# SkunkTracker vs CHIEFMATE

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

Both are free to download. CHIEFMATE sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.00 per month. SkunkTracker asks for nothing beyond the download.

SkunkTracker ships an update every 3 months, CHIEFMATE every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SkunkTracker | CHIEFMATE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 2 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mobile Geographics](https://appshunter.io/developer/286844996) | [STEM Maritime Systems LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796434329) |

## 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### CHIEFMATE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chiefmate-marine-navigation/id6796434327)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Watch Officer | $49.00 | per month |
| Master | $89.00 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SkunkTracker free?

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

### Is CHIEFMATE free?

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

### Do SkunkTracker or CHIEFMATE have ads?

Neither SkunkTracker nor CHIEFMATE shows ads.

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

SkunkTracker ships an update every 3 months, and CHIEFMATE every 3 days. Most recently, SkunkTracker was updated on November 1, 2026 and CHIEFMATE on October 25, 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.*