Ocean Signal vs SmartOcean
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ocean Signal
Access critical information for emergency beacons and live data from Class B AIS devices. Utilize NFC for PLB, EPIRB, and MOB details, including battery status and test results. Configure settings and view live AIS targets via WiFi connection.
- Emergency beacon information access
- Live Class B AIS data
- NFC for PLB/EPIRB/MOB details
- Battery condition and test results
- Change MOB settings
- WiFi connection for ATB1 AIS
- Vessel detail configuration
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The Ocean Signal App allows easy access to Emergency PLB/EPIRB/MOB information as well as live information from your Class B AIS. NFC (Near Field Communication) allows access to PLB, EPIRB and MOB details where operation time, Battery condition and test results can be easily checked and displayed on a mobile device. You can even change settings for your MOB's like adding a MMSI without turning the product on! The use of NFC ensures that maximum battery capacity can be ensured giving you confidence that a Beacon will give maximum performance when required in an emergency situation. WiFi connection to the Ocean Signal ATB1 gives access to live AIS target data along with status and performance details, as well as test and Ownership details for Distress Beacons. Initial configuration with vessel details for the ATB1 Class B AIS is also carried out via the WiFi connection.
SmartOcean
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Locate and monitor your SMART OCEAN BUOYs in real-time in-app or directly on your navigation plotter. Enjoy increased productivity, saving time and reducing the risk of losing your fishing gear at sea. The SMART OCEAN BUOY Coastal Edition II transmits GPS position over 4G/5G net, is truly solid and comes with a complete software solution including a great app, integration to navigation charts and with multiple useful functions: • Locate and monitor your fishing gear in real-time 24/7 • Receive notifications if the buoy breaches, cuts out or drifts • View buoy directly in Olex navigation charts or in app • Save time and navigate directly to your gear • Swift report of the buoy location to Barentswach • Reduce risk of loss of gear • Easy onboarding and subscription The SMART OCEAN BUOY is a unique quality GPS buoy developed in Norway. A fantastic tool for fishers to locate your fishing gear or asset at sea in all weathers, at all times.
Screenshots
Verdict
Ocean Signal and SmartOcean are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Ocean Signal ships an update every 2 months, SmartOcean every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ocean Signal | SmartOcean |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 116 MB | 99 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ocean Signal Limited | Smart Ocean AS |
In-app purchases
Ocean Signal
No in-app purchases
SmartOcean
No in-app purchases









