Best Fish Finders Under $400: Top 10 [Premium Quality]
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best fish finders under $400. Not only are these fish finders affordable, but they also offer premium quality features.
So, if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality fish Finder, then continue reading!
Fishfinders are a popular tool for anglers. Some people think that you need to spend a lot of money on a fish finder to get a good one. However, this is not always the case.
We know that a lot of anglers out there are looking for quality fishfinders without having to break the bank and so we decided to put together this list.
All of the fish finders on our list offer great features and performance, so you can be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best budget-friendly fish finders available!
Table of Contents
Top Rated Best Fish Finders Under $400
#1. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv fishfinder offers premium-quality features for an affordable price. This fish finder is great for small boats because of its compact size and easy-to-use interface.
The Striker Vivid 7cv has a built-in GPS, which allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, view your boat’s speed, and more.
The included transducer also provides CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar, so you can see fish and structures underwater.
Plus, the Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app with your compatible smartphone for even more features.
So, if you are looking for a high-quality fish finder that is also very affordable, then check out the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv!
Pros
- Easy-to-use and compact design, making it a great choice for small boats.
- Has a built-in GPS, which allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and more.
- The included transducer provides CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar, so you can see fish and structures underwater.
- The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app with your compatible smartphone for even more features.
- 7-inch display making it a great choice for anglers.
Cons
- Can be a bit challenging to install for some users.
Overall, the Striker Vivid 7cv is a great choice for an affordable and high-quality fish finder. It offers several premium features, such as a built-in GPS and CHIRP sonar, that you usually only find on more expensive models.
So, if you are looking for an easy-to-use and compact fish finder that performs well, then the Striker Vivid 7cv is a great choice.
#2. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv
The Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer is a great fish finder for those looking for an affordable and high-quality option.
This fish finder includes a transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar, which provides you with a clear view of the aquatic world below.
It also has built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software that lets you create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres.
This fish finder also has a built-in GPS which is a great feature if you want to mark waypoints, create routes and view boat speed.
To top it off, the bright sunlight-readable 5″ display and intuitive user interface make it easy to use this fish finder in every fishing environment.
So, if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality fish finder, the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer is a great option!
Pros
- High quality and Affordable.
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar.
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres.
- Built-in GPS is a great feature if you want to mark waypoints, create routes and view boat speed.
- Sunlight-readable 5″ display and intuitive user interface.
Cons
- No download cable is included, which makes it difficult to upload locations.
#3. Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv With Protective Cover
The Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv is a high-performance fish finder that is perfect for any angler. It has been designed to be able to withstand various fishing environments from the rainforest to the deserts.
This product features a rugged design and a bright sunlight-readable 5″ display that provides superior clarity in all lighting conditions, which allows you to see what is happening under your boat.
It also includes a transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar. The Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable and durable fish finder!
Pros
- Affordable.
- Durable.
- Superior clarity in all lighting conditions.
- CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar.
- Rugged design.
- Perfect for all types of anglers.
Cons
- Only 5-inch screen sizes.
Overall, the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv is an excellent fish finder that is perfect for any angler. It provides a lot of value at an affordable price, while also including features that are found on more expensive models.
#4. Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI Fish Finder
The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI is a high-tech fish finder that delivers premium quality features. It offers a 5-inch widescreen LED-backlit display and comes with The Navionics App supports a variety of data plans and has over 21,000 lakes and water bodies in its built-in map coverage.
It also comes with Down Imaging to see a clearer view beneath your boat, CHIRP digital sonar engineered to help you see individual fish, and Humminbird and Navionics map cards to create real-time maps of your fishing spots. You will not need any other fishfinder because this has it all!
Pros
- Large screen.
- Easy to use interface.
- Customer service is responsive.
- Has all the necessary features.
- Comes with the Navionics App.
Cons
- The transducer can be challenging to install.
- The screen could be brighter.
Overall, the HELIX 5 is a great depth finder under 400 that offers premium quality features at affordable prices. It is easy to use and comes with The Navionics App, which makes it a great choice for anglers.
#5. Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder (Best Selling)
The Garmin Striker 4 is a premium quality fish finder that provides Clear Vu Scanning Sonar. It can display images with detailed representations of objects, structures, and fish in the water around your boat.
The Striker 4 has powerful sonar capabilities including a Waypoint map, a Maximum depth of 1,600 feet for freshwater, 750 feet for saltwater, and Chirp Sonar.
The Striker 4 is ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging and comes with a built-in flasher. The screen is comparable to an iPhone 8 Plus and the viewing area measures 1.9 inches wide by 2.9 inches tall, or 4.9 x 7.3 cm, with a 3.5-inch diagonal measurement (8.7 centimeters).
With its premium quality features, the Striker 4 is perfect for anyone looking for a quality fish finder on a budget.
Pros
- The Striker 4 is a quality fish finder that is affordable.
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar technology.
- Powerful Sonar capabilities including a Waypoint map
- The Striker 4 is ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging.
- Has a built-in flasher.
- The screen is comparable to an iPhone 8 Plus.
Cons
- The Striker 4 is not waterproof.
In conclusion, the Garmin Striker 4 is one of the best fish finders for $400 that is perfect for anyone looking for a quality fish finder on a budget. It is also great and affordable for beginners. So, you can buy the Striker 4 without any hassle.
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#6. Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder is a great option for anglers who are looking for an affordable and high-quality fish finder that’s worth it.
This fish finder features a 5-inch display with excellent clarity and daylight visibility. It also comes with Autotuning Sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time.
Additionally, the SplitShot Transducer offers the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and high-resolution images of fish-holding structures from DownScan Imaging.
So, if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality fish finder, then the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder is a great option!
Pros
- High-resolution DownScan Imaging.
- Splitshot Transducer.
- Autotuning Sonar.
- High Detail Inland Maps.
- SolarMAX display.
- Durable and Affordable price.
Cons
- A 5-inch display might be too small for some anglers.
- Might not be as durable as some more expensive fish finders.
In conclusion, the Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder is a great option for anglers who are looking for high-quality features at an affordable price.
#7. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is a great fish finder for those looking for an affordable and excellent option. This fish finder is easy to use and has some great features, such as the SplitShot Transducer and autotuning sonar.
The Hook Reveal 7 is made of high-quality materials that will last a long time. This fish finder has a tough and durable design.
The body of this product is made from tough plastic. The transducer is made from strong and flexible materials that can withstand being in the water for a long time.
It also has some great performance features. One of these performance features is the SplitShot Transducer, which combines CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging to give you a clear image of the fish below your boat.
The autotuning sonar feature automatically adjusts the sonar settings to give you the best image possible, regardless of the fishing conditions. The SolarMAX display ensures clear and crisp images even in direct sunlight.
Pros
- SplitShot Transducer.
- C-Map Preloaded Map Options.
- SolarMAX Display.
- Autotuning Sonar.
- Durable Design.
- 7-inch big displays for a great experience.
Cons
- GPS plotter-only models.
Overall, The Hook Reveal 7 is also a great choice for anglers looking for an affordable but high-quality fish finder.
This product is easy to use and provides some great features for fishing. So, you can purchase Hook Reveal 7 to get the most out of the waters.
#8. HOOK2 Fish Finder
The HOOK2 Fish Finder is an impressive fish finder that comes with double the CHIRP sonar coverage of most other fish finders and has an outstanding display. This product can be used for ice fishing, pan fishing, and boat fishing
It also has a broadband sounder and high CHIRP. You also have the option of using the Side Scan and Down Scan imaging sonar. The five different screen sizes make it perfect for any size boat. The HOOK2 is a great fish finder for the price.
Pros
- Great screen.
- Double the CHIRP sonar coverage of most fishfinders.
- The HOOK2 is very affordable compared to most other fish finders.
- The broadband sounder on the HOOK2 is great for ice fishing, pan fishing, and boat fishing.
- It comes with an autotuning sonar, which makes it easy to use regardless of skill level or experience.
Cons
- The screen could be a little smaller.
- There is no GPS mapping on this fish finder.
In conclusion, the HOOK2 is an affordable and feature-rich fish finder that is perfect for ice fishing, pan fishing, or boat fishing.
#9. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar (Best Portable Fish Finder)
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.
#10. Lowrance HOOK2
The Lowrance HOOK2 is a great choice for anglers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use fishfinder. This unit offers a wide angle of sonar coverage, making it perfect for small fishing boats or kayaks.
It also comes preloaded with high-detail mapping, making it easy to find productive water. The HOOK2 5 also features a basic GPS plotter, making it easy to navigate.
This fish finder is upgradeable, so you can add new features and maps in the future. Overall, the Lowrance HOOK2 5 Fish Finder is a great choice for anglers on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Wide-angle of sonar coverage.
- Preloaded with high-detail mapping.
- Basic GPS plotter.
- Upgradable.
Cons
- Sonar can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
- The transducer can be challenging to mount on a small boat or kayak.
Overall, the Lowrance HOOK2 5 is an ideal choice for anglers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use fishfinder.
Buying Guides: Things to Consider Before Buying The Best Fish Finders
There are many factors to consider before buying a fish finder. Here are some of the factors that you should take into consideration when shopping for fish finders under 400 dollars
What is your budget?
The first thing that you need to do is set a budget. If you don’t, then it can become easy to go overboard and spend way more than you intended on a fish finder.
What is your level of experience?
Are you a beginner or an experienced angler? If you are a beginner, then you will want to buy a fish finder that is easy to use and has basic features.
If you are an experienced angler, then you may want to go for a fish finder with advanced features.
What kind of fishing do you enjoy?
Different kinds of fishing require different kinds of fish finders. A budget fish finder will not be suitable for ice fishing, just as an expensive one won’t work well in kayak fishing.
If you are into bass or saltwater fishing, then you will want to go for a fish finder with Down Imaging.
Where do you most often fish?
Different kinds of water require different types of fish finders. Before buying a fish finder, make sure that it is capable of working well in the environment where you plan on most often fishing.
If you are fishing in rivers, then it is best to get a fish finder with side imaging. However, if you are planning on fishing in an open lake or deep sea fishing, then it is best to go for a fish finder that has Down Imaging capabilities.
Do you have experience using a fish finder?
If you don’t have any experience using a fish finder, then you will want to buy one that is easy to use. Many fish finders on the market come with user-friendly features and are great for beginners.
Features To Consider:
There are also some features that you will want to consider when shopping for a fish finder. Here are some of the features that you should look at before buying.
Transducer/Frequency:
The first features to consider are the transducer and frequency of the fish finder. Transducers are devices that help to determine how far away an object is.
The transducer needs to be compatible with the frequency of your sonar so that both can work together to give you accurate readings.
Sonar Technology:
The sonar technology should be considered as well. The three main types of sonar are SONAR, Down Imaging & Side Imaging. Each of these sonars has its self-benefits and disadvantages.
If you want to fish in rivers or shallow waters, then it is best to get a fish finder with side imaging capabilities. If you want to go deep-sea fishing or fish in open lakes, then it is best to get a fish finder with Down Imaging.
Screen Size:
The screen size is also important to consider. The larger the screen, the easier it will be to see what is going on underwater.
However, a large screen can also take up more space and may not be ideal for anglers who do not have a lot of space or want something compact.
GPS & Mapping:
The GPS and mapping features are a bonus. If you have a GPS or mapping feature, then it can help you not get lost and also to determine where exactly you are fishing.
Price:
The price of the fish finder is always something that anglers should consider before buying anything. However, it is important to note that sometimes an expensive model will not be the best choice for everyone.
FAQs:
What is a Fish Finder?
A Fish Finder is a device that is used to locate fish underwater. This device emits sonar waves that reflect off of objects in the water and then translate those waves into an image on a screen.
How do Fish Finders work?
Fishfinders emit sonar waves into the water. These waves reflect off of objects in the water and are then translated into an image on a screen.
Does the size of the water body matter in selecting a Fish Finder?
The size of the water body matters when selecting a fish finder. If you are fishing in a small pond, then you do not need as sophisticated of a Fish Finder as someone fishing in the ocean.
Do I need a boat to use a Fish Finder?
No, you do not need a boat to use a Fish Finder. You can use a fish finder while fishing from the shore or a dock.
What features should I look for in a good quality Fish Finder?
When looking for a good quality Fish Finder, you should consider the following features: The size of the screen. Whether the Fish Finder is portable or not. The quality of the images that are displayed on the screen. Whether or not the Fish Finder is GPS enabled. Whether or not the Fish Finder has a clear interface. The frequency range of the device, etc.
Are all Fish Finders created equal?
No, not all fish finders are created equal. There are good quality fish finders that are affordable, but there are also cheaper alternatives that can break quickly.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality Fish Finder?
You should be able to get a decent Fish Finder for less than 400. Some of the higher-end ones may go up to around 600, but they offer more features and are more durable.
What is The Best fish finder for vertical jigging?
When it comes to vertical jigging the Garmin Striker 4 is the ideal fish finder on the market. This Garmin fish finder has a 3.5-inch color display with 640 x 480 resolution. The Striker 4cv gives you excellent target separation and comes preloaded with detailed LakeVu HD maps that have 17,000 U.S. lakes with 1′ contours. If you want to find fish, the Striker 4cv makes it easy. It also has a built-in flasher for traditional jigging techniques so you can see the action of your lure as you’re working it.
Conclusion:
To summarize, there are many different factors that you should take into consideration before buying a fish finder.
However, these are some of the most important things to consider when shopping for an affordable yet high-quality fish finder under $400.
There are many different kinds of budget-friendly fish finders that you can buy and there is no need for expensive models.
![GARMIN Striker Plus 9sv Review 2023 [Tried and Tested]](https://loyalfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Garmin-Striker-Plus-9sv-Review-768x432.webp "GARMIN Striker Plus 9sv Review 2023 [Tried and Tested]")
I love this post! I have a few fish finders under $400 that I love and use regularly. I think the best one I have is the Minn Kota trolling motor fish finder. It’s really easy to use
Thank you for your feedback! Trolling motor fish finders can be a great option for anglers who want to locate fish while on the move. The Minn Kota trolling motor fish finder is a popular choice among anglers and is known for its ease of use and reliable performance. It’s always helpful to get recommendations from other anglers, so it’s great that you have had good experiences with this particular fish finder. Do you have any tips or tricks that you’ve found particularly helpful when using this fish finder or other tips for other anglers looking for a good fish finder under $400?
I love this post! I have a fish finder that I love and use regularly. I think the best one I have is the Minn Kota trolling motor fish finder. It’s really easy to use
Thanks, Erik for your valuable feedback