Comparison

ActiveCaptain® vs iHoy Captain

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

Head to head
About

ActiveCaptain®

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
Read full description

The free ActiveCaptain app creates a powerful connection between your compatible mobile device and Garmin chartplotter, charts, maps and the boating community. Whether you use your Garmin products for cruising, fishing, sailing or diving, this all-in-one app will help you enjoy your time on the water. Just pair the app with your compatible chartplotter to wirelessly transfer and access charts and maps, software updates, routes, waypoints and helpful feedback from the ActiveCaptain Community. And, with the purchase of the OnDeck™ hub(1), you can track and monitor your boat from virtually anywhere. Please note that this app is intended for Garmin chartplotter owners and is not recommended for use as a stand-alone navigational app. FEATURES AVAILABLE: - ONECHART™: > New Garmin Navionics+™ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+™ cartography, featuring a Navionics® style appearance, advanced Auto Guidance+™ technology(2) and a one-year subscription to daily updates, is available now for North America and Europe, and coming soon to the rest of the world. Purchase our newest-generation charts or legacy BlueChart® g3 charts from your mobile device, and upload them to registered Garmin chartplotters on your vessel. You will get exceptional coverage, clarity and detail with charts that feature integrated Garmin and Navionics data and much more. Plus, the NOAA raster cartography(3) and premium features can be downloaded for free through the ActiveCaptain app. Visit Garmin.com/marinemaps. - PLAN A TRIP: Plan your trip, or e-scout a new fishing spot before you’re on the water. Then, transfer your data to your chartplotter where you can view your routes and waypoints. - USER DATA SYNC: Automatically back up and sync your data between your chartplotter and the ActiveCaptain app. - ACTIVECAPTAIN COMMUNITY: Join a community of boaters to get up-to-date feedback on marinas, boat ramps and other points of interest (POI). Check ratings, read reviews, and view pictures of POIs to make informed decisions on the water. Contribute your own POI, reviews and pictures from your compatible mobile device. - CONTROL YOUR CHARTPLOTTER: Using the built-in Helm™ feature, the ActiveCaptain app lets you view and control your compatible(4) chartplotter from your smartphone or tablet, even when someone else is at the helm(5). - EASY SOFTWARE UPDATES: Receive notifications about software updates from the app, and update your chartplotter wirelessly. - ONDECK HUB: Use the ActiveCaptain app to track, monitor and control any number of switches with the OnDeck system(1) from nearly anywhere. Door open? Bilge running? Peace of mind comes in the form of text alerts and updates. - GARMIN QUICKDRAWTM COMMUNITY: Download the latest 1’ HD contour maps shared by your fellow boaters, and sync with your chartplotter. You can also upload your own Quickdraw Contours map data. - SMART NOTIFICATIONS: Connect the app to your chartplotter, and turn on smart notifications(4) to see calls, text messages and more on the chartplotter display while your phone is somewhere safe and dry. FOOTNOTES 1)OnDeck hub sold separately and requires an active subscription plan 2)Auto Guidance+ is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations 3)NOAA raster cartography cannot be viewed on echoMAP™ CHIRP and ECHOMAP™ Plus combos but can be viewed on mobile devices via the ActiveCaptain mobile app 4)Helm feature is not compatible with ECHOMAP series chartplotters 5)Check device compatibility on the ActiveCaptain app web page; visit https://www.garmin.com/c/marine/marine-apps/ End User License Agreement: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/marine-mobile-eula/

About

iHoy Captain

Control your boat's autopilot and navigate with nautical charts directly from your mobile device. Enjoy features like remote maneuvering, motion control, and dual screen modes for a user-friendly experience. It also provides essential weather information for your trips.

Highlights
  • Nautical chart access
  • Mobile autopilot control
  • Remote boat maneuvering
  • Motion-based steering
  • Dual screen display options
  • Meteo information
  • Multi-user functionality
Read full description

We'd be happy to tell you about iHoy Captain: - iHoy Map You can easily access nautical charts. (iHoy Captain device is not required.) - Quick Installation iHoyCaptain can be installed in minutes by yourself. No need to pay for extra service fees. - Autopilot A true autopilot experience using your mobile phone that provides fuel efficiency, safety and extra comfort. User firendly dual mode screens for ease of use. - Remote Just use you phone to maneuver your boat from anywhere on board. No need to interrupt joy to go back to kokpit. - Motion mode: Just tilt your phone right and left and see your boat turns port/starboard accordingly. Yes, it is doable by iHoy. - Dual Screen You like more user friendly screens, you have it. You like machine-like screens, you have it too. Just tilt your phone 90 degrees. - Compatibility iHoy Captain is compatible with most boats 15 meters and below. Just chek you steering wheel shaft being 0,75”. - Information Check out iHoy Captain’s info page before your trip. iHoy Captain provides you main meteo information such as wind, wave, humidity, temperature. - Multiuser Buy iHoy Captain only once, then not only you but whoever you authorised can use full functionality by simply downloading iHoy Captain free of charge. - Safe iHoy Captain can be engaged/disangaged by a simple mechanical move. You can get manuel control instantly anytime. Note: iHoy Captain device required. Terms Of Use: https://ihoycaptain.com/assets/docs/terms_of_use_en.pdf

Screenshots

ActiveCaptain®4 screens
iHoy Captain4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iHoy Captain at 100% against ActiveCaptain®'s 56%. iHoy Captain also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.5). ActiveCaptain®'s advantage is chart position (#29 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. ActiveCaptain® sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $74.99 per year and iHoy Captain sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ActiveCaptain® ships an update every 3 months, iHoy Captain weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
ActiveCaptain® versus iHoy Captain: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterActiveCaptain®iHoy Captain
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (5.2K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.2% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5.2K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#29 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.516.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size196 MB85 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperGarminiHoy

Customer experience

ActiveCaptain®

All ratings5,159 ratings
Positive72.9%
Neutral3.7%
Negative23.4%
Written reviews909 reviews
Positive56.2%
Neutral4.7%
Negative39.1%

iHoy Captain

Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

ActiveCaptain®

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • 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

5 requests
  • 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

iHoy Captain

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

18 purchases

ActiveCaptain®

Subscriptions7
  • NSUS007R-U.S. East$74.991 Year
  • NSUS006R-U.S. South$74.991 Year
  • g4 U.S. Lakes & Rivers Built-i$99.991 Year
Show 4 more
  • NSUS001L-U.S. & Canada$99.991 Year
  • g4 Vision U.S. South$129.991 Year
  • g4 Vision U.S. East$129.991 Year
  • GN+ US & Coast Canada Built-In$149.991 Year
One-time11
  • U.S. LakeVü Detail Map$59.99
  • US+Great Lakes Detail Map$99.99
  • BlueChart g3+LakeVu g3 Built-I$99.99
Show 8 more
  • LUS100F - Download$149.99
  • GN+ U.S. South$149.99
  • GN+ U.S. East$149.99
  • VUS010R - Download$174.99
  • GN+ U.S. & Canada$199.99
  • HXUS604X - Download$219.99
  • GNV+ U.S. East$249.99
  • GNV+ U.S. South$249.99
13 purchases

iHoy Captain

Subscriptions13
  • Montenegro Folio14 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Germany Folio14 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • United States Folio14 Days trial$9.991 Year
Show 10 more
  • Brazil Folio$19.991 Year
  • Tonga Folio14 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Niue Folio14 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Tokelau Folio14 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Samoa Folio14 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Colombia - Caribbean Sea 214 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Colombia - Pacific Ocean 114 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Colombia - Caribbean Sea 314 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Colombia - Pacific Ocean 214 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Colombia - Pacific Ocean 314 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is ActiveCaptain® free?
ActiveCaptain® is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is iHoy Captain free?
iHoy Captain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ActiveCaptain® or iHoy Captain have ads?
Neither ActiveCaptain® nor iHoy Captain shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ActiveCaptain® or iHoy Captain?
ActiveCaptain® ships an update every 3 months, and iHoy Captain weekly. Most recently, ActiveCaptain® was updated on October 15, 2026 and iHoy Captain on October 5, 2026.

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