Navionics on Fish finder

Im looking for a fish finder that has navionics capabilities. Looking online I found a few options. But most are 7" screen or bigger and close to $500, id prefer to have one smaller but the navionics  charts are pretty clutch.

I know several guys here using Navionics on their phones.

One reason for the vast difference in prices could be that some FFs and Chartplotters come with the Navionics charts already loaded, and some require you to purchase those separately. I think the charts are around $150 to buy directly from Garmin, but I haven't looked recently, they may have gone up.

I have been using Lowrance Elite TI5 (5" Touch Screen) with Navionics Platinum Plus NPUS008R U.S. West map.  I love the Relief Shading chart, and it is a game-changer for rockfishing.  Not all fish finders are compatible with Navionics Platinum Plus maps.  Only mid and high-end fish finders are compatible.  Garmin uses different maps called Garmin Navionics Vision+ NVUS008R US West.
Here are links to the maps and compatibility charts:

https://www.thegpsstore.com/GPS-Maps-Software/Electronic-Charts/Navionics-Charts/Navionics-Platinum/Navionics-Platinum-Plus-NPUS008R-US-West
https://www8.garmin.com/navionics/PDF/GPS_Plotter_Cards_Compatibility_Guide.pdf

https://www.thegpsstore.com/GPS-Maps-Software/Electronic-Charts/Garmin-Charts/Garmin-Navionics-Vision-Charts/Garmin-Navionics-Vision-NVUS008R-US-West
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/marine/chartplotter-compatibility/

Don't get Navionics + maps, they don't have Relief Shading.  The price of Platinum Plus maps fluctuare and I got it on sale for $129.

Back to the Lowrance TI5.  This model is no longer a stock item, and you have to get a used one from eBay or Marketplace.  For me, 5" is the perfect size, and I love the touch screen.   I also installed a Total Scan transducer.

Paul

jiggy.  I use a Garmin Echomap UHD 7".  I bought the  Navionics package , BUT THE WRONG ONE.   I got Navionics +. but should have purchased Navionics Vision+  (something like that).  the sales rep sent me down the wrong rabbit hole.   it isn't cheap. the package that gives us the satellite images/layer option.   $250ish...

my package expires in summer, and I will upgrade.  I cannot stomach buying the upgrade and uploading it over my $150 I already spent. 

on the other hand, the way you run the app on the phone is gobs cheaper. 

my fish finder is being discontinued and you can find it cheap!!

Thanks for the info guys. I guess using it on my phone is way cheaper. I might just keep on doing that way and save the money and buy a less expensive FF without the navionics.

Thanks for the info guys. I guess using it on my phone is way cheaper. I might just keep on doing that way and save the money and buy a less expensive FF without the navionics.

Once I got the Platinum Plus map on my FF, I stopped for the annual Navionics App subscription.  Also, I don't plan to pay for the update on the Platinum Plus map since the Relief Shading information would be good for many years.

Paul