What is the best fish finder under 200?

 

What is the best fish finder under 200?Choosing the best fish finder under 200 can be trying as in today’s modern world we are inundated with choice. Different manufacturers create tens of different models each having have different features. Some have more advanced technologies while others are basic models with limited functionality. If you wanted, you could spend hours trying to choose a suitable scanner.

We understand your dilemma and want to help. We know just the information to present to you. We know you want to spend as little time possible choosing a fish finder. Luckily, we can help! We have exceptional knowledge in this field. We know which features are desirable in a scanner and which models offer great value for money. In the paragraphs below, we will share our knowledge and help you choose the best fish finder under 200 so your trips can be more enjoyable!

 

How to buy a fishfinder?

How to buy a fishfinder?First, understand why a fishfinder is useful. This device helps you locate fish in the water. Instead of spending hours without a catch, you can use this device to get directly to your prey. Fish finders have complex sonar and scanning equipment allowing them to scan underneath your boat and present an image of what they find (i.e., fish). Moreover, they can help identify the bed of the water, or seabed and other useful info.

When choosing a scanner, be informed and think carefully about what you need. What environment do you usually fish in? Do you head out into open waters and the sea, or do you fish on lakes and shallower waters? How much info do you require? Do you simply want to know where the fish are? Or do you want to know more complex info? This should greatly alter which top-rated fishfinder you choose. In the sections below, we share our knowledge and will help you choose the best budget fishfinder and understand which features are important.

 

Choosing the best fishfinder under 200

So what to look for when choosing the best fishfinder? The main features to consider are the type, frequency, screen color, and cone angle. We describe these features in detail below:

Choosing the best fishfinder under 200

 

What is the best type of fishfinder?

There are three main categories of GPS devices – standalone, combination, and networked. Which equipment you choose depends on personal preference and how much information you want to display.

Standalones fish finder under 200

 

Standalones – Standalone devices are usually the most basic models. These scanners will simply show what is beneath you in the water. You will not benefit from a host of other complex stats and display figures. For basic trips, a standalone device will suffice. If for example you are sailing on a lake, you will have no need for complex displays and figures.  

 

Combination fish finder under 200

 

Combination – Combination fish finders are more complex. First, they offer a simple scanning function. Moreover, they usually offer GPS navigation and split screen functionality. Combination fish finders include other stats such as water temperature, water depth, size of fish, and traveling speed. If you want more detail, a combination scanner is a great choice. These models are usually more expensive than standalone models.

 

Networked fish finder Networked – If you are looking for the most complex and advanced GPS device, a networked finder is the way to go. Networked scanners can connect to supporting systems using GPS or WiFi. This allows you to access a much wider array of data. You can access information such as: GPS navigation charts, satellite radio, and even video. Some networked scanners can even be connected to your smartphone to control!

 

Frequency and Power of the fishfinder

Frequency and Power are two important factors of a GPS device. The frequency relates to the kHz of the fish scanner. The transducer will come in several frequencies such as 50kHZ, 93kHZ, 192kHZ or 200kHz. This directly correlates with the cone angle of your radar.

Frequency and Power of the fishfinderA scanner could have three frequency capabilities – single, dual, and multiple. Single frequency fish finders can only use one specific frequency. Dual frequency fish finders have two available – usually a high and low frequency to suit both shallow and deep water. Finally, we have multiple frequency fish finders.This device has multiple frequencies to use giving greater flexibility.

Consider the water you will generally be sailing in. Higher frequencies give more detail, but are suitable for shallow water. Alternatively, lower frequencies are preferable for deeper water. Power is also a key factor – the greater the wattage, the faster and more reactive the fish finder’s display is. The general consensus goes that 100W at 50kHz equates to a transducer reading of 400ft. Consider this formula when looking at power ratings.   

Color or black & white display of the fishfinder?

Color fish finder

In today’s world, fish finders usually have a color displays but there are models that still have a black and white display. In most cases, you will benefit from a color display. You can see details easier, and the screen will be more vivid and detailed. At night with limited visibility, a color screen is an asset while a black and white screen is limiting.

black & white fish finder Black and white displays are cheaper, but you can easily find a fishfinder under 200 with a color screen. We  advise purchasing a scanner with a color screen – it significantly enhances your experience.

When considering the display, look at the resolution. Different fish finders will have varying screen resolution qualities. A lower screen resolution with fewer pixels provides a poorer quality picture. As a minimum, aim for a screen resolution of at least 240px x 160px – anything less detailed the quality will be terrible. 240px x 160px still isn’t huge, if you can afford it – go bigger! A smaller screen size could be used for a backup fishfinder. If you want the best quality, your main device screenshould be a minimum of 800px x 600px.

Cone angle of fishfinder

Cone angle of fishfinderA fish finder uses a transducer with a cone vision to scan the water. Imagine a cone with the point attached to your device. The cone expands and gets wider as it pushes further out – this is how your scanner picks up a signal and relays a picture measured in degrees.

Transducer cone angles usually span from 9 through 60 degrees. The higher degree, the wider field of vision you will have. A wider field of vision can, however, degrade quality and signal strength can drop off. Consider the water you will typically fish in. A popular cone degree angle is considered to be between 16 and 20 degrees.

 

Portable vs Mountable

portable fish finderFish finders can either be portable or mounted. Each has its own benefits. The best fish finders with GPS will generally be mountable. They need to be mounted due to their larger size and complex operations. Consider the vessel you will generally use your equipment on. If you primarily use a boat, a mounted scanner GPS combo is desirable. If you own the boat, you can simply fix your scanner in place.

mountable fish finder Alternatively, if you are kayak fishing or using temporary water transport, a portable scanner is ideal. You can secure it in place while operating, and remove it when you have finished to put back in storage.

Top-10 best fishfinders under 200

Top-10 best fish finders

If you happen to be on a budget and cost conscious, or if you’re just starting out as a fisherman and looking to get your feet wet without spending too much money, you would ideally wish to find the best fish finder under 200. A fish finder is an extremely useful tool allowing you to find if there are any fish in the water, ultimately making those fish easier to catch.

Obviously, every fisherman could use a gadget like this. But how to find one with reliable and high-quality performance while keeping your expenses minimal?

Here, we have you covered, as we’ll be going through 10 of the best inexpensive fish finders on the market today so you can go easy on your wallet.

1. Eyoyo Portable 9 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder – Best Fishfinder Under 200

Eyoyo Portable 9 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder - Best Fishfinder Under 200Unlike most fishfinders which rely on sonar to generate images of where fish are, this unit from Eyoyo takes a much more direct approach. With it, you can simply take a camera underwater and film what’s going on which makes it ideal for ice fishing. This unit fits into a convenient case and its main features include:

  • Type: Portable (camera system).
  • Frequency: N/A.
  • Power: 4000 mAh rechargeable battery included.
  • Screen: 9 inches.
  • Cone Angle: N/A.

Pros:

  • larger screen than most cheap fish finders
  • designed to look like a fish so it can lure fish in closer
  • long-lasting battery
  • 8 GB TF card included to record video

Cons:

  • no sonar system included; this is only a camera
  • only works at depths up to about 99 ft.

Verdict: Since it’s only effective at up to 99 ft. deep, it’s certainly not the best depth finder under 200 you’ll come across for salt water, but for fresh water, it’s extremely useful and maybe even more reliable than sonar. If you only plan to fish at relatively shallow depths, we recommend it. Otherwise, a different unit would be better.

Check on Amazon

2. Lucky Fish Finder Portable 2 in 1 Wired & Wireless Fishing Sonar – Best Portable Fishfinder

Eyoyo Portable 9 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder - Best Fishfinder Under 200The Fish Finder Portable 2 in 1 Wired & Wireless Fishing Sonar from Lucky is a no-nonsense unit meant to do exactly what a fisherman most needs a fishfinder to do, and no more. It comes with GPS included while many fishfinders under 200 do not and also features a wireless mode and wired functionality (though the two modes result in different depth capabilities). it could easily be the best GPS fish finder for the money. Important features include:

  • Type: Portable.
  • Frequency: 125 kHz and 200 kHz.
  • Power: Comes with rechargeable 3.7 V battery.
  • Screen: 2.8 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 45° at 200 kHz and 90° at 125 kHz.

Pros:

  • easy-to-use
  • effective and accurate GPS capability
  • provides depth data on-screen

Cons:

  • screen only displays three colors: blue, orange, and gray

Verdict: Since a number of fish finders at this price range don’t include GPS, the fact  this unit does makes it especially attractive. We recommend it.

Check on Amazon

3. Humminbird 410190-1 Helix 5 Series Sonar G2 Fishfinder System – Best Humminbird Fishfinder Under 200

Humminbird 410190-1 Helix 5 Series Sonar G2 Fishfinder System - Best Humminbird Fishfinder Under 200This unit may well be the best Humminbird fishfinder available at our specified price range. As you can easily verify by the number of Humminbird fishfinder reviews, Humminbird is a company with a distinguished reputation for excellence. Even at the low priceof under $200, where it can be difficult to find a quality model, this unit comes with an excellent transducer, astonishing depth capability, and an ability to render sonar images with crystalline clarity. Its major features include:

  • Type: Mountable.
  • Frequency: 83 kHz and 200 kHz.
  • Power: 4000 watt PTP power output.
  • Screen: 5 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 60° for 83 kHz and 20° for 200 kHz.

Pros:

  • simple interface
  • fairly large screen
  • depth capability of up to 1,500 feet with its dual beam function
  • sharp and clear imaging

Cons:

  • no GPS
  • no down imaging or side view

Verdict: Although there’s no GPS capability with this model, it still has excellent capabilities when you consider its price. We unreservedly recommend it.

Check on Amazon

4. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5” GPS Fishfinder – Best Garmin Fishfinder Under 200

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5” GPS Fishfinder - Best Garmin Fishfinder Under 200Garmin’s Striker 4 Fishfinder is yet another in a long and distinguished series of excellent GPS products from Garmin. The unmistakable quality of the company’s products can be readily seen from a glance at any number of Garmin GPS fishfinder reviews. In addition to having an excellent transducer with CHIRP sonar, this unit’s other main features include:

  • Type: Mountable.
  • Frequency: 200 kHz and 77 kHz.
  • Power: Uses a 12 V battery. Charger included.
  • Screen: 3.5 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 15° at 200 kHz and 45° at 77 kHz.

Pros:

  • has built-in flasher
  • penetration depth up to 1,600 feet for freshwater and 750 feet for saltwater
  • simple interface
  • easy to install

Cons:

  • only capable of mid and high CHIRP
  • no latitude or longitude information

Verdict: As with all cheap fishfinders, it’s extremely small, but if portability is your priority, the easy-to-use interface and excellent transducer make this unit a bargain. We recommend it.

Check on Amazon

5. Garmin Striker Plus 4 Dual-Beam Transducer – Best Cheap Dual Beam Garmin Fishfinder

Garmin Striker Plus 4 Dual-Beam Transducer - Best Cheap Dual Beam Garmin FishfinderSo many have grown to expect excellent-quality products from Garmin, and this is for good reason. This latest iteration of the Garmin 4 Fishfinder is useful and effective under just about any fishing conditions. In addition to being portable and easy-to-use, it’s got an impressive depth capacity of up to 1,900 feet and even allows you to draw and save your own maps. This makes it perfect for deep-sea fishing or just about any other fishing circumstances. Major features include:

  • Type: Mountable.
  • Frequency: 200 kHz and 77 kHz.
  • Power: Uses a 12 V battery.
  • Screen: 4.3 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 15° at 200 kHz and 45° at 77 kHz.

Pros:

  • allows you to save up to 5,000 waypoints
  • depth capability of up to 1,900 ft.
  • GPS included
  • allows you to create and store your own maps

Cons:

  • no direct depth readings; readings only come through contours

Verdict: As expected, Garmin knocks it out of the park yet again with the Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder. This unit is small and inexpensive, but enormously versatile and capable. We recommend it.

Check on Amazon

6. Garmin Striker Plus 4Cv with Cv20-TM Transducer – Best Garmin 4 Fishfinder Under 200

Garmin Striker Plus 4Cv with Cv20-TM Transducer - Best Garmin 4 Fishfinder Under 200Garmin’s virtually unmatched reputation for producing excellent GPS devices of all kinds is proudly on display here. If you didn’t know that it was worth less than $200, you could easily think that it belonged on a list of the best fish finders of 2019. Virtually unique at this price level, it includes ClearVü on top of ordinary sonar and GPS. Significant features include:

  • Type: Portable.
  • Frequency: 77 and 200 kHz (CHIRP), as well as 455 and 800 kHz (ClearVü).
  • Power: Comes with 12 V battery. Charger included.
  • Screen: 4.3 inches (diagonal).
  • Cone Angle: 15° at 200 kHz and 45° at 77 kHz.

Pros:

  • comes with ClearVü in addition to ordinary CHIRP sonar
  • amazing depth capability of 2,300 feet
  • accurate and sensate GPS

Cons:

  • does not include pre-installed maps

Verdict: Given its extraordinary depth capability, this is easily the best fishfinder under 200 dollars. Sure, it doesn’t include pre-installed maps, but this feature is virtually impossible to find at this price level. We strongly recommend it.

Check on Amazon

7. Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI Fish Finder – Good Fishfinder For the Money

Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI Fish Finder - Good Fishfinder For the MoneyDespite how inexpensive it is, the 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI Fish Finder from Humminbird is one of the top rated fishfinders. Anyone who wants the maximum bang for their buck would be well-advised to give this unit a look, especially for its substantial array of ID and alarm features. Other important features include:

  • Type: Mountable.
  • Frequency: 16° and 28° (CHIRP), as well as 75° (Down Imaging).
  • Power: Works with 10.8-20 V DC battery.
  • Screen: 4.3 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 28° at 200 kHz, 16° at 455 kHz and 45° at 455 kHz (Down Imaging).

Pros:

  • includes Down Imaging sonar as well as CHIRP
  • Fish ID, Bottom View, Depth Alarm and Fish Alarm features included
  • 600 ft. depth capability

Cons:

  • no GPS capability
  • no maps included
  • not upgradeable

Verdict: Among all of the products we’ve reviewed, this is far and away the best Humminbird fishfinder. Its combination of affordability and high quality make it impossible for us not to recommend it.

Check on Amazon

8. Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder – Inexpensive Portable Fishfinder

Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder - Inexpensive Portable FishfinderIf you truly take seriously the idea of getting a fish finder under 200, look no further. This model from Venterior is designed for those who are cost-conscious and who just want to keep things simple. This is a simple device with a basic transducer that tells you how deep the water is and where the fish are – that’s it. Important features include:

  • Type: Portable.
  • Frequency: 125 kHz and 200 kHz.
  • Power: Uses 4 AAA batteries.
  • Screen: About 3 inches across.
  • Cone Angle: 15° at 200 kHz and 45° at 125 kHz.

Pros:

  • very inexpensive
  • pocket-sized
  • simple and directly does what a fish finder is supposed to do

Cons:

  • black-and-white screen
  • doesn’t save settings after being turned off
  • no temperature data
  • doesn’t show the size of fish

Verdict: If getting a fishfinder at the lowest price possible is your first priority, this unit is as good as it gets. With respect to its core features, it’s competitive with much more expensive units. Buy it if you want to save money above all.

Check on Amazon

9. Deeper PRO Smart Portable Sonar – Best Value Fishfinder

Deeper PRO Smart Portable Sonar - Best Value FishfinderFishermen looking to keep their expenses below $200 will be in for an interesting treat with this unit. This is a wireless fish finder that relays information through WiFi and you can attach right to the edge of your kayak or boat. Its features place it in the running for the best budget fishfinder. These include:

  • Type: Portable.
  • Frequency: 90 kHz and 290 kHz.
  • Power: Rechargeable battery that lasts for 5.5 hours of continuous use.
  • Screen: N/A.
  • Cone Angle: 15° (narrow beam at 290 kHz) and 55° (wide beam at 90 kHz).

Pros:

  • transfers data right to your smartphone with WiFi
  • takes 15 scans per second
  • transmits data from up to 330 ft. away

Cons:

  • on the expensive side

Verdict: If you plan to go fishing in a kayak, you simply can’t go wrong with this unit. For kayak fishing, this is perhaps the best fishfinder of 2019. We recommend it.

Check on Amazon

10. Docooler Portable 3.5″ LCD Fish Finder Outdoor – Top Rated Budget Fishfinder

Docooler Portable 3.5" LCD Fish Finder Outdoor - Top Rated Budget FishfinderDocooler has certainly produced a top fishfinder for those who are on a budget with this model. It boasts a clear and easy-to-understand screen and interface that displace distance and size information for all detected fish. It allows you to switch the display screen between English, Russian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Finnish, Polish, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Korean, Swedish, Greek, and Danish languages. Other outstanding features include:

  • Type: Mountable.
  • Frequency: 83 kHz and 200 kHz.
  • Power: 800 watts (max power output).
  • Screen: 3.5 inches.
  • Cone Angle: 60° for 83 kHz and 20° for 200 kHz.

Pros:

  • menu options in 15 different languages
  • auto-zoom button can give you finer and larger images
  • up to 984 ft. depth capability

Cons:

  • does not display boat speed information

Verdict: While it is arguable whether it is absolutely the best fishfinder at our price range, it is a fine model overall. It certainly deserves a look.

Check on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Finders

Since those who are in the market for highly inexpensive fish finders are more likely to be beginners when it comes to using them, we thought it would be wise to include answers to a few basic and frequently asked questions about fish finders along with our reviews. Our goal is to increase your knowledge and understanding of fishfinders, so you you’ll be informed while searching through the market. We hope to equip you with the knowledge you need to become a smarter shopper, and become more confident in your ability to select the  fish finder that best suits your needs.

What does a fish finder do?

What does a fish finder do?In simple terms, as their name suggests, fish finders are designed to help you find fish. They do this by emitting sound waves into the water from their transducers. When the waves come into contact with an object, like a fish, they are reflected back. From this information, the fish finder can determine the size, shape, and composition of an object. The best fishfinder is one that is able to present as accurate and reliable an image as possible.

Who makes the best depth finder?

At a price range of under $200, the available fish finders generally have limited depth capabilities. You’re not likely to find a model that offers a depth capability of more than about 300-400 feet at such a price range, although there are exceptions to this rule. One such exception is the Garmin Striker Plus 4Cv with Cv20-TM Transducer which has a depth capability of an astonishing 2,300 feet. This gives it one of the qualities of a top fishfinder without the associated price.

In general, Garmin is a company with a strong reputation for producing high-quality fish finders, their products come highly recommended for deep-water fishing.

What is the best fishfinder under 200?

With all we’ve discussed here, we hope to have set you well on the path to finding the best fish finder under 200. If you want crisp and clear video that shows exactly what’s going on beneath the water’s surface, the Eyoyo Portable 9 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder is an excellent product we could not recommend more highly.

However, that unit is unorthodox in that it is a camera system and does not offer traditional sonar. If you insist on a traditional sonar system, the amazing depth capability and wealth of excellent features possessed by the Garmin Striker Plus 4Cv with Cv20-TM Transducer make it the obvious choice.

With that said, there are still a host of other excellent models that we’ve reviewed for you today, including:

  • the Lucky Fish Finder Portable 2 in 1 Wired & Wireless Fishing Sonar
  • the Humminbird 410190-1 Helix 5 Series Sonar G2 Fishfinder System
  • the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5” GPS Fishfinder
  • the Garmin Striker Plus 4 Dual-Beam Transducer
  • the Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI Fish Finder
  • the Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
  • the Deeper PRO Smart Portable Sonar; and
  • the Docooler Portable 3.5″ LCD Fish Finder Outdoor

Each of these deserves the attention of every serious and cost-conscious fisherman, and we encourage you to give them all an attentive look.