Garmin LiveScope and Garmin LiveScope Plus are two products produced by Garmin. They both offer live scanning sonar capabilities for fishing and boating.

The main difference between the two is the level of detail and clarity of the imaging they provide. LiveScope Plus has a higher frequency transducer, which results in a more detailed and clearer image of what is below the surface of the water. Additionally, LiveScope Plus is equipped with Dual Spectrum CHIRP technology, which allows for better target separation and a more comprehensive view of the underwater environment. 

Both use the GLS Black Box. Beamwidth is 20-135 degrees for both. LVS34 transducer is 6.4" long, 3.1" tall, 1.9" wide (16.25 x 7.8 x 4.8 cm) compared to LVS32 at 5.37" long, 3.8" tall, 1.75" wide. LVS34 weighs 2.25 lbs (1.025 kg) and LVS32 weighs 1.87 lbs (0.850 kg).

Read more below to get better insights! 

Garmin LiveScope is a fishing and boating sonar system that provides real-time imaging of what is below the surface of the water. Some of the best features of the Garmin LiveScope include:

1. LiveScan Sonar: Provides a real-time, 180-degree view of the underwater environment, including fish, structure, and bottom contours.
2. Dual Spectrum CHIRP Technology: Improves target separation and allows for a clearer and more detailed view of the underwater environment.
3. Compatibility with Garmin Devices: The LiveScope can be integrated with other Garmin devices such as chartplotters, making it easy to switch between sonar and navigation screens.
4. Easy to Use: The LiveScope has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to operate and adjust settings.
5. Compact Design: The LiveScope is compact and can be easily mounted on a variety of boats, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
6. High-Definition Imaging: The LiveScope produces high-definition images that are crystal clear, providing a detailed view of the underwater environment.
7. Transducer Compatibility: The LiveScope is compatible with a variety of transducer types, allowing for greater flexibility in installation and use.

Overall, the Garmin LiveScope is a feature-rich sonar system that provides high-quality imaging, making it ideal for fishing and boating applications.

Garmin LiveScope Plus is a high-end fishing and boating sonar system that provides advanced real-time imaging of what is below the surface of the water. Some of the best features of the Garmin LiveScope Plus include:

1. High-Frequency Sonar: Provides a detailed and clear view of the underwater environment, including fish, structure, and bottom contours.
2. Dual Spectrum CHIRP Technology: Improves target separation and provides a more comprehensive view of the underwater environment.
3. Easy to Use: The LiveScope Plus has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to operate and adjust settings.
4. Compatibility with Garmin Devices: The LiveScope Plus can be integrated with other Garmin devices such as chartplotters, making it easy to switch between sonar and navigation screens.
5. High-Definition Imaging: The LiveScope Plus produces high-definition images that are crystal clear, providing a detailed view of the underwater environment.
6. Transducer Compatibility: The LiveScope Plus is compatible with a variety of transducer types, allowing for greater flexibility in installation and use.
7. SideVü Technology: Provides a clear and detailed view of the underwater environment to the side of the boat, making it easier to locate fish and structure.
8. RealVü 3D Technology: Provides a three-dimensional view of the underwater environment, including fish, structure, and bottom contours.

Overall, the Garmin LiveScope Plus is a feature-rich sonar system that provides advanced imaging capabilities, making it ideal for experienced anglers and boaters.

Key Notes:

The LVS34 is mountable from either side, no need to turn it backward. It includes a perspective mode mount, a $100 add-on with the previous version. The mount allows changing from down, forward, to perspective without tools.

Garmin claims 35% improved target separation, capable of identifying targets as small as 14 inches at 100 ft. Image clarity is improved with clean stitching, reduced noise, and minimal background clutter. This enhances the ability to monitor your lure and detect subtle differences in structure and fish. The ghostry is significantly reduced under normal conditions.

The LVS34 has a different crystal arrangement, leading to a longer form factor. This enhances image quality with a sharper, clearer image. It also features an in-built stabilization system. 

The Garmin LiveScope is compatible with the following models:

• Echomap UHD
• Echomap Ultra
• GPSMAP 7x2, 9x2, 10x2, 12x2
• GPSMAP 7x3, 9x3, 12x3
• GPSMAP 8400
• GPSMAP 8600

Note: The Echomap Plus series is NOT compatible with the LiveScope as it does not support the required firmware.

Garmin LiveScope Plus is compatible with the following Garmin models:

• Echomap UHD
• Echomap Ultra
• GPSMAP 7x2, 9x2 10x2,12x2
• GPSMAP 7x3, 9x3, 12x3
• GPSMAP 8400 and 8600 It is important to note that the Echomap Plus series will not work with LiveScope Plus as it does not support the required firmware.

You need the following components to run LiveScope Plus:

• LVS34 transducer
• GLS 10 black box
• Compatible Garmin chartplotter unit
• Trolling motor or pole mount

If you buy the LiveScope Plus system, this comes with an LVS34 transducer, black box, and mounting bracket included.

Conclusion

The improved features of the LiveScope Plus make it a major upgrade from the original LiveScope. With enhanced target resolution, reduced interference, and image stabilization, the user experience is much better on the water. Seeing a detailed view of a school of fish from 100 feet away is remarkable. Additionally, the mounting bracket of LiveScope Plus is more versatile, with perspective mode included and easy to adjust between view modes.

In terms of upgrading, it depends on your current setup and needs. If you are in the market for a new live sonar system, LiveScope Plus would be a great choice with its improved target resolution, reduced interference issues, and image stabilization feature. However, if you already have the original LiveScope system, the decision to upgrade may depend on your satisfaction with its performance, as the original LiveScope is still a highly effective and reliable live sonar system.