Best Marine GPS Units & Chartplotters of 2025
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Marine GPS units and chartplotters are essential tools for any boater navigating on open water. These devices use advanced satellite technology to provide accurate location data and detailed maps of the surrounding area, allowing boaters to plot their course and avoid hazards. Many models also offer additional features such as weather updates, fish finders, and autopilot capabilities. With a variety of sizes, prices, and features available, there is a marine GPS unit or chartplotter to suit the needs of every boater, from weekend cruisers to professional fishermen.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Marine GPS Units & Chartplotters
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv
The Garmin UHD2 94sv is a marine GPS unit and chartplotter that offers a user-friendly 9” touchscreen display, perfect for clear viewing under sunlight. It comes with a GT56-TM transducer for advanced sonar scanning capabilities, including traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning. The built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts provide integrated navigation data. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily share sonar data, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters. Additionally, it wirelessly links to your Force trolling motor for seamless route creation, waypoint navigation, speed control, and battery monitoring.
Simrad GO9 XSE Display with Transducer and C-MAP Charts
The Simrad GO9 XSE Display is a versatile marine GPS unit and chartplotter that includes a 9'' multi-touch screen, built-in echosounder, GPS, and Wi-Fi. It comes with an 83/200 kHz transducer, C-MAP Discover charts, and a radar interface. The advanced echosounder can show CHIRP, Forwardscan, Sidescan, and Downscan images. With direct connections for audio, autopilot, and engine control via NMEA2000, and built-in Wi-Fi for mobile device mirroring, the Simrad GO9 XSE Display offers convenience and efficiency for marine navigation.
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv
The Garmin 943xsv is a top-of-the-line marine GPS unit and chartplotter by Garmin. With ultra high-definition scanning sonar, you can see underwater structures with incredible clarity. Panoptix sonar support allows you to view fish and objects in real-time. Pre-loaded mapping ensures you never get lost at sea. The improved display optics provide a crystal-clear view in any lighting condition, making navigation effortless for you.
Garmin GPSMAP 1022
The Garmin GPSMAP 1022 is a versatile marine GPS unit designed to enhance your navigation experience. With the ability to accept two SD cards, you can expand your storage for maps and data, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. Its WSVGA display, with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, provides clear and detailed visuals, making it easier for you to read charts and navigate. The unit features two Garmin Marine Network ports, allowing for seamless connectivity with other marine devices. Additionally, its generous display size of 10.1 inches diagonally means you won't miss any important information while on the water.
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Chartplotter/Fishfinder
The Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Chartplotter/Fishfinder enables you to easily integrate with engines and connect to compatible third-party devices with OneHelm digital switching, making it easy to build your marine system using the best of network connectivity. With preloaded mapping and coastal charts, you can navigate any waters. Manage your marine experience from nearly anywhere.
Garmin GPSMAP 743xsv
The Garmin 743xsv GPS offers advanced features that enhance your boating experience. With ultra high-definition scanning sonar, you can see underwater structures and fish more clearly, helping you make informed decisions while fishing. The Panoptix sonar support provides real-time views, allowing you to track fish movements and locate them effectively. Pre-loaded mapping ensures you have detailed navigation data at your fingertips, reducing the chances of getting lost. Lastly, the improved display optics make it easy to read information in various lighting conditions, ensuring you can always see what you need while on the water.
Garmin ECHOMAP 53CV
The Garmin 53CV Chartplotter is a marine GPS unit with a 5” color display. It offers you double the views with traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars, allowing you to see underwater details clearly. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily share information between compatible devices. The device comes preloaded with Garmin Navionics + U.S. Inland Mapping, ensuring you have detailed maps at your fingertips. The CHIRP UHD Traditional/ClearVü Scanning Sonar helps you locate fish more effectively, enhancing your fishing experience.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74CV
The Garmin ECHOMAP 74CV is a Marine GPS unit & chartplotter with a bright 7” display designed for your convenience. It offers double the views with traditional and ClearVü scanning sonars, enhancing what's under the water with vivid color palettes. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows easy information sharing between compatible devices. You can enjoy top-notch mapping with LakeVü g3 and BlueChart maps featuring Navionics data, making navigation a breeze.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 7" Chartplotter
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its advanced sonar capabilities. You will appreciate the traditional sonar and the impressive ClearVü sonar, which make spotting fish easier than ever. The vivid color palettes provide high contrast, allowing you to quickly identify targets and underwater structures. With preloaded charts, you can navigate unfamiliar waters confidently, as it includes detailed maps of lakes and coastal areas. Additionally, if you have another compatible chartplotter, you can wirelessly share essential information like sonar readings and waypoints, streamlining your fishing trips.
Garmin quatix 7 Marine GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin quatix 7 is a versatile marine GPS smartwatch designed for boating enthusiasts. It features a durable 1.3-inch always-on display and combines traditional buttons with a responsive touchscreen, making it easy to navigate in any condition. You can connect it to compatible Garmin chartplotters for remote control of essential features, enhancing your boating experience. Additionally, it provides real-time tide information and alerts for anchor drag, ensuring you stay informed while on the water. With these tools, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable time out on the waves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a GPS and a chartplotter?
A GPS provides your location but doesn't display it on a map. On the other hand, a chartplotter takes the GPS location and overlays it on a map. While all chartplotters use GPS, not all GPS devices are chartplotters. Chartplotters are especially useful as they combine GPS functionality with map display.
2. Do I need a chartplotter on my boat?
Having a chartplotter on your boat is highly recommended. It serves as an essential tool, offering more than just route plotting. Many chartplotters now function as multifunction displays (MFDs), allowing boaters to monitor various connected devices and access additional features.
3. Do chartplotters come with maps?
Yes, most chartplotters come preloaded with maps. For example, the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra series chartplotters come with Garmin Navionics+ combined mapping for inland and coastal waters. Additionally, the ECHOMAP UHD2 5” and 7” chartplotters provide a choice of built-in Garmin Navionics+ inland or coastal content.
4. Can I use my phone as a chartplotter?
Yes, you can use your phone or tablet as a chartplotter. These devices offer similar functionality to marine chartplotters. Many boaters use their phones or tablets for navigation purposes in various watercraft, including sailing yachts, motorboats, kayaks, RIBs, jet skis, and paddleboards.
5. What is the alternative to a chartplotter?
An alternative to a chartplotter is using Navionics on a tablet or smartphone. This option offers portability and cost-effectiveness. Navionics can be used on a tablet or smartphone, making it easy to carry wherever you go. It is often a more affordable option compared to a dedicated chartplotter.
During our marine gps units & chartplotter research, we found 24 marine gps units & chartplotter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,878 customer reviews through our big data system to write the marine gps units & chartplotters list. We found that most customers choose marine gps units & chartplotters with an average price of $1,918.12.
The marine gps units & chartplotters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of marine gps units & chartplotters, including Garmin, Simrad. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6,204 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.