5 Best Fish Finders with Side Imaging: Top Picks Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing the best fish finder with side imaging comes down to how much of the water you want to see and how you plan to fish it. Side imaging sonar paints a wide, photo-like picture of the bottom and structure off both sides of your boat, which makes it easier to spot rock piles, weed edges, submerged timber and baitfish schools than standard down-looking sonar alone. This guide compares five models using the criteria that matter most: display size and resolution, sonar options (side imaging, down imaging or CHIRP), GPS and mapping support, touchscreen usability, and how well each unit suits boats in saltwater and freshwater.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder	Anglers who want a large, easy-to-read screen with full side imaging	MEGA Side Imaging+ and HD touchscreen
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder	Mid-size boats and all-around freshwater or inshore use	Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar with side imaging
Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder	Anglers focused on high-detail side imaging and GPS navigation	MEGA Side Imaging on a 7-inch display
Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder	Larger boats and anglers who run multiple screens or want maximum viewing area	10-inch-class display with MEGA Side Imaging+
Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder	Saltwater and inland anglers who want built-in mapping and simple operation	SplitShot transducer with CHIRP, DownScan and Genesis Live mapping

Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen

Best for: Large-screen side imaging with a touchscreen interface

This model suits anglers who want a bigger viewing area than a standard 7-inch unit and who spend most of their time scanning shorelines, reefs and submerged structure. It is a practical choice for bass, walleye and inshore species where seeing details on both sides of the boat matters.

Key specs

• 9-inch-class HD touchscreen display
• MEGA Side Imaging+ sonar
• Integrated GPS for waypoints and mapping
• Ships with transducer

Pros

• Large display makes side imaging details easier to interpret at a glance
• Touchscreen controls are quick to learn for most users
• GPS mapping supports waypoint marking and route tracking

Cons

• Larger footprint may be more than small boats or kayaks can accommodate
• Full feature set takes time to learn for newer anglers

Bottom line: A strong pick for anglers who want the biggest practical screen in this group with full side imaging and touch control.

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Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar & Side Imaging

Best for: Mid-size boats and all-around freshwater or inshore use

The Helix 7 G4 fits boats that need a balance of screen size, sonar coverage and price-to-feature value. Owners often report it as a solid general-purpose unit for bass, crappie and coastal fishing where Dual Spectrum CHIRP and side imaging both get regular use.

Key specs

• 7-inch-class display
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
• Side imaging
• GPS with included transducer

Pros

• Good screen size for most mid-size boats without crowding the helm
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP covers both wide and narrow beam needs
• Side imaging adds useful structure detail for shoreline and reef fishing

Cons

• Not as expansive as the 9-inch or 10-inch class models in this list
• Advanced mapping features may need an additional chart card or subscription

Bottom line: Best for anglers who want reliable side imaging and CHIRP sonar in a compact, well-rounded package.

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Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder with Transducer & MEGA Side Imaging

Best for: High-detail side imaging with GPS in a 7-inch format

This model is aimed at anglers who want MEGA Side Imaging detail without moving up to a larger display. It works well on bass boats, aluminum fishing boats and similar hulls where helm space is limited but sonar clarity still matters.

Key specs

• 7-inch-class display
• MEGA Side Imaging
• GPS navigation and waypoint support
• Ships with transducer

Pros

• MEGA Side Imaging provides detailed images of structure and cover
• Compact footprint suits smaller boats
• GPS support helps with returning to productive spots

Cons

• Smaller display can make busy scenes harder to read in bright sun
• Fewer advanced sonar options than the XPLORE line

Bottom line: A good fit for anglers on smaller boats who want strong side imaging and GPS without a large screen.

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Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen

Best for: Maximum viewing area with side imaging on larger boats

The XPLORE 10 is for anglers who run larger boats or want the most screen real estate possible for side imaging and mapping. It is well suited to offshore-adjacent fishing, big reservoirs and multi-angler boats where several people need to read the display at once.

Key specs

• 10-inch-class HD touchscreen
• MEGA Side Imaging+ sonar
• GPS and mapping features
• Ships with transducer

Pros

• Largest display in this group for side imaging and charts
• Suits shared viewing when more than one person is at the helm
• Touchscreen makes menu navigation straightforward

Cons

• Requires a dash or console with enough space for a larger unit
• Higher overall footprint and mounting demands than 7-inch models

Bottom line: Ideal for larger boats and anglers who want the biggest practical side imaging screen in the lineup.

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Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder with C-MAP Inland Charts

Best for: Saltwater and inland anglers who want built-in mapping and simple operation

This Lowrance unit is a good choice for anglers who want CHIRP and DownScan imaging, mapping and an easy-to-use twist-lock connector. Owners often describe it as approachable for beginners while still offering enough detail for experienced fishers working tidal creeks, inshore flats and lakes.

Key specs

• 5-inch IPS display
• CHIRP and DownScan with FishReveal
• Autotuning sonar
• Genesis Live mapping
• Twist-lock connector

Pros

• Autotuning sonar reduces the time spent adjusting settings on the water
• Genesis Live mapping helps build custom contour maps
• Compact screen fits small boats and kayak mounts

Cons

• Smaller screen limits how much side detail can be shown at once
• Side imaging is not the headline feature compared with the Humminbird MEGA models

Bottom line: The right pick for anglers who want simple operation, saltwater-friendly mapping and a compact unit, even if side imaging is a secondary priority.

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Buying Guide

Side imaging resolution and frequency

Side imaging frequency affects both range and detail. Higher frequencies give sharper images at shorter range, while lower frequencies reach farther with less detail. Check whether the unit offers standard or MEGA-level side imaging and how far each side scan reaches in the manufacturer’s specifications.

Good picks for this: Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder, Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder

Screen size and resolution

Larger screens show more of the side scan at once, which helps when reading long stretches of shoreline. A 5-inch display works for kayaks and small boats, while 9- and 10-inch-class screens suit larger hulls. Resolution matters as much as size, so look for high-definition displays with good brightness.

Good picks for this: Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder, Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder

Sonar options: CHIRP, DownScan and dual beam

CHIRP sonar sends a range of frequencies, improving target separation and detail. DownScan and similar high-frequency imaging add crisp views of bottom structure. Dual-beam setups let you run wide coverage for search and narrow beams for fish detail. Choose the combination that matches your target species and water depth.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder, Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder

GPS, mapping and chart support

Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, track routes and return to productive spots. Check whether the unit includes base maps, supports detailed charts or requires optional chart cards. Saltwater anglers should confirm coverage for their coastline before buying.

Good picks for this: Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder, Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder

Boat size and mounting fit

Measure your console or dash before choosing a screen size. A 10-inch-class display can overwhelm a small bass boat, while a 5-inch unit may feel cramped on a large center console. Also consider whether you need a flush mount, a bracket mount or a portable setup for a kayak.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder, Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder

Transducer type and installation

Transducers determine what the unit can see. Through-hull, transom-mount and trolling-motor-mount transducers each have trade-offs in performance and installation effort. Confirm the included transducer supports side imaging before buying, since not every transducer does.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder, Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder

Durability and water exposure

Marine electronics should be rated for water exposure and salt spray. Look for sealed enclosures and check the manufacturer’s stated environmental rating. Rinse units with fresh water after saltwater trips, keep connectors clean and dry, and store the display out of direct sun when possible.

Good picks for this: Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder, Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder

FAQ

What is side imaging on a fish finder?

Side imaging is a sonar mode that scans the water on both sides of the boat, producing a detailed, photo-like image of the bottom, structure and fish. It covers much more area than a standard down-looking beam and is useful for finding cover along shorelines and reefs.

Is side imaging better than down imaging?

They serve different purposes. Down imaging gives a sharp view directly beneath the boat, while side imaging covers a wider swath to the left and right. Many anglers run both, using side imaging to locate targets and down imaging to examine them closely.

Do I need GPS with side imaging?

GPS is not required, but it is very helpful. It lets you mark waypoints, return to productive spots and record your route. Most side imaging units in this list include GPS for that reason.

What screen size should I choose for a small boat?

For small boats and kayaks, a 5- or 7-inch display is usually practical. Larger screens can be harder to mount securely and may crowd the helm. Measure your mounting space before deciding.

Can side imaging work in saltwater?

Yes. Side imaging is used in saltwater for reefs, jetties, rock piles and flats. Confirm that the transducer and unit are rated for saltwater use, and rinse equipment with fresh water after each trip to limit corrosion.

How do I maintain a fish finder with side imaging?

Rinse the head unit and transducer with fresh water after saltwater trips, keep connectors clean and dry, and check mounting hardware regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, and consult a marine electronics technician if you notice persistent faults or water intrusion.

Are fish finder subscriptions or chart cards required?

Some models include base maps, while others need optional chart cards or subscriptions for detailed coastal or lake charts. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for included mapping and any ongoing costs before you buy.

Conclusion

For most anglers choosing the best fish finder with side imaging, the decision comes down to screen size, sonar features and boat fit. The Humminbird XPLORE 9 and XPLORE 10 suit anglers who want the largest side imaging displays and full touchscreen control. The Helix 7 G4 works well as a balanced all-around unit, while the Helix 7 G4N suits smaller boats that still need detailed MEGA side imaging. The Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD is the choice for anglers who value simple operation, saltwater-friendly mapping and a compact footprint. Measure your mounting space, confirm transducer compatibility and match the feature set to the waters you fish most.

Sources

• Nautical charts, tide data and coastal mapping resources useful for planning saltwater fishing trips (noaa.gov)
• Boating safety guidance, equipment requirements and on-water safety practices (uscg.mil)
• Marine industry standards and information on recreational boating equipment

Related reading

• Yakattack Fish Finder Mount: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Top 7 Chart Plotter Fish Finder Models with GPS and Charts (2026)
• Top 7 Best Inexpensive Fish Finders for Budget Anglers (2026)

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