10 Best Fish Finders With Side Imaging in 2026 for Clearer Structure Scanning

A fish finder with side imaging can reveal structure, cover, drop-offs, and fish-holding areas beyond the boat’s path, making it easier to understand what is happening beneath the surface.

These 10 models range from straightforward Garmin units to advanced Humminbird and Lowrance systems with detailed mapping, touchscreen controls, MEGA imaging, or live sonar. The right choice depends on your display size, installation, fishing style, and budget.

Best 10 Fish Finder with Side Imaging Picks for 2026

Premium Mapping Pick – Humminbird XPLORE 9

The Humminbird XPLORE is a premium fish finder with side imaging for anglers who want detailed scanning, robust navigation, and a high-resolution control display. MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+ provide coverage out to 200 feet, while Dual Spectrum CHIRP adds traditional sonar detail.

Best For: Anglers who want advanced sonar, built-in mapping, and broad Minn Kota or Cannon integration.

Pros:

• MEGA Side Imaging+ provides a 200-foot range on each side.
• 9-inch, 1280 x 720 display combines touchscreen and keypad controls.
• Includes Humminbird Basemap plus LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map coverage.
• AutoChart Live records depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation.

Cons:

• Its advanced feature set may be more than casual anglers need.
• Built-in AutoChart Live recording is limited to eight hours without additional storage.

The XPLORE stands out when side-imaging detail and navigation features matter equally. Ethernet, Bluetooth, NMEA 2000 compatibility, and a three-year warranty further support a feature-rich setup.

Connected Scanning Value – Garmin Striker Plus 9SV

The Garmin Striker Plus 9SV is a straightforward fish finder with side imaging that combines CHIRP traditional sonar with ClearVü and SideVü scanning. Its bright 9-inch display, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi make it a practical choice for marking locations and sharing data without adding chartplotter complexity.

Best For: Anglers who want side-scanning sonar, GPS waypoint marking, and smartphone connectivity without mapping software.

Pros:

• Includes a transducer for traditional CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar.
• Built-in GPS supports waypoints, routes, and boat-speed viewing.
• Wi-Fi enables ActiveCaptain notifications, waypoint transfers, and software updates.
• Bright, sunlight-readable 9-inch display has an intuitive interface.

Cons:

• Does not accept mapping software or include loaded mapping.
• It functions as a fish finder rather than a combined chartplotter and fish finder.

This Garmin is a good fit for anglers who value simple operation and scanning sonar over charting. Its included transducer and GPS cover the core requirements for locating fish and marking productive spots.

Live Sonar Choice – Lowrance Eagle Eye 9

The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 adds live viewing to the fish finder with side imaging category, letting anglers watch fish movement and lure response through Live Forward and Live Down views. Its included transducer also provides CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, and FishReveal from a direct connection to the 9-inch IPS display.

Best For: Anglers who want real-time fish observation along with inland mapping and conventional imaging.

Pros:

• Live Forward and Live Down views show fish activity in real time.
• One transducer supports live sonar, CHIRP, DownScan, and FishReveal.
• FishReveal helps distinguish fish targets around structure.
• Includes C-MAP coverage for more than 17,000 U.S. lakes and Genesis Live mapping.

Cons:

• The included C-MAP coverage is focused on U.S. inland lakes.
• The product has a two-year warranty, shorter than some competing options listed here.

The Eagle Eye 9 is especially compelling when live sonar is a priority. Direct transducer connection keeps the system self-contained, while FishReveal and C-MAP charts add useful tools for finding fish and navigating inland water.

Chartplotter Upgrade – Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv is a chartplotter-focused fish finder with side imaging, pairing a sunlight-readable 9-inch touchscreen with the included GT56 transducer. It supports Garmin traditional sonar, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning, while built-in Navionics+ inland maps cover more than 18,000 lakes.

Best For: Boat owners who want side-scanning sonar, detailed inland charts, and wireless trolling-motor integration.

Pros:

• GT56 transducer supports traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar.
• Built-in Navionics+ maps include more than 18,000 lakes with contours up to 1 foot.
• Bright touchscreen offers improved detail, clarity, and viewing angle.
• Wi-Fi connects with another ECHOMAP UHD2 and compatible Force trolling motors.

Cons:

• At 8.1 pounds, it is heavier than several other listed units.
• The supplied warranty is one year limited.

This ECHOMAP is a strong choice when navigation is as important as sonar. Its preloaded inland charts, SideVü capability, touchscreen interface, and Force trolling-motor connectivity make it well suited to a connected boat setup.

Best Overall View – Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot HD

The Lowrance Eagle 9 is a strong choice for anglers who want a fish finder with side imaging and plenty of screen space. Its 9-inch IPS display shows SideScan, DownScan, CHIRP sonar, structure, and chart details, while FishReveal helps distinguish fish near cover.

Best For: Anglers who want a large display, broad scanning coverage, and included U.S. and Canada charts.

Pros:

• 9-inch IPS screen provides room for sonar and chart views.
• TripleShot HD combines SideScan, DownScan Imaging, and CHIRP sonar.
• Includes C-MAP DISCOVER charts for inland and coastal areas across the U.S. and Canada.
• Auto-Tuning Sonar simplifies setup and adjustments.

Cons:

• The larger display may require more mounting space than a compact unit.
• Its maximum listed measuring depth is 500 feet.

Choose this model if easy-to-read imaging and built-in chart coverage matter more than keeping the unit as small as possible. The included transducer and twist-lock connector also make it a practical installation package.

Best Connected Mapping – Garmin Striker 7SV

The Garmin Striker 7SV is a practical fish finder with side imaging for anglers who want GPS, scanning sonar, and mapping features in one 7-inch unit. Its included transducer supports CHIRP traditional, ClearVu, and SideVu scanning sonar, while built-in Wi-Fi adds access to the ActiveCaptain app.

Best For: Boat owners who want GPS waypoint management, custom mapping, and smartphone connectivity.

Pros:

• Includes CHIRP traditional, ClearVu, and SideVu scanning sonar.
• Built-in GPS supports waypoints, routes, and boat-speed viewing.
• Quickdraw Contours creates maps with 1-foot contours for up to 2 million acres.
• Wi-Fi enables ActiveCaptain notifications, updates, and waypoint transfers.

Cons:

• The 7-inch display is smaller than the Lowrance 9-inch option.
• The supplied specifications list a maximum measuring depth of 20 meters.

This Garmin is a good fit when navigation and connected features are central to your fishing setup. Its sunlight-readable display and intuitive interface should also help keep routine operation straightforward on the water.

Best Detailed Side Imaging – Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA

The Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 is designed for anglers prioritizing detailed scanning from a 7-inch GPS fish finder. Its MEGA Side and Down Imaging reaches 125 feet to either side and beneath the boat, while Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar offers wide and narrow search modes.

Best For: Anglers who want detailed side imaging, GPS navigation, and real-time contour mapping.

Pros:

• MEGA Side and Down Imaging provides up to three times more detail than standard imaging sonar.
• Scans 125 feet on either side and directly beneath the boat.
• Includes Humminbird Basemap coverage for more than 10,000 lakes and continental U.S. coastlines.
• AutoChart Live records depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation.

Cons:

• The listed imaging range is 125 feet in each direction.
• Additional premium chart options may require compatible LakeMaster, CoastMaster, or Navionics charts.

The HELIX 7 stands out when underwater detail and reliable keypad control are more important than wireless connectivity. Its included transducer, GPS features, and mapping tools make it a versatile choice for locating structure and documenting productive water.

Best Easy-to-Use Pick – Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv

If you want a straightforward fish finder with side imaging potential, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv offers a clear 7-inch display, vivid sonar color palettes, GPS, and built-in mapping. However, its included GT20-TM transducer supports CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar—not side imaging—so a compatible transducer is needed for that capability.

Best For: Anglers who prioritize simple operation, GPS waypoint marking, and vivid traditional and down-scanning sonar.

Pros:

• 7-inch color display with vivid scanning sonar palettes
• Includes Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
• Built-in GPS, Quickdraw Contours mapping, and Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

• Included GT20-TM transducer does not provide side imaging
• Requires a compatible transducer for side-scanning sonar

The Striker Vivid 7cv is a practical choice for buyers who value ease of use and navigation features. Confirm the transducer setup carefully if side imaging is essential to your purchase.

Best Dedicated Side-Imaging Pick – Humminbird HELIX 7 G4N

The Humminbird HELIX 7 G4N is a strong fish finder with side imaging for anglers who want detailed coverage around the boat. Its included MEGA Side Imaging technology scans up to 125 feet on either side, while MEGA Down Imaging, GPS, mapping, and networking add useful versatility.

Best For: Anglers who want detailed side and down imaging with built-in navigation and mapping features.

Pros:

• MEGA Side and Down Imaging scans up to 125 feet in each direction and beneath the boat
• Includes Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar with Wide and Narrow modes
• Built-in Basemap, AutoChart Live, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000 networking

Cons:

• AutoChart Live provides eight hours of built-in recording before expanded storage is needed
• Premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts are optional

With its included side-imaging transducer and broad connectivity, the HELIX 7 G4N is the most purpose-built option here for scanning structure beside the boat. Its 7-inch display balances detail with a manageable console footprint.

Best Garmin Side-Imaging Upgrade – Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv

The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv is a compact fish finder with side imaging designed for anglers who want Garmin’s simple interface alongside broader scanning capability. The included GT52HW-TM transducer supports CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonar, plus GPS and Quickdraw Contours mapping.

Best For: Garmin users who want side-scanning sonar, GPS waypoint tools, and a 7-inch display in one package.

Pros:

• Included GT52HW-TM transducer supports CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar
• 7-inch color display with vivid palettes for distinguishing fish and structure
• GPS, Quickdraw Contours, Wi-Fi, and ActiveCaptain connectivity

Cons:

• Heavier than the other Garmin unit listed at 5.4 pounds
• Its supplied notes describe dashboard or panel mounting rather than a surface-mount setup

The STRIKER Vivid 7sv stands out among the Garmin options because side imaging is supported by the included transducer. It is a sensible fit for buyers who want a straightforward Garmin system without adding a separate compatible transducer.

How We Picked the Best Fish Finder with Side Imaging

We compared these units by imaging capability, transducer support, display quality, GPS and chartplotting features, installation flexibility, controls, and overall usefulness for different types of anglers. We also considered whether each model is better suited to a small boat, kayak, freshwater rig, or a more advanced fishing setup.

Not every fish finder in this roundup offers the same type of scanning. Side imaging, down imaging, traditional CHIRP sonar, ClearVü, SideVü, MEGA Side Imaging, and live sonar serve different purposes, so verify the included transducer and exact package before buying.

Quick Comparison

• Best for premium imaging: Humminbird XPLORE and HELIX models with MEGA Side Imaging.
• Best for live-sonar capability: Lowrance Eagle Eye 9.
• Best for mapping and touchscreen control: Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv.
• Best for straightforward GPS sonar: Garmin STRIKER and STRIKER Vivid models.
• Best for flexible budgets: Lowrance Eagle models, available in multiple screen sizes and sonar configurations.

Key Buying Factors for a Fish Finder with Side Imaging

Transducer and Sonar Type

Side imaging depends heavily on the transducer, mounting position, water depth, boat speed, and settings. Confirm that side-scanning sonar is included rather than merely supported. Traditional CHIRP is useful for depth and fish arches, while down-scanning helps examine what is directly below the boat. Live sonar is a separate technology that shows changing activity in near real time.

Screen Size and Readability

A larger screen makes split views easier to read, especially when displaying a chart beside side imaging. Seven inches is a practical middle ground for many boats; nine inches or more is preferable for detailed mapping and multiple panels. Smaller displays save space and money but require more menu navigation and zooming.

GPS, Charts, and Networking

Built-in GPS helps mark productive spots, follow tracks, and return to launches. Chart support varies widely, so check whether regional charts are included, optional, or unavailable. If you plan to add trolling-motor control, radar, networking, or extra displays, verify compatibility before purchase.

Installation and Controls

Measure the mounting area and confirm the transom, trolling-motor, or through-hull installation requirements. Touchscreens are fast to operate but may be less convenient with wet hands; physical keys and knobs can be preferable in rough conditions.

Who Should Buy Which Fish Finder with Side Imaging?

Choose a Humminbird HELIX or XPLORE model if detailed MEGA Side Imaging and structure hunting are your priorities. Pick the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 if chartplotting and a touchscreen matter as much as sonar. The Lowrance Eagle Eye is the better fit for anglers specifically interested in live-sonar capability. Garmin STRIKER units suit buyers who want simple GPS and sonar operation, while Lowrance Eagle and smaller Garmin models are sensible choices for compact boats, kayaks, or tighter budgets.