Choosing the Best Garmin Unit for LiveScope Only – No Mapping, No Sonar, Just the Best Display
If you're running Garmin LiveScope as a dedicated unit, you don’t need built-in mapping, 2D sonar, or chartplotting features. Instead, the most important factors are:
- Screen resolution & PPI – Determines how clear LiveScope looks
- Touchscreen vs. Button Control – Affects ease of use and menu navigation
- HDMI output – For screen mirroring to an external display (like NBT Marine units)
- ActiveCaptain Screen Recording – Available on all GPSMAP units
- Ecosystem compatibility – GPSMAP and ECHOMAP cannot share data, so match your unit with what’s already on your boat
- Processing performance – GPSMAP units, especially the 8400 series, run LiveScope more smoothly
Best Garmin Units for LiveScope (Comparison Chart)
| Unit | Screen Size | Resolution | PPI | Touchscreen | HDMI Out | ActiveCaptain Screen Recording | Ecosystem | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 8416 | 16” | 1920x1200 | 147 | Yes | Yes | Yes | GPSMAP only | $$$$$ |
| GPSMAP 8412 | 12” | 1920x1200 | 188 | Yes | Yes | Yes | GPSMAP only | $$$$ |
| GPSMAP 8410 | 10” | 1920x1200 | 224 | Yes | Yes | Yes | GPSMAP only | $$$ |
| GPSMAP 1222 | 12” | 1280x800 | 125 | No | No | Yes | GPSMAP only | $$ |
| GPSMAP 1022 | 10” | 1024x600 | 117 | No | No | Yes | GPSMAP only | $$ |
| ECHOMAP Ultra 122 | 12” | 1280x800 | 125 | Yes | No | No | ECHOMAP only | $$ |
| ECHOMAP Ultra 102 | 10” | 1280x800 | 150 | Yes | No | No | ECHOMAP only | $$ |
| ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | 9” | 1024x600 | 112 | Yes | No | No | ECHOMAP only | $ |
Screen Resolution & PPI – Why It Matters
LiveScope is a real-time sonar, meaning higher resolution and pixel density (PPI) provide a sharper display with better fish separation.
- Best Clarity: GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410 (1920x1200, high PPI for crisp LiveScope imaging)
- Good Mid-Tier: ECHOMAP Ultra 122, 102 & GPSMAP 1222, 1022 (1280x800 or 1024x600, functional but lower detail)
- Budget Option: ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv (1024x600, usable but lowest resolution)
Higher resolution is especially important if you:
- Use Perspective Mode, where extra pixels help define bottom structure
- Need better fish separation at long Forward Ranges
- Want sharper detail for tracking small baits or suspended fish
Winner: GPSMAP 8412 (12” screen, 1920x1200, 188 PPI)
Touchscreen vs. Button Control – Which Is Better?
All ECHOMAP Ultra and GPSMAP 84xx units have touchscreens, making them faster and easier to navigatewhen adjusting LiveScope settings.
- GPSMAP 1022 & 1222 are button-only units – No touchscreen, which means slower navigation.
- Touchscreens make adjusting Forward & Down Range much quicker.
| Unit | Touchscreen? |
|---|---|
| GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410 | Yes |
| GPSMAP 1222, 1022 | No |
| ECHOMAP Ultra 122, 102 | Yes |
| ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | Yes |
If you prefer a touchscreen for faster adjustments, avoid the GPSMAP 1022 and 1222 models.
Winner: GPSMAP 8412 (large touchscreen, best clarity)
HDMI Output – Do You Need Screen Mirroring?
HDMI output is useful for mirroring LiveScope to a second display, such as an NBT Marine screen at the console.
| Unit | HDMI Out? |
|---|---|
| GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410 | Yes |
| GPSMAP 1222, 1022 | No |
| ECHOMAP Ultra 122, 102 | No |
| ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | No |
Winner: GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410
ActiveCaptain Screen Recording – GPSMAP Only
All GPSMAP units allow ActiveCaptain screen recording, making it easy to:
- Review sonar playback later
- Share sonar footage for instructional purposes
- Analyze fish behavior between trips
| Unit | ActiveCaptain Screen Recording? |
|---|---|
| GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410 | Yes |
| GPSMAP 1222, 1022 | Yes |
| ECHOMAP Ultra 122, 102 | No |
| ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv | No |
If you want to record LiveScope footage, a GPSMAP unit is required.
Winner: GPSMAP 8412, 8416, 8410, 1022, 1222
Ecosystem Compatibility – Pick the Right Unit for Your Boat
Important: GPSMAP and ECHOMAP units cannot communicate with each other.
- If you already have ECHOMAP units, stick with ECHOMAP Ultra 122 or 102.
- If you already have GPSMAP units, the GPSMAP 8412 or 8410 is the best choice.
- If this is your only Garmin unit, GPSMAP 84xx series is superior in display quality and performance.
Best Unit for LiveScope Only – Final Verdict
| Best Overall | Best Mid-Range | Best Budget |
|---|---|---|
| GPSMAP 8412 | ECHOMAP Ultra 122 | ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv |
| Best resolution, touchscreen, HDMI out, screen recording | Good resolution, touchscreen, lower cost | Cheapest option, but lowest resolution and no networking |
Which One Should You Buy?
- If money isn’t an issue → GPSMAP 8412 or 8416 (Best resolution, HDMI output, ActiveCaptain recording)
- If you want a solid mid-range display → ECHOMAP Ultra 122 (Good clarity, 12” screen, no HDMI or recording)
- If you want the cheapest option that works → ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv (Lower resolution, no networking, but functional for budget setups)
