# Subsurface vs Mares App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Subsurface at none against Mares App's 8. Subsurface also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 47%). Mares App's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (183 vs 48). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mares App sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Subsurface asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Subsurface against 4.5 for Mares App. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 183 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of Subsurface's written reviews are positive against 47% of Mares App's.

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, Mares App every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subsurface | Mares App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subsurface-mobile/id1093217161/reviews) | [4.5 (183 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mares-app/id1625641063/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 48 | **183** |
| Positive reviews | **63.3% of reviews** | 47.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 247 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **16.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dirk Hohndel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1093217160) | [Head Watersports S.p.A.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193522423) |

## 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


### Mares App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mares-app/id1625641063)

Transform your Apple Watch Ultra into a dive computer, recording dives directly on your wrist. Log scuba, freediving, and technical dives, manage dive sites, and track underwater wildlife sightings. Share your adventures with dive buddies and keep your equipment details organized.

**Highlights:** Apple Watch Ultra dive computer integration, Digital dive logbook, Dive site database and management, Underwater wildlife tracking, Dive buddy sharing, Dive equipment management, Firmware updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Snorkel Only | $2.99 | per month |
| Full Featured Month (Housing Only) | $6.99 | per month |
| Full Featured Month (Ultra Only) | $6.99 | per month |
| MARES Fully Featured Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Full Featured Yearly (Housing Only) | $49.99 | per year |
| Full Featured Yearly (Ultra Only) | $49.99 | per year |
| MARES Fully Featured Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| MARES Fully Featured Yearly Family | $119.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subsurface free?

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

### Is Mares App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Subsurface or Mares App?

Subsurface and Mares App are both rated 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store, from 48 and 183 ratings respectively.

### Do Subsurface or Mares App have ads?

Neither Subsurface nor Mares App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Subsurface or Mares App?

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, and Mares App every 3 weeks. Most recently, Subsurface was updated on September 18, 2026 and Mares App on September 26, 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.*