Cheap Side Imaging Fish Finder: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

A cheap side imaging fish finder gives you a detailed sonar picture of the bottom and structure off both sides of your boat, not just straight beneath it. For anglers on a budget, that capability used to be out of reach, but a handful of Humminbird and Lowrance models now bring side imaging to the price range of a modest tackle purchase. The picks below were chosen by comparing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback. We weighed screen size, side imaging range, GPS and mapping, transducer options and how well each unit fits a smaller boat or kayak.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder	Best overall	Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar with side imaging
Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder	Best for small boats	MEGA Side Imaging with GPS
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot	Best budget pick	SplitShot transducer with preloaded US inland mapping
Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder	Best for saltwater mapping	C-MAP inland charts and FishReveal imaging
Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder	Best for large screens	MEGA Side Imaging+ on a 12-inch touchscreen
Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder	Best for advanced features	MEGA Side Imaging+ with HD touchscreen
Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder	Best for mid-size screens	MEGA Side Imaging+ with HD touchscreen

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

Best for: Best overall

This is a strong fit for anglers who want side imaging, GPS and a mid-size screen without moving into premium pricing. It suits boats of most sizes and works well for general freshwater and inshore use.

Key specs

• 7-inch color display
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
• Side imaging
• GPS
• Includes transducer

Pros

• Clear dual-frequency sonar picture
• Side imaging adds useful coverage off the boat
• GPS functions support basic navigation and waypoints

Cons

• Screen is smaller than the XPLORE models
• Advanced mapping features may take time to learn

Bottom line: A sensible first choice for anglers who want reliable side imaging and GPS at a moderate cost.

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

Best for: Best for small boats

Anglers running jon boats, kayaks or small aluminum boats often want a compact display that does not dominate the helm. This model is aimed at that space.

Key specs

• 7-inch display
• MEGA Side Imaging
• GPS
• Includes transducer

Pros

• MEGA Side Imaging provides detailed bottom views
• Screen size suits smaller vessels
• GPS mapping helps mark productive spots

Cons

• Fewer advanced display options than larger XPLORE units
• Mounting space must be checked on tighter helms

Bottom line: Good for small-boat anglers who want side imaging without a large console footprint.

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot – 5-inch Fish Finder with SplitShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

Best for: Best budget pick

Owners who want a simple, low-cost unit with mapping and a SplitShot transducer for side and down views often start here. It is a practical option for kayak and small-boat anglers.

Key specs

• 5-inch display
• SplitShot transducer
• Preloaded C-MAP US inland mapping

Pros

• Straightforward controls for newer anglers
• Preloaded mapping adds value out of the box
• Compact size suits kayaks and small boats

Cons

• Smaller screen limits detail for some users
• Inland-focused charts may not suit offshore saltwater

Bottom line: The most budget-friendly way to add side imaging to a small boat or kayak.

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

Best for: Best for saltwater mapping

Anglers who fish mixed water, including bays and inshore flats, may find the chart options and autotuning helpful for quick setup.

Key specs

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

Pros

• Autotuning simplifies initial setup
• Bright IPS display is easy to read in sun
• Twist-lock connector speeds installation

Cons

• Inland chart library is not a full offshore saltwater solution
• 5-inch screen is compact for detailed side views

Bottom line: Best for anglers who want an easy-to-set-up unit for inshore and bay use.

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Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen

Best for: Best for large screens

This model suits anglers who want a larger view of side imaging returns and are comfortable with a bigger control head. Note that this listing is for the control head only, so confirm your transducer setup before buying.

Key specs

• 12-inch HD touchscreen
• MEGA Side Imaging+
• GPS

Pros

• Large screen makes side imaging easy to read
• Touchscreen interface is intuitive for many users
• Strong mapping and GPS integration

Cons

• Control head only; transducer must be purchased separately
• Bigger footprint may not fit small boats

Bottom line: A good upgrade for larger boats where screen real estate matters more than cost.

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

Best for: Best for advanced features

Anglers who want MEGA Side Imaging+ with a touchscreen and a midsize display often find this a balanced choice between the 9-inch and 12-inch XPLORE units.

Key specs

• 10-inch HD touchscreen
• MEGA Side Imaging+
• GPS
• Includes transducer

Pros

• Clear side imaging on a mid-size screen
• Touchscreen controls simplify menu navigation
• Transducer included for quicker setup

Cons

• Costs more than entry-level side imaging units
• Full feature set takes time to learn

Bottom line: Suited to anglers who want advanced side imaging and a touchscreen without going to the largest display.

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

Best for: Best for mid-size screens

This is a middle-ground option for anglers who want MEGA Side Imaging+ on a 9-inch touchscreen and do not need the largest display.

Key specs

• 9-inch HD touchscreen
• MEGA Side Imaging+
• GPS
• Includes transducer

Pros

• Good balance of screen size and footprint
• MEGA Side Imaging+ gives detailed bottom views
• Touchscreen controls are quick to use

Cons

• Higher price point than the Helix and Lowrance entry units
• Some advanced menus require a learning period

Bottom line: A solid pick for anglers who want a mid-size touchscreen with strong side imaging.

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Buying Guide

Side Imaging Range and Clarity

Side imaging range describes how far from the boat the unit can display bottom detail on each side. Manufacturers usually list a maximum range in feet, and actual usable range depends on water clarity, bottom type and boat speed. Check the specified range and look for models that advertise a higher-resolution side view when detail matters most.

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

Screen Size and Display Type

A 5-inch screen is compact and easy to mount on a kayak. A 7- to 9-inch screen gives more room for side views to be read at a glance. Larger displays are useful on bigger boats but require more mounting space. IPS displays generally read better in direct sun than basic LCD panels.

Good picks for this: Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot, Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD Fish Finder

Transducer Type and Mounting

Side imaging requires a transducer designed for it, and many budget units use a combined transducer that provides down, side and sometimes forward views. Check whether a transducer is included, as some listings are for the control head only. Transom mounts, trolling motor mounts and through-hull installations each suit different boats, so confirm compatibility before ordering.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 7 G4N GPS Fish Finder, Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder

GPS and Mapping Features

GPS lets you mark waypoints and track your route, while preloaded or downloadable maps show structure and depth contours. Preloaded maps save setup time, but check whether the chart coverage matches the water you fish. Inland charts may not include offshore or coastal detail.

Good picks for this: Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot, Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder

Boat Size and Use Case

Kayaks, jon boats and small aluminum boats benefit from compact units with simple controls. Larger center consoles and offshore boats can use bigger screens and more advanced mapping. Consider where you fish most often, whether that is shallow inshore water, rivers, lakes or open saltwater.

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

Durability and Water Resistance

Fish finders are exposed to spray, sun and vibration. Look for a stated waterproof or water-resistant rating, typically expressed as an IP rating, and check the manufacturer’s specifications for operating temperature. Securing cables and keeping connectors dry extends the life of any unit.

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

Setup, Care and Software Updates

Plan on spending an evening with the manual before the first trip. Autotuning features can shorten setup, and keeping firmware and chart software current helps performance. Clean the screen with a soft cloth, rinse the transducer after saltwater use, and store the unit out of direct heat.

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

FAQ

What does side imaging actually show?

Side imaging uses a fan-shaped sonar beam aimed to each side of the boat, producing a picture of the bottom, structure, vegetation and fish that resembles a photograph. It covers much more width than a traditional down-facing beam.

Is a cheap side imaging fish finder accurate enough for saltwater?

Many budget units perform well in shallow inshore water, but offshore use may need deeper transducers and more detailed charts. Check the depth rating and chart coverage before relying on a unit in open saltwater.

Do I need a separate transducer for side imaging?

Often yes, or at least a transducer that supports side imaging. Some listings include the transducer, while others are control heads only. Read the product description carefully and confirm what is included.

Can a side imaging unit be mounted on a kayak?

Yes, compact 5- to 7-inch units are commonly mounted on kayaks using rod-holder or transducer arm mounts. Make sure the mount is rated for your kayak and that the cable run is secure.

How much does battery power matter?

Screen brightness, sonar mode and transmit power all affect battery draw. Owners commonly report that side imaging uses more power than basic sonar, so plan for a larger or dedicated battery on longer trips.

Should I buy a unit with GPS?

GPS is useful for marking spots, navigating back to the ramp and tracking routes. If you fish familiar waters and rarely need waypoints, a unit without GPS may be enough, but most anglers find the feature valuable.

Is professional installation necessary?

Basic transom and trolling-motor mounts can usually be installed by a competent DIYer. Through-hull installations and wiring to a boat’s main electrical system should be handled by a qualified marine technician.

Conclusion

For most anglers, a cheap side imaging fish finder comes down to screen size, transducer type and whether you need mapping for saltwater or inland water. The Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder is a balanced all-around choice, while the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot suits kayak and small-boat anglers on a tight budget. Anglers who fish inshore saltwater may prefer the Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD, and those wanting a bigger display can look at the Humminbird XPLORE 12 or XPLORE 9. Match the unit to your boat, water type and the features you will actually use.

Sources

• Nautical charts, bathymetric data and water safety resources for boaters (noaa.gov)
• Boating safety standards, equipment requirements and navigation guidance (uscg.mil)
• Recreational marine industry standards and boating equipment information

Related reading

• 5 Best Fish Finders with Side Imaging: Top Picks Compared (2026)
• Yakattack Fish Finder Mount: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Trolling Motor Fish Finder Options: 7 Best Picks for 2026

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