Comparison

Subsurface vs Submersion Dive Log

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Subsurface

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
Read full description

Subsurface-mobile is an iOS dive log application based on Subsurface, the best free open source dive log application available on Windows, Mac and Linux. Subsurface-mobile allows you to access your dive log on your tablet or phone, edit the data and even download new dive information from many Bluetooth LE enabled dive computers. Using a free Subsurface Cloud Storage account you can synchronize your dive data with the Subsurface desktop application (while significantly increasing the usefulness, the cloud account is not required to use Subsurface-mobile). To get support from the developers, please use the in-app menu entry "Ask for support" Please check out the Subsurface-mobile user manual: https://subsurface-divelog.org/documentation/subsurface-mobile-v3-user-manual (also available from within the app) Subsurface-mobile is free and open source. No ads, no commercial anything. And it comes with free cloud storage (if you decide to use that - it's optional). Your data aren't used for anything, nothing gets monetized.

About

Submersion Dive Log

This app is a comprehensive, open-source dive log for recreational and technical divers. It allows users to track unlimited dives, manage gear, analyze trends, and export data. The app offers dive computer integration, advanced profile analysis, and detailed logging for various dive types and conditions.

Highlights
  • Log unlimited dives with detailed conditions
  • Dive computer integration
  • Advanced profile analysis
  • Technical diving support
  • Gear and equipment management
  • Dive site database with maps
  • Marine life tracking
Features
Read full description

Submersion is a comprehensive, open-source dive log for recreational and technical divers. Track dives, manage gear, analyze trends, and export to open formats. No subscriptions, no proprietary lock-in, no cost. COMPLETE DIVE LOGGING • Log unlimited dives with depth, duration, temperature, and conditions • Track entry/exit times with automatic surface interval calculation • Rate dives, add notes, and organize with custom tags • Record visibility, current, waves, weather, and water type • Support for 20+ dive types including night, wreck, cave, and technical DIVE COMPUTER INTEGRATION • Connect via Bluetooth or USB to well known dive computer models • Import dive profiles with one tap—no cables to your computer needed • Smart duplicate detection prevents importing the same dive twice • Supported brands: Shearwater, Suunto, Mares, Aqualung, Garmin, Oceanic, and many more ADVANCED PROFILE ANALYSIS • Interactive depth/temperature charts with zoom and pan • Bühlmann ZH-L16C decompression algorithm with gradient factors • Real-time NDL, ceiling, and tissue loading visualization • Ascent rate monitoring with color-coded warnings • O₂ toxicity tracking (CNS%, OTU, ppO₂) for nitrox and trimix divers • SAC/RMV calculation and trend analysis TECHNICAL DIVING READY • Multi-tank support with unlimited cylinders per dive • Full gas mix tracking: Air, Nitrox, Trimix, and pure O₂ • Gas switch markers on dive profiles • MOD, END, and EAD calculations built-in • Tank presets for quick logging (AL80, HP100, Steel 12L, and more) GEAR & EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT • Track all your gear: regulators, BCDs, computers, suits, and more • Service history with reminders when maintenance is due • Create equipment sets for different diving configurations • Weight calculator based on exposure suit and conditions DIVE SITES & MAPS • Build your personal dive site database with GPS coordinates • Interactive map with clustered markers showing all your sites • Capture location from your phone or pick from the map • Automatic reverse geocoding fills in country and region • Track site details: depth range, difficulty, hazards, and access notes MARINE LIFE TRACKING • Log species sightings with counts on each dive • Pre-loaded database with common species • Build your personal life list over time BUDDIES & CERTIFICATIONS • Manage your dive buddy list with certification levels • Track your own certifications with expiry reminders • Associate buddies and instructors with each dive • Log dive centers and boat names STATISTICS & INSIGHTS • Total dives, bottom time, and depth records • SAC trends over months and years • Temperature preferences by season • Dive frequency charts and gas mix distribution • Deepest, longest, coldest, and warmest dive records CLOUD SYNC & BACKUP • Sync across all your devices via iCloud or Google Drive • Local-first design works completely offline • Export to UDDF, CSV, or PDF • Import from other dive log apps PRIVACY FOCUSED • No account required—start logging immediately • Your data stays on your device (unless you enable cloud sync) • No ads, no tracking, no subscriptions • Open source: inspect the code yourself on GitHub Whether you're a new diver logging your first open water dives or a technical diver tracking complex trimix profiles, Submersion adapts to your needs. Join the growing group of divers who trust Submersion to preserve their dive information. Questions or feedback? Visit our GitHub repository.

Screenshots

Subsurface4 screens
Submersion Dive Log4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Submersion Dive Log at every 4 days against Subsurface's every 2 months. Submersion Dive Log also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17). Subsurface's advantage is ratings volume (48 vs 12). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Subsurface against 4.6 for Submersion Dive Log. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 12 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of Subsurface's written reviews are positive against 67% of Submersion Dive Log's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, Submersion Dive Log every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Subsurface versus Submersion Dive Log: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSubsurfaceSubmersion Dive Log
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (48 ratings)4.6 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.3% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings48 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS1715.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB155 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDirk HohndelEric Griffin

Customer experience

Subsurface

All ratings48 ratings
Positive89.6%
Neutral2.1%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive63.3%
Neutral6.7%
Negative30.0%

Submersion Dive Log

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

Subsurface

No in-app purchases

None

Submersion Dive Log

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Subsurface free?
Subsurface is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Submersion Dive Log free?
Submersion Dive Log is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Subsurface or Submersion Dive Log?
Submersion Dive Log is rated higher. Subsurface averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Submersion Dive Log averages 4.6 from 12 ratings.
Do Subsurface or Submersion Dive Log have ads?
Neither Subsurface nor Submersion Dive Log shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Subsurface or Submersion Dive Log?
Subsurface ships an update every 2 months, and Submersion Dive Log every 4 days. Most recently, Subsurface was updated on October 6, 2026 and Submersion Dive Log on October 8, 2026.

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