Side imaging is the single feature that separates a serious fish finder from a basic depth sounder. It sweeps sonar beams out to the left and right of the hull instead of straight down, so you can scan 70 to 200 feet to each side of the boat and see weed edges, brush piles, drop-offs, rock and fish shadows laid out beside a black center bar that represents the water below you. That lets you cover a new lake at running speed instead of idling over every hump.
After comparing the four major brand families — Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance and Simrad — across screen size, transducer type, mapping, networking and owner feedback, these are our picks for the best fish finders with side imaging in 2026. Every unit below ships with a side-scan capable transducer, except where we call out a display that needs one added, and we have flagged the hidden costs that showroom listings tend to skip.
If you are still working out whether this is the technology you need, start with the buying guide further down, then jump to the pick that matches your boat. Readers on a tight budget or a small craft will get the most from the 5-to-7-inch class, while anyone running a console boat on a main lake or coast should read the 9-to-12-inch entries first.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Side Imaging Fish Finders for 2026
Three units earn the top slots below, and the reasoning is straightforward: image clarity on one end, feature depth on the other, and value in the middle.
Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv
- 7-inch sunlight-readable display
- SideVu and ClearVu scanning sonar
- CHIRP traditional
- Quickdraw Contours and Wi-Fi
- Transducer and mounts included
Lowrance Elite FS 10
- 10-inch multi-touchscreen
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer
- CHIRP SideScan and DownScan with FishReveal
- Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER charts
- Wireless NMEA 2000 and Ethernet
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI G4
- 7-inch color TFT display
- CHIRP Side Imaging and Down Imaging
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
- Internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap
- Keypad control that works in rain
Best Fish Finders with Side Imaging (October 2026)
Every unit in the list below, with the sonar technology and transducer that actually produce the side-scan image. Two entries are chartplotter displays that ship without side-scan hardware, and we note that in their sections.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv |
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Check Latest Price |
| Lowrance Elite FS 10 |
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| Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI G4 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv |
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 Lowrance HDS PRO 10 |
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 Simrad GO9 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Lowrance HOOK2-7 TripleShot |
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Check Latest Price |
 Humminbird XPLORE 10-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with LiveScope Plus |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Simrad NSS Evo3S 12-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv – Best All-Round Side Scan for Most Boats
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)
7 inch color TFT
SideVu and ClearVu scanning
CHIRP traditional
Quickdraw Contours mapping
1.7 lb
Pros
- SideVu ClearVu and CHIRP traditional sonar from one included transducer
- Very bright and readable in direct sunlight
- Quickdraw Contours stores 1-foot contours for up to 2 million acres
- Simple setup and an intuitive interface
- Reliable waypoint marking for structure
Cons
- No chartplotter
- so there is no onboard mapping
- SideVu detail depends heavily on correct transducer height and angle
- ActiveCaptain navigation is less convenient than a phone chart app in bright sun
The STRIKER Plus 7sv is the unit we keep coming back to, because the bundle is complete and the screen is brighter than the price class suggests. Owners consistently point out that the CV52HW-TM transducer in the box delivers CHIRP traditional, ClearVu and SideVu from a single mount, so there is no second purchase to make before you get a usable picture.
Quickdraw Contours is the underrated part. It records 1-foot contours for up to 2 million acres as you run, and paired with built-in Wi-Fi and the ActiveCaptain app you can pull those contours and your waypoints onto a phone at the ramp. Several buyers report that the down imaging resolves individual fish in a way their previous unit never did.
The interface is deliberately simple, which suits a first side-scan purchase. Mark a waypoint on a brush pile, run to the next one, and come back to it later. That is the whole workflow, and the STRIKER Plus makes it painless.
What you give up is mapping. There is no chartplotter here, only GPS waypoints, routes and boat speed, and one owner review reports side scan failing to return bottom detail after an installation that was likely out of level.
Who the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv suits
Single-bay anglers on a 16-to-20-foot boat who want side scan this season without researching transducers. The 1.7-pound unit and included transom and trolling motor mounts mean it can move between a console and a kayak in a bag.
It is also the safest first chartplotter-adjacent step for anyone who mostly fishes known water and marks structure with waypoints rather than reading contours off a chart.
Where it falls short
If your lake is unfamiliar, you are reading contours off a phone instead of the unit, and reviewers say the ActiveCaptain app is awkward in bright sun. SideVu also needs the transducer mounted at the right height and angle, so budget an afternoon for the install.
2. Lowrance Elite FS 10 – Most Versatile with Active Imaging 3-in-1
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts
10 inch touchscreen
Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer
CHIRP SideScan and DownScan
C-MAP charts
Pros
- One Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer covers CHIRP SideScan and DownScan
- Large 10-inch multi-touchscreen with quick touch interaction
- Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER inland coastal and Canadian charts
- Wireless NMEA 2000 and Ethernet for multi-display boats
- FishReveal separates fish from background clutter
Cons
- Live sonar needs a separate ActiveTarget 2 or 2 XL purchase
- Large touchscreen can feel slow for basic adjustments
The Elite FS 10 is the most complete package in this roundup for a boat that will grow. The included Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer fires CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan from one unit, and FishReveal processing cleans up the down image enough that individual fish separate from the background.
Reviewers treat this as one of the strongest-rated units here, with roughly four out of five buyers at five stars. The 10-inch multi-touchscreen shows plenty of side-scan history at once, and the preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER charts cover inland, coastal and Canadian water without a separate card purchase.
Connectivity is the quiet advantage. Ethernet, NMEA 2000 and wireless let you run a second display, a trolling motor interface and engine data from one backbone, which is exactly what the buying guide calls out as a hidden cost for most upgrades.
The catch is live sonar. ActiveTarget 2 or ActiveTarget 2 XL is sold separately, and if watching a lure is part of your plan, budget for that module and the extra mount before the head unit.
Who the Lowrance Elite FS 10 suits
Owners of a 20-foot-plus boat who plan a multi-display or networked setup. The chartplotter, three sonar types and NMEA backbone arrive together, and a 2-year warranty is longer than most rivals offer.
It also suits cold-water anglers who want the 10-inch view and the 1000-foot depth rating for deep structure work.
Where it falls short
The 3.7-pound head unit and 10-inch screen are too much for a small boat, and the multi-touch interface can feel slower for quick setting changes than a keyed unit. Forward-looking sonar remains an extra purchase.
3. Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 – Budget Pick 7-Inch Side Imaging Unit
Humminbird 411590-1 Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4
7 inch color TFT
CHIRP Side and Down Imaging
Dual Spectrum CHIRP
GPS and Basemap
AutoChart Live
Pros
- Keypad and softkey control stays usable with wet hands or in rain
- CHIRP Side Imaging filters noise and clutter from each side
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP offers wide coverage and narrow detail modes
- Internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap over 10000 lakes
- AutoChart Live with 8 hours of built-in recording time
Cons
- Keypad-driven menu system takes practice to learn
- Some box labels say SI only while the listing describes side and down imaging
The Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 is the 7-inch side-imaging workhorse, and the review pattern is consistent: roughly four out of five buyers rate it five stars, several of them switching over from a Garmin specifically for better detail and mapping.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP gives you a wide mode for covering ground fast and a narrow mode for picking apart the smallest detail, and CHIRP Side Imaging on top of it filters clutter from each side of the hull. The XNT 9 HW SI T transom-mount transducer is in the box with a gimbal bracket.
Mapping is where it beats the STRIKER Plus at similar screen size. Internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap covers more than 10,000 lakes plus US coastal water, and AutoChart Live records your own contours with eight hours of built-in storage, with optional LakeMaster, CoastMaster and Navionics cards supported.
The keypad is the reason many buyers pick this unit. Softkeys and buttons keep working when a touchscreen would not, which matters more than most spec sheets admit on a rainy bass boat at dawn.
Who the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 suits
Anglers fishing in rain, cold or spray who want a control scheme that never becomes frustrating. It is a common tournament-class size that fits a single console without crowding it.
It also suits anyone learning to build their own maps, since AutoChart Live is included rather than sold as an upgrade.
Where it falls short
The menu system takes real practice. New owners report spending weeks adjusting palette, sensitivity and scroll speed before the picture clicks, and box labelling on some units has caused confusion about whether down imaging is included.
4. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv – Best for Mapping and Trolling Motor Control
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56 Transducer, 9″ Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland
9 inch touchscreen
GT56-TM transducer with SideVu
Navionics+ inland maps
Wi-Fi sharing
Pros
- GT56 transducer covers traditional ClearVu and SideVu in one unit
- Bright 9-inch touchscreen with an improved viewing angle
- Built-in Navionics+ inland mapping with 1-foot contours
- Wi-Fi shares sonar and waypoints with a second ECHOMAP UHD2
- Wireless link to a Force trolling motor for route and battery data
Cons
- Heavier dashboard install at 8.1 lb
- Side scan needs the transom-mounted GT56-style transducer for full function
The 93sv is the pick for an angler whose main problem is navigation rather than raw sonar. Navionics+ inland maps ship preloaded with 1-foot contours on more than 18,000 lakes, so unlike the STRIKER Plus you are charting on the unit itself from day one.
Owners rate the 9-inch screen very highly, describing it as bright enough for direct sun with a viewing angle that works from a standing position. The GT56-TM transducer in the box covers traditional, ClearVu and SideVu scanning sonar together.
Wireless is the quiet win. It shares sonar, waypoints and routes with a second ECHOMAP UHD2, and it links to a Force trolling motor for route following, waypoint navigation, speed and battery monitoring without a separate control head.
Who the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv suits
Anglers breaking down unfamiliar water where reading contour lines quickly matters more than side-scan range. Preloaded premium charts mean no card purchase on day one.
It also suits anglers with a Force trolling motor who want speed, route and battery data on the sonar screen instead of a separate display.
Where it falls short
At 8.1 pounds this is a dashboard unit, not a portable one, and the install is bigger than a single-console setup. The transom-mounted GT56-style transducer is required to get full side-scan function, so budget for the right mount.
5. Lowrance HDS PRO 10 – Best for High-Definition Side Scan Images
Lowrance HDS PRO 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 & C-MAP
10 inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen
Active Imaging HD 3-in-1
HD CHIRP SideScan and DownScan
C-MAP charts
Pros
- Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 delivers high-definition CHIRP SideScan and DownScan
- SolarMAX HD screen stays visible at wide viewing angles and through polarized lenses
- Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER inland and coastal charts for the US and Canada
- Ethernet NMEA 2000 wireless and Bluetooth for system control
Cons
- Lowest average rating in this roundup with 12 percent one-star reviews
- Live sonar is sold separately as ActiveTarget 2 or 2 XL
- Heaviest Lowrance unit at 11.6 lb and needs a solid panel or bracket mount
On paper this is the most advanced side-scan hardware in the roundup. The Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 transducer sends high-definition CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan from one unit, and the SolarMAX HD display holds up at wide viewing angles and through polarized lenses, which matters if you wear glasses on the water.
Connectivity is full-fat: Ethernet, NMEA 2000, wireless and Bluetooth for displays, sonar, radar, trolling motors and boat systems. Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER charts cover US and Canadian inland and coastal water.
The catch shows up in the ratings. This is the lowest-rated unit in our list, with a fair share of one-star feedback, and the pattern in the reviews points at setup rather than hardware. Buyers who got it configured correctly tend to be happy; buyers who did not tend to blame the machine.
Live sonar is again a separate ActiveTarget purchase, and at 11.6 pounds the head unit needs a proper panel or bracket mount rather than a light-duty console bracket.
Who the Lowrance HDS PRO 10 suits
Anglers on a boat with a real electronics backbone who want the highest side-scan specification available and the headroom to add radar, sonar and trolling motor integration later.
It also suits anyone who reads charts in bright sun from an angle, since the SolarMAX HD panel is designed for that.
Where it falls short
Reviewers cite a genuine learning curve for newer anglers and a wider rating spread than the other Lowrance units. If you want a set-and-forget install, the Elite FS is the calmer choice.
6. Simrad GO9 – Best for Anglers Stepping Up From a Small Combo
Simrad GO9 XSE Chartplotter and Fishfinder with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer and C-MAP Discover Chart Card, 9 Inch Screen, Black, 000-16293-001
9 inch capacitive touchscreen
C-MAP Discover vector card
GPS Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000
3 lb unit
Pros
- Bright 9-inch touchscreen readable in direct sun
- Interface is easy to learn coming from a smaller GO unit
- Built-in Wi-Fi mirrors the display to a phone or tablet with chart and radar access
- C-MAP Discover card includes vector charts and depth shading and tides
- Simrad and Navico support resolves setup and chart card issues quickly
Cons
- The bundled 83/200 kHz HDI transducer gives CHIRP and DownScan only
- so side imaging needs the Active Imaging 3-in-1 variant
- Transducer cable can be too short on larger boats without an extension
- Sun cover is difficult to remove and refit
- Some owners report GPS or waypoint storage problems within months
The GO9 is the smoothest upgrade path for someone moving off a 5-inch combo. Owners describe the interface as intuitive and easy to pick up, and the 3-pound unit is light enough that the install is not a console project.
Charts are the reason to look here. The included C-MAP Discover card carries vector charts, custom depth shading, tides and currents and high-resolution bathymetric contours across the US and Canada, and built-in Wi-Fi mirrors everything to a phone or tablet.
One detail decides this pick for you. The transducer bundled in this configuration is 83/200 kHz HDI, which delivers clear CHIRP and DownScan but not side imaging. To get SideScan you need the Active Imaging 3-in-1 variant, and that is a separate decision and a separate purchase.
Other recurring complaints are physical. The cable can be short on a larger boat, the sun cover is stubborn to remove and refit, and a small number of owners report GPS or waypoint storage problems within the first months.
Who the Simrad GO9 suits
Anglers who want premium vector charting and phone mirroring in a simple 9-inch package, and who are comfortable confirming the transducer variant before they buy. Support from Simrad and Navico is a plus when setup gets involved.
It also works well as a second helm display for a boat that already has a sonar head unit forward.
Where it falls short
Out of the box, this configuration does not give you side scan at all, which is the whole point of this article. Check the transducer carefully, and allow for cable length on bigger hulls.
7. Lowrance HOOK2-7 TripleShot – Best Value with Side Scan Built In
Lowrance HOOK2-7 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and US / Canada Navionics+ Map Card
7 inch LCD display
TripleShot all-in-one
CHIRP DownScan SideScan
Navionics+ card
Pros
- Single all-in-one TripleShot transducer simplifies installation
- Screen stays readable in bright sunlight
- Navionics+ card shows depth contours accurately
- Easy to set up with online walkthroughs
Cons
- Route navigation recalculates from your current position instead of holding a course
- Navionics+ charts load slowly at each zoom step
- Screen is dim with small text in direct sunlight
- Transducer cable is too short for bow mounting on a mid-size boat
- Some owners report units failing or not detecting fish after a short period
The HOOK2-7 does one thing very economically: it puts CHIRP, DownScan and SideScan behind a single TripleShot transducer with no separate purchases. Owners like the simple button-and-knob control and the transom-mount installation.
The included US and Canada Navionics+ card is a real saving if you want contour detail out of the box, and several owners say it plots depth accurately. Setup is quick, with video walkthroughs getting most buyers running in under an hour.
Where it stumbles is refinement. Reviewers report routes that recalculate from your current position rather than holding a course, waypoint routing that keeps the original start point, and Navionics+ charts that take several seconds to load at each zoom step.
The screen is also the most compromised here. Reviewers describe it as dim with small black text that is hard to read in direct sunlight, and the transducer cable is short for bow mounting on a mid-size boat. A small number of owners report units failing or stopping to detect fish after a short period of use.
Who the Lowrance HOOK2-7 TripleShot suits
Budget buyers who want a genuine side-scan picture plus a chart card in the box, and who fish from a transom-mounted setup where a short cable is not an issue. The keypad controls are forgiving with wet hands.
It is also a reasonable second unit for a boat that already has a networked display at the helm.
Where it falls short
Sunlight readability, chart loading speed and route logic are the three complaints that come up most. If you fish in open sun or rely on follow-a-route features, step up a class.
8. Humminbird XPLORE 10-Inch – Best Side-Scan Range on a Touchscreen
Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen
10 inch touch plus keypad
MEGA Side Imaging+ to 200 ft
MEGA Down Imaging+ 200 ft
CHIRP
Pros
- MEGA Side Imaging+ reaches 200 feet to each side with MEGA Down Imaging+ to 200 feet
- Touchscreen and keypad operation with fast pan and zoom
- Sharp bright display readable in full sun and a clear step up from older HELIX units
- Fully customizable screens and favorites
- Built-in NMEA 2000 and Ethernet with a three-year warranty on registration
Cons
- This listing variant is a control head only and needs a separate transducer
- Included coastal card has little nearshore detail and premium charts cost extra
- Older non-NMEA 2000 sensors and legacy chart chips are not compatible
- Steep learning curve for anglers new to Humminbird sonar
The XPLORE is the specification leader on range. MEGA Side Imaging+ reaches 200 feet on each side, MEGA Down Imaging+ covers 200 feet of depth, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP fills in the traditional view. On deep structure and steep drop-offs that reach is the difference between seeing the ledge and inferring it.
Owners describe the 10-inch display as a clear step up from older HELIX units in both sharpness and touch responsiveness, with fast on-screen pan and zoom between views. Networking is solid, with built-in NMEA 2000, high-speed Ethernet, Bluetooth for anchor control and One-Boat Network compatibility with Minn Kota trolling motors and Cannon products.
Two practical warnings. This listing is a control head only, so you need to add a transducer before you get any sonar at all, and the bundled LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX card carries little nearshore detail, which disappoints inshore anglers. Premium charts are a separate cost.
Legacy hardware is also a cutoff. Older non-NMEA 2000 heading sensors and legacy chart chips are not compatible, and owners new to Humminbird sonar describe a steep learning curve.
Who the Humminbird XPLORE 10-Inch suits
Deep-water and offshore anglers who need to see structure a long way off the boat, and anyone with an NMEA 2000 backbone who wants a 3-year warranty with registration. AutoChart Live records your own maps with eight hours of built-in time.
It also suits anglers moving from a keyed unit who want touch response without giving up buttons in the rain.
Where it falls short
The transducer is not included in this configuration, which makes the real cost much higher than the head unit alone. Nearshore mapping detail is thin, and the settings menu takes study.
9. Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with LiveScope Plus – Best Bundle for Live Sonar
ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″ LiveScope Plus Bundle
10 inch touchscreen
LiveScope Plus module
Navionics+ with 1 year updates
Wi-Fi sharing
Pros
- LiveScope Plus pairs real-time forward-looking sonar with the chartplotter in one bundle
- Crisp bright touchscreen with vivid high-contrast palettes
- Navionics+ mapping with a one-year subscription for daily updates
- Wireless sharing with other Ultra 2 or UHD2 units
Cons
- Several buyers received a 10-inch unit when the listing title implied 12 inches
- LiveScope detection range of roughly 200 feet feels short for the price
- Some units arrive with out-of-date software needing an update
- 17 lb installed bundle is a heavy permanently mounted setup
This is the only bundle in the roundup that pairs a full side-scan chartplotter with a LiveScope Plus module, and that combination answers a question buyers ask constantly. Side scan searches wide and fast to find structure, while forward-looking sonar watches a single fish or your lure in real time. They are complementary, not competing.
Owners who received the expected unit describe vivid high-contrast palettes, a crisp sunlight-readable touchscreen and a major capability jump from previous setups, including effective use through ice. Navionics+ mapping comes with a one-year subscription for daily updates, and wireless sharing works with other Ultra 2 or UHD2 units.
Two things to settle before buying. The dominant complaint is a listing mismatch, with several buyers receiving the 10-inch model when the title implied 12 inches, which accounts for most of the one-star feedback. LiveScope detection runs roughly 200 feet, which some buyers consider short at this level of spend.
Who the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with LiveScope Plus suits
Anglers who want both wide search and close-up target ID in one install, particularly ice anglers and anyone fishing structure where a second module would be a second hole in the boat. Confirm the screen size you are actually receiving.
It also suits owners of existing Garmin units who want to share sonar, waypoints and routes over Wi-Fi.
Where it falls short
At 17 pounds installed this is a permanent helm setup, not a portable one. Expect to update software on arrival, and manage expectations on LiveScope range relative to the cost.
10. Simrad NSS Evo3S 12-Inch – Best Display for Larger Boats
Simrad NSS9 evo3S – 9-inch Multifunction Fish Finder Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Charts
12 inch SolarMax IPS display
iMX 8 processor
Touch and keypad with dial
C-MAP US Enhanced
Pros
- High-definition 12-inch SolarMax IPS display with iMX 8 processor for fast response
- Switch between multi-touch gestures and a full keypad with rotary dial
- Built-in GPS with preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts
- Processing headroom for Active Imaging and StructureScan 3D and HALO radar
- Vessel-wide engine fuel and sound system integration
Cons
- Display only
- so sonar requires adding a transducer or sonar module
- Highest one-star share in this roundup at 13 percent
- 17.5 lb unit needs a proper helm installation
The NSS Evo3S 12 is a helm display first and a fish finder second. Owners praise the 12-inch SolarMax IPS panel, the iMX 8 processor for fast transitions, and the freedom to work the screen by multi-touch or by keypad with a rotary control dial, which is the arrangement many older anglers prefer in bad weather.
C-MAP US Enhanced inland and coastal charts are preloaded with built-in GPS, and there is real processing headroom for Active Imaging, StructureScan 3D and HALO radar. Engine, fuel and sound system monitoring makes it useful on a boat doing more than fishing.
Understand what you are buying. This family is a display and chartplotter, so side imaging requires adding a transducer or a sonar module. The maximum depth rating of 3000 feet suits offshore work, but you need the sonar side of the equation filled in separately.
Reliability feedback is the other caution. At a 13 percent one-star share this is the highest negative feedback proportion in our list, and with a small review sample, individual complaints move the average a long way. The 17.5-pound flush or bracket mount also demands a real installation.
Who the Simrad NSS Evo3S 12-Inch suits
Boats 24 feet and up that already have a helm installation and want a single screen handling charts, sonar, radar, engines and audio. Depth ratings of 3000 feet suit offshore and deep coastal work.
It also suits anglers who prefer a keypad and rotary dial for primary control but still want touch available.
Where it falls short
No sonar comes with it, and the total cost of a complete system is higher than any other entry here. The unit is heavy and not portable, and the reliability spread deserves attention.
How to Choose a Side Imaging Fish Finder in 2026
Screen size is a boat decision, not a feature decision
Five to seven inches suits a kayak, a jon boat or a single console, and eight to ten inches is the sweet spot for a 16-to-20-foot bass boat. Twelve inches and up belongs on a helm with a defined console cutout. Side scan rewards screen real estate because you are reading two wide image strips, and the 10-inch Lowrance Elite FS shows far more history at once than the 7-inch STRIKER Plus can.
Touchscreen or keypad is the second screen question. Keyed controls such as the Humminbird Helix stay usable in rain and with wet hands, while capacitive touchscreens give faster menu access and better chart handling. Many anglers end up running one of each, keyed forward and touch at the helm.
The transducer drives the image, not the head unit
Owners are routinely surprised by the real cost of a side-scan setup once the mount, transducer, chart card and a second battery are added. The head unit is often the cheapest part. All-in-one bundles like the Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 and TripleShot, or the Garmin GT56, remove the guesswork by including a transducer that covers traditional, down and side sonar in one mount, and the Humminbird XPLORE configuration here is the cautionary case where the transducer is a separate purchase.
Side scan also depends on installation more than brand. Reviewers repeatedly note that SideVu, SideScan and CHIRP Side Imaging all produce weak images when the transducer sits at the wrong height or angle on the transom. Budget an afternoon, and check the mount against your hull.
Which brand suits which angler
Garmin is consistently described as the most navigable of the four, with better mapping and the smoothest path to a later LiveScope upgrade. Humminbird is widely regarded as having the sharpest side-scan image, especially at high frequency in shallow water, and the Helix line is repeatedly called the value sweet spot. Lowrance is the value brand, and pros often run Elite FS units on default settings. Simrad is the integration play, strongest when a boat needs charts, radar and engine data on one backbone. If you are still choosing between general categories, our [complete fish finder guide](https://www.museituppublishing.com/best-fish-finders/) covers units without side imaging too.
Side scan, down imaging and live sonar do different jobs
Side imaging searches wide and fast for structure. Down imaging looks straight down under the boat and is better for depth and target separation. LiveScope and MEGA Live look forward at a single fish or your lure in real time. Anglers who already own a LiveScope still need side scan to find the spot worth watching, which is why these technologies stack rather than compete.
Brands to compare and small craft
For a kayak or a shallow jon, a 7-inch unit with an all-in-one transducer is the practical choice, and our [kayak fish finder picks](https://www.museituppublishing.com/best-fish-finders-for-kayaks/) cover the mounting options. In-hull transducers can be epoxied into a kayak hull where there is no transom slot. If you are only fishing through ice, a [portable ice fishing unit](https://www.museituppublishing.com/best-portable-fish-finders-for-ice-fishing/) may suit you better than a permanently mounted side-scan install.
Finally, learn the settings. New owners routinely spend weeks in the menus adjusting palette, sensitivity, contrast and scroll speed before the picture clicks. Start with the default view, hold scroll speed steady, and only change the palette when you cannot read a known structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is side imaging worth it?
Yes, for most anglers fishing structure. Side scan lets you search 70 to 200 feet to each side of the boat at speed, so you can cover and map a new lake or break down a flat in a fraction of the time it takes to run a trolling motor over it. It is less valuable if you fish a small pond you already know, or if your priority is watching a single fish in real time.
Is side scan or LiveScope better?
They do different jobs. Side scan searches wide and fast to locate structure, weed edges and drop-offs, while LiveScope looks forward and shows one fish or your lure in real time. Most serious setups run both, and angling forums consistently describe the two as complementary rather than competing.
Does Garmin or Humminbird have better side imaging?
Both are excellent, with different strengths. Humminbird is widely regarded as having the sharpest side-scan image, particularly at high frequency in shallow water, and Garmin is consistently described as more navigable, easier to use and better for mapping, with the smoothest upgrade path to a LiveScope module later. The right answer depends on whether you care more about image detail or about charts and networking.
What are the disadvantages of side scan sonar?
The main drawbacks are cost, size and setup. Side imaging units need more screen real estate, a capable transducer and often a chart card, and the real total includes the mount, cables and sometimes a second battery. Image quality also depends heavily on correct transducer height and angle, and the settings menus take practice before the picture reads clearly.
What is the best fish finder for side imaging?
The Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv is our top pick because the included CV52HW-TM transducer delivers CHIRP, ClearVu and SideVu from a single mount, the 7-inch screen stays readable in direct sun, and Quickdraw Contours records 1-foot contours for up to 2 million acres. For a larger boat with a networking backbone, the Lowrance Elite FS 10 covers more ground per screen, and the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 is the value option at the same screen size.
Final Verdict on the Best Fish Finders with Side Imaging
For most anglers the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv is the right buy, because the transducer is in the box, the screen is bright and the workflow is simple. Move up to the Lowrance Elite FS 10 if you run a networked boat, and take the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 if you want Humminbird’s image and mapping at a mid-range budget.
Whatever you choose, budget for the transducer, the mount and a spare battery, and give yourself a full afternoon on the install. Those three steps decide whether the side scan picture looks as sharp as it should.