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Best Fish Finder Under 500 – Top 7 Quality Picks For 2021

November 3, 2020 by Paul Omasere Leave a Comment

Having a budget of $500 means you are aiming for a fish finder that has a long-lasting working interface. That said, you are at the right place to find the best fish finder under 500.

Today, everyone knows that the market is inflated. That’s the reason we’d be helping you out in choosing the best budget fish finder under 500. Let us tell you why:

Our team is comprised of professional kayakers who have vast experience in testing multiple fish finding gadgets. Based on this thorough analysis, we’ve compiled a list of top 7 fish finders, which are available in an under $500 budget.

Let’s have a look without any further ado:

Contents

  • Top 7 Best Fish Finders Under 500 Dollars – Updated List
    • 1. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv – Best Fish Finder Under 500
    • 2. Deeper Chirp Smart – Best Inexpensive Fish Finder 2021
    • 3. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp – Fish Finder for Down Imaging
    • 4. Deeper PRO+ – Best Portable Wireless Fish Finder Under 500
    • 5. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x – With SplitShot Transducer:
    • 6. Humminbird HELIX 5 – With LED-Backlit Display:
    • 7. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 – Best Fish Finder for the Money:
    • Frequently Asked Questions:

Top 7 Best Fish Finders Under 500 Dollars – Updated List

Name
GPS-Tracking
Suitable For
Ratings
Price
1. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv
Enabled
Shore fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
2. Deeper Chirp Smart
Not available
Ice fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
3. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp
Enabled
Ice and shore fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
4. Deeper PRO+
Enabled
Ice fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
5. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x
Not available
Deep water fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
6. Humminbird HELIX 5
Not available
Saltwater fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price
7. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5
Enabled
Ice, shore, deep water fishing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check Price

1. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv – Best Fish Finder Under 500

One thing that I’m about to make clear is that you’d find the OG brands only. That is, Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, and Deeper, etc. Starting with Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, it contains all necessary qualities to help you find fish without any hassle. For starters, the gadget has a large display.Garmin Striker Plus 5cv Fish Finder

Therefore, you can easily read the statistical data of whatever’s happening inside. Adding to that, Striker Plus 5cv is a perfect option for large boats. With the kind of area, it’s capable of covering, one could expect this fish finder to go hands in hands with a large kayak easily.

As for the price, the reason I’ve listed this fish finder on top is that it costs less as compared to other premium gadgets. That said, Garmin 5cv will cost you no more than 300 bucks. It’d be a golden opportunity for you if you get successful in purchasing it while there’s time.

Some important features about the best fish finder under 500 are as follows:

Important Features You Must Know:

Clear and Accurate Scanning:

Starting with the most important feature, this fish finder from Garmin comes with an inbuilt transducer. Plus, there is additional CHIRP sonar technology added along with Clear Vu scanning interface. Therefore, all the things it captures are accurate and to the point.

GPS-Based Fish Finder:

No one wants to get lost in a deep lake especially when it’s getting dark right? Well, to keep you away from losing your track, the fish finder does come with a premium GPS tracking option. Hence, it’s easier for you to return back to your original spot after a hefty day of fishing.

Personal Mapping Feature:

One of the reasons I love Garmin Striker 5cv is that it comes with a Quickdraw Contour Mapping system. It lets you create your own maps and allows you to pinpoint fish hotspots and clusters while you are wandering for prey.

Intriguing Display:

Moving forward, the best fish finder under 300 comes with a large 5” display. That is, it’s easily readable even if you are fishing on a sunny day. Besides, different control panel buttons are included for you to choose multiple options easily. All in all, it’d feel like you are operating a full-fledged smartphone.

Versatility:

Last but not the least, what matters the most is that the fish finder has a versatile use. Thanks to its rugged design, you can avail the services of this gadget for different types of fishing, i.e. shore fishing or ice fishing.

Pros
  • Rugged design for versatility.
  • Easily readable and large 5” display.
  • Quickdraw Contour mapping system included.
  • Quick and responsive GPS tracking.
  • Suitable for large boats.
  • Resembles shape of a smartphone.
Cons
  • Requires complex assembly.
  • Not easy to operate for beginners.

Final Views

Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, in fact, is one of the top-notch fish finders available in the market. Our experts say that they’ve been using this gadget for quite some time without facing any problems. So, I’d recommend you to get your hands on this best budget fish finder before it’s too late.

Check Price

 

2. Deeper Chirp Smart – Best Inexpensive Fish Finder 2021

What I find extremely fascinating and intriguing about the brand DEEPER is that it has grabbed the spotlight within no time. Who won’t want to try a fish finder that is extremely easy to use and gives direct display on your smartphone? This is what Deeper offers within a 500-dollar budget.Deeper Chirp Castable and Portable Fish Finder

Talking about the Chirp Smart, it’s one of the most advanced wireless fish finders available in the market.

The features and options it offers are second to none and that too with complete accuracy. No matter how overpowered the mountable fish finders are, there is an excitement of using wireless gadgets.

Same happened with our experts who found Chirp Smart to be really smart and no I’m not exaggerating anything at all. It’s one of the best investments that you can make for a perfect fishing experience.

Some notable features regarding the best inexpensive fish finder are as follows:

Technical Features You Must Know:

Locates Large Fish Cluster Quickly:

First things first, the best wireless fish finder under 500 comes with a three-beam frequency perspective. It’s thus easier for professional kayakers to find their prey within seconds after casting this fish finder.

Strong Wi-Fi Connectivity:

Adding to that, what we all love the most about DEEPER is that it ensures limitless connectivity to the smartphone. That is, the strong Wi-Fi connectivity will keep you in control of whatever’s been happening inside the water without any issues.

In-Depth Water Analysis:

This feature actually resembles the brand name, i.e. Deeper. That said, the fish finder comes with accurate depth reading of around 330 ft. without any hassle. You can thus easily take a look at what’s happening inside the deep waters.

Fast Charging Interface:

The best fish finder under 500 comes with a fast-charging interface and that’s why professional kayakers like it. On a rough note, the battery charging gets to 100% in mere 75 minutes. This is something extraordinary from the brand, I have to admit.

Helps you Create Your Own Maps:

The fish finder is more than just a gadget that helps you find large fish clusters. It comes with an upgraded mapping technology, which ensures personal map creations without any worries. You can literally create your own map with all the pointers and additions as per your will and wish.

Complete Deal:

Lastly, you’d be surprised to hear that the fish finder doesn’t come alone. The brand has made sure that customers can take full advantage of their bonus deal. So, you’d be getting a neck gaiter, a fish finder (of course), a night fishing cover, and a thermos. All in all, you’d enjoy every type of fishing (especially ice fishing) with this gadget.

Pros
  • Wireless connectivity.
  • Shows everything clearly on your smartphone.
  • Compatible with latest iOS and Android devices.
  • Three beam frequency helps find large fish clusters easily.
  • Extremely durable and compact.
  • Extra accessories included.
Cons
  • Can’t reach the standards of a mountable fish finder.
  • Legal obligations in the app are annoying.

Final Views

Deeper Chirp Smart is an epitome of what the future beholds for kayakers. The wireless castable fish finder is available at a price tag of around 300 bucks. Check it out if you are a technology geek and want to enjoy a wireless fish locating experience.

Check Price

 

3. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp – Fish Finder for Down Imaging

Humminbird is famous for producing some of the most powerful fish finders in the market and there isn’t any doubt about that. For instance, the brand new Helix 7 Chirp is what we call the jack of all trades. From map tracking to scanning a large water area to offering accurate readings, there’s literally nothing that this gadget can’t do.Humminbird 410930-1 HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder

Adding to that, what our experts loved most about Helix 7 Chirp is that it offers an advanced down imaging viewing perspective. It’s, therefore, easier for the kayakers to clearly see the area beneath their boat.

Apart from that, there are no compromises on the overall construction. As per reliable kayakers, this fish finder can work for more than 10 years if it’s properly utilized. 10 years in exchange for 500 bucks ain’t a bad deal huh? What do you think?

Some important features prominent in the best Humminbird fishfinder are as follows:

Key Features You Must Know:

Upgraded Chirp and Sonar Scanning:

First things first, Helix 7 comes with an upgraded Chirp and sonar scanning feature. It will help you find large clusters of fish and hotspots regardless of the circumstances. Mind you that this fish finder is suitable for all kinds of fishing.

Up to Date Display:

There’s a huge difference in the display screens of Helix 7 Chirp and Garmin Striker 5cv. As compared to the latter, this fish finder comes with a large 7″ full coloured TFT display. You can thus enjoy a broad viewing experience without any worries.

GPS Included:

Moving on, the fish finder from Humminbird comes with an integrated GPS tracking system. For starters, it’s extremely responsive and will help you to find your way back home especially if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Sophisticated Display:

In the end, what intrigued me the most about Humminbird fish finder is that it has a super responsive and sophisticated control panel. All buttons and navigation keys are available on the right side of the gadget. You can thus enjoy exploring deep waters without any hassle.

Pros
  • GPS installed fish finder.
  • Durable and rugged design.
  • Large 7” full TFT coloured display.
  • Shows fish size as well.
  • Perfect for down imaging scanning.
  • Suitable for professionals.
Cons
  • A bit complex to install.
  • Not meant for small boats or kayaks.
  • A bit expensive.

Final Views

Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp is a monster when it comes to locating multiple fish hotspots at once. Getting this gadget will pave the way for you to prey your hunt more elegantly.

Check Price

 

4. Deeper PRO+ – Best Portable Wireless Fish Finder Under 500

It’s good to see Deeper getting more overpowered with every latest release. On a serious note, the PRO+ fish finder introduced by this brand has capabilities that every kayaker dreams of. Be it GPS, better casting and depth range, connectivity, or ease of us, Deeper Pro+ would be saving you from immense frustration easily.Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

Talking of the overall design, the best portable wireless fish finder under 500 comes with a ball-like shape. It can easily be thrown down into deep waters to get a clear perspective of the underwater environments.

In the end, I really liked this notion of care from Deeper to its customers. You heard it right. Deeper Pro+ is available at no more than 200 bucks, which is something quite exceptional.

Some important features about the best fish finder under 500 are as follows:

Essential Features You Must Know:

Efficient GPS Tracking:

First of all, Deeper Pro+ offers a premium GPS tracking feature. It can track the live location of wherever you are located either in deep waters or not. GPS tracking was absent in the earlier model of Deeper just so you know.

Accurate Casting and Depth Readings:

Secondly, the casting range that this fish finder offers is around 330 ft. However, the depth reading is rated at around 260 ft. which is more than enough to scan and analyze a large lake within no time.

Portable:

Mind you that the fish finder is extremely portable. It has a pocket-sized shape that will allow you to cast it down the water within a short time period. Just connect it up with your smartphone, throw it down the water, and analyze fish locations without any hassle.

Pros
  • GPS tracking included.
  • Suitable for shore and ice fishing.
  • Casting range is around 330 ft.
  • Easy to use interface.
  • Gives display via smartphone.
  • Ensures strong connectivity.
Cons
  • The app has many bugs.
  • Poor customer response from the brand

Final Views

One thing that is quite clear about Deeper Pro+ is that it can replace traditional fishfinders without any hassle. In my suggestion, it should be a priority for you in case you’ve got a 200-dollar budget to spend on a fish finder.

Check Price

 

5. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x – With SplitShot Transducer:

No matter how powerful a fish finder from different brands gets, there isn’t any manufacturer that’s actually capable of matching the qualities of Lowrance. Taking the Hook Reveal 5x in perspective, it’s been loaded with some of the most advanced options.Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x

I’m damn sure that up until now, the features that this fish finder offers are nowhere to be found in the gadgets that we mentioned above.

It’s actually a fact that Lowrance means serious business. The fish finder from this brand can help you find large fish clusters and hotspots within seconds and I’m not even exaggerating anything.

Some important features being offered by the best budget fish finder are as follows:

Important Technical Features You Must Know:

SplitShot Transducer:

First things first, Hook Reveal 5x comes with an upgraded SplitShot transducer. Mind you that this transducer, when goes down the water helps you get perfect down and side imaging perspectives for a better fishing experience.

Fish Reveal Technology:

Moving on, Lowrance fishfinder offers a special fish reveal technology by combining its premium CHIRP tech to that of DownScan imaging interface. Therefore, you can easily find your prey within no time.

Autotuning Sonar:

Last but not the least, what I liked the most about this fish finder is that it keeps you away from the hassle of finding fish manually. Just start the Autotuning sonar option and the gadget will start revealing different fish hotspots as per the circumstances.

Pros
  • SplitShot transducer ensures down and side imaging.
  • Perfect for professional kayakers.
  • Durable and sturdy construction.
  • Fish Reveal technology exposes fish location in no time.
  • Accurate and to the point live images.
  • Large TFT colored display.
Cons
  • Not wireless.
  • A bit complex to use.
  • No other major issues.

Final Views

Lowrance with Hook Reveal 5x is, in fact, one of the best affordable fish finders available in the market. Get it as soon as possible and enjoy a demanding fish hunting experience without any problems.

Check Price

 

6. Humminbird HELIX 5 – With LED-Backlit Display:

If we take the displays of all fish finders (mentioned above) in perspective. Then, there isn’t any gadget capable of matching the class of Humminbird Helix 5. Talking of the fish finder, it has got the latest upgrade of the display panel.Humminbird 410220-1 Black Fishing Hook

You could actually enjoy viewing the underwater environment in full HD perspective and I’m not kidding at all. The fish locating capabilities, on the other hand, are well up to the mark.

In short, getting Helix 5 does require a hefty investment. However, once purchased, you won’t be needing any other fishfinder for many years to come.

Some notable features about the brand new Helix 5 are as follows:

Important Features You Should Know:

LED Backlit Display:

One of the most advanced traits offered by Helix 5. That is, the display is literally flawless and it can reveal the exact spots of fishes within a short time period.

Navionics+ Mapping System:

You’d be surprised to know that the best fish finder under 500 comes with a special upgrade in terms of the mapping system. Navionics+ being installed in the fish finder has crucial data of around 21000 lakes located in the U.S. So, you’d be spoon-fed when it comes to finding large fish spots.

Down Imaging Perspective:

Do you own a large kayak and can’t see the water surface beneath it easily? Worry not as Helix 5 is already equipped with Down Imaging feature. It can easily expose whatever’s under the boat to help you hunt your prey in the best possible way.

Pros
  • Easily readable and detailed display.
  • Mountable fish finder for large boats.
  • Upgraded sonar scanning included.
  • GPS-tracking enabled.
  • Navionics+ includes fishing data of 21k+ lakes.
  • Suitable for professional fishers.
Cons
  • Navionics SD card might be missing in some shipments.
  • Proper customer support is not available.

Final Views

Humminbird Helix 5 in terms of fishing is one of the best gadgets available in the market. Priced at less than 500 bucks, you should consider it especially if your boat is large enough.

Check Price

 

7. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 – Best Fish Finder for the Money:

We’d be ending the review section by discussing none other than a beast revealed by Lowrance. The Hook Reveal 5 being an upgradation of its earlier model helps you find water depth, the exact location of fish, and multiple fish clusters.Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5

Adding to that, it also comes with a GPS tracking interface to help you wander for long in deep waters. As for the price, Hook Reveal 5 is priced at around 350 bucks making it an expensive choice for most of the kayakers out there.

Regardless of that, take a look at what this advanced fish finder has to offer as follows:

Technical Features You Should Know:

SplitShot Transducer:

The presence of the latest transducer ensures side and down image scanning like a charm. You’d thus have a better idea of whatever’s been happing around your boat with this gadget.

Preloaded Maps:

The data and statistics of around 1000+ lakes in form of proper maps have been uploaded to the fish finder. It’d help you find out various fishing spots without wasting your time at all.

Detailed Display:

Finally, a large 5” display revealing exact locations of fish along with other stats has been installed in the best inexpensive fish finder under 500. You can easily read it even when the environment is extremely sunny.

Pros
  • SplitShot transducer included.
  • Perfect for professional fishers.
  • Large display with crisp imaging.
  • Accurate down and side imaging perspective.
  • Suitable for large boats.
Cons
  • A bit expensive (as compared to its predecessor).
  • No other major issues.

Final Views

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 means serious business in finding multiple fish locations within no time. My two cents? Get this fish finder ASAP to hunt a large deal of fish without any worries.

Check Price

 

Read About: Top Fish Finders For the Money

 

 

Top 3 Picks
Based on what our experts recommend, positive customer feedback, and personal experience, the top 3 picks are concluded as:

  1. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv as it’s the best budget fishfinder 2020.
  2. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp if you can invest as much as 500 bucks on a fish finder.
  3. Deeper Pro+ if you want a wireless fish finder within a 500-dollar budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What to consider while choosing an inexpensive fish finder under 500?
To choose a fish finder within a 500 budget range, make sure that:

• You are brand conscious (Choose either from Humminbird, Lowrance, or Garmin)

• GPS tracking is a must. If a fish finder lacks it, don’t think about it again.

• Large and easily readable display should also be a matter of consideration.

• Make up your mind whether you want to get a wireless or a mountable fish finder.

• In the end, installation of advanced tech will give you an edge.

For that purpose, choose a gadget that offers CHIRP sonar scanning and is able to reveal fish locations automatically.

2. Is a budget of 500 bucks more than enough to get a long-term fish finder?
Absolutely, YES! $500 is more than enough to get yourself a fish finder that can work for a decade without causing any problem. That’s why I mentioned that be brand conscious as manufacturers such as Humminbird or Lowrance won’t let you down at all.
3. How to install a mountable fish finder on a kayak?
Every fish finder comes with its own user manual. Go through it thoroughly and install the fish finder accordingly. Mind you that if you are new to fishing, hire an expert to assemble a fish finder for you as you cannot risk your hard-earned money at all.
4. Is side imaging worth the money?
Fish finders with side imaging are absolutely worth it. With side imaging interface, you actually have a vast field to invest your time in while locating the fish. Although it will take you some time to get familiar with side imaging, it’s totally worth it. Practice it a little bit before hunting and you’d be perfectly enjoying a hefty fishing experience.
5. What is the best fish finder under 500?
If it were up to me, I’d pick Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, without any hesitation. First of all, this fish finder has got a price tag of less than 250 bucks. Adding to that, it comes with some premium options, i.e. GPS tracking, updated CHIRP and sonar scanning, and a vivid display interface. So, all in all, I’d be choosing the Striker Plus 5cv without any hesitation.

Summing Things Up
Investing hard-earned money on a fish finder surely is a difficult job because there’re a lot of risks involved. It was, therefore, my and my team’s duty to open your eyes a little bit about getting the best fish finder under 500.

It’s now up to you to make a final decision as per your will and wish.

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About Author

Paul Omasere

Hello, I am Paul. In love with nature and loves to wander around rivers, lakes & Seas. Fish hunting has become a part of my life as I am doing it since childhood. I have made the Fish Finderer blog to write reviews & guides about Best Fish Finders & other fishing accessories which can help you in your hunt. All these reviews & guides are according to my fishing experience.

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