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Best Cheap Fish Finder for 2024

Cheapest Fish Finder
4.8/5 - (29 votes)

Fish finders are a must-have essential gear for any angler looking to locate and target fish. However, high-end models of fish finders can be quite expensive.

The good news is that there are now many affordable options available that still provide excellent performance.

In this article, we will take a look at the best cheap fish finders for 2023, providing you with the features and specifications you need to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’ll be able to find a fish finder that fits your needs and budget.

What Are The Best Cheap Fish Finder?

The best overall cheap fish finders are:

Product NameScoreLinks
1Garmin Striker 4 93/100Check Price
2Garmin Striker Plus 5cv90/100Check Price
3Humminbird Helix 594/100Check Price
6Lowrance Hook289/100Check Price
7Depper START Pro+88/100Check Price
Table – Best Fish Finder for the Money

#1 Garmin Striker 4

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer

Garmin Striker 4

Key Specs:

  • Brand Name: Garmin.
  • Color: Black
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Dimensions: 3.6″L x 1.6″W x 5.9″H
  • Weight: 8 Ounces `

Features of Garmin Striker 4

  • GPS and Sonar Technology: It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for precise location tracking, even in challenging conditions. The built-in CHIRP sonar technology provides a detailed view of what’s happening beneath the water surface.
  • Waypoint Creation: Allows users to mark and save favorite fishing spots, enabling the creation of custom fishing maps using waypoints. This is an excellent tool for revisiting productive areas or exploring new ones.
  • Rugged Design: Its waterproof and durable build ensures it can withstand tough weather conditions and various environments, making it a reliable companion for fishing trips.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be easy to use, catering to both seasoned anglers and beginners. The interface simplifies access to advanced features, enhancing the overall fishing experience.
  • Enhanced Fishing Experience: The combination of its features is aimed at helping anglers have a more successful day on the water, whether through better tracking, detailed sonar imaging, or the convenience of marking and revisiting fishing spots.
  • Versatility: Suitable for anglers of all levels, making it a versatile tool for those looking to improve their fishing game or just starting in the hobby.
  • Feature-Packed: Offers a range of functionalities that aid in catching more fish and making the fishing experience more enjoyable.
  • A-scope: This allows you to see a real-time display of the fish that are swimming beneath your boat.
  • Temperature sensor: This allows you to see the water temperature so that you can find the best fishing spots.
  • Mark waypoints: This allows you to mark your favorite fishing spots so that you can easily find them again.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Garmin Striker 4

Pros

  • User-friendly: The Striker 4 is very easy to use, even for beginners.
  • Affordable: The Striker 4 is very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
  • Packed with features: The Striker 4 is packed with features, making it a great value for the price.
  • The built-in flasher and CHIRP Sonar Technology make it ideal for fishing.

Cons

  • Include down imaging only.

Review and Score

Our Score: 93/100

I fish a lot, and I have to say that this is one of the best fish finders I’ve ever used.

It’s very accurate and it’s helped me catch a lot of fish. The transducer is also very good quality and it works well in all types of water.

The only downside is that the battery life isn’t great, but other than that, I’m very happy with this product. I would give it a score of 93 out of 100.

Verdict

All in all, the Garmin is a pretty good fish finder/depth finder. It’s easy to use and set up, has clear imaging, and gives accurate readings.

This product would be great for anyone looking for a reliable device to help them locate fish while out on the water.

💡 Would you like more information about this product? ➡️ Garmin Striker 4 Review

#2 Garmin Striker Plus 5cv GPS Fish Finder

Garmin Striker Plus 5cv

Garmin Striker Plus 5cv

Key Specs:

  • Brand Name: Garmin.
  • Screen Size: 5 Inches.
  • Weight: 1kg.
  • Dimensions: 7.87 x 3.94 x 7.87 inches
  • Display Features: Wireless

I had been looking at upgrading my old fish finder for a while and when I saw the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, I knew it was the one for me.

With its built-in GPS and scanning sonar, I would be able to find the fish like never before.

And with the quickdraw contours mapping software, I could map out my favorite fishing spots and share them with my buddies.

Features of Garmin Striker Plus 5cv

Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar

This fish finder comes with a special transducer that allows you to use both traditional Garmin CHIRP sonar as well as the newer, clearer CHIRP scanning sonar.

This gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to finding fish whether they’re hiding in deep water or closer to the surface.

Plus, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software lets you create your fishing maps on the go, so you can always know where the hot spots are.

Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software

With the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, you can create and store maps with 1-foot contours for up to 2 million acres. This is perfect for fishermen who want to be able to find the best fishing spots quickly and easily.

The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software makes it easy to find these spots and plan your next fishing trip accordingly.

Bright, Sunlight-readable 5 display and intuitive user interface

This bright, sunlight-readable 5-inch GPS fishfinder features Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar for crystal-clear imaging, built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software to instantly create personalized fishing maps on-screen, and a transducer for ultra-clear scanning sonar images.

It also has an intuitive user interface so you can easily find your way around even if you’ve never used a fishfinder before.

Rugged design for every fishing environment

The Garmin Striker Plus 5cv is designed to withstand the rigors of fishing in any environment. It features a rugged, waterproof design that can stand up to being dropped, bumped, or even submerged.

Additionally, it comes with a transducer that can be mounted on your boat or kayak for easy scanning of the water below.

Review and Score

Our Score: 90/100

The Garmin Striker Plus 5cv is one of the best fish finders and depth finders on the market.

It’s packed with features including CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning sonar, built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software, and a 5″ color display.

It also has a transducer for high-quality sound and image transmission.

I would give this product 90 out of 100 ratings. The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the product’s features, ease of use, and accuracy.

One customer even went so far as to say it was “the best fish finder (they) have ever used in the budget range.”

There were very few negative reviews, and those that were negative generally had issues that were specific to their setup or use case rather than problems with the products themselves.

Overall, this is an excellent product that I would highly recommend to anyone in the market for a fish finder or depth finder.

Verdict

For anyone looking for a good fish finder/depth finder, the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv is an excellent choice and comes highly recommended.

It’s easy to use right out of the box, and even easier if you’re already familiar with Garmin products.

#3 Humminbird Helix 5

Humminbird Helix 5 

Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI

Key Specs:

  • 4.3-inch color LCD
  • Chirp sonar with GPS
  • 500 watts RMS power
  • Depth capacity: 1500 feet

Features of Humminbird Helix 5

  • Accurate GPS Tracking: Utilizes GPS technology to precisely track your location on the water, aiding in easily locating and returning to preferred fishing spots.
  • Clear and Bright Display: Featuring a vibrant, color display, even under direct sunlight, ensuring ease of viewing and interpretation of data for an enhanced fishing experience.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Despite its advanced features, the Helix 5 is praised for its simplicity. The interface is straightforward and intuitive, catering to both experienced anglers and beginners.
  • Affordability with Advanced Features: Positioned as one of the most cost-effective options on the market, offering a comprehensive set of features that serious anglers require without a hefty price tag.
  • CHIRP sonar produces clear, concise fish targets
  • GPS for precise location tracking
  • Internal GPS Chartplotter option with built-in Micro SD card slot for optional maps and waypoints.
  • 500 watts of power for clear sonar images

Advantages and Disadvantages of Humminbird Helix 5

Pros

  • Chirp sonar is very clear and precise
  • GPS is accurate and helpful
  • 500 watts of power is plenty for most needs
  • Comes with both down imaging and side imaging

Cons

  • The unit is a bit on the pricey side

Review and Score

Our Score: 94/100

I found the Humminbird Helix 5 to be an extremely versatile and user-friendly fish finder. It can be used in both salt water and fresh water, and it has a variety of features that make it ideal for any fisherman.

The color screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and the GPS function is accurate and reliable.

I would award this product a score of 94 out of 100. Moreover, I also did the groundwork for my readers by finding customer reviews.

The customer reviews are positive overall, with customers praising the accuracy of the GPS function as well as the clarity of the color screen.

Overall, I think anyone in the market for a fish finder would be pleased with this product.

Verdict

Overall, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is a great fish finder that does what it’s supposed to do. It’s easy to use and set up and provides accurate readings.

If you’re in the market for a fish finder, this is one of the better options out there.

#4 Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder

Lowrance HOOK2

Lowrance HOOK2

Key Specs:

  • Brand Name: Lowrance
  • Color: Grey
  • Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 2.5 pounds.
  • Screen Size: 4 Inches

Features of Lowrance Hook2

  • High-Resolution Color Display: The display offers clear and detailed visuals of what’s beneath the surface, enhancing the fishing experience.
  • Built-in GPS: Enables waypoint creation and precise location tracking, providing valuable information about your position and fish hotspots.
  • FishReveal Technology: A feature designed to make it easier to identify fish, particularly those concealed within vegetation or other hiding spots, increasing the chances of successful fishing.
  • DownScan Imaging: Provides clear underwater views, allowing anglers to discern structures and fish with greater clarity.
  • CHIRP Auto-tuning Sonar: This technology optimizes sonar settings automatically, reducing the need for manual adjustments and ensuring better performance in different fishing conditions.
  • DownScan Imaging for clear underwater views
  • FishReveal technology for identifying fish
  • GPS included for mapping
  • Easy-to-use menu
  • CHIRP Auto-tuning sonar included

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lowrance Hook2

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Reliable
  • Clear underwater views
  • Identifies fish
  • GPS included
  • Transducer included

Cons

  • Not as good as other Lowrance models.

Review and Score

Our Score: 89/100

Overall, I am very pleased with Hook 2. It’s easy to use and read, even in direct sunlight.

The bottom contour mapping is a cool feature that I haven’t seen on other fish finders in this price range. I gave it an 89/100 rating because there are a few things that could be improved.

For example, the included mount is somewhat flimsy and wobbles a bit when attached to the boat hull.

It would also be nice if the unit came with some sort of case for storage or transportation.

That being said, those are minor complaints and do not take away from the overall usefulness of the product. The HOOK2 Fish Finder gets two thumbs up from me!

Verdict

The Lowrance HOOK2 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, yet reliable fish finder.

With its easy-to-use menus and advanced features, the HOOK2 is perfect for both novice anglers and experienced fishermen alike.

#5. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

Key Specs:

  • Brand Name: Deeper.
  • Product Dimensions: 5.9″L x 2.95″W x 5.32″H
  • Weight: 12 Ounces
  • Color: Black / Orange
  • Material: Plastic
  • Power Source: Battery Powered

The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is a high-quality castable and portable WiFi fish finder unit that is perfect for kayaks and boats. This fish finder is built with premium specs and features, and it offers solid connectivity.

The Deeper PRO+ also includes a built-in GPS, which allows you to create bathymetric maps.

Additionally, this fish finder features real-time data, making it easy to see the bottom structure and consistency, vegetation, and fish. The Deeper PRO+ is a great addition to your boat or kayak accessories, and it installs in seconds without any cables or wires.

This fish finder also includes a rechargeable battery. So, if you are looking for a premium quality fish finder that is affordable and easy to use, then purchase a Deeper PRO+ unit.

Pros

  • Solid connectivity.
  • Precise 0.5-inch target separation.
  • Real-time data.
  • Easy to use.
  • Durable and affordable.
  • Great value for money.

Cons

  • Difficult to keep it in one place.

Overall, The Deeper PRO+ is a high-quality fish finder that is perfect for kayaks and boats. This device features premium specs, including the ability to cast up to 330ft.

It also offers precise 0.5-inch target separation for more accurate scans. So, you can buy this fish finder without any hassle.

Conclusion

So, there are many affordable fish finders available on the market that offer excellent performance and features.

When looking for a cheap fish finder, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the features that are important to you.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there is a fish finder that will fit your needs and budget.

The models we have highlighted in this guide are some of the best cheap fish finders on the market for 2023, and we believe that one of them will be a great choice for your next fishing trip.

Remember to do your research and read the reviews before making a final decision to make sure you are getting the best fish finder that fits your needs.

FAQs: People Also Asked

What’s The Easiest Fish Finder to Use?

Fish finders with user-friendly interfaces, simple navigation, and clear display are considered easy to use. Some models include Lowrance Hook2, HOOK² 9 TripleShot, etc are the best and easiest-to-use fish finders.

How do You Choose a Fishfinder?

When choosing a fishfinder, consider your specific needs and the features that are important to you. Look at the display, resolution, and transducer frequency. Also, consider the size, power, and portability of the unit. Research and read reviews to compare the performance of different models before making a final decision.

Is a 7 Inch Fish Finder Big Enough?

A 7-inch fish finder is considered a standard size, it offers good display and resolution, and it is considered adequate for most fishing needs.

Is it OK to Run Fish Finder Out of Water?

It is not recommended to run a fish finder out of water as it may damage the transducer, which is designed to work underwater. Additionally, the fish finder will not function correctly when not submerged in water.

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