# ActiveCaptain® vs Argo Navigation

The clearest difference is rating: Argo Navigation at 4.9 against ActiveCaptain®'s 4.0. Argo Navigation also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (84% vs 59%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ActiveCaptain® sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $74.99 per year and Argo Navigation sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Argo Navigation holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.2K and 6.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of ActiveCaptain®'s written reviews are positive against 84% of Argo Navigation's.

ActiveCaptain® ships an update every 3 months, Argo Navigation every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ActiveCaptain® | Argo Navigation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activecaptain/id1116089313/reviews) | **[4.9 (6.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argo-navigation-boat-gps-map/id1463869636/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5.2K | **6.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 59.0% of reviews | **84.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#28** | #65 |
| Size | 196 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) | [ARGO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463869635) |

## What reviewers say

### ActiveCaptain®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activecaptain/id1116089313)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Grossing · Navigation, #174 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

This app connects your mobile device to compatible Garmin chartplotters, enabling wireless chart and map transfers, software updates, and route planning. It also provides access to a community of boaters for reviews and information on marinas and points of interest.

**Highlights:** Wireless chart and map transfer, Route and waypoint planning, ActiveCaptain Community for POI reviews, Chartplotter control via Helm feature, Easy software updates, OnDeck system monitoring, Garmin Quickdraw Community map sharing

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NSUS007R-U.S. East | $74.99 | per year |
| NSUS006R-U.S. South | $74.99 | per year |
| g4 U.S. Lakes & Rivers Built-i | $99.99 | per year |
| NSUS001L-U.S. & Canada | $99.99 | per year |
| g4 Vision U.S. South | $129.99 | per year |
| g4 Vision U.S. East | $129.99 | per year |
| GN+ US & Coast Canada Built-In | $149.99 | per year |
| U.S. LakeVü Detail Map | $59.99 | one-time |
| US+Great Lakes Detail Map | $99.99 | one-time |
| BlueChart g3+LakeVu g3 Built-I | $99.99 | one-time |
| LUS100F - Download | $149.99 | one-time |
| GN+ U.S. South | $149.99 | one-time |
| GN+ U.S. East | $149.99 | one-time |
| VUS010R - Download | $174.99 | one-time |
| GN+ U.S. & Canada | $199.99 | one-time |
| HXUS604X - Download | $219.99 | one-time |
| GNV+ U.S. East | $249.99 | one-time |
| GNV+ U.S. South | $249.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Seamless integration with Garmin devices
- 💡 Useful for planning trips and managing waypoints
- 🚀 Convenient for updating software and charts
- 👍 Great app for Garmin users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and connection issues
- 🔍 Limited chart and mapping functionality compared to competitors
- 🤔 Difficult to transfer data between devices
- 🤔 Confusing and not very intuitive user interface
- 💰 Expensive for the features provided

**Reported bugs**

- Charts and maps not loading properly
- Waypoints and routes not syncing correctly
- Constant prompts to purchase additional charts
- Compatibility issues with older Garmin devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to duplicate and edit existing routes
- Sync user data across multiple devices
- Improved chart detail and coverage
- Animated tides and currents
- Better integration with other navigation apps


### Argo Navigation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argo-navigation-boat-gps-map/id1463869636)

**Currently charting:** #65 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app provides comprehensive navigation and planning tools for boaters, offering features like chart plotting, route planning, and weather forecasts. It aims to be user-friendly for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cruisers, with a focus on safety and connectivity on the water.

**Highlights:** Web/Desktop planning with auto-sync, Autorouting for multi-stop trips, 7-day marine weather forecast, Unlimited nautical charts (NOAA/USEACE), Record and save tracks, Real-time NMEA/AIS data, Location and route sharing with groups

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Canada Charts | $2.99 | per month |
| Argo Premium Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Argo Canada Charts | $9.99 | per year |
| Argo Premium | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Accurate navigation
- 💡 Helpful social features
- 🔋 Good battery life
- 🔒 Reliable app performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app crashes
- 🗺️ Limited map coverage in some areas
- 🔍 Difficulty finding certain locations

**Reported bugs**

- Login/account creation issues
- Slow map loading times

**Requested features**

- Improved offline map capabilities
- Integration with marine weather data
- Enhanced route planning tools


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ActiveCaptain® free?

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

### Is Argo Navigation free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ActiveCaptain® or Argo Navigation?

Argo Navigation is rated higher. ActiveCaptain® averages 4.0 out of 5 from 5.2K ratings, while Argo Navigation averages 4.9 from 6.2K ratings.

### Do ActiveCaptain® or Argo Navigation have ads?

Neither ActiveCaptain® nor Argo Navigation shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ActiveCaptain® or Argo Navigation?

ActiveCaptain® ships an update every 3 months, and Argo Navigation every 4 days. Most recently, ActiveCaptain® was updated on October 17, 2026 and Argo Navigation on October 16, 2026.

### Which is more popular, ActiveCaptain® or Argo Navigation?

ActiveCaptain® currently peaks at #28 in the App Store charts, and Argo Navigation at #65. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*