Comparison

GPS vs Nautical Rules

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

Head to head
About

GPS

Features
Currently charting
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This application uses the GPS for presenting speed, course, altitude and the location coordinates. The magnetic sensor presents the compass heading. You may send sms with your latitude and longitude direct from the app to any number or to a saved number. You can also show the map and from there share your position in different ways, as messages, mail or in social media. For devices with barometric sensor it presents pressure in hPa, and also the relative pressure change, after the app is started, very accurate, in meter or feet. As long as the geo data senses street address it will be continuously presented.

About

Nautical Rules

Master USCG Navigation Rules with a comprehensive question bank and smart study features. Track your progress, practice for exams, and study offline to navigate with confidence.

Highlights
  • 1,200+ practice questions
  • Inland and International waters coverage
  • Detailed explanations
  • Customizable tests
  • Offline study capability
  • Progress tracking dashboard
  • Accuracy by rule statistics
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Nautical Rules is the ultimate study companion for mastering the USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS). Whether you're preparing for your captain's license exam or refreshing your maritime knowledge, this app provides everything you need to succeed. COMPREHENSIVE QUESTION BANK - Over 1,200 practice questions covering all Navigation Rules - Questions for both Inland and International waters - Covers Steering & Sailing Rules, Lights & Shapes, Sound Signals, and more - Detailed explanations SMART STUDY FEATURES - Take customizable tests with 10, 25, 50, or 100 questions - Practice mode with immediate feedback and explanations - Focus Area suggestions to target your weakest rules - Bookmark questions for later review - Review your mistakes to reinforce learning TRACK YOUR PROGRESS - Activity dashboard with test history and statistics - See your accuracy by rule (Rule 1, Rule 2, etc.) - Track your study streak and mastery level - View detailed results for each completed test DESIGNED FOR MARINERS - Clean, intuitive interface optimized for study sessions - No internet connection required - study anywhere - All questions based on official USCG Navigation Rules - Perfect for captains, SWO, sailors, and maritime professionals Whether you're studying for the USCG license exam, improving your seamanship skills, or just want to stay sharp on the water, Nautical Rules gives you the tools to succeed. Download now and navigate with confidence! --- Note: This app is an educational study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard. For official rules and regulations, consult the official USCG Navigation Rules publications.

Screenshots

GPS1 screens
Nautical Rules4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Nautical Rules at Free against GPS's $0.99. Nautical Rules also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 14 months). GPS's advantage is chart position (#173 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Nautical Rules is free to download; GPS costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS ships an update every 14 months, Nautical Rules every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
GPS versus Nautical Rules: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPSNautical Rules
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
Best chart rank#173 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperdomesticusdevelopJoseph Kim

In-app purchases

None

GPS

No in-app purchases

None

Nautical Rules

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPS free?
GPS costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nautical Rules free?
Nautical Rules is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GPS or Nautical Rules have ads?
Neither GPS nor Nautical Rules shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GPS or Nautical Rules?
GPS ships an update every 14 months, and Nautical Rules every 3 weeks. Most recently, GPS was updated on September 18, 2026 and Nautical Rules on July 17, 2026.

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