# PADI vs CHOW Ocean

The clearest difference is ratings volume: PADI at 46K against CHOW Ocean's 2. PADI also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for PADI against 5.0 for CHOW Ocean. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PADI has 46K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PADI ships an update fortnightly, CHOW Ocean every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PADI | CHOW Ocean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (46K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/padi/id1490797188/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chow-ocean/id1620134734/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **46K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 54.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 200 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [PADI Americas, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/416901045) | [Precon Events, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1575963816) |

## What reviewers say

### PADI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/padi/id1490797188)

This app provides comprehensive scuba diving resources, allowing users to learn, log dives offline, verify certifications, and discover new adventures. Stay connected with the diving community and book your next underwater experience.

**Highlights:** Online and offline learning, Offline dive logging, Certification verification, Inspiration from divers and pros, Book diving adventures

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient to have all dive info in one spot
- 🚀 Great for learning and revisiting hand signals
- 👍 Helpful for organizing PADI certifications
- 👍 Fantastic time for Discover Scuba Diving
- 👍 User friendly app for eStudy course

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buttons don't work, inconsistent functionality
- 🐛 Logbook doesn't work, can't log dives
- 🐛 eCards get deleted, can't access offline
- 💰 Expensive eCards, should be included
- 🐛 Dive log data gets lost or doesn't sync

**Reported bugs**

- Account setup failed
- eCards don't download or display properly
- Dive log data disappears or doesn't save
- Inconsistent display of certifications
- Dive site search doesn't work

**Requested features**

- Allow mixing of metric and imperial units
- Customize order of certifications on home page
- Integrate with dive computers and upload profiles
- Add custom checklists, equipment tracking
- Integrate with Apple Wallet for eCards


### CHOW Ocean

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chow-ocean/id1620134734)

Explore America's maritime history and the importance of ocean stewardship. This app celebrates coastal communities and their role in innovation and environmental preservation. It highlights the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's efforts to secure waters for future generations.

**Highlights:** Maritime history exploration, Ocean stewardship focus, Coastal community highlights, Environmental preservation, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Future generation initiatives

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PADI free?

PADI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CHOW Ocean free?

CHOW Ocean is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PADI or CHOW Ocean?

CHOW Ocean is rated higher. PADI averages 4.9 out of 5 from 46K ratings, while CHOW Ocean averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do PADI or CHOW Ocean have ads?

Neither PADI nor CHOW Ocean shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PADI or CHOW Ocean?

PADI ships an update fortnightly, and CHOW Ocean every 9 days. Most recently, PADI was updated on October 19, 2026 and CHOW Ocean on October 7, 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.*