# Cortex Onboard — Cortex on your mobile device > Mobile interface for configuring and monitoring Cortex marine electronics. (iPhone/iPad app by Garmin New Zealand Ltd.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-onboard/id1483406085 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Garmin New Zealand Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/557485484) - Category: Navigation - Price: Free - Rating: 3.83/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.6 · 376 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2020-08-02 - Data updated: 2026-06-07 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-onboard/id1483406085/reviews.md ## What is Cortex Onboard? Cortex Onboard is free with your Cortex. Use it to configure your Cortex Hub and download updates to your Cortex devices with new features and improvements. You can also use Cortex Onboard to receive and manage alerts, view AIS information and instrument data anywhere on board your boat. View out-of-the-box sensors or NMEA 2000 networked instruments. - Setup is easy and free. - Use Cortex Onboard to configure and update your Cortex devices easily. - View AIS information and receive alerts on board direct to your device. - Manage Anchor Watch from the palm of your hand anywhere on board. - Use the Cortex Hub’s built-in sensors for battery level, barometric pressure and boat position. - Connect your Cortex Hub to NMEA 2000, or an external sensor, to add monitoring for wind, depth, bilge high water, temperature, shore power or security. - The Cortex Hub supports up to 10 WiFi devices (includes Handsets). ## Key features - Configure and update Cortex devices - View AIS information and alerts - Manage Anchor Watch - Monitor vessel sensors - Connect NMEA 2000 instruments ## Recent user reviews (9 of 9) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-onboard/id1483406085/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Great, but would love split screen support *2025-07-26* This app is really great, responsive and fully featured. Super easy setup (basically no setup required). It's a convenient backup to our Cortex handhelds. My only wish is that it supported split screen so we could layer it on top of Navionics Boating. ### 3/5 — Almost Right *2025-07-16* The system has many plug and play features but they are cumbersome to access. The anchor watch mode seems to activate sporadically when tested. The Man over board is very Accurate. To access the onboard WiFi (Starlink) has been an on going challenge . To integrate with Navionics software has not been possible. Garmin support has been at at a loss for help. Hope they get all the kinks out. ### 2/5 — Missing feature parity *2025-01-22* The IOS app works decently well but there’s a lot left to be desired. Forget trying to use the Onboard app as an anchor alarm - they still haven’t fixed its ability to alarm with the screen off. The Android app does though. There are occasional hiccups with the connectivity the M1 has with itself presumably, but usually resolves itself 30min later. The app will strangely disconnect from the cortex at odd times, even though the onboard WiFi signal is strong. The other issue we discovered recently is the missing feature parity between IOS and Android apps - IOS can modify the speaker audio level, Android cannot. Android has a bunch of VHF settings that are missing from IOS. So if you don’t have a Cortex handset you will need both phone types to fully manage it. There’s more than just these examples too. Very weird. Lastly, the app is intentionally handicapped to force you into buying their subscription for remote management. I suspect some of this logic is also responsible for the random network disconnects if your location physically becomes 10-20ft away (even though the Cortex and your phone are connected to onboard WiFi). ### 5/5 — Excellent *2024-12-22* Big fan of cortex, please keep up the development! ### 1/5 — Buggy and disappointing *2023-11-12* The idea of the Cortex is fantastic but the execution leaves much to be desired. I’m in tech and have spent more than a day trying to get this to function correctly. It seems to be both an issue with the WiFi hardware (weak signal even standing next to it) and the software. State management seems to be an issue and the WiFi networking will make you tear your hair out. And good luck trying to use the boat network. This needs lots more investment from Garmin to justify the price and make it a recommended buy. For now, skip it. **Developer response:** Try checking you have enabled the M1 to use the external WiFi antenna (assuming that you have one connected). Go to Settings->WiFi and make sure that the External Antenna switch is on. ### 1/5 — Garmin support is poor *2023-08-21* Garmin tech support barely know they own Vesper. The onboard app has never worked and a Garmin can’t or won’t be bothered to help despite repeated attempts and replacement hardware. The VHF is glitchy and I can’t honestly say I trust it. We often get disconnect alarms, usually in the middle of the night, often during passages, disconcerting to say the least. Hopefully Garmin take this product seriously and supply the necessary support and updates. ### 4/5 — Great app, with one major flaw: No landscape mode! *2022-10-27* The app is great, easy to use and works as described. I mainly use it for the anchor watch and collision avoidance on an iPad. This works perfectly. However, it does not work in landscape mode making me have to tilt my head or remove the iPad from its holder! Please make this a priority 🙏 ### 5/5 — Vesper is the Best *2022-06-11* IMO Vesper is the best marine hardware and software company out there. Everything they do exudes quality, care, and thoughtful consideration. Cortex is no exception, and is a central and critical piece of safety equipment aboard my sailboat. Vesper support is excellent, they’ve been very receptive and responsive to suggestions, and continually rolling out improvements. I do hope all of these positive qualities continue following the Garmin acquisition. ### 5/5 — Beautiful interface *2020-12-07* Great tool to use with the Cortex onboard the boat. The Anchor Watch is the best on the market! ## Frequently asked questions about Cortex Onboard ### What can I do with Cortex Onboard? Cortex Onboard allows you to configure and update your Cortex devices, view AIS information and alerts, manage Anchor Watch, and monitor various vessel sensors like battery level, barometric pressure, and wind data. ### Is Cortex Onboard free to use? Yes, Cortex Onboard is free to use with your existing Cortex system. Setup is also free, and it does not contain advertisements. ### What devices does Cortex Onboard support? Cortex Onboard is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The Cortex Hub itself supports up to 10 WiFi devices, including handsets. ### How often is Cortex Onboard updated? The latest version, 1.15.4, was released on August 22, 2025. Updates are provided to introduce new features and improvements to your Cortex devices. ### What is the age rating for Cortex Onboard? Cortex Onboard has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. ### Can I view instrument data with Cortex Onboard? Yes, you can view data from out-of-the-box sensors or NMEA 2000 networked instruments. This includes monitoring for wind, depth, bilge high water, temperature, shore power, or security. ### How does Cortex Onboard compare to other navigation apps? Cortex Onboard is specifically designed for configuring and monitoring Cortex marine electronics, offering direct integration with your vessel's systems rather than general navigation charting. ### What is the user sentiment for Cortex Onboard? Based on available data, Cortex Onboard has a rating of 3.8 stars from 12 ratings, indicating a generally positive but mixed user reception. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.15.4 — 2025-08-22 Minor bug fixes for your Cortex device. Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.2.2 (containing Hub version 2.2.2914 and Handset version 2.2.1). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com. ### 1.15.3 — 2024-08-29 Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.36 (containing Hub version 2.1.2890 and Handset version 2.1.28). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com. ### 1.15.2 — 2024-05-28 Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.34 (containing Hub version 2.1.2884 and Handset version 2.1.28). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com. ### 1.15.1 — 2023-12-14 Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.32 (containing Hub version 2.1.2883 and Handset version 2.1.18). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com. ### 1.15.0 — 2023-10-26 Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.25 (containing Hub version 2.1.2879 and Handset version 2.1.18). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com. ## Apps similar to Cortex Onboard | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Raymarine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raymarine/id1502278726) | 2.0 (5) | Free | Navigation | | [AyeTides](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ayetides/id287316432) | 4.8 (4,860) | $7.99 | Navigation | | [NavNet - Remote](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navnet-remote/id502449862) | 2.4 (11) | Free | Navigation | | [B&G: Companion App for Sailors](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/b-and-g-companion-app-for-sailors/id1477846822) | 4.0 (325) | Free | Navigation | | [Coastal Explorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-explorer/id1452017231) | 2.7 (14) | Free | Navigation | | [SoundRouter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundrouter/id1519105536) | 4.4 (15) | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by Garmin New Zealand Ltd - [WatchMate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watchmate/id557485481) - [Cortex Monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-monitor/id1456678376) All apps by Garmin New Zealand Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/557485484 ## Related topics [cortex onboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cortex-onboard) · [cortex monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cortex-monitor) · [onboard mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/onboard-mobile) · [cortex](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cortex) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-07.*