# Subsurface vs Narwhal

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Narwhal at 100% against Subsurface's 63%. Narwhal also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5). Subsurface's advantage is ratings volume (48 vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Narwhal holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Subsurface has 48 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Subsurface's written reviews are positive against 100% of Narwhal's.

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, Narwhal monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subsurface | Narwhal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subsurface-mobile/id1093217161/reviews) | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narwhal-scuba-dive-log/id6743419780/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **48** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 63.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 52 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17** | 17.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dirk Hohndel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1093217160) | [Hubert Ka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1768652372) |

## 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


### Narwhal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narwhal-scuba-dive-log/id6743419780)

This app allows recreational scuba divers to digitally log their dives, replacing traditional paper logbooks. It features a visual dive globe, automatic tracking of dive statistics, and secure iCloud backup. Users can customize units, modes, and access their dive history without sign-ups or ads.

**Highlights:** Digital dive logbook, Global dive visualization, Automatic dive stats tracking, iCloud backup and sync, Customizable units and modes, No ads or sign-ups required

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subsurface free?

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

### Is Narwhal free?

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

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

Narwhal is rated higher. Subsurface averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Narwhal averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do Subsurface or Narwhal have ads?

Neither Subsurface nor Narwhal shows ads.

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

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, and Narwhal monthly. Most recently, Subsurface was updated on November 2, 2026 and Narwhal on October 30, 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.*