Budget is often something that keeps people away from fishing and many hobbies in general. While $1,000 bucks is nothing to scoff at, you’d be surprised by how many incredible fish finders are available at this price point.
The best fish finders under $1,000 are some of the best units on the market right now. The Hook Reveal, Garmin Echomap, and Helix 7 are all available for less than $1,000.
In this guide, I’m going to cover what makes them so great and why you should consider checking them out if they fit your budget.
Comparison Table
Table of Contents
Best Overall
Lowrance Hook Reveal
Specs
- Screen Size: 5-7-inches
- Sonar: Down, Side, and Tripleshot
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: FishReveal
Pros
- Stacked with premium features at an affordable price
- Max depth up to 1000 feet
- Chartplotter waypoint mapping, and Genesis Live
- FishReveal is one of the best features on the market
Cons
- Might be overkill for a beginner
Why We Chose It
It’s no secret that the Lowrance Hook Reveal is one of my favorite units of all time. For a fish finder under $1,000, it doesn’t get much better.
This unit boasts some of the best features in the game ranging from FishReveal, to Genesis Live, and a high resolution display up to seven-inches.
The Hook Reveal comes with downscan, sidescan, and tripleshot. This means that it uses multi-frequency chirp sonar that operates at a variable frequency depending on where you’re fishing. This puts the angler in control.
The elephant in the room is the FishReveal feature which makes this fish finder the unit it is. FishReveal combines 2D sonar with unique color palettes making it easier to differentiate fish from structure beneath the surface.
This makes the screen much easier to read and allows you to better identify casting points. The unit features a touch screen which isn’t exactly my favorite but the color display is so vivid that I could make the sacrifice.
The SolarMAX feature only makes this even better by using an automated backlight that adjusts based on the amount of sunlight shining on the screen. This function is similar to most modern smartphones.
There are few units out there in this price range that can compete with the Lowrance Hook Reveal.
Click here to read our complete Lowrance Hook Reveal review.
Best Fish Finder GPS Combo Under $1,000
Garmin Echomap UHD
Specs
- Screen Size: 6-7-inches
- Sonar: ClearVu + SideVu
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: LakeVu G3 + Worldwide Basemap
Pros
- Industry leading GPS and mapping
- ClearVu and SideVu makes spotting fish easier
- Easy to use push button display
Cons
- Lacking any incredibly outstanding features
Why We Chose It
The Garmin Echomap UHD fish finder is a high-quality and versatile device that offers excellent features for fishing enthusiasts.
The ultra-high-definition 7-inch display provides clear and vivid images, making it easier to spot fish and other underwater structures.
The unit also features a built-in GPS and charts, so you can easily mark and return to your favorite fishing spots.
It has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use controls make it a great option for both experienced and novice anglers.
One of the features that makes the Echomap stand out is the Worldwide Basemap with LakeVu G3 which offers over 18,000 lakes and rivers across the country with 1-foot contours.
This means that you can see a preloaded map on your fish finder unit with 1-foot differences in underwater structure as you fish anywhere in the country.
The only thing better than this is the Garmin Panoptix Livescope which doesn’t fit into the price range of this guide.
Clearvu scanning will provide you with a photographic image of everything beneath the boat. You’ll be able to see structure, vegetation, logs, objects, and fish.
So, instead of simply looking at an infrared image with fish arches, now you’re looking at a true blue picture of everything going on in the water.
Lastly, you’ll also get SideVu which offers similar features to ClearVu but instead focuses on the side of the boat. This is great for identifying structure points along the shore like docks, rocky ledges, and more.
Pair all of this with the mapping and GPS technology and you have yourself one of the best fish finders under $1,000 – bar none.
Click here to read our complete Garmin Echomap UHD review.
Best of the Rest
Humminbird Helix 7
Specs
- Screen Size: 7-inches
- Sonar: MEGA SI + DI
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: MEGA Imaging
Pros
- MEGA Side Imaging provides 125-feet range on both sides of the boat
- Increased underwater clarity
- Humminbird Basemap offers 10,000 lakes + offshore coverage
Cons
- Limited availability
Why We Chose It
The Humminbird Helix 7 is the seasoned veteran of the game at this point. This unit has been used and reviewed to death by myself and many other fishing writers but one thing never changes.
It always makes the “best of” list and there’s something to be said of that.
The Humminbird MEGA down and side imaging is some of the best money can buy. You can scan 180-degrees around the boat up to 125-feet on all sides. This allows you to scan structure and identify great fishing areas.
This feature is great for kayak fishing when you’re not in deep water but trying to get detailed images along the shore in a small boat.
The down imaging feature helps provide more clarity underwater making it easier to differentiate structure from fish. This is similar to the FishReveal but it’s more of a flagship feature than a standout.
The Humminbird Helix 7 also offers Dual Spectrum Chirp which allows you to choose between two levels of sonar frequency. This provides more versatility in your readings based on the depth of water you’re fishing.
AutoChart Live and Basemap takes care of your GPS and chartplotting. It allows you to draw on maps and save them while also documenting things like bottom hardness, changes in structure, and surface runoff.
The overall inclusiveness of all of these features in a fish finder under $1,000 makes this one of the best units on the market. I love the fact that you don’t have to cherry-pick which features you get for the price, they’re all standard.
Click here to read our complete Humminbird Helix 7 review.
Best Live Imaging
Lowrance HDS Live 7
Specs
- Screen Size: 7-inches
- Sonar: 3-in-1 sonar
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: LiveSight live scanning sonar
Pros
- Actual live sonar providing real time fish movements
- Crystal clear image quality
- FishReveal
- Active Imaging with downscan and sidescan
Cons
- Only under $1,000 if it’s on sale
Why We Chose It
I’ve discussed the features of the Lowrance HDS Live time and time again but it’s truly the best fish finder under $1,000.
That is, if you can get it for under $1,000.
It normally sells for around $1200 but there are times where you can find it on sale and clearance. In fact, at the time of writing this, the unit is selling for $899.
Keep in mind that this will change so don’t cremate me in the comments if it’s over $1,000 when you read this.
Anyway, you get FishReveal which helps you separate fish from structure. You get dual spectrum scanning with the SolarMAX display which makes the image quality nice and clear.
Not to mention the fact that you get structure scan as well which provides a 3D image on both sides of the boat so you can identify the terrain to determine the best places to cast.
This is an optional upgrade by the way that will run you a higher cost.
The unit uses NMEA 2000 connectivity through wi-fi or bluetooth. This is a fancy way of saying that it offers a digital marine connection that allows multiple fish finders to connect with each other and provide data to one another.
Active Imaging 3-in-1 with Livesight is the reason we’re all here. This sonar technology allows you to scan at a lower frequency than many other fish finders so it provides you with a clear and crisp image.
When you pair the LiveSight transducer with that you have an actual live image of fish moving around beneath the surface so you can see how they respond to your lures and react accordingly.
Just keep in mind that many of these features are upgrades so the cost will begin to stack up quickly. Without all the upgrades you can pick this fish finder up for less than $1,000 if you catch it on sale.
Click here to read our complete Lowrance HDS Live review.
Editors Choice
Lowrance Elite FS
Specs
- Screen Size: 7-inches
- Sonar: Downscan, Sidescan, Live
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: ActiveTarget Live Sonar
Pros
- Active 3-in-1 Live Imaging
- Side and down scanning technology
- C-Map Contour+ for optimal mapping and plotting
Cons
- Little brother of the HDS Live
Why We Chose It
The Lowrance Elite FS offers almost all of the same features as the HDS Live but it lacks that crisp clarity in the live imaging department.
With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, the Lowrance Elite FS can be a better option for newer anglers though.
One of the key features of the Lowrance Elite FS is its high-resolution display screen. The screen is bright and clear, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight.
It displays information such as the depth of the water, the location of fish, and the type of fish. The device also has a built-in GPS system, which allows you to mark your favorite fishing spots and track your progress.
This fish finder that actually does cost less than $1,000 offers Active Imaging, down scanning, side scanning, and structure scan so it sure as heck doesn’t lack in the feature department.
Anyway, if you want to know more about what makes this unit different from the HDS Live, click here to read our complete Lowrance Elite FS review.
Best Ice Fishing Fish Finder Under $1,000
Garmin Striker 4
Specs
- Screen Size: 4-inches
- Sonar: Dual-beam + flasher
- Mapping/GPS: Yes
- Special Feature: Ice Fishing Flasher
Pros
- One of the only units designed for ice fishing
- Special ice fishing bundle with cover and carrying case
- Quickdraw contour mapping and GPS
Cons
- Very limited features
Why We Chose It
If you’re in the market for an affordable ice fishing fish finder under $1,000, this is about as good as you can do.
There are a lot of models out there but few are as reliable in terms of availability and performance as the Striker 4.
This unit features a 4-inch color screen with a built-in ice fishing flasher. If you don’t know what that is, read our guide here.
The Striker 4 is designed to fish hard water because it uses a special transducer that can provide scanning through the ice.
It also features a high-sensitivity GPS which can be extremely useful in ice fishing when you can’t use structure and other markings to designate fishing spots.
This fish finder is easily one of the best options for ice fishing on a budget.
Click here to read our complete review of the best ice fishing fish finders.
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider Before Buying a Fish Finder Under $1,000
Whenever we’re talking about budget, there’s always going to be a bit of a give and take. The good news is, the fish finders in this guide are my top fish finders that I recommend across the site.
They’re all available for less than $1,000 and should be more than enough for most recreational anglers.
When you start getting up towards the $1500-2000 range is when you start getting into professional bass units that aren’t necessary for most weekend warriors.
Truthfully, the features outlined in this guide are about some of the best you can get and I can’t imagine why you’d need anything else.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for the best fish finder under $1,000 bucks.
Sonar Types
When you’re shopping for a fish finder, the sonar is one of the most important features you want to look for. For around $1,000 or less, you should be able to buy almost any type of sonar you want. This will include:
- Downscan imaging
- Sidescan imaging
These are guaranteed. If you can’t get these for the price then the fish finder isn’t worth it. If you’re lucky and you buy the Hook Reveal or HDS Live, you might be able to get:
- Structure Scan
- Live Scan
These are not guaranteed. They’re not always available in the fish finder and they’re not always going to be less than $1,000.
Keep in mind that you may also need to purchase them as an optional upgrade to the existing unit and they can require another transducer.
Display Size
Most of the fish finders I recommended in this guide range between 7-9-inches in size. You shouldn’t have to go any lower than that but in most cases, you won’t be able to get anything larger either.
The reason why display size is important is because it will impact your ability to see the fish and utilize the features to their full extent.
For example, the Garmin EchoMAP sells a 4-inch unit but it lacks a lot of the premium mapping features so you miss out.
I wouldn’t recommend getting it unless you can afford at least the 6-7-inch screen size so you can make use of the premium GPS and plotting features.
Some of the units have splitscreens as well which are only good if you have a screen large enough to see both sides.
GPS/Mapping
GPS, mapping, and chartplotting are features that everyone looks for in their fish finders but they often don’t understand why they want them.
The best GPS fish finders make your life easier by allowing you to do the following:
- Navigate the water
- Mark down and plot ideal fishing locations
- Document previous locations you’d like to revisit
- Load pre-existing maps of unfamiliar waters
All of the fish finders in this guide are less than $1,000 dollars.
All of the fish finders in this guide can do all four of these things.
This is proof that you don’t need to convince the wife to sell her engagement ring so you can get a decent fish finder.
Final Thoughts
If there’s a moral to this guide, it’s that $1,000 or less can get you just about any great fish finder you want.
But, what if you’re saying “$1,000 is a little too steep for me.”
Well, take a look at our guide on the best fish finders under $500.
All in all, the best fish finder under $1,000 boasts more features than the typical recreational angler will even need.
If I had to pick one of these units to roll with it would definitely be the Lowrance Hook Reveal. You just can’t beat the image quality, premium features, and price tag.
What unit are you using? Is it available for less than $1,000? Let me know!
Good luck out there!
