7 Best Fish Finders with Side View for 2026: Top Picks Compared

Updated November 2026

Shopping for a fish finder with side view capability means balancing several things at once: how wide the side imaging sweeps, how sharp the screen is in bright sunlight, whether GPS and mapping are built in, and how much hardware you need to bolt onto your boat. This guide compares seven widely sold saltwater-friendly units from Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance. Our selection criteria were drawn from manufacturer specifications, brand reputation for side imaging, and recurring patterns in owner feedback, with attention to display size, transducer options, mapping and ease of installation. We did not test these units ourselves; the notes below summarize published specs and commonly reported owner experiences.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS	Overall balance of size and features	Side Imaging with GPS mapping
Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS	Larger screens and wide coverage	MEGA Side Imaging+ and HD touchscreen
Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD	Multi-beam views in one unit	CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS	Compact helms and small boats	Dual Spectrum CHIRP with GPS
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv	Clear color sonar for everyday use	Vivid Scanning Sonar color palettes
Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv	Easier viewing on a larger display	9-inch screen with scanning sonar
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv	Buyers who want a bundled transducer	GT20-TM transducer and color sonar

Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder

Best for: Overall balance of size and features

This model suits anglers who want side imaging and GPS mapping on a mid-size screen without moving up to the largest displays. It fits most center consoles and bass boats where the helm has room for a seven-inch unit.

Key specs

• Seven-inch display class
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
• Side Imaging capability
• GPS receiver for mapping and waypoints

Pros

• Side imaging and GPS in one compact housing
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP helps separate fish from structure
• Well-documented mounting options from the manufacturer

Cons

• Screen can wash out in direct afternoon sun without a shade
• Advanced mapping features take time to learn

Bottom line: A strong default choice for anglers who want reliable side views and GPS without oversized hardware.

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Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder

Best for: Larger screens and wide coverage

Anglers who fish open water or want to spot structure at a distance benefit from a ten-inch display and the wider MEGA Side Imaging+ sweep. It is best suited to larger boats with dedicated helm space.

Key specs

• Ten-inch HD touchscreen
• MEGA Side Imaging+
• GPS receiver

Pros

• Large screen makes side-view targets easier to read
• Touchscreen interface is familiar to smartphone users
• Wide side coverage for scouting

Cons

• Requires significant mounting space
• Premium pricing tier compared with smaller models

Bottom line: Best for offshore-capable boats where screen size and wide side coverage matter more than footprint.

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Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD Fish Finder

Best for: Multi-beam views in one unit

This unit is aimed at anglers who want down, side and forward-facing sonar views together. The nine-inch IPS display and autotuning make it approachable for mixed-experience crews.

Key specs

• Nine-inch IPS display
• CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan
• FishReveal transducer
• Twist-lock connector

Pros

• Combines several sonar views in one display
• Autotuning reduces setup time
• Twist-lock connector simplifies installation

Cons

• Menu depth can feel busy for new users
• Full feature set benefits from chart subscriptions

Bottom line: A good fit for anglers who want several sonar perspectives on a single IPS screen.

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Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder

Best for: Compact helms and small boats

Smaller boats, kayaks mounted with a bracket, and crowded consoles call for a five-inch unit. This model keeps GPS and Dual Spectrum CHIRP without taking up much dash space.

Key specs

• Five-inch display class
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
• GPS receiver

Pros

• Compact footprint for small craft
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP performs well for its size
• Includes transducer in the listing

Cons

• Smaller screen limits detail in side views
• Fewer advanced imaging options than larger Helix models

Bottom line: Suited to small boats and anglers who prioritize space over maximum screen size.

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Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

Best for: Clear color sonar for everyday use

Anglers who fish mostly inshore or in freshwater and want straightforward color scanning sonar will find this unit approachable. It is a practical option for first-time buyers of side-view sonar.

Key specs

• Seven-inch color display
• Vivid Scanning Sonar color palettes

Pros

• Vivid color palettes make targets easy to distinguish
• Simple menus for quick setup
• Manufacturer documents mounting clearly

Cons

• Fewer mapping features than GPS-equipped models
• Transducer selection matters for side-view performance

Bottom line: A solid pick for buyers who want clear color sonar without paying for full chart features.

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Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv

Best for: Easier viewing on a larger display

Owners who find seven-inch screens cramped but do not need a full chartplotter often choose the nine-inch Vivid model. It works well for side-by-side viewing on mid-size boats.

Key specs

• Nine-inch display
• Vivid Scanning Sonar color palettes

Pros

• Larger display improves readability of side scans
• Color palettes carry over from smaller Vivid units
• Good value for the screen size class

Cons

• Needs more mounting space than seven-inch versions
• Glare can be an issue without a sun shade

Bottom line: Worth considering for anglers who want a bigger screen within the Striker line.

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Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv

Best for: Buyers who want a bundled transducer

This version includes the GT20-TM transducer, which appeals to buyers who want a complete package and do not plan to match a separate transducer to the unit.

Key specs

• Seven-inch color display
• GT20-TM transducer included
• Vivid Scanning Sonar color palettes

Pros

• Transducer included in the listing
• Color sonar with clear target separation
• Straightforward installation for first-time owners

Cons

• Side-view coverage depends on the included transducer
• No built-in mapping beyond base features

Bottom line: Good for anglers who want a complete kit and a clear upgrade over basic black-and-white units.

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Buying Guide

Side imaging range and coverage

Side imaging range determines how far to each side of the boat the unit can paint the bottom. Many manufacturers list maximum range per side, and wider sweeps help you scout structure without running back over the same water. Check the spec sheet for the range at your typical operating depth, since coverage narrows in deeper water.

Good picks for this: Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder, Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder

Display size and resolution

Screen size affects how much detail you can read at a glance. Five-inch screens suit small consoles, while nine- and ten-inch displays help when you are reading side scans at speed. Pay attention to brightness ratings and whether the screen is optically bonded, since bonded screens often read better in sunlight.

Good picks for this: Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv, Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder

Transducer type and mounting

The transducer determines which views are possible. Some units include a transducer, while others require you to choose one that matches the sonar modes you want. Confirm the transducer is compatible with side imaging before buying, and check whether it mounts through the hull, on the transom, or on a trolling motor.

Good picks for this: Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD Fish Finder, Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv

GPS and mapping features

If you plan to mark waypoints, follow tracks or use preloaded charts, GPS capability matters. Mapping subscriptions and card support vary by model, so confirm what comes with the unit and what requires an extra purchase. GPS-equipped units are generally more useful for offshore and unfamiliar water.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder, Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder

Power and boat compatibility

Check the power requirements on the spec sheet and make sure your boat’s electrical system can supply them without strain. Consider the mounting depth behind the dash, the cable routing path and whether the unit fits your console. Smaller boats usually do better with compact displays.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder, Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

Ease of use and menu design

Menus matter more than most buyers expect, especially when you are on the water with limited time. Look for clear settings, autotuning options and a logical menu structure. Touchscreens can feel natural to smartphone users, while button-based units may be easier to operate with wet gloves.

Good picks for this: Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD Fish Finder, Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

Durability and saltwater care

Saltwater exposure is hard on electronics. Check the stated waterproof rating, use a sun cover to protect the screen from UV, and rinse the unit with fresh water after each trip. Keep connectors clean and dry, and store the display out of direct sun when not in use.

Good picks for this: Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder, Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv

FAQ

What is a fish finder with side view?

A fish finder with side view uses side imaging sonar to paint the bottom and structure to each side of the boat. It lets you see fish, rocks, wrecks and vegetation that would be missed by straight-down sonar alone.

How is side imaging different from down imaging?

Down imaging looks directly beneath the boat, while side imaging sweeps outward to each side. Side views are useful for scouting and covering water faster, while down views show fish directly under the hull in more detail.

Do I need GPS with a side-view fish finder?

GPS is not required for side imaging, but it adds waypoint marking, track recording and mapping. Anglers who fish unfamiliar or offshore water tend to get the most value from GPS-equipped models.

What screen size should I choose?

Five- to seven-inch screens suit small boats and tight consoles. Nine- and ten-inch displays are easier to read at speed and in side-view detail, but they need more mounting space. Measure your dash before buying.

Will a side-view fish finder work in saltwater?

Most units sold for boating are built to handle saltwater conditions, but you should confirm the transducer and housing are rated for your use. Rinse the unit with fresh water after each trip and use a sun cover to extend its life.

Can I install a side-view fish finder myself?

Many anglers install their own units, especially those with twist-lock connectors and clear manufacturer instructions. Transducer placement affects performance, so follow the manual closely. If you are unsure about wiring or hull mounting, consult a marine professional.

Conclusion

For most buyers, the Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS offers a balanced mix of side imaging, GPS and screen size. Anglers with larger boats and open-water goals should look at the Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS, while those who want multi-beam views on one display may prefer the Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD. Small-boat owners will find the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS a practical fit, and buyers who prefer color scanning sonar should compare the Garmin Striker Vivid models. Match the screen size, transducer and GPS features to where and how you fish, and confirm compatibility before you buy.

Sources

• Charts, navigation safety and marine electronics guidance for boaters (noaa.gov)
• Boating safety resources, equipment requirements and on-water practices (uscgboating.org)
• Fisheries science and information on saltwater fish habitat and structure (fisheries.noaa.gov)

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 Combo: How to Choose and Mount One (2026)
• Top 7 Chart Plotter Fish Finder Models with GPS and Charts (2026)

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