When you're choosing marine electronics sonar navigation, the biggest question is whether the fishfinder stays on your boat or comes with you to the shore, kayak, or ice. The GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 Marine Boat Sonar is priced at USD 65.00, while the Portable Handheld Fish Finder with LCD Display and Sonar Transducer for Fishing costs USD 77.91. That sets up a $12.91 spread, with the Garmin coming in 17% below the handheld. But the two units are designed for different scenarios.
Quick verdict
For a pre-owned, boat-oriented Garmin sonar with dual measurement systems and a lower price, the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 is the pick. For a new, carry-anywhere handheld with an LCD display, LED backlight, and 4-5 hour battery life, the Portable Handheld Fish Finder is the better companion for shore, kayak, dock, and ice fishing.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 | Portable Handheld Fish Finder |
| Price | USD 65.00 | USD 77.91 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Measurement Units | Decimal & Imperial | Meters / Feet |
| Design | Marine boat sonar | Handheld with LCD display and sonar transducer |
Where each product wins
- The GARMIN Depth Finder 80 wins on price, undercutting the handheld by 17%, and it brings the Garmin name plus both decimal and imperial measurement systems.
- The Portable Handheld Fish Finder wins on flexibility with its LCD display, LED backlight, and 4-5 hour battery life, and it's new rather than used.
Product notes
GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 Marine Boat Sonar
This sonar unit leans on Garmin's experience in fishing gear. It measures in both decimal and imperial units, so you can read depths without having to convert, and the plastic housing is intended to handle tough marine conditions. The $65.00 price is the lower of the two options, about 17% below the handheld, which makes it a sensible pick if you're outfitting a boat and want a Garmin sonar at a moderate cost. With its sonar sensors and fishing-focused design, it's built for the water. The main limitation is that it's listed as used, so it's not a brand-new unit. It's also positioned as a marine boat sonar rather than a take-anywhere handheld, so it won't fit the same on-the-go role as the portable option. If your fishing happens from a boat, this is a straightforward choice.
Portable Handheld Fish Finder with LCD Display and Sonar Transducer for Fishing
This is the grab-and-go unit. It has an LCD display with LED backlighting, which helps when you're reading it in low light, and it switches between meters and feet. The 4-5 hour battery life is enough for a day of fishing from the bank, kayak, dock, or ice, and a neck strap is included so you can keep it close while you move. The yellow housing is easy to spot on the shore or in a tackle box. At $77.91, it costs more than the Garmin, and the 4.6 cm screen is small enough that you'll need to look carefully. The new condition and portable design are the selling points here. If you want a compact fish finder that travels with you rather than staying mounted on a boat, this unit's features line up with that need.
Final choice by use case
Choose the GARMIN Fishfinder Depth Finder 80 if you want a boat-based sonar, prefer decimal and imperial readouts, and want to keep the cost below $65. Choose the Portable Handheld Fish Finder if you fish from a kayak, dock, or ice and want a new, carryable unit with an LCD screen, LED backlight, and a battery rated for 4-5 hours.
