Head-to-head comparison · Fish Finders
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv vs Lowrance Elite FS 9
Two 9-inch touchscreen fish finders with side and down imaging, built-in GPS and preloaded charts. The Garmin has the sharper screen; the Lowrance has wired networking and Ghost motor control.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Why the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer wins
The ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv has 1024 x 600 pixels against 800 x 480, a published 500 W transmit power and 5,000 waypoints against 3,000. The Elite FS 9 is the pick if you run a Lowrance Ghost motor or plan to add ActiveTarget live sonar.
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer
A 9-inch touchscreen chartplotter and fish finder with 1024 x 600 resolution, ClearVü and SideVü sonar, the GT56UHD-TM transducer and Navionics+ U.S. Inland charts.
Lowrance Elite FS 9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer
A 9-inch touchscreen fish finder and chartplotter with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, C-MAP charts, Ethernet and NMEA 2000, and ActiveTarget live sonar support.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56UHD-TM TransducerOur pick | Lowrance Elite FS 9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:9.1/10 | Editorial score:8.7/10 |
| Best for | Sharpest 9-Inch Screen | Best for Lowrance Ghost Owners |
| Type | Chartplotter and fish finder combo | Fish finder and chartplotter |
| Screen | 9 in diagonal, color touchscreen | 9 in multi-touch touchscreen |
| Resolution | 1024 x 600 pixels | 800 x 480 pixels |
| Sonar | CHIRP traditional, ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar | CHIRP plus Active Imaging SideScan and DownScan, with FishReveal; ActiveTarget live sonar compatible (sold separately) |
| Transmit power | 500 W (RMS) | Not confirmed |
| Transducer included | GT56UHD-TM (transom mount) | Active Imaging 3-in-1 (transom mount) |
| Max depth (traditional) | Not confirmed for the GT56UHD-TM | Not confirmed |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in, 10 Hz, WAAS / EGNOS / MSAS |
| Mapping | Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland charts | C-MAP Contour+ (Lowrance spec table, US models) |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes, built-in wireless | Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Waypoints | 5,000 | 3,000 |
| Water rating | IPX7 | IPX7 with card door closed |
| Weight | 2.9 lb (1.3 kg) | 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 6.6 x 3.2 in (device only) | — |
| Where to buy | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) |
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At a glance
Key differences
- 1Resolution: 1024 x 600 for the Garmin, 800 x 480 for the Lowrance
- 2Transducer: GT56UHD-TM against Active Imaging 3-in-1
- 3Charts: Navionics+ U.S. Inland against C-MAP Contour+
- 4Waypoints: 5,000 against 3,000
- 5Weight: 2.9 lb against 2.7 lb
Product by product
Pros and cons
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer
The 9-inch fish finder to buy if you want side imaging and lake charts on one sharp screen. On a smaller console, the 7-inch ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv gives the same sonar and charts.
Pros
- 1024 x 600 pixels on a 9-inch screen, against 800 x 480 on the STRIKER Vivid 9sv and Lowrance Elite FS 9
- Side and down imaging plus traditional CHIRP from the included GT56UHD-TM transducer
- Navionics+ U.S. Inland charts preloaded
- Built-in wireless shares sonar and waypoints with a second UHD2 unit, per Garmin
Cons
- Garmin does not publish a depth rating for the GT56UHD-TM; the 2,300 ft manual figure depends on the transducer
- Garmin's manual says no swivel base is available for the 9-inch models
- At 2.9 lb and over 10 inches wide, it is too large for most kayak dashboards
Lowrance Elite FS 9 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer
The 9-inch display for anglers building a Lowrance system: Ghost motor control, Ethernet, and a path to ActiveTarget live sonar. If you only need side imaging and charts, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv has the sharper screen.
Pros
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer covers CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan in one housing
- Ethernet and NMEA 2000 ports, and support for ActiveTarget live sonar
- Controls a Lowrance Ghost trolling motor or Lowrance Outboard Pilot from the screen, per Lowrance
- Lowrance lists a 2-year warranty with upgrade options to 5 years
Cons
- 800 x 480 pixels, against 1024 x 600 on the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
- Lowrance does not publish transmit power or depth for this bundle
- Lowrance's page names two different chart sets (C-MAP Contour+ in the spec table, Discover OnBoard in the feature text)
Choose the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv if
- You want the sharper screen for side imaging.
- You prefer Navionics+ charts.
Choose the Lowrance Elite FS 9 if
- You run a Lowrance Ghost trolling motor or Outboard Pilot.
- You plan to add ActiveTarget live sonar or other Ethernet gear.
Lowrance's page lists two different chart sets for this bundle; check the listing before buying.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has the better screen, the ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv or the Elite FS 9?
- The Garmin, at 1024 x 600 pixels against 800 x 480 on the Lowrance. Both are 9-inch touchscreens.
- Which works with live sonar?
- Lowrance lists the Elite FS as compatible with its ActiveTarget live sonar, sold separately.
- Which is lighter?
- The Lowrance, at 2.7 lb against 2.9 lb, by the makers' figures.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
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