Choosing the right marine multifunction display can make navigation easier, fishing more productive, and your helm far more intuitive.
Below, we focus on the key differences that matter most so you can pick a display that fits your boat, your budget, and the way you actually use the water.
Best 10 Marine Multifunction Displays Picks for 2026
Compact Data Display
Raymarine i70s Instrument Display
- 1-inch compact marine display
- SeaTalkng and NMEA2000 support
- GPS-ready LCD instrument readout
Best For: Compact boat data monitoring and networked instrument integration
All-in-One Fishing Display
Simrad GO7 MFD with Transducer
- 7-inch chartplotter and fish finder
- Includes C-MAP Discover card and transducer
- Radar-ready with Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000
Best For: Smaller boats that want navigation, sonar, and expansion in one screen
Large Sonar-Ready Screen
Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV Display
- 12-inch touchscreen with 1920 x 720 resolution
- RealVision 3D sonar and HydroTough tech
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and LightHouse OS
Best For: Boaters needing a large helm display with sonar and network connectivity
Mid-Size Fishing MFD
Simrad GO9 MFD with HDI Transducer
- 9-inch touchscreen with waterproof design
- Includes HDI transducer and C-MAP Discover
- GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000
Best For: Boats that need a larger all-in-one chartplotter and fish finder
Compact Chartplotter Pick
Raymarine Axiom+ 7 with LightHouse North America Chart
- 7-inch IPS touchscreen with wider viewing angles
- Quad-core processor and onboard storage for apps
- Includes LightHouse charts for US and Canada
Best For: compact helm setups that need included charts and responsive touch control
Basic Instrument Display
Simrad IS35 Digital Instrument Display
- Multifunction instrument-focused display
- Lightweight glass construction
- Designed for gauge-style installs
Best For: simple instrument readout use instead of chartplotter-style navigation
Large Screen Navigation Pick
Raymarine Axiom+ 12 with LightHouse North America Chart
- 12-inch touchscreen for charts and helm data
- Quad-core processor with onboard storage
- Includes LightHouse charts for US and Canada
Best For: larger helms where screen size and chart visibility matter most
Premium 12-inch RealVision Combo
- 12-inch IPS display with wide viewing angles
- Integrated RealVision 3D sonar plus CHIRP
- Includes RV-100 transducer and LightHouse Charts
Best For: Boaters wanting a fully equipped 12-inch combo display
Compact Navigation Display
- 9-inch IPS touchscreen with wide viewing angles
- Quad-core processor with onboard storage
- Built-in 10 Hz GPS/GNSS and North America charts
Best For: Navigation-focused boaters wanting a compact display
Large Sonar-Ready Chartplotter
Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV No Transducer
- 12-inch IPS display with sharp contrast
- Built-in RealVision 3D sonar with CHIRP
- No transducer included for a custom setup
Best For: Boaters who already have or will buy their own transducer
Compact Data Display – Raymarine i70s Instrument Display
If you want a compact option in marine multifunction displays, the Raymarine i70s is built for boaters who need core navigation data in a small, button-controlled package. It supports SeaTalkng and NMEA2000 connectivity, uses a capacitive touchscreen, and is designed for boat use with GPS support and an LCD readout.
Best For: Boat owners who want a compact secondary display for core marine data and GPS integration.
Pros:
- Small 1-inch display footprint for tight helm spaces
- Supports SeaTalkng and NMEA2000 for system integration
- Capacitive touchscreen plus button input for flexible control
- GPS support and LCD display for marine data viewing
Cons:
- Screen size is very small compared with full-size chartplotters
- Listed details do not include built-in charts or sonar features
The i70s makes sense if you need a simple, networked instrument display rather than a full-featured chartplotter. Its value is in clean boat-data access and compatibility with common marine networking standards.
All-in-One Fishing Display – Simrad GO7 MFD with Transducer
This Simrad GO7 is a strong pick in marine multifunction displays if you want chartplotting, sonar, and radar-ready expansion in one 7-inch unit. It comes with a preloaded C-MAP Discover card, includes an Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, and offers built-in Wi-Fi for mirroring to a smartphone or tablet.
Best For: Sportboats, center-consoles, and smaller cruisers that need an all-in-one fishing and navigation screen.
Pros:
- Includes C-MAP Discover chart card with vector charts and bathymetric contours
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer adds CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan imaging
- Radar-ready with NMEA 2000 integration and Wi-Fi connectivity
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1280 x 800 resolution
Cons:
- Smaller 7-inch display may feel limited for larger helm setups
- Listed as smartphone mirroring capable, but not a full mobile replacement
For anglers and smaller-boat owners, the GO7 offers a well-rounded mix of navigation and fish-finding tools. The included transducer and chart card make it especially practical right out of the box.
Large Sonar-Ready Screen – Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV Display
The Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV stands out among marine multifunction displays for users who want a large 12-inch touchscreen with RealVision 3D sonar and all-weather HydroTough technology. It runs LightHouse OS, supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and is designed for boat-oriented navigation with a Nautical map type.
Best For: Boaters who want a large touchscreen display with 3D sonar capability and modern network connectivity.
Pros:
- Large 12-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1920 x 720 resolution
- RealVision 3D sonar and all-weather HydroTough technology
- LightHouse OS plus Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports smartphone and tablet connectivity for onboard integration
Cons:
- Does not include charts in the supplied details
- Higher physical size and weight may require more helm space
This is a good fit if you want a larger, more premium display for navigation and sonar-focused use. The combination of screen size, 3D sonar, and network features makes it a capable helm centerpiece.
Mid-Size Fishing MFD – Simrad GO9 MFD with HDI Transducer
If you want a mid-size option in marine multifunction displays, the Simrad GO9 combines GPS navigation, sonar support, and radar-ready expansion in a 9-inch touchscreen package. It includes a C-MAP Discover card, an 83/200 kHz HDI transducer, and built-in Wi-Fi plus NMEA 2000 support for broader system integration.
Best For: Fishing boats and small cruisers that want a larger screen with sonar and chartplotting included.
Pros:
- 9-inch capacitive touchscreen with waterproof design
- Includes C-MAP Discover chart card and HDI transducer
- Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000 support
- Radar-ready with mirroring to a smartphone or tablet
Cons:
- Listed operating system is Windows, which may not match every buyer’s expectations
- Map coverage is limited to North America in the supplied details
The GO9 is a practical step up if you want more screen space than a 7-inch model without moving into a much larger helm footprint. With the included transducer and chart card, it covers the basics well for fishing and coastal navigation.
Compact Chartplotter Pick – Raymarine Axiom+ 7 with LightHouse North America Chart
If you want marine multifunction displays that stay readable and responsive on a smaller helm, the Raymarine Axiom+ 7 is built around speed, touch control, and clear chart viewing. Its quad-core processor, IPS screen, and included LightHouse North America charts make it a practical fit for coastal and inland cruising in the US and Canada.
Best For: Boat owners who want a compact 7-inch touchscreen with included North America charts and fast performance.
Pros:
- Quad-core processor with increased onboard storage for apps and personal data
- IPS display offers wider viewing angles and sharper contrast at twice the resolution of traditional displays
- Nano-coated, impact-resistant glass helps repel water, oil, and smudges
- Internal 10 Hz GPS/GNSS receiver supports accurate positioning
Cons:
- 7-inch screen may feel small on larger helms
- Details provided do not list Bluetooth support
Overall, this Axiom+ 7 is a strong pick if you want a compact chart-focused display with modern touch performance and the included chart coverage to get started quickly.
Basic Instrument Display – Simrad IS35 Digital Instrument Display
Among marine multifunction displays, the Simrad IS35 Digital Gauge is the straightforward option when you need a dedicated instrument readout rather than a full chartplotter. The supplied details point to a compact glass-bodied display built around multifunction instrument use on a boat.
Best For: Boat owners looking for a simple multifunction instrument display rather than a full navigation screen.
Pros:
- Instrument function is listed as multifunction
- Lightweight at 1.4 pounds
- Glass construction
- Compact enough for dedicated gauge-style installs
Cons:
- No screen size, chart, or touchscreen details provided
- Limited product information makes feature comparison difficult
This Simrad unit makes sense if your priority is a clean instrument display role instead of a feature-heavy helm centerpiece. It is best viewed as a purpose-built gauge rather than a broad-function navigation solution.
Large Screen Navigation Pick – Raymarine Axiom+ 12 with LightHouse North America Chart
If you want marine multifunction displays with a larger screen for easier viewing at the helm, the Raymarine Axiom+ 12 offers a 12-inch touchscreen, fast processing, and included LightHouse North America charts. It is aimed at boat owners who want a more expansive display for coastal and inland navigation in the US and Canada.
Best For: Boaters who want a large 12-inch touchscreen display with included North America charts.
Pros:
- 12-inch screen gives more room for charts and data
- Quad-core processor and increased onboard storage support apps and personal data
- IPS display technology delivers wide viewing angles and sharp contrast
- Nano-coated, impact-resistant glass helps resist water, oil, and smudges
Cons:
- Larger footprint and 14.2-pound weight may be more demanding to mount
- Details provided do not list Ethernet connectivity
As a helm display, the Axiom+ 12 stands out for its size and responsive touchscreen setup. It is the strongest fit here if you value easier viewing and a larger interface over compactness.
Premium 12-inch RealVision Combo – Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV
For buyers comparing marine multifunction displays, the Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV is aimed at boats that need a large, bright control center with built-in sonar and charting. Its quad-core processor, RealVision 3D sonar, and IPS screen make it a strong fit when you want one unit to handle navigation, fishfinding, and easy viewing from different angles.
Best For: Boaters who want a 12-inch all-in-one display with integrated RealVision 3D sonar and a transducer included.
Pros:
- 12-inch IPS display offers wider viewing angles and sharp contrast.
- Integrated RealVision 3D sonar includes Down, Side, 3D, and High Frequency CHIRP.
- Comes with the RV-100 transom mount transducer for a more complete install.
- Includes LightHouse Charts for coastal and inland waters in the US and Canada.
Cons:
- Large 12-inch format may be more display than smaller boats need.
- Transducer setup is included, so it may be less appealing if you already have compatible hardware.
This model is the most complete of the three if you want a ready-to-run package with sonar hardware and charts bundled in. It stands out for buyers who value integrated features over keeping the system minimal.
Compact Navigation Display – Raymarine Axiom+ 9
The Raymarine Axiom+ 9 is a practical choice in marine multifunction displays when you want a smaller, easier-to-place screen without giving up core navigation features. It pairs a quad-core processor, IPS display, and built-in GPS/GNSS receiver with LightHouse North America chart coverage for coastal and inland use.
Best For: Boaters who want a 9-inch touchscreen display with built-in charting and strong everyday navigation features.
Pros:
- 9-inch IPS display provides wider viewing angles and better contrast.
- Quad-core processor and onboard storage support apps and personal data.
- Nano-coated, impact-resistant glass helps repel water, oil, and smudges.
- Built-in 10 Hz GPS/GNSS receiver supports accurate positioning.
Cons:
- No sonar or transducer is included in the supplied features.
- Smaller screen may be less ideal for users who prefer a larger split-view layout.
This is the most streamlined option in the group for navigation-first buyers. It makes sense if you want a responsive display and charting without the added complexity of an integrated sonar package.
Large Sonar-Ready Chartplotter – Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV No Transducer
Among marine multifunction displays, the Raymarine Axiom+ 12 RV no-transducer version is for buyers who want the same large-screen platform and RealVision 3D capability, but already have compatible sonar hardware or plan to source it separately. It keeps the quad-core processing, IPS screen, and chart support while omitting the transducer from the box.
Best For: Boaters who want a 12-inch RealVision-ready display and do not need the bundled transducer.
Pros:
- 12-inch IPS display offers strong contrast and wider viewing angles.
- Built-in RealVision 3D sonar supports Down, Side, 3D, and High Frequency CHIRP.
- Nano-coated, impact-resistant glass helps resist water, oil, and smudges.
- Includes LightHouse Charts for coastal and inland waters in the US and Canada.
Cons:
- No transducer is included, so setup may require an additional purchase.
- Large-screen format may be more than some smaller boats need.
This version is a good match if you want the bigger display and sonar-ready platform without paying for included hardware you may not use. It is best suited to boaters planning a more customized install.
How We Picked the Best Marine Multifunction Displays
We focused on display size, charting support, sonar compatibility, expansion options, and ease of use. For Marine Multifunction Displays, the best models balance screen visibility with practical features you will actually use at the helm.
We also looked at whether each unit is better suited to coastal cruising, offshore navigation, or serious fishing. Some are simple chartplotters, while others add advanced sonar, radar readiness, and networked instrument integration.
Quick Comparison
Smaller 7-inch units are often better for compact helms and straightforward navigation. 9-inch models offer a stronger middle ground for most recreational boats. 12-inch displays give you the most room for split-screen chart, sonar, and radar views, which is ideal if you want a full-featured command center.
Units that include transducers or preloaded charts can be a better value if you want a ready-to-go setup, while no-chart or no-transducer packages are useful if you already have compatible gear.
Key Buying Factors for Marine Multifunction Displays
Screen Size and Mounting Space
Bigger is not always better if your helm is tight, but larger screens are much easier to read in rough water and bright sun. Measure your dash before choosing.
Charting and Navigation
Make sure the display supports the chart format you prefer and that the map coverage matches where you boat. Preloaded charts can save setup time.
Sonar and Transducer Support
If fishing is a priority, check whether the unit supports CHIRP, down imaging, or 3D sonar, and whether a compatible transducer is included.
Networking and Expandability
Consider radar, AIS, autopilot, and instrument integration if you want the display to grow with your system. Many Marine Multifunction Displays are most valuable when they can connect across the helm.
Power, Brightness, and Interface
Choose a display that is bright enough for daylight viewing and simple enough to operate with wet hands, gloves, or rough seas.
Who Should Buy Which Marine Multifunction Displays?
Choose a compact display if you need basic charting or instrument data on a smaller boat. Go with a 9-inch model if you want the best balance of usability and price. Pick a 12-inch unit if you want the clearest split-screen view and plan to add sonar or radar.
For anglers, a bundled sonar package is often the smartest value. For cruisers and offshore boaters, prioritize chart quality, networking, and a screen size that stays readable in all conditions.








