# Anchor Pro vs AIS Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: Anchor Pro at none against AIS Explorer's shown. Anchor Pro also leads on ratings volume (3.5K vs 3). AIS Explorer's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Anchor Pro sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.99 per year and AIS Explorer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $49.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AIS Explorer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Anchor Pro has 3.5K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Anchor Pro ships an update every 2 months, AIS Explorer every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Anchor Pro | AIS Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-pro/id1445476850/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ais-explorer/id1670774413/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.5K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 78.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.2 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IdeaBoys GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1578331665) | [PredictWind Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/477048590) |

## What reviewers say

### Anchor Pro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-pro/id1445476850)

This app helps boaters set and monitor their anchor position in real-time. It allows for defining safe zones, tracking boat movement, and receiving alerts for critical changes. Remote notifications and Apple Watch integration enhance its utility for secure anchoring.

**Highlights:** Set anchor location in real-time or manually, Define custom safe swing zones, Monitor boat movement and track history, Receive real-time alerts for position, GPS, and battery, Remote notifications via Telegram or email, Apple Watch companion app for key metrics

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anchor Premium | $6.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reliable anchor alarm
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🔒 Works without cell/WiFi
- 💤 Helps user sleep soundly
- 🗺️ Detailed anchor tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 GPS accuracy issues
- 🔋 Drains device battery
- 🔍 Remote monitoring unreliable
- 💰 Subscription required for full features

**Reported bugs**

- App randomly shuts off
- Anchor position tracking glitches

**Requested features**

- Customizable anchor icon/color
- Integration with marine GPS/chartplotter
- Ability to adjust alarm parameters remotely


### AIS Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ais-explorer/id1670774413)

Track ships and yachts globally in real-time with advanced satellite and terrestrial AIS receivers. Offers vessel search, favorites, port of call details, and integrated weather forecasts with routing for ETAs. Provides comprehensive satellite AIS data.

**Highlights:** Real-time Satellite AIS, Real-time Terrestrial AIS, Search Vessels, Save To Favourites, Last Port of Call, Advanced Weather Forecasts, Weather Routing - ETA

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AIS Pro monthly | $49.00 | per month |
| AIS Pro 3 monthly | $99.00 | per 3 months |
| AIS Pro Annual | $249.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Anchor Pro free?

Anchor Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AIS Explorer free?

AIS Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Anchor Pro or AIS Explorer?

AIS Explorer is rated higher. Anchor Pro averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.5K ratings, while AIS Explorer averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Anchor Pro or AIS Explorer have ads?

AIS Explorer shows ads; Anchor Pro does not.

### Which is updated more often, Anchor Pro or AIS Explorer?

Anchor Pro ships an update every 2 months, and AIS Explorer every 4 weeks. Most recently, Anchor Pro was updated on September 23, 2026 and AIS Explorer on September 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.*