Choosing a side imaging fish finder means weighing how much detail you need against the screen, transducer, and mapping gear required to get it. The Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 is my practical pick for anglers who want MEGA Side Imaging with a transducer included, while the Lowrance Eagle 9 gives chart users a larger display and an included TripleShot HD transducer. For a larger, more connected helm, the Humminbird APEX VX offers the broadest feature set, but it is a control head only.
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The lineup also includes two Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv listings. They offer GPS, mapping, and ClearVü scanning sonar, but neither has side imaging. I include them as a useful contrast: they may suit a compact setup focused on seeing below the boat, but they do not meet the core side imaging need. My ranking favors products that provide side imaging, then considers what comes in the box, display usability, mapping, and the extra equipment a buyer must source.
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Key Takeaways
- The Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 pairs MEGA Side Imaging with an included transducer, making it the most ready-to-outfit side imaging choice in this group.
- The Lowrance Eagle’s 9-inch IPS screen, TripleShot HD transducer, and C-MAP DISCOVER card suit anglers who want imaging and charts together.
- The Humminbird APEX VX has the largest, highest-resolution display and extensive networking, but its transducer is sold separately.
- Both Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv entries use ClearVü scanning sonar, which looks beneath the boat; neither offers side imaging.
- Before choosing, match the imaging range and included transducer to your boat and fishing depths, then check whether the charts and connections you need are included.
| Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer and MEGA Side Imaging |  | Best Overall: Side imaging with the transducer included | Display: 7 inches | Side imaging: MEGA Side Imaging; listed range of 125 feet on either side | Down imaging: MEGA Down Imaging; listed range of 125 feet below the boat | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Lowrance Eagle Fish Finder with TripleShot HD Transducer and C-MAP Charting |  | Best for a larger screen and bundled charting | Display: 9-inch IPS | Sonar: CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, and SideScan | Transducer: TripleShot HD, included | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Humminbird APEX VX Series GPS Fish Finder with LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX Maps, MEGA Side Imaging+ |  | Best Premium: Large display and expandable network | Display: 13.3-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080 | Controls: Touchscreen and keypad Cross Touch | Sonar: MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with GT20 Transducer |  | Best Compact Down-Scanning Alternative: Not a side imaging unit | Display: 4-inch color | Sonar: CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | Transducer: GT20-TM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv 4-Inch Color Fishfinder with GT20 Transducer |  | Best for Basic GPS Sonar: A second listing without side imaging | Display: 4-inch color | Transducer: GT20 | Sonar: Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| side imaging fish finder | Display | Sonar | Transducer | Side imaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 GPS Fish | 7 inches | Dual Spectrum CHIRP | — | MEGA Side Imaging; listed range of 125 feet on either side |
| Lowrance Eagle Fish Finder wit | 9-inch IPS | CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, and SideScan | TripleShot HD, included | — |
| Humminbird APEX VX Series GPS | 13.3-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080 | MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP | Not included; control head only | — |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fishf | 4-inch color | CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | GT20-TM | Not supported |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv 4-Inc | 4-inch color | Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | GT20 | Not supported |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer and MEGA Side Imaging
The HELIX 7 G4 is my leading pick for a buyer who wants a side imaging system without starting from a control head alone. It combines MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP, and the listed package includes the XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T transducer and mounting hardware. That makes it a more direct out-of-box route to side imaging than the APEX VX, whose transducer is sold separately.
Its 7-inch display sits between the Lowrance Eagle’s 9-inch screen and the compact Garmin units. That size can be a sensible fit where helm space matters, though anglers who regularly split the screen between sonar and charts may prefer the Lowrance’s larger IPS display or the APEX’s 13.3-inch Full HD panel. Humminbird lists side imaging range at 125 feet on either side, plus internal GPS, Basemap coverage, and AutoChart Live for recording local contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation.
The tradeoff is that the included mapping is not the same as a full premium chart package, and the built-in AutoChart Live recording capacity is listed as eight hours. Buyers wanting extensive chart options or a large multi-station network may find the APEX better suited, although that choice brings more equipment planning. Against the Eagle, the HELIX offers named MEGA imaging and a compact control layout; the Eagle counters with a bigger screen and an included C-MAP card. For a balanced side imaging setup with GPS and transducer in the package, the HELIX makes the clearest all-around case.
Pros:- MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging are paired with Dual Spectrum CHIRP.
- Transducer, power cable, and mounting hardware are listed as included.
- Internal GPS, Humminbird Basemap, and AutoChart Live support navigation and local mapping.
- Seven-inch display keeps the system more compact than the Eagle 9 and APEX VX.
Cons:- AutoChart Live recording is limited to eight hours without expanded capacity.
- Premium chart compatibility is listed, but premium charts are not stated as included.
Best for: Anglers seeking MEGA side imaging, GPS, and a transducer in a mid-size unit.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a large chart-and-sonar display, extensive included premium charts, or long AutoChart Live recording without added capacity.
- Display:7 inches
- Side imaging:MEGA Side Imaging; listed range of 125 feet on either side
- Down imaging:MEGA Down Imaging; listed range of 125 feet below the boat
- Sonar:Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- GPS and charts:Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap; coverage stated for 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines
- Mapping:AutoChart Live with eight hours of built-in recording
- Included transducer:XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T
- Model number:411930-1
Our verdict“I recommend the HELIX 7 G4 as the best overall fit here for anglers who want MEGA side imaging and the transducer included in a moderately sized package.”
Lowrance Eagle Fish Finder with TripleShot HD Transducer and C-MAP Charting
The Lowrance Eagle 9 makes a strong case for buyers who want to read side imaging and chart details on one larger display. Its 9-inch IPS screen is bigger than the HELIX 7 G4’s panel, and the included TripleShot HD transducer brings SideScan, DownScan Imaging, and CHIRP together. FishReveal overlays fish targets on DownScan detail, which can help a reader connect marks with the structure below.
Charting is another point of difference: the package lists a C-MAP DISCOVER microSD card covering U.S. and Canada inland and coastal waters. That gives this model a charting advantage over the HELIX’s stated Humminbird Basemap, though the exact charting needs still depend on where and how the boat is used. Auto-Tuning Sonar and a twist-lock connector aim to simplify setup, making the Eagle less intimidating than a more expandable helm such as the APEX VX.
The supplied information cautions that its side imaging detail does not match premium models at deeper depths. Buyers prioritizing the APEX’s MEGA Side Imaging+ feature set and network options may favor that unit, but must source a transducer separately. The Eagle instead emphasizes a larger screen and bundled essentials, while giving up some of the high-end system capacity. It is my pick for a chart-oriented angler who values an included transducer and straightforward setup, provided the stated imaging limitation suits their fishing conditions.
Pros:- Nine-inch IPS display provides more room for sonar and chart information than the HELIX 7.
- Included TripleShot HD transducer combines SideScan, DownScan, and CHIRP.
- C-MAP DISCOVER microSD card covers U.S. and Canada inland and coastal waters.
- FishReveal, Auto-Tuning Sonar, and twist-lock connection support easier interpretation and setup.
Cons:- Side imaging detail is described as less capable at deeper depths than premium models.
- Full mapping functionality depends on the included microSD chart card.
Best for: Anglers who want a 9-inch display, SideScan, and a C-MAP chart card included.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking the highest-tier side imaging for deeper water or a broad multi-device marine network.
- Display:9-inch IPS
- Sonar:CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, and SideScan
- Transducer:TripleShot HD, included
- Fish identification:FishReveal overlay on DownScan detail
- Charts:C-MAP DISCOVER microSD card
- Chart coverage:U.S. and Canada inland and coastal waters
- Setup:Auto-Tuning Sonar and twist-lock connector
Our verdict“I would choose the Eagle for its larger screen and included chart card, while anglers focused on deeper-water imaging should compare its stated limits with the HELIX and APEX.”
Humminbird APEX VX Series GPS Fish Finder with LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX Maps, MEGA Side Imaging+
The Humminbird APEX VX is the premium helm choice in this group for anglers who want side imaging to sit within a larger chartplotter system. Its 13.3-inch Full HD display supports both touchscreen and keypad control, so a buyer can choose the interaction that suits their setup. MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP cover multiple viewing modes, while two Ethernet ports support multi-station configurations without an external hub.
It also arrives with LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX Maps, stated to cover more than 13,000 lakes, waterways, and coastal regions across the U.S. and Canada. That is a broader named mapping package than the Lowrance Eagle’s included chart card and the HELIX’s Basemap. One-Boat Network compatibility adds appeal for anglers already using compatible Minn Kota motors or Cannon Optimum downriggers. HDMI input and output and dual-channel CHIRP transducer support further distinguish it as an expandable system rather than a basic sonar display.
The central caveat is substantial for shopping: this is a control head only, so the transducer is not included. A buyer must plan that purchase and installation, and the extensive feature set may be unnecessary for casual fishing. The HELIX 7 G4 is more complete as a listed package; the Eagle is more approachable with its transducer and charts in the box. I rank the APEX behind those models for general buyers, but it is the clear choice for a large, connected helm where system expansion matters more than a simple setup.
Pros:- 13.3-inch Full HD display offers substantially more viewing space than the HELIX and Eagle.
- MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP provide several sonar views.
- LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX Maps are included with broad U.S. and Canada coverage.
- Two Ethernet ports, HDMI connectivity, and One-Boat Network compatibility support expansion.
Cons:- Control head only; a transducer must be purchased separately.
- Advanced functions and integrations can add setup complexity for casual anglers.
Best for: Boat owners building a premium, networked helm with a large display and extensive chart coverage.
Not ideal for: Casual anglers or buyers who want a transducer and a simpler ready-to-install package included.
- Display:13.3-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Controls:Touchscreen and keypad Cross Touch
- Sonar:MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- Side imaging range:Up to 250 feet
- Maps included:LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX Maps plus Humminbird Basemap
- Transducer:Not included; control head only
- Networking:Two Ethernet ports; One-Boat Network compatibility
- Video:HDMI input and output
- AutoChart Live:Eight hours of recording
Our verdict“I recommend the APEX VX for a premium connected helm, provided the buyer is prepared to select and add a compatible transducer.”
Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with GT20 Transducer
The Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv earns a place here as a compact alternative for a buyer whose actual need is basic sonar and GPS rather than scanning out to either side. Its GT20 transducer supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar; ClearVü shows detail beneath the boat, so it does not fill the side imaging role covered by the HELIX, Eagle, or APEX.
At four inches, the screen favors small boats and uncluttered dashboards, but it leaves little room for reading sonar and navigation information together. Garmin’s vivid color palettes can help separate fish and structure visually, while high-sensitivity GPS supports waypoints, routes, and boat speed. Quickdraw Contours lets owners create and save maps with one-foot contours, a useful local mapping feature when paired with its sonar functions.
Compared with the second Garmin listing, this entry has essentially the same core identity and feature set, so the two should not be treated as different levels of side imaging performance. Compared with the HELIX 7, it is smaller and omits side imaging, but includes its GT20 transducer and GPS-oriented tools in a compact package. Choose it only if ClearVü and portability matter more than side imaging; a buyer specifically shopping for side scans should move to one of the first three picks.
Pros:- GT20 transducer includes CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar.
- High-sensitivity GPS supports waypoints, routes, and boat speed.
- Quickdraw Contours creates and saves maps with one-foot contours.
- Four-inch display suits a compact dashboard where space is limited.
Cons:- No side imaging sonar capability.
- Small display can make sonar and navigation details harder to view together.
Best for: Small-boat anglers who want a compact GPS fish finder with downward ClearVü scanning.
Not ideal for: Anyone who specifically needs side imaging to search structure beside the boat.
- Display:4-inch color
- Sonar:CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü
- Transducer:GT20-TM
- GPS:High-sensitivity GPS with waypoint marking, route planning, and boat speed
- Mapping:Quickdraw Contours with one-foot contours
- Mounting:Tilt/swivel mount with transom and trolling motor hardware
- Side imaging:Not supported
- Warranty:Two-year limited warranty
Our verdict“I would select this Garmin only for a compact ClearVü and GPS setup, since its sonar does not provide the side imaging promised by this roundup.”
Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv 4-Inch Color Fishfinder with GT20 Transducer
This second STRIKER Vivid 4cv listing describes the same core kind of compact Garmin fish finder: a four-inch color display, GT20 transducer, CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü, built-in GPS, and Quickdraw Contours. Its role is therefore a second listing for a basic sonar buyer, not another side imaging choice. ClearVü scans below the boat, while side imaging would show a wider view to the sides; this model does not provide that function.
For an angler who wants waypoints and locally created contour maps on a small craft, the Garmin’s modest footprint may be easier to accommodate than the HELIX 7 or Lowrance Eagle. Those larger alternatives, however, provide actual side imaging and larger screens. Even the premium APEX, despite needing a separate transducer, is in a different class for imaging and network expansion. The Garmin’s compactness is a benefit only when that smaller scope matches the buyer’s fishing plan.
The listed information does not give this ASIN a different sonar package, mapping capability, or display size from the other Vivid 4cv entry. Buyers comparing the two Garmin records should focus on confirming the exact listing and included hardware rather than expecting a side imaging variant. For this specific search, it is a lower-priority fallback: useful for basic sonar and GPS, but a mismatch for anyone who wants to scan underwater terrain beside the boat.
Pros:- GT20 transducer supports traditional CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar.
- Built-in GPS supports waypoints, route creation, and boat speed.
- Quickdraw Contours enables owner-created maps.
- Compact four-inch color display can fit space-constrained setups.
Cons:- No side imaging capability.
- Core features duplicate the other STRIKER Vivid 4cv entry in this comparison.
- Small screen offers less room than the HELIX 7, Eagle 9, or APEX VX.
Best for: A buyer needing a small, straightforward fish finder with built-in GPS and ClearVü.
Not ideal for: Side imaging shoppers or anglers who want a larger screen for split sonar and chart views.
- Display:4-inch color
- Transducer:GT20
- Sonar:Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü
- GPS:Built-in GPS
- Mapping:Quickdraw Contours
- Mount:Tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included
- Side imaging:Not supported
Our verdict“I would consider this Garmin for basic GPS and downward scanning on a compact boat, but not as a side imaging fish finder.”
How We Picked
I ranked these fish finders by how directly they answer a side imaging buyer’s need: showing structure and targets to either side of the boat. That puts models with named side imaging technologies ahead of units that provide traditional sonar or downward scanning only. A larger display can make it easier to read sonar alongside charts, but it does not compensate for missing side imaging.
I also compared what a buyer receives and what they must add. The HELIX 7 G4 and Lowrance Eagle list their transducers as included, while the APEX VX is explicitly a control head only. Mapping matters for navigation and for interpreting unfamiliar water, so I noted included chart coverage and mapping tools separately. Finally, I considered setup and expansion: touchscreen and keypad choices, network connections, and transducer support can suit a dedicated helm, but they may add complexity for a simple boat setup.
The two Garmin listings appear to describe the same STRIKER Vivid 4cv family, with overlapping features and distinct ASINs. I keep both entries because they were supplied as separate products, while making their shared limitation plain: ClearVü is not side imaging. Product descriptions do not specify comparable real-world performance across every depth, speed, or installation, so my recommendations focus on the stated features and equipment.
| side imaging fish finder | Side imaging | Sonar | Mapping | Transducer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 GPS Fish | MEGA Side Imaging; listed range of 125 feet on either side | Dual Spectrum CHIRP | AutoChart Live with eight hours of built-in recording | — |
| Lowrance Eagle Fish Finder wit | — | CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, and SideScan | — | TripleShot HD, included |
| Humminbird APEX VX Series GPS | — | MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP | — | Not included; control head only |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv Fishf | Not supported | CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | Quickdraw Contours with one-foot contours | GT20-TM |
| Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv 4-Inc | Not supported | Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü | Quickdraw Contours | GT20 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Side Imaging Fish Finder
I would start with the kind of view you need, then check that the display, transducer, charts, and installation match your boat. A side imaging label alone does not tell you whether the whole package suits your water or setup.Separate side imaging from down imaging
Side imaging scans to the sides of the boat, helping anglers inspect structure and search a wider area without passing directly over every target. Down imaging and Garmin ClearVü focus beneath the boat. They can add useful detail, but they are not substitutes when the main goal is to look laterally. In this lineup, the HELIX, Eagle, and APEX list side imaging; both Garmin 4cv entries do not.
Match the transducer to the package
The transducer produces the sonar information, so check what is included before comparing displays. The HELIX 7 G4 and Lowrance Eagle list their transducers in the package, while the APEX VX is a control head only. That can make the APEX a more involved build: the buyer needs to select a compatible transducer and plan installation. Garmin’s GT20 is included but supports traditional and ClearVü sonar rather than side imaging.
Choose screen size for how you fish
A larger screen can make it easier to read imaging alongside a chart, especially when a display is split. The APEX VX’s 13.3-inch panel gives the most room, and the Eagle’s 9-inch IPS screen is a middle ground. The HELIX’s 7-inch display is more compact, while the four-inch Garmin units suit tight spaces but leave less room for detail. Consider helm space, viewing distance, and whether you expect to show two views at once.
Read mapping claims carefully
Included maps and owner-created maps serve different jobs. The APEX VX lists LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX coverage; the Eagle includes a C-MAP DISCOVER card. The HELIX has Humminbird Basemap and AutoChart Live for recording local information, with eight hours of built-in recording stated. The Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours also supports creating maps. Check the waters you fish and the chart detail you require rather than assuming that a broad coverage claim includes every local feature.
Account for range, setup, and expansion
The listed ranges vary: the HELIX specifies 125 feet to either side, while the APEX states up to 250 feet. The supplied product details caution that the Eagle’s side imaging detail is less capable at deeper depths than premium models. These figures and descriptions are useful starting points, not a guarantee for every installation or water condition. Also weigh the Eagle’s Auto-Tuning and twist-lock setup against the APEX’s Ethernet, HDMI, and One-Boat Network options. Pick the level of expansion you will actually use so setup complexity matches your boat and routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fish finders in this roundup have side imaging?
The Humminbird HELIX 7 G4, Lowrance Eagle with TripleShot HD, and Humminbird APEX VX list side imaging. The APEX calls its technology MEGA Side Imaging+, and the HELIX lists MEGA Side Imaging. Both Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv entries provide ClearVü scanning sonar, which looks below the boat, but do not have side imaging.
Is ClearVü the same as side imaging?
No. In the supplied Garmin specifications, ClearVü is a scanning sonar mode that shows detail beneath the boat. Side imaging scans out to the sides and is the feature named on the Humminbird and Lowrance products. If searching beside the boat is your main goal, choose one of the three models that explicitly lists side imaging.
Which option includes a transducer?
The HELIX 7 G4 lists an XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T transducer, and the Lowrance Eagle includes a TripleShot HD transducer. Both Garmin listings include a GT20, but it does not support side imaging. The APEX VX is specified as a control head only, so its buyer must source a compatible transducer separately.
Which model has the largest display and most expansion options?
The Humminbird APEX VX has the largest screen in this comparison at 13.3 inches, with Full HD resolution, touchscreen and keypad controls, two Ethernet ports, HDMI input and output, and One-Boat Network compatibility. Those features suit a more connected helm, but the unit is sold without a transducer and its broader feature set may add setup work.
Which pick makes the most sense for a first side imaging setup?
I would begin with the HELIX 7 G4 if you want MEGA Side Imaging, GPS, and a transducer listed in the package. The Lowrance Eagle is also approachable, with a larger 9-inch screen, included TripleShot HD transducer, and C-MAP card. Choose between them based on display size, chart preferences, and the stated side imaging range and depth limitations that fit your fishing conditions.
Conclusion
For the most balanced side imaging package, I recommend the Humminbird HELIX 7 G4: it combines MEGA Side Imaging, GPS, mapping tools, and an included transducer in a seven-inch unit. Choose the Lowrance Eagle if a larger 9-inch screen and included C-MAP chart card matter more. For a premium, expandable helm, the Humminbird APEX VX has the broadest display and network features, provided you plan for its separate transducer.
The two Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv entries are better suited to compact setups that need GPS and downward ClearVü sonar. Since neither includes side imaging, I would skip them if scanning structure beside the boat is your reason for shopping. That distinction is the simplest way to narrow this comparison: decide whether you need side imaging, then choose the screen and package that fit your boat.
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