Best Marine GPS Units & Chartplotters of 2025

Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 10, 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 1
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv
ftb score rating icon9.8
#TOP 2
Simrad GO9 XSE Display with Transducer and C-MAP Charts
ftb score rating icon9.7
#TOP 3
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 Marine GPS Units & Chartplotters

#TOP 1

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv

010-02689-01
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv with GT56 Transducer, 9" Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Coastal
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Bright 9” touchscreen display
Advanced sonar scanning capabilities
Integrated Navionics+ coastal charts
#TOP 2

Simrad GO9 XSE Display with Transducer and C-MAP Charts

000-16293-001
Simrad GO9 XSE 9’’ Multifunctional Display with 83/200 Transom Mount Transducer and C-MAP Discover Charts
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Multi-touch widescreen display
Built-in advanced echosounder
Direct NMEA2000 connections
#TOP 3

Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv

010-02366-61
Black
Garmin 010-02366-61 GPSMAP 943xsv SideVü, ClearVü and Traditional Chirp Sonar with Mapping - 9", Navionics+
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
High-definition scanning sonar
Panoptix sonar support
Pre-loaded mapping
#TOP 4

Garmin GPSMAP 1022

010-01740-00
Black
Garmin 010-01740-00 GPSMAP 1022 with Worldwide Basemap
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Expandable storage options
High-resolution display
Multiple connectivity ports
Large screen size
#TOP 5

Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Chartplotter/Fishfinder

010-02366-03
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv Chartplotter/Fishfinder
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Easy integration with engines
Connects to third-party devices using OneHelm digital switching
Preloaded mapping and coastal charts for easy navigation
#TOP 6

Garmin GPSMAP 743xsv

010-02365-61
Black
Garmin 010-02365-61 GPSMAP 743xsv SideVü, ClearVü and Traditional Chirp Sonar with Mapping - 7", Navionics+
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
High-definition sonar clarity
Real-time fish tracking
Detailed pre-loaded maps
Enhanced display visibility
#TOP 7

Garmin ECHOMAP 53CV

010-02590-51
Black
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53CV Chartplotter/Fishfinder with US Inland Maps and GT20-TM [010-02590-51]
ftb score rating icon8.7
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
5” Color Display
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Preloaded with Maps
#TOP 8

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74CV

010-02595-51
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv with GT20 Transducer
ftb score rating icon8.6
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Bright 7” display
Double views with sonars
Vivid color palettes
#TOP 9

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 7" Chartplotter

010-02595-01
Black
Standard
Garmin 010-02595-01 ECHOMAP UHD2 7" Chartplotters 74cv with GT20-TM Transducer, Black
ftb score rating icon8.6
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Clear and detailed sonar
High-contrast color display
Preloaded detailed maps
Wireless information sharing
#TOP 10

Garmin quatix 7 Marine GPS Smartwatch

010-02540-60
Blue
47mm
Garmin quatix® 7 Standard Edition, Marine GPS Smartwatch, Tide Changes and Anchor Drag Alerts, Waypoint Marking
ftb score rating icon8.6
FTB Score

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.

What We Like
Rugged design
Comprehensive connectivity
Tide alerts
Responsive touchscreen
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by

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.