# SkunkTracker vs DetectBuddy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SkunkTracker at none against DetectBuddy's 2. DetectBuddy's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DetectBuddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. SkunkTracker asks for nothing beyond the download.

SkunkTracker ships an update every 3 months, DetectBuddy monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SkunkTracker | DetectBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skunktracker/id1083759544/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 2 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mobile Geographics](https://appshunter.io/developer/286844996) | [Gabor Gyarmati](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845462118) |

## What reviewers say

### SkunkTracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skunktracker/id1083759544)

This app provides live, updating maps of ships and boats using AIS data. It connects to your AIS receivers or public network feeds to display vessel locations. Requires an AIS radio or access to an AIS data feed to function.

**Highlights:** Live AIS data display, Map visualization of vessels, Supports WiFi AIS receivers, Integrates with public AIS feeds, Real-time vessel location updates

**In-app purchases:** none


### DetectBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detectbuddy-metal-detecting/id6753882247)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DetectBuddy PRO Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| DetectBuddy PRO Annual | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SkunkTracker free?

SkunkTracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DetectBuddy free?

DetectBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do SkunkTracker or DetectBuddy have ads?

Neither SkunkTracker nor DetectBuddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SkunkTracker or DetectBuddy?

SkunkTracker ships an update every 3 months, and DetectBuddy monthly. Most recently, SkunkTracker was updated on October 2, 2026 and DetectBuddy on September 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*