Fishfinders, chartplotters, and sonar-capable GPS devices have become a staple in the fishing industry as more and more enthusiasts indulge in taking the guesswork out of fishing by using fish-finding technology to improve the chances of a guaranteed catch. Dubbed as one of the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturers, Garmin has been stepping up its angling game lately with a portfolio that includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters.
Two of our top fishfinder picks from Garmin are the EchoMap Plus 93sv and EchoMap UHD 93sv. These easy to install and easy to use chartplotters come with a sunlight-viewable keyed-assist touchscreen and preloaded maps as well as other important features like sonar sharing and Wi-Fi capabilities. If you’re on the hunt for your very first one or looking to replace your old one, we’ve compared the two below to help you choose which one is the best fit for you.
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Garmin EchoMap Plus 93sv vs UHD 93sv Comparison Chart
| Model | Garmin EchoMap Plus 93sv | Garmin EchoMap UHD 93sv* |
| Amazon product | Amazon product | |
| Price | Amazon product | Amazon product |
| Dimensions | 11.4″ x 6.5″ x 2.4″ (28.2 x 16.4 x 6.0 cm) | 11.4″ x 6.5″ x 2.4″ (28.2 x 16.4 x 6.0 cm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1.0 kg) | 2.3 lbs (1.0 kg) |
| Display Size | 7.8″ x 4.8″; 9″ diagonal (19.9 x 11.3 cm; 22.9 cm diagonal) | 7.8″ x 4.8″; 9″ diagonal (19.9 x 11.3 cm; 22.9 cm diagonal) |
| Display Type | WVGA display | WVGA display |
| Display Resolution | 400 x 800 pixels | 400 x 800 pixels |
| Water Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Receiver | 5 Hz | 5 Hz |
| Garmin Marine Network™ Ports | 1 Panoptix™ port | 1 Panoptix™ port |
| Transmit Power | 500 W (RMS) / 4,000 W (peak to peak) | 500 W (RMS) / 4,000 W (peak to peak) |
| Preloaded Maps | LakeVĂĽ g3 (inland maps) – US | LakeVĂĽ g3 (inland maps) – US |
| Accepts Data Cards | 1 microSD™ card; 32 GB maximum card size | 1 microSD™ card; 32 GB maximum size |
| Waypoints | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| CHIRP Sonar Technology | Built-in | Built-in |
| Maximum Depth | 2,300 ft @ 77 kHz, freshwater 1,100 ft @ 77 kHz, saltwater (depth capacity is dependent on water bottom type and other water conditions) | 2,300 ft @ 77 kHz, freshwater 1,100 ft @ 77 kHz, saltwater (depth capacity is dependent on water bottom type and other water conditions) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi) | Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi) |
Display
The EchoMap Plus 93sv and EchoMap UHD 93sv offer bright, sunlight-readable displays with the convenience of a keyed-assist touchscreen.
Whether detecting target species or mapping the bottom of a river, readability matters more than anything else. The EchoMap Plus 93sv and the UHD 93sv both feature a 9-inch display, giving fishfinders the sweet spot of screen sizes. Both units have a split display functionality, allowing multiple sonar types to display on the screen at once. With the dedicated buttons on the side, fishers are ensured to have no problems with navigating these devices.
The largest 9-inch screens also allow for a bright and clear display so fishers can view the screen in any lighting condition. Both units have a keyed-assisted touchscreen, a WGA display type that can render 400 x 800 image resolution, and one of the biggest, clearest displays available in a portable fishfinder to date.
Both the EchoMap Plus 93sv and the EchoMap UHD 93sv are pre-loaded with the LakeVĂĽ g3 (inland maps).
The pre-loaded LakeVĂĽ g3 maps with integrated Navionics give fishers excellent detail of underwater features, as well as useful area points including interstates, general roads, and bridges, designated fishing areas, boat ramps, marinas, and campgrounds. The maps can be easily upgraded via the built-in Wi-Fi to pair with the free ActiveCaptain app for access to OneChart, which grants fishers the freedom to purchase and download new charts. Both devices also feature an impressive 5hz GPS receiver which acquires satellites quickly on start-up and reads the watercraft’s location five times per second for an accurate real-time location display on any given map.
The EchoMap Plus 93sv and the UHD 93sv also feature Shallow Water Shading and Quickdraw Contours. Shallow Water Shading allows fishers to assign a user-defined depth for a clear picture of shallow waters to avoid based on their draft. Quickdraw Contours mapping software, meanwhile, let fishers create personalized fishing maps on-screen with 1’ contours as they sail. The detailed 1’ contours also provide for a more accurate look of bottom structure for improved fishing charts and enhanced detail in swamps, canals, and port layouts.
Sonar Capabilities
The EchoMap UHD 93sv can be upgraded via a GT54 transducer for Ultra High-Definition ClearVĂĽ and SideVĂĽ scanning sonars.
The EchoMap Plus 93sv and EchoMap UHD 93sv have built-in CHIRP traditional sonar which is known as one of the most sophisticated sonar technologies available for the fishing and boating public. CHIRP traditional sonar provides amazingly clear target separation and definition because it puts even more energy onto the target than traditional sonar. It also provides traditional sonar support for Minn Kota® and MotorGuide® trolling motors with integrated transducers.
Both units also have ClearVĂĽ and SideVĂĽ scanning sonars. ClearVĂĽ sonar is mainly used to identify the structure and gives a nearly photographic image structure below the boat. This allows fishers to see structure, submerged objects, and fish separation more clearly underwater. SideVĂĽ sonar meanwhile gives a true to life view of structures and targets on either side of the boat. The EchoMap Plus 93sv comes with a GT52 transducer that encompasses Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVĂĽ and CHIRP SideVĂĽ scanning sonars.
The biggest difference between the EchoMap Plus 93sv and UHD 93sv is the UHD unit’s ability to interpret Ultra High Definition transducer data from the newly released GT52 3-in-1 transducer. The Ultra High-Definition ClearVü scanning sonar system provides crisp images of structure and fish in stunning detail and sonar provides brilliant image clarity of structure and fish up to 200’ deep below your boat. The Ultra High-Definition SideVü sonar meanwhile seamlessly delivers stunningly clear images of structure and fish off to the sides of your boat.
Additional Features
Both models allow sharing of sonar, waypoints and routes with other EchoMap Plus or UHD 7” and 9” units as well as EchoMap Ultra 10” and 12” units.
Both units have built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity which can pair with the free all-in-one ActiveCaptain mobile app for access to the OneChart™ feature, smart notifications, software updates, Garmin Helm, Garmin Quickdraw™ Community data and more. This app also allows you to share your Quickdraw maps with the Quickdraw Community on Garmin Connect™.
The EchoMap Plus 93sv and UHD 93sv also have SailAssist features and Force Trolling Motor Compatibility. Sailassist features include laylines, enhanced wind rose and heading, and course-over-ground lines which allow for true and apparent wind angle and speed, as well as set and drift and a glance. The Force Trolling Motor (which is sold separately) meanwhile has the power to move you from spot to spot more quickly and stand up better to winds and currents with a highly-efficient brushless motor that operates at either 36V or 24V. Its ultraquiet motor won’t scare the fish and can easily be controlled once wirelessly paired with your EchoMap device.
Both units are also compatible with the optional Panoptix LiveScope Scanning Sonar. This allows fishers to see highly detailed, easy-to-interpret sonar imagery of structure, bait, and fish swimming below and around boats in real-time, even when the boat is stationary. Garmin says that because these images produced from this sonar are so clear and precise, with a little practice, one might be able to distinguish between species of fish!
Verdict
At a price point shy of only a few dollars from the EchoMap Plus 93sv, the UHD 93sv bundled with the GT54 transducer is quite a steal for an Ultra High-Definition scanning sonar.
Amazon productIf you’re looking for the whole package, the EchoMap UHD 93sv is well worth the upgrade. The ability to view and create maps on uncharted bodies of water using Ultra High Definition is well worth the price, especially on a 9-inch screen. However, for first-time fishers looking to find the best-bang-for-your-buck deal, the EchoMap Plus 93sv is your best bet. Due to its discontinuation, extremely enticing deals are popping up almost everywhere. With almost similar features and capabilities with that of the EchoMap UHD 93sv, the EchoMap Plus 93sv is still a quality fishfinder that can cater to almost all of your fishing needs.
FAQs
The biggest difference between the EchoMap Plus 93sv and UHD 93sv is the UHD unit’s ability to interpret Ultra High Definition transducer data from the newly released GT52 3-in-1 transducer.
The EchoMap 93sv units are compatible with the optional Panoptix LiveScope Scanning Sonar allowing fishers to see highly detailed, easy-to-interpret sonar imagery of structure, bait, and fish swimming below and around boats.
The EchoMap UHD 93sv is well worth the upgrade. The ability to view and create maps on uncharted bodies of water using Ultra High Definition is well worth the price, especially on a 9-inch screen.
The EchoMap Plus 93sv comes with a GT52 transducer that encompasses Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVĂĽ and CHIRP SideVĂĽ scanning sonars.