10 Best Gps Chartplotters 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 12 features a 12-inch touchscreen fishfinder and chartplotter, combining a large, high-resolution display with user-friendly controls. It includes preloaded C-MAP Discover charts with detailed 1-foot contours on thousands of U.S. lakes, helping anglers navigate accurately and identify promising fishing locations.

Although the unit does not include a transducer, it is compatible with Lowrance’s Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar systems and ActiveTarget Live Sonar, allowing users to customize their sonar setup according to their needs. The system supports full networking via wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet, enabling seamless sharing of data such as waypoints and charts, and integration with accessories like radar or autopilots, making it suitable for serious anglers seeking an expandable system.

The bright, multi-touch LCD screen is easy to read and operate, enhancing usability on the water. Battery power adds portability but may require monitoring power levels on longer trips. Positioned as a solid mid-range option, this unit provides a versatile chartplotter experience with strong connectivity and detailed charts, ideal for users prepared to add compatible sonar hardware separately.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 features a large 12-inch screen with a sharp 1280 x 800 resolution, making maps and sonar images easy to see even in bright light. It combines touchscreen with button controls, catering to users who prefer physical buttons for reliability in rough conditions. The chartplotter supports Navionics+ charts preloaded for U.S. waters, ensuring detailed and updated navigation maps. Its GPS receiver is advanced, using multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU) with a fast 10 Hz refresh rate for very accurate and responsive positioning.

Connectivity options are robust, including dual microSD slots for extra maps or data, two network ports, and NMEA 2000 compatibility, allowing seamless connection with other marine electronics. The included LiveScope Plus sonar system delivers live scanning sonar views with high detail, which greatly benefits serious anglers and boaters wanting to track fish and underwater structures in real time.

The unit weighs about 14 pounds, which might be a consideration for smaller boats or for portability. While the touchscreen controls are responsive, some users may find the hybrid control method requires some adjustment if they prefer a single control approach. This product suits boaters and anglers seeking a premium, feature-rich chartplotter with excellent sonar and navigation capabilities, especially those who value a large, clear screen and strong connectivity for system integration.

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an impressive chartplotter designed for boaters and anglers looking for reliability and advanced features. With its 9-inch touchscreen display, users can expect easy navigation with bright, clear visuals that remain readable even in sunlight. The included GT56-TM transducer provides traditional sonar along with ClearVü and SideVü scanning, ensuring detailed underwater views, which can greatly enhance fishing efficiency. Plus, the built-in Garmin Navionics+ charts cover U.S. coastal areas, offering comprehensive navigation options right out of the box.

One of the standout features is the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to wirelessly share data with another compatible ECHOMAP UHD2, making it easy to coordinate between multiple devices. This chartplotter also connects to the Garmin Force trolling motor, enabling users to create routes and control motor functions directly from the chartplotter interface.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, some users might prefer physical buttons, especially in rough waters or when wearing gloves. The resolution at 1024 x 600 is decent, but some competitors offer higher resolutions, which could provide even sharper images. Additionally, while it’s a versatile device, users entirely new to chartplotters may find the initial setup slightly complex, though the included documentation helps ease that process.