# Subsurface vs Buddy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Subsurface at none against Buddy's 2. Buddy's advantage is review sentiment (77% vs 63%) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Buddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Subsurface asks for nothing beyond the download.

Subsurface holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 49 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of Subsurface's written reviews are positive against 77% of Buddy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, Buddy monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subsurface | Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subsurface-mobile/id1093217161/reviews)** | [4.3 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-social-dive-app/id1588860327/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 48 | **49** |
| Positive reviews | 63.3% of reviews | **76.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 118 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Dirk Hohndel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1093217160) | [Dive with Buddy, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588860329) |

## What reviewers say

### Subsurface

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subsurface-mobile/id1093217161)

This application allows divers to manage their dive logs on their mobile devices. It supports editing dive data and downloading new information from compatible dive computers. Optional cloud synchronization is available for seamless data transfer with desktop versions.

**Highlights:** Mobile dive log management, Edit dive data, Download from Bluetooth LE dive computers, Optional cloud synchronization, Open-source and free

**In-app purchases:** none


### Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-social-dive-app/id1588860327)

This app is a comprehensive companion for divers, offering features to log dives, manage gear, and connect with a community of ocean enthusiasts. It provides tools for both free and premium users to enhance their underwater adventures and discover new diving experiences.

**Highlights:** Dive Log recording and validation, Buddy network and activity feed, Gear management, Offline access to certifications, Buddy Radar for finding dive buddies, Discover feed for underwater content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buddy Radar: Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Buddy Radar: Annual | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🌍 Connects divers globally
- 🗺️ Great for logging dives
- 📸 Ability to add photos/videos
- 🤝 Facilitates meeting new dive buddies

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buddy radar not working
- 📉 Low user count in some areas
- 💸 Social features feel like a money grab
- 🤷‍♂️ Missing advanced features
- 🔌 No import/export of data

**Reported bugs**

- Buddy radar not working
- App crashes and becomes unresponsive
- Login issues (email not found)
- Draft dives appearing in public searches
- Deleted drafts still appearing publicly

**Requested features**

- Open to dive status to link people
- Ability to import/export data
- Direct data download from dive computers
- Support for technical diving features (e.g., double tanks, trimix volumes)
- Inclusion of smaller certification organizations (GUE, UTD)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subsurface free?

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

### Is Buddy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Subsurface or Buddy?

Subsurface is rated higher. Subsurface averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Buddy averages 4.3 from 49 ratings.

### Do Subsurface or Buddy have ads?

Neither Subsurface nor Buddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Subsurface or Buddy?

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, and Buddy monthly. Most recently, Subsurface was updated on October 22, 2026 and Buddy on October 24, 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.*