If you're shopping for a new chartplotter in 2026, you're looking at the most capable marine displays ever made. The latest generation from Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine all feature blazing-fast processors, stunning high-resolution screens, and deep integration with sonar, radar, and autopilot systems.
But which one is right for your boat? After installing and configuring hundreds of units across all three brands, here's my honest, hands-on comparison of the top 12-inch multi-function displays.
The Contenders
Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv — $2,999 MSRP
The GPSMAP 1223xsv is Garmin's flagship 12-inch combo unit, combining a brilliant IPS touchscreen with built-in CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVu, and SideVu scanning sonar. It runs Garmin's latest OneHelm software platform and supports the full Garmin marine ecosystem including LiveScope, Fantom radar, and Reactor autopilot.
What I love:
- Screen quality — The 1,500-nit IPS display is the brightest in this comparison. Readable in direct Florida sun with polarized sunglasses. Colors are vivid and the viewing angle is excellent.
- Interface speed — Garmin's software is the snappiest. Pinch-to-zoom on charts is instant, split-screen transitions are smooth, and menu navigation is intuitive even for first-time users.
- Built-in sonar — Having CHIRP, ClearVu, and SideVu built in means one less box to install and wire. The sonar quality is excellent for a combo unit.
- LiveScope integration — If you fish, this is the killer feature. LiveScope forward and down views displayed on the GPSMAP are simply unmatched for real-time fish targeting.
- Quickdraw Contours — Create your own depth maps in real-time. Invaluable for fishing unfamiliar waters.
What could be better:
- Price — At $2,999, it's the most expensive unit here. Add LiveScope ($1,499+) and you're well over $4,500 before installation.
- Radar integration — Garmin's Fantom radar is good but not class-leading. The Simrad HALO and Raymarine Quantum 2 have better target separation at close range.
- Networking — Garmin's marine network is somewhat proprietary. Mixing Garmin MFDs with non-Garmin sensors requires more workarounds than Simrad or Raymarine.
Simrad NSX 3012 — $2,499 MSRP
The NSX 3012 is Simrad's newest platform, featuring a completely redesigned interface built on the Navico Group's latest hardware. It supports ActiveTarget live sonar, HALO radar, and the full Simrad autopilot range. The NSX represents a significant leap forward from the older NSS Evo3S.
What I love:
- Value — At $500 less than the Garmin, you get comparable performance. The NSX 3012 is the best bang-for-buck in this comparison.
- New interface — The redesigned NSX software is a massive improvement over the older Simrad interface. It's clean, modern, and responsive. Simrad clearly studied what Garmin does well.
- Radar excellence — Pair this with a HALO20+ or HALO24 and you have the best broadband radar experience available. Target resolution, rain clutter handling, and bird mode are all best-in-class.
- ActiveTarget — Simrad's live sonar has caught up to LiveScope in image quality and now offers forward, down, and scout modes. Slightly less refined than LiveScope but very capable.
- Open networking — Simrad plays well with third-party sensors and systems. NMEA 2000 integration is seamless, and the Navico platform supports a wider range of accessories.
What could be better:
- Screen brightness — At 1,200 nits, it's bright but not quite Garmin-level in direct sunlight. Noticeable with polarized sunglasses at certain angles.
- Software maturity — The NSX platform is still relatively new. Some features that were available on the NSS Evo3S are still being ported over via software updates.
- Built-in sonar — The NSX 3012 doesn't include built-in sonar like the Garmin. You'll need a separate sounder module, adding cost and complexity.
Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 12 — $2,799 MSRP
The Axiom 2 Pro is Raymarine's premium 12-inch MFD running the LightHouse 4 operating system. It features the industry-first ClearCruise AR augmented reality navigation, built-in RealVision 3D sonar, and support for the full Raymarine ecosystem including Quantum 2 radar and Evolution autopilot.
What I love:
- ClearCruise AR — This is genuinely innovative. The augmented reality overlay on a live camera feed identifies AIS targets, navigation aids, and hazards with labels and distance. For cruising in busy waterways, it's a real safety advantage that no other brand offers.
- RealVision 3D — Built-in 3D sonar creates a photorealistic underwater view. While not as precise as dedicated fishfinders for targeting individual fish, it's excellent for understanding bottom structure and finding wrecks.
- LightHouse 4 OS — The operating system is polished and customizable. The widget-based home screen lets you create exactly the layout you want. App support (including weather, tides, and marina info) is the best of any platform.
- Evolution autopilot integration — Raymarine's autopilot uses machine learning to adapt to your boat's handling. After a few hours of use, it steers better than most humans. The integration with the Axiom 2 is seamless.
- Build quality — The Axiom 2 Pro feels premium. The aluminum chassis, optical-bonded glass, and IP67 rating inspire confidence in harsh marine environments.
What could be better:
- Fishing features — Raymarine doesn't have a live sonar competitor to LiveScope or ActiveTarget. For dedicated anglers, this is a significant gap.
- Processing speed — Chart rendering and menu transitions are slightly slower than Garmin. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable in a side-by-side comparison.
- Dealer network — In Southwest Florida, Raymarine has fewer authorized service centers than Garmin. This matters when you need warranty work or technical support.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv | Simrad NSX 3012 | Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2,999 | $2,499 | $2,799 |
| Screen Size | 12.0" | 12.0" | 12.0" |
| Resolution | 1280x800 | 1280x800 | 1280x800 |
| Brightness | 1,500 nits | 1,200 nits | 1,200 nits |
| Built-in Sonar | Yes (CHIRP/ClearVu/SideVu) | No (external module) | Yes (RealVision 3D) |
| Live Sonar | LiveScope (best) | ActiveTarget (very good) | None |
| Augmented Reality | No | No | ClearCruise AR (best) |
| Best Radar Pairing | Fantom 18x/24x | HALO20+/24 (best) | Quantum 2 (very good) |
| Autopilot | Reactor 40 | AP44/NAC-3 | Evolution (AI-learning) |
| Charts | Garmin BlueChart/Navionics | C-MAP/Navionics | LightHouse/Navionics |
| Best For | Fishing | Value/Sport Fishing | Cruising/Safety |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years |
My Verdict
For fishing: Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv. The built-in sonar quality, LiveScope ecosystem, and Quickdraw Contours make it the clear winner for anglers. Yes, it costs more — but if fishing is your primary activity, the investment pays for itself in fish found.
For best value: Simrad NSX 3012. At $500 less than Garmin with comparable features and the best radar integration available, the NSX is hard to beat for boaters who want a complete package without breaking the bank.
For cruising and safety: Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 12. ClearCruise AR is a genuine innovation that improves situational awareness in ways that traditional displays can't match. The Evolution autopilot's learning capability is also a standout for long-distance cruising.
For sailing: None of the above — get a B&G Zeus S. The sailing-specific features (SailSteer, laylines, polar integration) are essential for serious sailors.
Professional Installation in Southwest Florida
Whichever chartplotter you choose, professional installation ensures you get the most out of your investment. At Accumar Marine, we're authorized dealers for all four brands and have installed hundreds of each. We handle everything from transducer placement to radar mounting, NMEA 2000 networking, and helm layout optimization.
Call 239-323-9600 for a free electronics consultation. We'll assess your boat, discuss your needs, and recommend the perfect setup for your budget.
