Best Fish Finder Under $400 in 2023: Buyers Guide

If you’re an angler looking for the best fish finder under $400, you’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide with top-notch options that won’t break the bank, while still providing the tools you need for a successful fishing trip.

Discover the best option to elevate your angling game with our comprehensive guide. Fishing enthusiasts know that a high-quality fish finder can make a significant difference in locating those elusive fish hiding spots.

Our expert picks encompass a variety of features, including exceptional sonar technology, GPS integration, and user-friendly interfaces, all without compromising on quality. So, dive in and explore our best handpicked budget-friendly fish finders to find the one that meets your budget and needs.

Top Picks for the Best Fish Finder Under 400

• Lowrance Hook Reveal 7x SplitShot
• Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
• Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2
• Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3
• Lowrance Hook Reveal 5
• Deeper Chirp 2 Castable
• Raymarine Dragonfly Pro CHIRP
• Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP G3
• Garmin Striker 5CV
• Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2
• Lowrance HOOK2
• Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar
• Garmin Striker 4

Types of Fish Finders

Before diving into the features, it’s essential to know the three main types of fish finders:

GPS Combo Fish Finders

GPS Combo Fish Finders are a fantastic option for anglers who want to combine fish finding capabilities and GPS navigation in a single device. These units save space on your boat and streamline your fishing experience.

With features like route planning, marking productive fishing spots, and tracking your speed, GPS Combo Fish Finders are perfect for making your trips more efficient and enjoyable. Plus, you’ll have a reliable tool to help you find your way back to shore if you get lost.

Standalone Fish Finders

Standalone Fish Finders are the go-to choice for those who already have a GPS device or don’t need one. These units focus solely on detecting fish underwater, providing you with the essential information you need for a successful catch.

With various sonar technologies available, Standalone Fish Finders help you pinpoint fish locations accurately. As they don’t include GPS features, these finders are generally more affordable, allowing you to invest in other fishing gear or accessories without breaking the bank.

Portable Fish Finders

Portable Fish Finders are designed for anglers who need a compact and easy-to-transport device for their fishing adventures. Whether you’re fishing from a kayak, small boat, or ice fishing, these lightweight units are perfect for on-the-go fishing experiences.

Portable Fish Finders usually require minimal setup, and some even work with smartphones and tablets, making them highly convenient. Often coming with a carrying case, these finders ensure you’re ready to fish wherever you go, giving you the flexibility to explore new fishing spots without any hassle.

How to Choose a Fish Finder

Frequency

Fish finders use sonar technology that emits sound waves at specific frequencies. Higher frequency models (192 kHz or 200 kHz) are ideal for shallow water fishing, providing detailed images of the underwater terrain. Lower frequency models (50 kHz or 83 kHz) are more suitable for deep-sea fishing, as they can penetrate deeper waters. Some fish finders offer dual or multiple frequencies, allowing you to switch between them based on your fishing conditions.

Sonar Technology

Advanced sonar technologies, such as CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) and side-imaging capabilities, offer improved fish detection and enhanced imaging of underwater structures. These features can greatly improve your ability to locate fish.

Transducer

The transducer is a crucial component of a fish finder, as it emits and receives the sonar signals. A high-quality transducer will provide better performance and more accurate readings. Consider factors such as cone angle (wider angles cover more area but sacrifice depth), material compatibility with your boat’s hull, and mounting options (transom, thru-hull, or trolling motor mount).

Power

The power of a fish finder is measured in watts (W). Higher wattage units transmit more powerful signals and provide faster and more accurate readings. Lower wattage units may be more suitable for shallow water fishing but can struggle in deeper waters. Consider the depth of the waters you plan to fish in and choose a fish finder with adequate power.

Screen Resolution

The screen resolution of a fish finder directly impacts the clarity and detail of the displayed images. A higher resolution display (800 x 480 pixels or more) will offer crisp and clear images, making it easier to identify fish and underwater structures. Lower resolution screens may be more affordable, but they can compromise image quality.

Screen Size

A larger screen size can improve the visibility and readability of the display, especially when using split-screen functions or displaying multiple data types. Smaller screens may be more portable and budget-friendly, but they can be challenging to read in bright sunlight or from a distance. Choose a screen size that balances your needs for portability and readability.

GPS Integration and Mapping

Many fish finders come with built-in GPS capabilities, allowing you to save waypoints, track your route, and locate fish more efficiently. GPS integration can also help you navigate back to productive fishing spots or avoid hazardous areas. While not essential, this feature can significantly enhance your fishing experience.

GPS-enabled fish finders not only help you navigate, but they also allow you to mark productive fishing spots for future reference. Look for devices that come with preloaded maps and the ability to add custom waypoints.

Expandability and Connectivity

Modern fish finders often feature connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, enabling you to sync the device with your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. This feature can allow you to control the fish finder remotely, share data with other anglers, or access additional features and apps.

Some fish finders offer compatibility with additional accessories, such as external transducers or trolling motor mounts. Additionally, consider devices with wireless connectivity options, like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for seamless integration with your other fishing gear and mobile devices.

Best Fish Finders Under $400: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re an avid angler and looking for a affordable fish finder, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Fish Finder with Transducer is definitely worth checking out. This device is designed to help you easily find and identify fish, thanks to its innovative FishReveal technology that combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to create high-resolution images of underwater structures and fish.

One of the most impressive features of this fish finder is the GPS Plotter, which makes navigating to your favorite fishing spots a breeze. With route, trail, and waypoint navigation, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost on the water. However, it’s worth noting that the Hook Reveal “x” models don’t come with preloaded maps or support add-on mapping.

The SplitShot Transducer is another great feature of the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finder. It offers wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging, giving you an excellent view of fish-holding structures below your boat. And with autotuning sonar, you can spend less time adjusting settings and more time fishing, as the device automatically adjusts its settings based on the fishing conditions.

Finally, the 7-inch display on this fish finder is outstanding, providing clear and crisp views in any lighting conditions, even direct sunlight, thanks to the SolarMAX display. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality fish finder with excellent features, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer is an excellent option.

Looking for a high-quality fish finder to help you locate the perfect fishing spot? If you’re in the market for a reliable and easy-to-use option, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fish Finder might be just what you need.

One of the standout features of the Striker Vivid 7cv is its high-contrast color palettes, which make it easy to see what’s beneath the surface. This feature allows users to see fish and structure in colorful detail, giving them a better chance of catching their desired fish.

In addition to the color palettes, the Striker Vivid 7cv also includes a GT20 transducer for best-in-class Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. This means users can enjoy detailed and accurate images of the fish and structures beneath their boat.

Another great feature is the high-sensitivity GPS, which allows users to mark hot spots, plan routes, and view their boat’s speed. With built-in Quickdraw Contours software, users can also create and save maps with 1’ contours.

Overall, the Striker Vivid 7cv is one of the best fish finder under 400 bucks, that is great for both beginners and experienced anglers. It’s easy to use, accurate, and comes with a range of features that make it a great investment for any fishing trip.

Know more: Fish Finder for Pontoon Boat

If you’re an avid angler looking for a high-quality fish finder under 400 dollars, the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 is definitely worth checking out. This device features a 5-inch widescreen LED backlit display that is both easy to read and use, making it perfect for fishing in any condition.

Additionally, the included Navionics+ (U.S. and Canada) SD card provides out-of-the-box map coverage of over 21,000 lakes and waterbodies, making it easier than ever to find your way around.

One of the standout features of the HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 is the Down Imaging technology. This innovative feature allows you to see a clearer view beneath your boat, helping you to locate fish and other underwater structures with ease. Additionally, the CHIRP digital sonar is engineered to help you see individual fish, making it easier than ever to target the species you’re after.

Another great feature of the HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 is the AutoChart Live function. This feature allows you to create real-time maps of your fishing spots, giving you an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy. Additionally, the device is LakeMaster compatible, making it easy to upgrade and expand your mapping capabilities as needed.

Overall, the Humminbird 410220-1NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for the best fish finder. With its advanced features, high-quality display, and user-friendly design, it’s sure to make your next fishing trip a success.

If you’re an avid angler who takes fishing seriously, you know the importance of having the right fish finder. Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 Fish Finder is a high-quality product that will help you take your fishing game to the next level. With its 5″ widescreen display, it provides a clear and detailed view of what’s happening below your boat.

One of the standout features of this fish finder is its Down Imaging, which provides a crystal-clear view of structures such as timber, brush, bridge pilings, rocks, and other underwater features. The SwitchFire Sonar feature allows you to control how your sonar returns appear with two display modes, allowing you to add or remove details according to your preference.

The Dual Beam PLUS Sonar combines two beams to provide great detail and generous coverage area, making it easier for you to identify fish, structures, and contours. Whether you’re looking for high-accuracy returns of fish, structure, detail, or the bottom profile, you can use the narrow beam. On the other hand, the wide beam is perfect for larger search areas.

If you’re an angler who’s looking for a high-quality fish finder under $400 that can help you locate fish quickly and easily, then you should consider the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer. This top-of-the-line device is designed to provide you with accurate and detailed information about the underwater world, so you can spend more time fishing and less time searching for fish.

One of the standout features of the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is FishReveal. This innovative technology combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar with the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging. The result is that fish are easier to find and identify, which means you’ll have a better chance of catching them.

Another great feature of the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is its high-detail inland maps. With maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes, you’ll be able to create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live. This means you’ll be able to get onto the fish faster, as you’ll have a better understanding of the underwater terrain.

The SplitShot Transducer is perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat. It features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging. This means you’ll be able to see fish and underwater structures with incredible clarity and detail.

Finally, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder features autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change. And with its 5-inch display, you’ll enjoy crisp and clear views no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.

If you’re looking for a high-quality and powerful castable fish finder under 400 dollars, Deeper Chirp 2 is the perfect solution. It offers advanced CHIRP sonar technology with three beam frequencies that provides accurate and clear readings in extreme depths. This device helps you to locate target species holding spots and predator fish quickly and easily.

Deeper Chirp 2 is a versatile wireless fish finder that can be used for fishing onshore, offshore, in saltwater, or freshwater. It can cast out to 394 ft with solid connectivity even in bad weather. You can connect it with your iOS or Android device through its own Wi-Fi signal and get accurate scanning in water from 6 in to 330 ft deep with precise 0.4 in target separation.

This under water fish finder has a fast-charging powerful battery that lasts up to 15 hours. You can charge it to 100% in just 2 hours. It’s perfect for kayaking and great for ice fishing gear for effortless hole hopping. With the Fish Deeper app and web platform, you can plan your fishing trips, map the waters you fish, and maximize your catch rate. You can access and review data on any device.

Deeper Chirp 2 comes with an extended 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s made to last a long time and is a fishing gear and equipment you can trust. Overall, the Deeper Chirp 2 Castable and Portable WiFi Fish Finder is a great investment for any angler who wants to improve their fishing experience.

Looking for a budget-friendly fish finder that is packed with advanced features to make your fishing experience more productive and enjoyable? Raymarine Dragonfly Pro CHIRP Fish Finder might be the perfect solution for you. This amazing fish finder comes with a 4.3″ all-weather, high-definition LED backlit display that provides crystal-clear images with sharp color and wide viewing angles. The display is also optically bonded to prevent internal fogging, ensuring that you can use it in any weather condition.

The Raymarine Dragonfly Pro CHIRP Fish Finder is equipped with a dual-channel sonar that includes a wide-spectrum CHIRP DownVision sonar for photo-like images and a second CHIRP conventional sonar channel for targeting fish. With the Wi-Fish mobile app, you can stream live sonar data to your smartphone, rewind, save, and share the day’s catch with friends on your favorite social networks. The fish finder also includes US lakes, rivers, and coastal maps and a transom mount CHIRP transducer with a temperature sensor.

The CHIRP DownVision technology used in the Dragonfly Pro CHIRP Fish Finder provides incredibly clear, photo-like sonar images that surpass ordinary imaging sonars. The dual-channel sonar is standard on all Dragonfly Pro models and has superior deep water performance of up to 600ft (180m) and reliable high-speed bottom tracking. The CPT-DVS transom mount transducer pairs a CHIRP fishfinding element with a wide beam DownVision element, providing an unrivaled level of subsurface visibility.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fish finder that can help you catch more fish, look no further than the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP G3 Fish Finder. This device features a 5″ widescreen display and a range of innovative technologies that make finding and catching fish easier than ever before. With CHIRP Digital Sonar, GPS mapping, AutoChart Live, Humminbird Basemap, DualBeam PLUS, and SwitchFire, this fish finder has everything you need to succeed on the water.

One of the standout features of the HELIX 5 CHIRP G3 Fish Finder is the SwitchFire Sonar. This feature allows you to take command of how your sonar returns appear, giving you the ability to add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature, and turbulence, and even watch lure presentations – all at the push of a button. Additionally, the DualBeam PLUS Sonar combines two beams for great detail and a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure, and contours.

Another great feature of the HELIX 5 CHIRP G3 Fish Finder is the Humminbird Basemap Built-in. This enhanced standard basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest, allowing you to fish and navigate with total confidence. It includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the U.S.

Looking for a high-quality fishfinder under 400 that can help you navigate and map out your favorite fishing spots? Look no further than the Garmin Striker 5cv with Transducer.

With its built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar, this fishfinder delivers crystal-clear images of everything below your boat, helping you to identify fish, structures, and other underwater features with ease. And thanks to its intuitive user interface and sunlight-readable 5” display, it’s easy to use even in bright sunlight.

But that’s not all – the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv also comes equipped with built-in GPS, allowing you to mark waypoints, create routes, and even view your boat’s speed. And with the included Quickdraw Contours mapping software, you can create and store detailed maps of up to 2 million acres, complete with 1’ contours, so you always know where you’re going and what to expect.

Of course, like any product, the Garmin Striker 5cv has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Are you an avid fisherman who is looking for a high-quality fish finder under 400 dollars, that can take your fishing experience to the next level? Look no further than the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder. With its innovative technology, it makes finding and catching fish easy, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler.

The HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder boasts a 5-inch color WVGA display that provides a clear view of what’s happening below your boat. The Down Imaging feature allows you to see the underwater world with incredible detail, while the Dual Beam PLUS Sonar provides a generous coverage area for a complete picture of the fishing environment. Plus, with the SwitchFire Sonar, you can take command of how your sonar returns appear.

The keypad control interface X-Press menu system makes it easy to navigate through the various pre-loaded views and operate the fish finder in any conditions. Additionally, the transom mount transducer included in the package ensures that you get accurate readings of the fish, structure, and contours.

If you’re a fishing enthusiast who’s looking for the best fish finder under 400 dollars, the Lowrance HOOK2 is worth considering. This device is available in five screen sizes, making it a versatile option for anglers of all levels. The solarmax display is high-resolution, ensuring that you can easily see fish and track your lures and bait as they fall through the water.

One of the standout features of the HOOK2 is its autotuning sonar, which adjusts settings as needed to give you the best possible picture of what’s happening underwater. Additionally, this fish finder boasts double the CHIRP sonar coverage of most other models, and a wider sonar cone for more than twice the sonar coverage of traditional fish finders. This expanded coverage makes it easier to see fish and track lures and bait as they fall through the water.

The HOOK2 series also comes with options for 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 sonar, which give you an accurate depiction of the underwater environment on expanded widescreen displays. This includes fish location, structure, and bait location, all with a transducer that comes in the box. Plus, the HOOK2 features a built-in enhanced base map from C-MAP and has the option for upgraded mapping by C-MAP and Navionics.

Overall, the HOOK2 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality fish finder. It’s especially perfect for kayak fishing due to its compact size. However, like any product, it does have its pros and cons. Here are some to consider:

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you know that having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why the Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar is a must-have for anyone looking to up their fishing game. This high-quality device is perfect for boat or kayak fishing, and it’s even great for shore ice fishing.

Looking for a high-quality fish finder that offers rock-solid connectivity? The PRO+ 2 Sonar delivers with a casting range of up to 330ft and the ability to scan down to 260ft. It offers precise 0.5in target separation and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Plus, it syncs to your phone or tablet using its own Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to worry about internet or cellular data.

Are you tired of relying on guesswork to find the best fishing spots? The PRO+ features built-in GPS, which means you can create bathymetric maps right from the bank, boat, canoe, or kayak. All your scans, maps, points of interest, photos, and notes are available on the Fish Deeper app and web platform. Plus, with two beam frequencies and 15 scans per second, you can view depth, see bottom structure and consistency, vegetation, and fish in real-time.

Have you been searching for a fish finder that’s easy to use and install? The Deeper Pro Plus is just what you need. It installs in seconds, with no cables, wires, or external batteries required. Plus, it has a rechargeable battery that you can charge as needed with a micro USB B type cable (included in the box).

If you’re looking for a high-quality fish finder under $400 that is both easy to use and install, then the Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder with Portable Kit might be the perfect option for you. With its keyed interface and dedicated buttons, navigating through the device is a breeze. Plus, the device comes in three different display sizes (3.5, 5, and 7 inches) to fit your personal preference.

One of the best fish finder GPS combo for saltwater with the standout features of the Garmin Striker 4 is its waypoint map, which allows you to view and mark locations like brush piles, stumps, and docks with ease. Additionally, the chirp sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies to provide a wider range of information and create crisper fish arches with better target separation. And with the built-in flasher, you can view your sonar data in the classic flasher format, making it perfect for ice fishing or vertical jigging.

The portable carrying case that comes with the Garmin Striker 4 is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or ice fishing. You can easily mark and return to your favorite hot spots, boat ramps, and docks, and even share your favorite waypoints and routes with other STRIKER and echoMAP chartplotter combos. The device also includes a rechargeable battery, CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer, tilt/swivel mount, and transom and trolling motor mounting kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts for Anglers

In conclusion, finding the perfect fish finder for your angling adventures doesn’t have to break the bank. Our list of the 13 best fish finders under $400 offers a variety of excellent options for anglers of all levels, ensuring that you can make an informed decision without sacrificing quality or functionality. Each model has its unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and fishing environments. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these affordable fish finders are sure to enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of reeling in a prize catch.

Remember, investing in a reliable fish finder is an essential tool for any angler looking to improve their skills on the water. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can confidently choose the ideal fish finder from our comprehensive list. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you towards the perfect device for your fishing adventures. So go ahead, take the plunge, and equip yourself with one of these top-notch fish finders under $400. Your future fishing trips will never be the same again. Happy angling!

Fish Finders in budget options:

• Fish Finder Under $100
• Fish Finder Under $300
• Fish Finder Under $500
• Fish Finder Under $700
• Fish Finder Under $1000