# Argo Navigation vs Helm Boating

The clearest difference is ads: Argo Navigation at none against Helm Boating's shown. Argo Navigation also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Argo Navigation sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Helm Boating sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Argo Navigation ships an update every 4 days, Helm Boating weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Argo Navigation | Helm Boating |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (6.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argo-navigation-boat-gps-map/id1463869636/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Best chart rank | **#113** | #186 |
| Size | 137 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ARGO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463869635) | [LOOP MOBILE FZCO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741140077) |

## What reviewers say

### Argo Navigation

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

**Currently charting:** #113 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This free navigation app provides marine charts, weather forecasts, and tide predictions for boaters. It offers route planning, hazard reporting, and social features to connect with other users. Premium features include advanced routing and offline chart downloads.

**Highlights:** NOAA and Army Corps charts, 500,000+ marinas and fuel docks, Boater-reported hazards, Customizable route planning, Marine weather and tide forecasts, Offline chart downloads, Live location sharing

**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


### Helm Boating

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helm-boating-gps-chart-and-map/id6803616810)

**Currently charting:** #186 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Argo Navigation free?

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

### Is Helm Boating free?

Helm Boating is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Argo Navigation or Helm Boating have ads?

Helm Boating shows ads; Argo Navigation does not.

### Which is updated more often, Argo Navigation or Helm Boating?

Argo Navigation ships an update every 4 days, and Helm Boating weekly. Most recently, Argo Navigation was updated on November 13, 2026 and Helm Boating on November 10, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Argo Navigation or Helm Boating?

Argo Navigation currently peaks at #113 in the App Store charts, and Helm Boating at #186. 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.*