Ask any serious angler about their favorite brands of fish finder, and you’re sure to hear about Lowrance. They’ve been in the business for over 60 years, and they’ve made high-quality consumer products the entire time.
There’s a lot of competition on the market right now - but Lowrance still makes some of the best fish finders. That’s why we’ve created a list of the best Lowrance fish finders in 2022 - there’s something for every preference and budget.
We followed up our list with an FAQ section to answer all your questions about Lowrance’s product lines and reputation, as well as what you should look for in a great fish finder.
For now, though, let’s get to our list of the top Lowrance fish finders in 2022!
| Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE | Lowrance HDS-16 LIVE | Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 | Lowrance Elite FS 7 | Lowrance HOOK² 4x Bullet |
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| Frequency: Medium and High CHIRP 83/200kHz + 455/800kHz | Frequency: Medium and High CHIRP 83/200kHz + 455/800kHz | Frequency: CHIRP 200 kHz; DownScan/SideScan 455/800 kHz | Frequency: CHIRP 83/200/455/800kHz | Frequency: 200 kHz |
| Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1 | Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1 | Transducer: DownScan | Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer | Transducer: Bullet Skimmer |
| Screen: HD LED | Screen: Full HD | Screen: N/A | Screen: 800x480, HD, backlit, 7” display | Screen: N/A |
| Screen Size: 7" | Screen Size: 16" | Screen Size: 7" | Screen Size: N/A | Screen Size: N/A |
| Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Resolution: 800 x 480 SolarMax | Resolution: N/A | Resolution: 4”, backlit color display with SolarMAX technology |
| Backlit: Yes | Backlit: Yes | Backlit: N/A | Backlit: N/A | Backlit: YES |
| Imaging: 150 ft. Down/Per Side (800 kHz); 300 ft. Down/Per Side (455 kHz) | Imaging: 150 ft. Down/Per Side (800 kHz); 300 ft. Down/Per Side (455 kHz) | Imaging: 150 ft. - 300 ft. down; 100 ft. per side (800 kHz)/ 300 ft. per side (455 kHz) | Imaging: 300 ft side, 300 ft down | Imaging: N/A |
| GPS: Internal, High-Precision | GPS: Internal, High-Precision | GPS: Internal, High-Precision | GPS: Internal, high precision | GPS: Internal, high-precision* |
| Maps Included: C-MAP® US Enhanced Inland and Coastal | Maps Included: C-MAP® US Enhanced Inland and Coastal | Maps Included: None OR 4000 US Lakes OR C-Map Contour+ | Maps Included: C-MAP Contour+ | Maps Included: N/A |
| Max Waypoints: 3,000 (100 routes, 100 tracks/10,000 points) | Max Waypoints: 3,000 (100 routes, 100 tracks/10,000 points) | Max Waypoints: 3000 (100 routes/100 tracks) | Max Waypoints: 3000, 100 ,100 (10,000) | Max Waypoints: N/A |
| Memory Card Slots: 2 Micro SD | Memory Card Slots: 2 Micro SD | Memory Card Slots: Micro SD | Memory Card Slots: 1 microSD (32 Gigs) | Memory Card Slots: N/A |
| Best Price (Amazon) Best Price (Bass Pro) | Best Price (Bass Pro) | Best Price (Amazon) Best Price (Bass Pro) Best Price (Amazon) Best Price (Bass Pro) Best Price (Amazon) Best Price (Bass Pro) | Best Price (Amazon) Best Price (Bass Pro) | Best Price (Bass Pro) |
With its compact size and an array of useful features, the HDS-7 Live is packing some serious heat. This piece of tech is a huge improvement when looking at its 7-inch display. Say goodbye to the awful-looking fish finder displays of old and say hello to this high-end screen from SolarMax. Not only is it customizable, but it works well in various weather conditions, such as rain, fog, and more. Its sharp images allow anglers a better chance of finding fish.
The CHIRP sonar is great for extensive sweeping ranges, and the mapping/charting capabilities are more than impressive. We can’t think of any reasons why an angler wouldn’t love this model. The active imaging and networking possibilities are a huge help when you’re out on the water, and the endless features add to the value of this unit.
Don’t let the size of the HDS-16 Live intimidate you. The professionally designed fish finder/GPS combo has a 16-inch screen and a quad-core processor that works faster than most other units on the market. This unit uses the same SolarMax tech used in preceding models that give the screen the high-definition look and dependable backlight that anglers need in various conditions.
The high-end unit may be pricey, but that’s only because of its impressive fish finder/GPS possibilities and an abundance of extra features. The transducer derives from military technology that has been useful for anglers looking to catch as much fish as possible. It also has multiple Ethernet ports and Bluetooth compatibility, which means you can connect it to virtually any device while on board your boat. You can’t say no to this unit. It gives every angler multiple advantages, whether using advanced DownScan/SideScan features, an easy-to-use map pack, or 3D picture scans.
The Elite FS 7 is one of Lowrance’s more affordable models in the FS series, making it a go-to choice for beginners or budgeting anglers. The unit may not be introducing any new grandiose updates from previous models, but it provides a collection of notable features and technical specifications. Its high-end HD screen equips anglers with easy-to-read sonar and options for displaying, such as split zoom and adjusting the range, color line, frequency, and more.
The unit’s ActiveTarget compatibility is where it shines. Imagine if you had a camera and could use it underwater to get an active, real-time recording of the fish moving below. That’s what ActiveTarget compatibility provides. You can get a view of what’s going on around or under your boat, which is incredibly handy if you want to catch some fish. The price point is a bit higher at around $1500, but it’s well worth the cost if you’re looking for value.
If you’re looking for a fish finder with user-friendly features and mapping capabilities, the Hook Reveal 7 is what you need. While the unit is fairly simple to use, it has served as a reliable fish finder for kayaking, all for under the low price of $900. However, the cost of this unit means that its networking options are severely lacking. While the networking aspect leaves much to be desired, its wide selection of transducers makes this model stand out.
There are three transducers you can purchase with this device: SlipShot, TripleShot, and 50/200 HDI. There may be some confusion among customers that aren’t fully aware of the three different options, but all three offer useful advantages. The SplitShot is the least expensive option, whereas the TripleShot offers SideScan and StructureMap capabilities. If you’re looking for the best depth and range, then the HDI option is the right choice. In the end, the Hook Reveal 7 is an affordable and dependable fish finder with excellent CHIRP sonar features that provide accurate information.
While the Lowrance Hook2 4X might be on the low end of the Hook2 series, it still offers great value and features for anglers of all types. This fish finder can handle the experience of fishing on low-lying water and some deeper lakes. However, the unit only provides a single beam for detecting fish, which makes it difficult to receive detailed information about whether the fish are beneath your boat or around you.
It’s the model’s sonar frequency capabilities that put it on the map as a dependable fish finder. The unit is easy to use, with a simple menu and keypad layout, and its display is equipped with SolarMax technology that proves useful during sunnier fishing days. If you’re looking for a more advanced fish finder from Lowrance, there are other options, but the Hook2 4X manages to be an affordable and simple model to rely on.
We love Lowrance fish finders, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs in our list of top picks. They’ve been making excellent fish finders for years - whether you’re a casual angler or a tournament pro, you can count on them for high-quality products.
Happy fishing!
Lowrance carries a number of different product lines - depending on who you ask, they carry 4 or 5 different lines of fish finders, so let’s call it 4.5. You’ll soon see why. The fish finder lines they carry are:
Each line is targeted at different anglers. The Hook series is targeted at casual hobbyists, the Elite FS series is for enthusiasts, and the HDS Live series is mainly for pros, tournament anglers, and ultra-enthusiasts.
The Hook2 and Hook Reveal lines are somewhat similar, with Lowrance’s recent efforts mostly supporting Hook Reveal. The main difference is that the Hook Reveal line supports both Genesis Live (which enables you to chart bodies of water) and FishReveal (which turns the fish arches you see in 2D sonar into fish icons).
The Elite FS line is an upgrade over the Hook line in almost every way - except for the price. Better networking, advanced transducers (and better sonar range and depth), and touchscreen controls.
The HDS Live line offers larger screens and better processors - it also has compatibility with technology like StructureScan.
FishHunter is a line apart - these products are castable, making them highly portable. Instead of coming with a control head (featuring a screen and controls), these units feature a transducer that connects with your phone.
Lowrance has been in the game for over 60 years, from introducing the extremely popular “Little Green Box” portable sonar in 1959 to creating the first LCD product with GPS, mapping, and sonar capabilities in 1995. They’ve consistently been releasing cutting-edge technology and are a well-respected brand in the industry.
Their long-time focus on consumer products means Lowrance has developed a fish finder for every kind of angler - that’s why they have so many different product lines! Whether you go for a more budget-conscious model or you’re looking for the best Lowrance has to offer, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality fish finder.
No two anglers have exactly the same needs. The top Lowrance fish finders in 2022 all have different strengths and weaknesses. We’ve compiled a list of some of the things you should think about when choosing the Lowrance fish finder that’s right for you.
The transducer determines the frequencies your sonar can emit. Fish finders often come bundled with transducers - if you’re using an unbundled transducer, it’s important to check compatibility.
Higher frequencies provide higher quality images, while lower frequencies provide greater range and depth. For casual, shallow water anglers, the transducers that come with the Hook Reveal line of products are perfect. For anglers who vary between shallow and deep water, we recommend the Elite FS or HDS Live lines. The more frequencies a fish finder and transducer support, the more varied scenarios you can use them in.
Bigger displays offer better view angles, and they’re easier to read. They’re also bigger - that means a very large display can negatively impact portability and can make your Lowrance fish finder impossible to install on a small vessel. Keep the size of your setup in mind!
Are you looking for DownScan and SideScan, Lowrance’s imaging technologies? You’ll need a great transducer and a fish finder that’s compatible. Want fish icons? You’ll need at least a Hook Reveal. Want maps and charting capabilities? Most Lowrance fish finders have you covered.
Basically, think about how you fish and what features you’ll want on your unit, and buy accordingly!
When it comes to portability, you’ll almost always want to stick to smaller screens, which you can find in any of Lowrance’s product lines. You might also consider using the FishHunter castable sonar, which can be used on any boat, for ice fishing, and even for fishing from the shore.
Once you’ve mounted your transducer and fish finder, the units are fairly simple to use. When powered on, the transducer should automatically select a frequency and level of interference rejection.
We highly recommend testing your fish finder out in simulation mode before taking it on the water. You’ll be able to find the color palettes that suit you best, set up split-screen views, and more. Lowrance products are about as user-friendly as it gets, but fish finders are complicated pieces of technology, so it’s going to take a while before you get used to the menus and controls.
