Top 10 Best Fish Finder Under 400 Alternatives Reviewed
Are you looking for a good fish finder that will not overstretch your budgetary limits? If yes, then it’s important to familiarize with some low-priced alternatives. Remember, sometimes all it takes is a bit of comparison in order to make an informed choice. We have compiled an objective list featuring the best fish finder under 400. Hopefully, this run-down will expose you to some exciting ideas that you can adopt going forward
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Fish Finder Under 400 In The Market – Comparison Chart
|
Rankings |
Fish Finder |
Item Dimensions |
GPS |
Editor’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1 |
Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 Fish finder |
1.1 x 7.5 x 4.3 inches |
Yes |
|
|
#2 |
Raymarine Dragonfly-5 Pro Sonar/GPS with US C-Map Essentials |
13.8 x 13.8 x 13.8 inches |
Yes |
|
|
#3 |
Lowrance 000-11657-001 Elite-5X CHIRP with 83/200+455/800 Transducer |
10 x 8 x 8 inches |
Yes |
|
|
#4 |
Lowrance Hook-7X Sonar Mid/High/Downscan Fishfinder |
10.9 x 8.1 x 9.2 inches |
No |
|
|
#5 |
Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ – GPS Portable Wireless Wi-Fi Fish Finder for Shore and Ice Fishing |
2.6 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches |
Wireless |
|
|
#6 |
Humminbird 4087001 PiranhaMAX 195C Color Dual Beam Fishfinder |
11.3 x 16 x 6.3 inches |
Yes |
|
|
#7 |
Humminbird 409710-1 HELIX 5 PT Portable Fish Finder |
8.5 x 6 x 4 inches |
Yes |
|
|
#8 |
Raymarine Dragonfly 6 Navionics+ Fish Finder with CPT-60 Transducer |
11 x 11 x 6 inches |
Wireless |
|
|
#9 |
4.3 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches |
No |
||
|
#10 |
Garmin Striker 7DV |
9.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches |
Yes |
1. Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 (410210-1) Fish Finder
Looking to enhance your fishing experience? Featuring an onboard GPS Chart plotting, this unit got your covered. It uses Chirp Dual Beam and Sonar for incredible imaging and more coverage area.Above all, its 5” screen offers a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V with 256 color and display. This ensures excellent brightness. With 4000 watts PTP power output, it provides high definition details
Pros
- check Boasts a maximum depth of 1500 feet
- check Micro SD card slot included for extra storage
- check Has an intuitive Reflex interface
- check Comes with a transducer with up-to 83kHz frequencies
- check Built-in cartography
Cons
- check Its accuracy in determining the depth is not good though it is decent
2. Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro Navionics+ Fish Finder
With built in Wi-Fi, you can connect and share your day’s activities with friends on social networks. It combines GPS navigation for precision with dual channel sonar. To get photo-like images, you use the DownVision channel. The conventional Chirp sonar channel comes handy to help you target fish. In addition, the unit easily changes underwater view via the wide-spectrum Chirp technology. This is to help you maximize your time fishing.
Pros
- check Offers various mounting options and wide-viewing angles
- check LED backlit display with high definition
- check Huge internal storage for up-to 3000 waypoints
- check It can be used even under harsh conditions
Cons
You may also like to check out another article of ours, that we’ve already reviewed the Best fish finder under $100, Best fish finder under $200, Best fishing knife and Best Fishing Kayak Under $700.
3. Lowrance Elite-5X Chirp (000-11657-001) Fish Finder
Combining multiple Chirp sonar ranges with Down Scan imaging, this unit offers value for money. It boasts Advanced Signal Processing that allows you to see fish clearly. No need to adjust the settings manually. Equally important is its all-new case/mounting design. You can therefore enjoy one-hand tilt view adjustment, re-install and even removal. Its 5” display with high resolution and multi-window display allow for 3 panel viewing.
Pros
- check Easy to install
- check Includes a transom mount transducer
- check 1-Year warranty on parts and labor
- check Marks fish clearly even at maximum boat speeds
Cons
- check No GPS hence it is not possible to calculate surface speed
4. Lowrance Hook-7X Sonar Fish Finder
The most notable thing about this fish finder is its 7-inch widescreen display. This allows you to see everything clearly. Powered by Chirp sonar together with DownScan imaging, the unit offers great and clear view beneath the boat. Its TrackBack enables you to review any recorded sonar history. This allows you to eventually pinpoint locations with a way-point. Equally important is its Advanced Signal Processing system. The system reduces any need to adjust settings manually just to view fish and bottom detail clearly. It’s no wonder this unit is often ranked as the best fish finder under 400.
Pros
- check Includes a mid/high Chirp transducer
- check Boasts great target separation
- check Installation is a breeze
- check Offers superior noise rejection
Cons
- check No GPS hence navigation is not very precise
5. Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ Fishfinder
Thanks to smart technology, you don’t have to break the bank to find a high-end device. The Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ is a classical example of how marine technology works. You simply cast the ball into the water and simply track everything from your device’s screen. No cables are involved, you only need to activate WiFi connectivity. Best of all, you don’t need cellular network for this to work. Indeed, Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+ is the only portable Sonar on the market with GPS capability. The PRO+ has an incredibly powerful castable sonar which scans deeper and casts much further. This generates both narrow and wide beam. There is also a 0.5 inch target separation and adjustable sensitivity. That’s of course in addition to USB charging ability and 5.5 hour continuous battery life on full charge.
Pros
- check Can be operated both in fresh and salty water
- check Can be used on wider iPad screens
- check Can be used on wider iPad screens
- check Advanced waterproof features
- check Seamless streaming of information
- check Easy to set up
- check It can be use as a ice fishing sonar
Cons
- check App requires to be updated frequently
6. Humminbird 4087001 PiranhaMAX 195C Color Dual Beam Fishfinder
If you’re shopping for a newbie’s fish finder, PiranhaMax 195c can be a good starting point. Frequently ranked as the best fish finder under 400, this unit combines robust features. Its transducer beam is pretty powerful. You can easily distinguish between different underwater creatures. In fact, it allows you to distinguish anything that’s just under 2.5 inches apart.The petite fish finder is armed with 200W worth of power. This is what you need to view as deep as 200 feet below. A neat bundle that’s guaranteed to fit in any boat, Piranha displays its readings exceptionally. The screen at 3.5 inch is supplied at 320 by 240 resolution.
Pros
- check Has TFT display which highlights everything you need
- check Screen can be read even in direct sunlight
- check Has a powerful transducer
Cons
- check Difficult to understand how to operate
7. Humminbird 409710-1 HELIX 5 PT Portable Fishfinder
This dual beam fish finder allows you to explore deeper and further. One of its features that really stand out is the XNT 9 20 T transducer with 83 and 200 kHz frequencies. That’s exactly the kind of frequency needed to view up to 60 degrees of conical coverage. What’s more, this unit comes with a shuttle and case from Humminbird. That’s pretty much everything you’ll need to kickstart your angling career.
Pros
- check Relatively wide 5-inch WVGA screen display
- check Effective in both shallow and deep waters
- check Displays water temperature as well
Cons
- check Has a very basic map
8. Raymarine Dragonfly 6 Navionics Fish Finder with Transducer
Compared to other fish finders that come with 3 inch screens, the Dragonfly 6 is a true hero. It offers a whopping 5.7 inch worth of display. And that’s not all, it has a built-in 10Hz internal GPS. This is highly sensitive and accurate. Besides, the fish finder is capable of scouting to depths of 600 feet. You can therefore use it in ocean or deep lakes. Best of all, it comes with CHIRP sonar technology which is clear and easy to interpret.
Pros
- check IPX7 and IPX6 waterproof-rated
- check LED backlit screen for easy viewing
- check Powerful CPT-60 transducer
- check Has MicroSD card slot
Cons
- check The screen is hard to navigate especially when one is on the move
9. Lowrance Mark 4 Combo Fishfinder and Chartplotter
Talking about best fish finder under 400, the Lowrance Mark 4 to comes to the fore. It has a 3.5 inch LED screen which is backlit. But this is no ordinary display. It actually features a trackback system. This helps you examine detailed history so you can identify specific underwater structures. The finder uses a dual 83kHz and 200kHz frequency allowing you to scout as deep as 1,000 feet below.The value-minded unit boasts a full GPS system, which helps you to navigate like a boss.
Pros
- check Perfect for detailed analysis
- check Automatic adjusts settings for better clarity
- check Provides optional chart upgrades
- check Accurate, built-in GPS antenna
Cons
- check No clear instruction on how to turn the GPS on or off
10. Garmin Striker 7DV
No doubt, Garmin Striker 7DV is a top contender in the under 400 category. Everything from its design, GPS, map, sonar and flasher looks pretty high-end. The striker 7 comes with a Garmin CHIRP transducer. This operates at between 77kHz and 200kHz providing clear visibility on every occasion. What’s more? There is room for upgrading to high-performance CHIRP technology for crystal clear images. Its incredibly sensitive GPS enables you to track locations fast and easily. And thanks to Waypoint Mapping, you can now view and mark locations with ease.
Pros
- check Comes with portable kit
- check Comes with built-in flasher
- check ClearVU scanning sonar for photographic imagery
Cons
- check Its Waypoint map is difficult to use, requires re-looking
Buying Guide- Which is Best Fish Finder Under 400 for you?
With so many fish finders on the market, finding the right one is not easy. Different anglers have different needs and fishing styles. So what may seem to be the best fish finder for you may not be a good option for another angler. So to help you make the best choice, here are some factors to consider:
Display Screen
The screen could either be colored, white black. Colored displays are however, the most preferred options because they are very clear. The size of the display screen also matters. You should go for a fish finder with a large display to allow you to view images with crystal clear clarity. Generally, fish finders with 5 inches and above display screen are the best.
Frequency
Frequencies usually range from 50, 83, 192 to 200 kHz. Transducers with higher frequency are much better in terms of performance. Higher frequencies provide more details on the screen. For shallow waters, high frequency of up to 200kHz is more than enough. But for deep waters, low frequencies of about 50kHz is adequate.
GPS
A GPS is meant to provide easy navigation through the waters. Whilst some fish finders come with built in GPS, others don’t. This feature comes handy especially if you’ll be fishing throughout different locations. It makes it easy to find your way back home or the waypoints.
Transducer
A transducer sends and receives Sonar wave’s signals. The signal is what is then translated into a picture. The most important thing to consider when checking a transducer is the cone angle. To get the most out of a transducer, it is recommended to go with the dual beam type.
Final Words
All the fish finders we have reviewed above are top of the line devices. As such it is not easy to narrow this list of best fish finder under 400 down to just one. However, the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 (410210-1) seems to offer a good bargain. When its Chirp Dual Beam and high frequencies are weighed against its low-cost, it’s clear why it’s our top choice. Whilst it has its own drawbacks, the unit boasts an intuitive Reflex interface and onboard GPS.