navigation and control features. The user interface is intuitive, which is great for those who may not be very tech-savvy.

One of the possible drawbacks is its weight and size; at 8.08 pounds and dimensions of 10.4 x 6.5 x 3.2 inches, it might be bulky for smaller boats. Additionally, while the device is designed for durability and comes with a waterproof rating, users should keep this in mind if they frequently encounter rough water conditions. Its mounting options, including dashboard and panel mounts, provide flexibility for different boat setups. This chartplotter is ideal for boaters who want a reliable, easy-to-use device with excellent sonar and navigation capabilities.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with a 12-inch screen offers a bright, sharp display (1280 x 800 resolution) that's easy to see and use even in bright sunlight. Its hybrid touch controls make navigation straightforward, balancing touchscreen ease with physical button reliability. For GPS accuracy, it supports multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU) and updates position at 10 times per second, which means your location on the water is pinpointed quickly and precisely.

Mapping comes preloaded with detailed Navionics+ charts covering North America, providing rich information for navigation and fishing spots. Connectivity is strong, with dual microSD slots for extra maps or data, two network ports for connecting other devices, and compatibility with NMEA 2000 systems, making it easy to integrate with your boat’s electronics. Sonar capabilities stand out thanks to the included LiveScope Plus bundle, providing real-time, clear imaging of underwater structures and fish with multiple CHIRP frequencies and ClearVu/SideVu scanning to cover a wide area around your boat.

The user interface is designed for ease, combining touchscreen and buttons, but those new to advanced chartplotters may face a learning curve given the many features. The unit is somewhat heavy at 14 pounds and fairly large, so ensure your boat’s mounting space can accommodate it. This chartplotter is ideal for serious anglers and boaters wanting detailed sonar and mapping combined with reliable navigation. It may be more than casual boaters need, but it delivers excellent performance for those focused on fishing and precise positioning on the water.

The Garmin GPSMAP 8610xsv is a solid choice for boaters looking for a reliable chartplotter with a 10-inch HD IPS touchscreen that offers clear, bright visuals. The 10-inch screen size is a good balance—large enough for easy reading but not so big that it’s bulky. It includes Navionics+ nautical maps, which provide detailed and accurate charting essential for navigation.

Its GPS accuracy is dependable, backed by Garmin’s known strong positioning technology. Connectivity via Wi-Fi allows for updates and sharing data without hassle. The unit supports both traditional and scanning sonar, including live sonar, which is excellent for fishermen needing real-time underwater views. The grid 20 remote control adds convenience, letting you operate the device from different spots on your boat. The interface is user-friendly, with a touchscreen that responds well and mounts simply and attractively.

Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s heavier than some other models, which might impact installation choices. This chartplotter suits serious boaters and anglers wanting advanced sonar and mapping features in a mid-sized unit, though those prioritizing lighter weight might want to consider other options.