Last Updated on February 02, 2020
Best Fish Finders Under 500 or 600
Hottest Picks
How We Found the Best Fish Finders Under 500 or 600
Experts Interviewed
Fish Finders Tested
HOW WE DECIDED
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
56
Models Considered
32
Hours Researched
3
Experts Interviewed
238
Consumers Consulted
BOTTOM LINE
If you feel ready to upgrade your fish finding equipment and want a top of the line choice under $600, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a great choice. Make no mistake, this is a fish finder with powerful features, and it can be utilized by beginner anglers. However, they may not draw out its true potential like skilled anglers can. The intuitive nature of the fish finder assists those skilled anglers make the most out of this fish finder.
Another fish finder that features great performance and a slew of useful functions and features is Humminbird’s HELIX 7. Humminbird is a dependable name in the fishing industry, and they offer quality equipment honed by years of experience. This fish finder is no different. The clear HD display allows anglers to pick out important details and information from the tools.
The Hook Reveal 5 is a simple and intuitive fish finder that anglers will quickly learn to master and utilize for fishing trips. The versatile FishReveal tool works well with the CHIRP sonar to give an accurate depiction of what lay under your boat. There is also side imaging for revealing what fish are beside your boat. Furthermore, the Genesive Live mapping function allows you to create and chart maps in real time.
The detailed scanning technology, high resolution data presentation, and triple image capturing are just a small fraction of what Garmin’s Striker Plus 7sv can offer anglers. Anglers will also be pleased to know that this fish finder can connect to WiFi, allowing for the connection and utilization of several useful apps like the ActiveCaptain.
At a certain point in time, the HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Combo stood head and shoulder above fish finders under the $500 or $600 price point. While it is not the king of the mountain anymore, it is still a strong dependable unit that any angler will be lucky to have. Anglers will be able to use good side and down imaging, as well as accurate chart plotting, making it a great choice for how much it costs. These are only a few of its useful features.
PROS
Robust built-in GPS system
Intuitive design
View simultaneous apps via split screen
ClearVu sonar type
HD Display to see more details
Accurate GPS system
DualBeam Plus sonar
Comes with preloaded and detailed maps
Strong transducer
Autotuning sonar
High resolutions
Easy and intuitive to use
Strong and versatile features
Clear details from high powered sonar
Built-in GPS and basemaps
Side and down imaging
CONS
Lacks charts
If used in higher temperatures, may provide inaccurate depth readings
Ideal to be used for smaller bodies of water
No card reader
Lacks plotting of charts
Ideal for smaller boats and kayaks
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As any fisherman will tell you the best part of being out on the water is the peace of mind that you get from being out in nature and having time to yourself. However, the other important reason to go fishing is to catch some fish, because otherwise what are you doing out there in the first place?
While some fishermen prefer to do things the old-fashioned way and try to reel in a catch by instinct alone, modern people like to use technology to their advantage. While back in the old days you had to guess where the best spot was now you can use a fish finder to make the whole process much easier.
One of the biggest downsides of high technology, though, is the fact that it can cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, I’ve found some of the best fish finders out there, and each one costs less than 500 dollars. Thus, if you’re on a bit of a budget, you can still get the most out of your fishing experience.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
Best of the best
Bottom Line
If you feel ready to upgrade your fish finding equipment and want a top of the line choice under $600, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a great choice. Make no mistake, this is a fish finder with powerful features, and it can be utilized by beginner anglers. However, they may not draw out its true potential like skilled anglers can. The intuitive nature of the fish finder assists those skilled anglers make the most out of this fish finder.
PROS
- Robust built-in GPS system
- Intuitive design
- View simultaneous apps via split screen
- ClearVu sonar type
CONS
- Lacks charts
Summary
If you feel ready to get to the next level of fishing equipment, consider trying out Garmin’s Striker Vivid 7cv. Anglers can utilize the built-in GPS to map out locations and even mark points of interest for you to return to whenever you want.
The unit uses CHIRP sonar technology. CHIRP emits a pulse across various frequencies, revealing many fish for you to find and catch. These sweeps also help anglers see structures and many other details underwater.
All this useful information is seen via a very clear and high definition screen. It is a great fish finder to bring out into the waters, which is further bolstered by the fact that it has a moderate amount of water-resistance.
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder
Best for the Price
Bottom Line
Another fish finder that features great performance and a slew of useful functions and features is Humminbird’s HELIX 7. Humminbird is a dependable name in the fishing industry, and they offer quality equipment honed by years of experience. This fish finder is no different. The clear HD display allows anglers to pick out important details and information from the tools.
PROS
- HD Display to see more details
- Accurate GPS system
- DualBeam Plus sonar
CONS
- If used in higher temperatures, may provide inaccurate depth readings
Summary
The 7 inch display that the HELIX 7 has provides a generous amount of space that anglers can use to view all the vital information. In addition, anglers can view multiple apps on screen at the same time. When anglers understand how to analyze and manipulate all the information this fish finder provides, then it becomes a powerful fish finding tool and more.
The sonar’s capabilities are wide. The dual spectrum CHIRP allows anglers to scan a wide area or narrow it down. It also has MEGA down imaging for checking out what the environment is like underwater.
All in all, the HELIX 7 is a great all-around tool that both novice and expert anglers can use and depend on. The ethernet port allows the HELIX 7 to upgrade to better technologies.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder TripleShot
Bottom Line
The Hook Reveal 5 is a simple and intuitive fish finder that anglers will quickly learn to master and utilize for fishing trips. The versatile FishReveal tool works well with the CHIRP sonar to give an accurate depiction of what lay under your boat. There is also side imaging for revealing what fish are beside your boat. Furthermore, the Genesive Live mapping function allows you to create and chart maps in real time.
PROS
- Comes with preloaded and detailed maps
- Strong transducer
- Autotuning sonar
CONS
- Ideal to be used for smaller bodies of water
Summary
The downscan capability of this fish finder gives an accurate real-time information display within a foot of the surrounding contour. In addition, it already comes pre-loaded with a plethora of inland maps and 10,000 lakes. Anglers can use this to increase their experience in their favorite or even new fishing spots.
The attachments that it comes with allows this fish finder to easily be attached to any vessel angler’s choose to go out on. It can be attached to railings, hulls, and many more.
Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv
Bottom Line
The detailed scanning technology, high resolution data presentation, and triple image capturing are just a small fraction of what Garmin’s Striker Plus 7sv can offer anglers. Anglers will also be pleased to know that this fish finder can connect to WiFi, allowing for the connection and utilization of several useful apps like the ActiveCaptain.
PROS
- High resolutions
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Strong and versatile features
CONS
- No card reader
- Lacks plotting of charts
Summary
Garmin’s STRIKER Plus 7sv fish finder has multiple sonar capabilities. These include SideVu, DownVu, and traditional sonar as well. While many fish finders have multiple sonar capabilities as well, the thing that makes the 7sv stand out the most is the ability to view all the information these sonar types provide all on one screen. It is a tremendous feature for anglers to have.
In addition to the sonar types, the 7sv also provides the use of several frequencies. In truth, the 7sv is made for side imaging. However, the variety of range frequencies also gives it the versatility for multiple situations and needs.
Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Combo
Bottom Line
With some fish finders, the device only works well in calm and ideal conditions. This means that if you hit some rain or other inclement weather, you have to worry about it damaging the internal components. Fortunately, the Dragonfly is built to handle all kinds of environments, so you don’t have to shield it from a few drops of water.
Not only that, but the five-inch screen is spectacular. It provides high-definition images, and it is backlit so that you can read it even in direct sunlight. Overall, this screen is much better than the competition.
PROS
- Clear details from high powered sonar
- Built-in GPS and basemaps
- Side and down imaging
CONS
- Ideal for smaller boats and kayaks
Summary
While a little bit on the smaller side – which lends well to its use on smaller boats and kayaks – the display is something that anglers do not expect from this small unit. The 5-inch display is quite wide and has a 256 color spectrum, allowing for details to come through clearly.
The sonar and scanning capabilities of this fish finder are further enhanced due to the amount of focusing tools it has. For starters, it has the SwitchFire sonar mode. Clear mode allows anglers to see fish in greater detail, while max mode is good for seeing the bigger picture underwater such as structures and other things. In addition, users can also customize the colors for how they see things in this mode.
It also has a SmartStrike feature. This feature lets people input certain pieces of data such as weather conditions, the waterbody, and the types of fish in the area. With all this data, the fish finder will then analyze it and tells anglers where the fish are likely to be.
Lowrance 000-14022-00 7X Hook-2 GPS TripleShot
Bottom Line
Last on our list is the Lowrance 7X Hook-2 GPS Tripleshot. The 7-inch screen is quite bright, with backlight adjustable. Even in direct sunlight, anglers can see all the useful information the fish finder provides. The images are focused and clear on the screen. While the unit is not touchscreen, the keypads are intuitive.
The transducer that comes with this specific unit provides wide angle CHIRP sonar, side imaging, and down imaging. This is a pretty good sonar set, allowing for quite a diverse fish finding experience. In addition, the unit also has automatic sonar tuning settings which lets anglers focus more on fishing while the fish finder does the work for you.
PROS
- Includes TripleShot transducer
- Automatic sonar tuning
- Split screen app views
CONS
- No external GPS
Summary
The Lowrance 7X Hook-2 GPS TripleShot offers a serviceable sonar set. With side, down, and CHIRP sonar types, anglers can use these tools to their advantage on the waters. The CHIRP sonar utilizes a cone-like scanning area, emitted in a pulse. While the side and down imaging do not employ the same pulse that CHIRP does, they are mostly for structures and other things. The results are clear and defined images.
The navigation of this fish finder unit is a bit lacking when compared to other units. There is no external GPS mapping, with the idea of using charts going all out the window. Instead, the unit offers a basic GPS plotter that reveals longitude and latitude coordinates. There is a GPS plotter though that lets anglers set waypoints and chart their own routes.
The depth capability of this unit reaches 500 feet. This means that it is ideal for freshwater fishing. For saltwater, it can work provided that anglers do not go too far from shore. The affordability of this fish finder unit outweighs the missing features. Instead, what you get is a fish finder with all the essential tools and features for finding fish and navigation.
Choosing the Best Fish Finder Under $500
Size
When looking at different models of the fish finder, you have to make sure that the size matches your needs. For the most part, you want to get a unit that is large enough to make it easy to read. If you get one that is too small, you will have a hard time differentiating between fish and other debris on the screen, which will defeat the whole purpose of having a fish finder in the first place.
Also, make sure that you get one that will fit onto your boat where you would prefer to have it. Technically speaking, you can mount your finder anywhere you like, but you should have it near your boat controls so that you can adjust your placement as needed. Thus, be sure that you have enough room to fit the finder that you want.
Color vs. Black and White
One of the most important aspects of a fish finder is how the information is presented to you. With that in mind, you can either see things in color or black and white. Color models are usually more expensive, but they can be much easier to read. Some black and white units don’t have enough contrast to differentiate the different sizes of fish, which means that you could get a model that is useless out on the water.
Overall, I would highly recommend color instead, unless you get a big screen and high contrast for black and white.
Model Type
When looking at different fish finders, you will see that some of them mount to your boat while others can be cast out into the water. If you do get one that sticks to your boat, then you will have to make sure that it comes with a separate transducer that you also mount to the bottom of your craft. For units that can cast out on a line, you will monitor the results from a receiver, which is usually your Smartphone or tablet.
As far as performance goes, each model has its advantages and disadvantages, so it will depend on the type of fishing that you do. As a rule, though, I would recommend cast finders for shallow waters and shore fishing, while mounted finders will be great for trolling or deep sea fishing.
Scanning Options
Another significant part of fish finding is how the transducer and sonar work. Most models will cast downward, which means that you get a view of the area directly beneath your boat (or the finder if it is by itself). The signal spreads out like a cone, meaning that the closer you are to the transducer the less likely it will spot anything. Wider cones mean that you see more, while narrow cones are great for depth fishing.
While most finders only cast downward, some also emit sonar to the sides so that you can get a comprehensive view of what’s around you. If you do shallow fishing like on a lake or a river, I would highly recommend that you get a model that does side as well as down imaging so that you can see everything all at once.
Final Verdict
When comparing all of these best fish finders under 500, it can be tough to narrow it down to just one. However, my personal favorite is the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv because it has the most high-tech options of all of them. I am a gadget type of guy, so I love the fact that this unit has everything I need to stay synced up while I’m on the water.
If, however, you’re not impressed then I would say that the Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP is your best option, as that has the best performance and features that you could want.
I love to write for readers with a genuine interest in enjoying the fishing. Hence, I started this blog to provide you guides so that you can have a better and more pleasant fishing experience.
James Williams
Staff | FishingLab
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