Shopping for marine electronics sonar navigation gear often comes down to one question: do you want a single combined unit that handles both GPS chartplotting and fishfinding, or a dedicated sonar sounder that does one job well? Two Garmin head units sit near the same price point and answer that question in opposite ways. One is a color chartplotter and fishfinder MFD; the other is a dedicated echo sounder. Here's how their differences line up against your boat.
Quick verdict: If you want one screen for navigation and sonar, the GARMIN GPSMAP 2010 COLOR MARINE GPS CHART PLOTTER FISHFINDER MFD With Suncover is the clear pick. It combines GPS chartplotting with sonar and includes a suncover, so it's the more versatile display for a compact helm. If you'd rather have a dedicated fishfinder without the used-unit caveat, the Garmin Fishfinder 160C Marine Boat Echo Sounder Sonar Fish Finder arrives in new open-box condition and focuses purely on sonar. Both are Garmins made in Taiwan, and their listed prices are within $5 of each other, so the decision comes down to whether you value an all-in-one helm or a purpose-built sonar display.
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| GARMIN GPSMAP 2010 COLOR MARINE GPS CHART PLOTTER FISHFINDER MFD With Suncover | $169.99 | |
| Garmin Fishfinder 160C Marine Boat Echo Sounder Sonar Fish Finder | $175.00 |
Where each product wins
- The GPSMAP 2010 wins for a multi-function helm: it's a color marine GPS chartplotter with a fishfinder built in, and it's priced below the dedicated unit.
- The Fishfinder 160C wins for simplicity: it's a dedicated echo sounder/sonar unit that keeps the helm uncluttered.
GARMIN GPSMAP 2010 COLOR MARINE GPS CHART PLOTTER FISHFINDER MFD With Suncover
If you want one display that can serve as both a chartplotter and a fishfinder, this used Garmin MFD does the work of two units. The color marine GPS chart plotter pairs navigation with a fishfinder, and the suncover is included to protect the screen when it's not in use. The trade-off is condition: it's a used unit, and there's no power cord in the box, so you'll need to source one if you don't already have a compatible cord. At its $169.99 listed price, it's the lower-priced of the two Garmins here, which gives you the combo functionality for less money upfront. For boaters who already own a power cable or are comfortable adding one, this is the route for integrated navigation and sonar from a single head unit.
Garmin Fishfinder 160C Marine Boat Echo Sounder Sonar Fish Finder
The 160C is a dedicated sonar tool for anglers who want a straightforward fishfinder. It arrives in new open-box condition, so you're getting an essentially fresh unit rather than a used one. As an echo sounder, it focuses on reading the water under your boat, keeping the operation simple if you already have a separate GPS or use your phone for navigation. The listed price is only a few dollars above the GPSMAP 2010, meaning the decision isn't about saving money but about how you prefer to run your helm. Choose it if you value a purpose-built sonar display with new-condition status over a multi-function navigation screen.
Final choice by use case
For a single display that handles both navigation and sonar, the GARMIN GPSMAP 2010 is the obvious pick, especially if you already have a power cord or don't mind buying one. For a clean, dedicated fishfinder that arrives as new open box, the Garmin Fishfinder 160C is the more straightforward choice. If the used condition of the 2010 gives you pause, the 160C takes the edge; if you want the most functionality for your money, the 2010 gets you a chartplotter and fishfinder combo at a lower listed price.
