# Subsurface vs Active Log

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Active Log at 100% against Subsurface's 63%. Active Log also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). Subsurface's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (48 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Active Log sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Subsurface asks for nothing beyond the download.

Active Log holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Subsurface has 48 ratings behind it against 1, 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 Active Log's.

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, Active Log every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subsurface | Active Log |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subsurface-mobile/id1093217161/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/active-log/id6756741575/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **48** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 63.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dirk Hohndel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1093217160) | [Duong Do](https://appshunter.io/developer/1455884076) |

## 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


### Active Log

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/active-log/id6756741575)

This app serves as a comprehensive dive logbook for scuba and freediving enthusiasts. It allows users to track progress, plan dives, import data from dive computers and existing files, and store important documents. It also includes safety calculators and works offline.

**Highlights:** Dive computer data import, Log file import (SSRF, .FIT), Dive planning and profile tracking, Document and certification storage, Offline functionality, Safety calculators (MOD, EAD, ppO2), Cloud sync across devices

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Freediving module (yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| TechDive module (yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| Swimming module (yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| Diving module (yearly) | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subsurface free?

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

### Is Active Log free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Subsurface or Active Log?

Active Log is rated higher. Subsurface averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Active Log averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Subsurface or Active Log have ads?

Neither Subsurface nor Active Log shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Subsurface or Active Log?

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, and Active Log every 3 days. Most recently, Subsurface was updated on October 6, 2026 and Active Log on October 10, 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.*