Best Lowrance Fish Finder Reviews [2020]

Hottest Picks

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7

Lowrance Elite FS 9

Lowrance HOOK2 7

How We Found the Best Lowrance Fish Finders

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.

Models Considered

Hours Researched

Experts Interviewed

168

Consumers Consulted

BEST OF THE BEST

Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7

BEST FOR THE PRICE

Lowrance Elite FS 9

Lowrance HOOK2 7

Lowrance HOOK2 12

Lowrance HOOK2 5X

BOTTOM LINE

If we were to describe the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 with one word, it would be reliability. In terms of finding fish and plotting charts, its capabilities are second to none. It employs three types of sonar with the range extending farther than many in the market. All of this comes at an attractive and affordable price.

“Elite” is not an understatement for this fish finder. The Elite Fishing System (FS) contains a whole slew of tools that are designed to make fish finding efficient and easy. Track fish in real time, utilize the available maps and charts, and use the active imaging to get a clear picture of the environment underwater.

Out of all the Lowrance HOOK models, the HOOK2 7 is considered one of the better (if not the best) units in the series. Compared to the other models, the Hook 2 7 has a better display, resolution, color, and sonar. It is no wonder then that the HOOK2 7 is considered the flagship product of Lowrance.

While considerably larger than most of the Hook models, the size does not grant it the extra features one would expect. However, the HOOK2 12 is still dependable for finding fish and plotting charts. It is an affordable option for those who want standard 2D view, navigational charting, and sonar scanning.

If ease is the biggest consideration when buying fish finders, the HOOK2 5X should be on your radar. From the menus, controls, and even the autotuning sonar, it is easy to operate and master. With this fish finder, you can focus on the fishing and leave the sonar to automatically find the fish for you.

PROS

High res display
Simultaneous application display
Can be used at deep depths

Elite FS tools
Connects wirelessly and to bluetooth
Simultaneous application display
Touchscreen controls

Accurate and quick working GPS
Large screen with clear readability
Downscan and CHIRP technology

Tripleshot transducer
Easy to install
Sonar recording

Sonar autotuning
Easy to use
Fish ID feature added

CONS

Takes time to master all features
No maps

Pricey

Pricier than other Lowrance Hook models
No NMEA

No networking features
Cover and mounting kit not included

Cannot split view
Cannot record sonar readings

Why Trust FishingLab

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If you want to find one of the best fish finders that you will use, then you would be wise to consider buying a best Lowrance fish finder. These particular fish finders are some of the better options on the market, and they’re going to be a great choice for anybody who wants to purchase a fish finder.

On this particular post, you are going to find plenty of Lowrance fish finder reviews to help make sure that you get the best one. By following the product recommendations outlined below, you’ll have no problem seeing just how great the Lowrance fish finders are.

Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7

Best of the best

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

The HOOK Reveal 7 is a very dependable fish finder model that has good chart creating capabilities as well as sonar. It comes with a TripleShot transducer that uses three different types of sonar namely CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan. Using these three sonar types, you can just wait and rest easy, knowing that wherever the fish are, you’ll find them.

Another feather in the Reveal 7’s cap is the fact that all the results that come from these various sonars can be seen on just one screen. If we are talking about the display, it must be noted that this unit’s screen is 7 inches big with a great resolution that helps you see all the important information.

It also comes with a temperature sensor, maps, and charts. There are many great features included in the Reveal 7, and the beginner angler may be overwhelmed with mastering all of them. For the willing and experienced though, there are a ton of things that the Reveal 7 can do to make fishing enjoyable and easier.

Highlighted Features

7 inch screen with 800×480 resolution
TripleShot capability
Preloaded with C-Map Charts
View 3 applications simultaneously

Lowrance Elite FS 9

Best for the Price

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

The Elite FS 9 shines in many avenues. The Elite FS tools are a set of useful features that make any angler’s fishing experience easier and more comfortable. These tools include things like ActiveTarget, Live Sonar, Fish Reveal, and pre-loaded maps and charts just to name a few.

Use Active Imaging to map out the areas underwater, and review it with high clarity. At the same time, the ActiveTarget feature allows anglers to track the movements of fish in real time.

In truth, the Elite FS 9 is a pricier option in the fish finder market. However, with all the features that it offers and if budget willing, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Highlighted Features

9 inch screen with high res screen
Elite Fishing System
ActiveTarget, Live Sonar, and Active Imaging
Networking capabilities

Lowrance HOOK2 7

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

The HOOK2 7 is the model to consider out of the many HOOK models. Out of all the other models, the HOOK2 7 offers a general slew of improvements. These include things like a better display, a bigger screen, more color to see the finer details, and even improved sonar.

This unit has a screen with a 7-inch display. On the screen, 16 color palettes are available, allowing anglers to separate many things it finds underwater. Alone, the color palettes don’t contribute much, but combine it with the larger display and it makes the information easier to read.

The SplitShot transducer it comes with allows for downscan and CHIRP sonar usage. It allows for both narrow and wide scanning, making it possible to focus better on certain targets you have in your sights. Additionally, it has GPS and chart plotting capabilities standard to many fish finders.

Granted, the HOOK2 7’s price tag is a bit on the heavier side, but for all the value you get, it is a worthwhile investment.

Highlighted Features

7 inch screen with 800×480 resolution
High CHIRP and DownScan sonar
Internal GPS with 3,000 preloaded maps

Lowrance HOOK2 12

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

For those who are in the market for an affordable fish finder that has everything essential, the HOOK2 12 is a good option to consider. At its core, the HOOK2 12 does two things well: finding fish and plotting charts.

For sonar, it supports CHIRP, DownScan, and SideScan. This gives a pretty good scanning area, allowing you to find fish from many different angles. At the same time, the GPS and installed charts are great for plotting out points on the map and returning to areas of interest.

After that, there aren’t many other things that stand out for the unit. The fortunate thing is that if these features appeal to you – along with its affordable price – then you can save some money on a standard fish finder unit and use it to great success.

Summary

12 inch screen with 1280×800 resolution
DownScan, SideScan, and Wide-angle High CHIRP sonar
U.S. inland basemaps

Lowrance HOOK2 5X

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

Lowrance’s HOOK2 5X is one of the easiest fish finders to use. Everything about it – from its menus, key functions, and sonar – are built to be extremely easy to use for any and all anglers.

One of the best innovations of this fish finder is the autotuning sonar. This is one of the highlights of this unit, as anglers can just let the unit automatically tune its settings with the change of the various conditions. This can be used to great effect with the supported Wide Angle Imaging and SideScan sonars.

For GPS, it only has a basic GPS plotting system that people can use to mark certain areas with. It also has a feature for when people go overboard. This “Man Overboard” function is a great emergency function that plots the area where it happened on the map.

Highlighted Features

5 inch screen with 800×480 resolution
DownScan and High Wide-Angle CHIRP sonar
SplitShot Transducer

Lowrance HDS-9 Live

Bottom Line

“Cream of the crop” is a great way to describe Lowrance’s HDS Live series. If you are ready to upgrade your tools to some of the best in the market, then the HDS-9 Live is what you should be looking at. From processing power, sonar types, and even the analysis and representation of the area, the HDS-9 Live has stepped up its game and provides tremendous value to anglers.

PROS

CONS

Summary

The HDS-9 Live is a decisive step up in terms of fish finding technology from Lowrance. A decision to purchase this unit is a commitment towards high quality and premium fish finding tools.

The screen can play host to a maximum of six modules on the display at any given time. As an example, it is possible to view multiple types of sonar at the same time, giving a more informed and comprehensive view when you fish.

Couple this with the high-res screen resolution and you’ll see all the information in any weather conditions. The viewing of all sonar types such as CHIRP, DownSide, and SideScan are all possible due to the high processing power that this unit has.

Highlighted Features

9 inch screen with 1280×720 resolution
Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar
FishReveal feature

Lowrance HDS 9 GEN3 Insight Fishfinder

Bottom Line

As the saying goes, if you want the best, then you are going to have to pay for the best. While this product is by far one of the most expensive products that we have reviewed so far, it is also one of the best and packs in so many great features to help make your life on the water even easier.

PROS

CONS

Summary

Similar to some of the other products, it has an improved interface that was designed with the user in mind to help get you some of the best features that you can find. Also, it uses built-in CHIRP and Structure Scan Sonar to give you high-quality images of everything that lies beneath your boat when you are out on the water.

In order to try and replicate what you see underneath the water where the fish live and to better improve how you interact with the screen, Lowrance has made a better screen that gives you clearer definition of the sonar returns, dynamic dimensions and a strong, layered color screen that provides striking on-screen detail that you won’t find on any other fish finder in this post.

One of the last things to mention as well is just how easy this product is going to be to use. While you need to install it onto your boat and mount it, you’re going to find that it is incredibly easy to do and you will be able to hit the water in no time with your new finder attached.

Highlighted Features

Improved interface
Built-in CHIRP and Structure Scan Sonar
High quality, dynamic screen
Easy to use
Easy to install
Closest replication to what lies under the water

Lowrance FishHunter 3D

Bottom Line

In the realm of castable fish finders, the FishHunter 3D is the best of its kind in Lowrance’s arsenal. Taking it one step further, many reviewers have placed this castable fish finder on the top of the heap. The intuitive design, ease of use, connectivity, and various useful options are a great argument why it is one of the best in the market right now.

PROS

CONS

Summary

The FishHunter 3D is Lowrance’s entry into castable fish finders. And this fish finder is ranking quite high, if not at the top of many fish finders. The main reason is because of the high quality technology that Lowrance placed in this castable fish finder.

This unit is relatively simple to use and cast. In order to access the information, it must be connected to a smartphone or tablet via the FishHunter app. With the app, you can also record the fish you catch, create waypoints, and create custom maps just to name a few.

Several frequencies can be sent out using the tri-frequency capability. Then, all the information can be read on the phone. The interface is easy to understand and use. The intuitive nature of the interface allows users to extract the maximum amount of value from the FishHunter 3D.

Highlighted Features

Utilizes intuitive and useful app on smartphone and tablet
Can log catches and waypoints
Tri-frequency coverage
3D Fishing

Lowrance HOOK2 4X - 4-inch Fish Finder

Bottom Line

This fish finder is a great choice for the majority of people who might be looking to find a fish finder that can deliver them all of the necessary information they need on the water. The display on this finder is a four-inch grayscale LCD screen, and the unit as a whole operates at 300 watts and 83/200KHz.

PROS

CONS

Summary

With this fish finder, you’re going to enjoy a built-in GPS that can help you navigate your way around the water in case you find yourself fishing in an area that you might not be familiar with. Additionally, you’re going to get a chartplotter with a base map that will allow you to navigate and plot just about anywhere you plan on going with this fish finder. You’re going to get a transom mount transducer that operates at 83/200 kHz.

As the LCD screen was mentioned before, you’re going to like this screen because with it providing a grayscale display screen, you’re going to get the best viewing ability in any of the boating conditions that you might face. The ultra-accurate internal GPS antenna helps to ensure that you will never have to question the accuracy of the GPS reading and you’re also going to enjoy a one-year parts and labor warranty included with your purchase.

Highlighted Features

Four-inch grayscale LCD screen
300 watts
83/200 KHz
Internal GPS
Chartplotter with base map

Conclusion

If you are looking to find Lowrance fish finder reviews, then you have already made the first step to finding the best one to meet all of your needs. The products recommended above are all from the Lowrance company, and they are some of the best products that you are going to find. If you want a fish finder, I strongly recommend purchasing one of the products that were reviewed above. You will not be disappointed, and you’ll get a great product that you’ll love to use at all times.

We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

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

We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.