Blog
Garmin GPSMAP vs Lowrance HDS Pro — Marine GPS Comparison 2026
Garmin GPSMAP vs Lowrance HDS Pro — The Big Two
The two dominant US marine electronics brands. Both excellent, both expensive. Which is right for you?
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv | Lowrance HDS Pro 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 12″ | 12″ |
| Touchscreen + keys | Both ✅ | Both ✅ |
| Sonar | CHIRP + ClearVü + SideVü + LiveScope | CHIRP + ActiveImaging 3-in-1 + ActiveTarget 2 |
| Maps | Garmin Navionics+ | C-MAP REVEAL |
| Networking | NMEA 2000 + Garmin Marine | NMEA 2000 + Ethernet |
| Price | $2,799 | $2,599 |
Where Garmin Wins
- LiveScope is THE best live sonar (still)
- Bigger marine ecosystem (radars, autopilots, EmpirBus electrical)
- Navionics+ mapping is better in most of US
Where Lowrance Wins
- ActiveTarget 2 cheaper than LiveScope
- C-MAP REVEAL excellent for offshore
- Better software UX (according to most users)
Verdict
Tournament bass anglers: Garmin LiveScope still rules
Multi-species + offshore: Lowrance HDS Pro is the better all-rounder
Both available at Smart Buy Gadgets.
