8 Best Humminbird Side Imaging Transducers (November 2026)
The best Humminbird side imaging transducers include the Lowrance 000-14489-001 Active Imaging 3-In-1 Transducer for Lowrance and Simrad displays, the Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar Transducer for real-time forward viewing, and the Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder for a complete MEGA SI setup.
On this page (6 sections)
- Which Humminbird side imaging transducers are the best matches?
- How should you match a replacement transducer to your Humminbird display?
- Should you choose a transom or trolling motor mount?
- Do you need side imaging, down imaging or live sonar?
- How we compared these Humminbird transducer options
- Which Humminbird side imaging transducer should you choose?
The best Humminbird side imaging transducer is the one that matches your display model and mounting plan. For a transom replacement, compare the compatible model families and sonar modes before ordering; for trolling motor installation, confirm the transducer is designed for that mount.
Side imaging uses sonar beams to show structure and cover to either side of your boat. Start with [What Is Side Imaging on a Fish Finder?
The Short Answer](/what-is-side-imaging-on-a-fish-finder/) if you want a quick explanation of the view.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for Lowrance and Simrad displaysLowrance 000-14489-001 Active Imaging 3-In-1 Transducer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for real-time forward viewingHumminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar Transducer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a complete MEGA SI setupHumminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGarmin Striker 7SV with Transducer
Best for Garmin SideVü - 5
Check itHumminbird Transom Temperature Transducer for HELIX 7/8
Best for compatible HELIX down imaging - 6
Best for legacy transom side imagingCheck it - 7
Check itHumminbird XTM Motor Mounted Transducer
Best for trolling motor mounting - 8
Check itHumminbird 710292-1 XM-14-HW-MSI-T Mega SI Plus -DI
Best for SOLIX MEGA SI+ systems
Which Humminbird side imaging transducers are the best matches?
The picks cover several different needs, but they are not all standalone Humminbird side imaging transducers. The HELIX 7 and Garmin options are complete fish finder packages, while the MEGA Live 2 is forward-facing sonar; compare compatibility and function before treating any of them as a replacement.
Lowrance 000-14489-001 Active Imaging 3-In-1 Transducer: Best for Lowrance and Simrad displays
- CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan
- FishReveal Smart Target view
- 455/800 kHz frequencies
- Compatible with select Lowrance and Simrad displays
This is a non-Humminbird alternative for compatible Lowrance and Simrad displays. Its three sonar views and FishReveal feature suit buyers comparing imaging options across brands.
Pros
- Combines CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan
- Supports FishReveal Smart Target view
- Multiple mounting types
Cons
- Not a Humminbird transducer
- Only compatible with specified Lowrance and Simrad displays
Lowrance Active Imaging is the highest scoring pick here, but it's not a Humminbird transducer. It belongs only in a comparison for anglers also considering compatible Lowrance or Simrad displays.
It combines CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan, with FishReveal Smart Target view for seeing fish in relation to structure on DownScan. Its supported frequencies include Medium and High CHIRP at 83/200 kHz and 455/800 kHz imaging.
The transducer supports transom, flush step and jackplate mounting. Lowrance names HDS LIVE and Elite FS displays, while Simrad compatibility covers NSS evo3s and GO series displays.
Choose it if you're weighing a compatible Lowrance or Simrad setup alongside Humminbird. It will not replace a Humminbird transducer on a Humminbird display.
Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar Transducer: Best for real-time forward viewing
- Forward, Down and Landscape viewing modes
- Dynamic bait and lure tracking
- Compatible with XPLORE, APEX and SOLIX G3
- Trolling motor shaft mounting bracket included
MEGA Live 2 provides live forward-facing sonar rather than conventional side imaging. Choose it when real-time views and bait tracking matter, and verify your display is in the compatible group.
Pros
- Three viewing modes
- Dynamic bait and lure tracking
- Mounting kit includes cables and bracket
Cons
- Not a conventional side-imaging replacement
- Compatible with a limited set of Humminbird display families
MEGA Live 2 is for live forward-facing sonar, not side imaging. It offers Forward, Down and Landscape modes, plus dynamic bait and lure tracking.
Humminbird specifies compatibility with XPLORE, APEX and SOLIX G3 models. The package includes a trolling motor mounting bracket, 10 ft power cable and 20 ft Ethernet cable.
The installation method matters: it mounts to a trolling motor shaft, and Humminbird describes use with compatible forward-facing sonar poles or optional mounting accessories. It does not serve as a direct replacement for a transom side-imaging transducer.
Pick it if you want live views around your boat and own a compatible display. For a standard side imaging overview, see [How Does Side Imaging Work?
A Quick Answer](/how-does-side-imaging-work/).
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder: Best for a complete MEGA SI setup
- MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging
- Transducer included
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- Internal GPS and AutoChart Live
This complete HELIX 7 package includes a transom transducer with MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging. It fits someone building a system, but isn't a standalone transducer purchase.
Pros
- Side and down imaging included
- Transducer included in the package
- GPS and AutoChart Live
Cons
- A complete fish finder rather than a replacement transducer
- Confirm compatibility before replacing another transducer
The HELIX 7 G4 GPS is a complete fish finder with an included side imaging transducer, not a standalone transducer. Its included XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T transom mount is paired with MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Down Imaging.
Humminbird describes coverage 125 ft to either side and 125 ft beneath the boat. The system also includes Dual Spectrum CHIRP, internal GPS and AutoChart Live.
This pick makes sense when you need the display and transducer together. If you already own a Humminbird head unit, check its generation and transducer compatibility before choosing a separate replacement instead.
For a broader look at the display options, read best Humminbird side imaging fish finders.
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer: Best for Garmin SideVü
- CHIRP traditional and scanning sonar
- SideVü and ClearVü
- Transom and trolling motor mounts included
- Built-in GPS
This Garmin package includes a transducer for SideVü scanning sonar. It is another complete system option, not a Humminbird transducer or a replacement for one.
Pros
- Side and down scanning sonar
- Transom and trolling motor mounts included
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Not a Humminbird product
- Complete fish finder package rather than a standalone transducer
The Striker 7SV is a Garmin system with a scanning sonar transducer, so it is not a Humminbird replacement. Garmin includes SideVü and ClearVü sonar along with traditional CHIRP.
Its package includes transom and trolling motor mounts, a 7 in display and built-in GPS. Quickdraw Contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1 ft contours.
Choose it if you are comparing a whole Garmin setup with a Humminbird system. The included transducer connects to the Garmin display and should not be treated as an interchangeable Humminbird part.
Humminbird Transom Temperature Transducer for HELIX 7/8: Best for compatible HELIX down imaging
- MEGA Down Imaging and Dual Spectrum CHIRP
- Built-in temperature sensor
- 20 ft cable
- Compatible with specified HELIX 7 and 8 G3, G3N and G4N models
This transom model is for down imaging and CHIRP, not side imaging. Consider it only if you need a compatible HELIX replacement for those sonar modes.
Pros
- Includes temperature sensor
- 20 ft cable
- Compatibility names HELIX generations
Cons
- Does not support side imaging
- Compatibility is limited to specified HELIX models
The XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T is a down imaging and CHIRP transducer, not a side imaging model. It is designed for specified HELIX 7 and 8 G3, G3N and G4N models with MEGA Down Imaging.
Its transom mount includes a built-in temperature sensor and a 20 ft cable. Humminbird lists MEGA Down Imaging to 125 ft and Dual Spectrum CHIRP to a maximum depth of 1,200 ft.
Choose this model when replacing a compatible down imaging transducer. If your goal is side imaging, look for a model explicitly identified as SI and verify the exact head unit generation.
Humminbird Transom Transducer: Best for legacy transom side imaging
- High-Definition Side Imaging
- DualBeam PLUS sonar
- 180-degree side-to-side coverage
- Built-in temperature sensor
The XHS 9 HDSI 180 T combines side imaging with DualBeam PLUS and temperature sensing. Its compatibility list excludes several HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI generations, so check your exact model before choosing it.
Pros
- Side imaging with DualBeam PLUS
- Transom hardware and 20 ft cable included
- Compatibility names several legacy models
Cons
- Not compatible with specified HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS generations
- Older display compatibility should be confirmed
The XHS 9 HDSI 180 T is a transom side imaging transducer for select Humminbird systems. It pairs High-Definition Side Imaging with DualBeam PLUS and a built-in temperature sensor.
Its compatibility includes several legacy Side Imaging models and select HELIX Side Imaging units. Humminbird excludes HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3, G3N, G4 and G4N from the listed fit, so check your model before ordering.
The 20 ft cable and mounting hardware are included. This is the clearest fit among these standalone transom options when your display is on the compatible list.
Humminbird XTM Motor Mounted Transducer: Best for trolling motor mounting
- Dual/Compact Side Imaging
- Trolling motor mount
- 83/200/455/800 kHz
- Temperature
This Humminbird transducer mounts to a trolling motor and includes temperature sensing. Confirm that your display supports its sonar and connection before buying.
Pros
- Trolling motor mounting
- Dual/Compact Side Imaging
- Temperature included
Cons
- Display compatibility isn't specified here
- Confirm fit and connection for your setup
The XTM Motor Mounted Transducer is the trolling motor mount option in this group. It supports Dual/Compact Side Imaging, temperature and frequencies of 83/200/455/800 kHz.
A hose clamp is included for attaching it to a trolling motor. The provided compatibility details don't name display models, so verify the part number and connector against your fish finder before buying.
Choose it when the mount location is the priority and your display is confirmed compatible. For a transom installation, consider one of the transom models instead.
Humminbird 710292-1 XM-14-HW-MSI-T Mega SI Plus -DI: Best for SOLIX MEGA SI+ systems
- MEGA Side Imaging Plus and MEGA Down Imaging Plus
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D
- Transom mount
- Built-in temperature sensor
This transom transducer combines MEGA SI+/DI+ with Dual Spectrum CHIRP. Its named compatibility covers specified SOLIX G2 models, so match that generation before buying.
Pros
- Side and down imaging plus CHIRP
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Compatibility names SOLIX models
Cons
- Compatibility is specific to named SOLIX models
- Check the exact display generation
The XM-14-HW-MSI-T is a transom mount for specified SOLIX MEGA SI+ systems. It supports MEGA Side Imaging Plus, MEGA Down Imaging Plus and Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D.
Humminbird names SOLIX 10 and 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G2, plus SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS. The unit includes a temperature sensor, mounting hardware and a 20 ft cable.
Choose it if you have one of those SOLIX models and need its MEGA SI+ feature set. The model generation matters, so compare the part number with your display's compatibility information.
How should you match a replacement transducer to your Humminbird display?
Start with the exact model name and generation printed on your fish finder. Similar screen sizes can use different transducers, so a connector that looks right does not by itself confirm compatibility.
The XHS 9 HDSI 180 T names legacy SI models and excludes specific HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS models. The XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T instead names selected HELIX 7 and 8 versions for down imaging and CHIRP.
For SOLIX MEGA SI+ systems, the XM-14-HW-MSI-T names select G2 units. Match the transducer part number and sonar mode to your control head before buying.
Should you choose a transom or trolling motor mount?
A transom mount attaches at the back of the boat, while a trolling motor mount keeps the transducer with the motor. The right choice depends on where you want the sonar source positioned and what the transducer supports.
The XHS 9 HDSI 180 T and XM-14-HW-MSI-T are transom models. The XTM is designed for trolling motor mounting, while the MEGA Live 2 shaft bracket is for its forward-facing sonar setup.
Do not assume a transducer will work on either mount just because the display supports the sonar mode. Check mounting hardware, cable routing and the manufacturer's compatibility details for your particular boat and head unit.
Do you need side imaging, down imaging or live sonar?
Side imaging scans to the sides of the boat, down imaging shows returns beneath it, and live sonar provides a changing view as fish or the transducer move. They solve different search tasks, so choose the mode before replacing hardware.
If you are deciding between side and down views, compare side imaging vs down imaging fish finder options. To interpret likely returns, read [What Do Fish Look Like on Side Imaging?
The Short Answer](/what-do-fish-look-like-on-side-imaging/) and What Do Fish Look Like on Down Imaging? A Quick Answer.
The MEGA Live 2 belongs in the live sonar category. It is not a substitute for side imaging on a compatible HELIX or SOLIX transom transducer.
How we compared these Humminbird transducer options
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We checked the stated sonar modes, mount types and named display compatibility, then ranked products by how closely they fit a side imaging transducer search.
Some results are included as context rather than direct matches. Complete fish finder packages can help a buyer starting a system, while the Lowrance and Garmin options show alternatives from other brands.
When compatibility is unclear or the product serves another sonar mode, confirm the exact model with Humminbird before ordering. This matters most when replacing an existing transducer, since model generations and sonar features can differ.
Which Humminbird side imaging transducer should you choose?
Choose the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T if you need a compatible legacy Humminbird transom side imaging unit, or the XM-14-HW-MSI-T for a named SOLIX MEGA SI+ G2 system. Pick the XTM when you need trolling motor mounting and have verified your display fit.
For a new display and transducer together, the HELIX 7 G4 includes MEGA Side Imaging. If you actually want real-time forward sonar, consider MEGA Live 2 only with a compatible XPLORE, APEX or SOLIX G3 display.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for Lowrance and Simrad displays
Lowrance 000-14489-001 Active Imaging 3-In-1 Transducer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for real-time forward viewing
Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar Transducer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a complete MEGA SI setup
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
