Comparison

WaterNav vs Riverways

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

Head to head
About

WaterNav

This app provides offline waterway maps and navigation tools, displaying points of interest, locks, bridges, and closures. It offers route planning with customizable journey times and speed, and includes special features for River Canal Rescue members.

Highlights
  • Offline map access
  • Real-time GPS location tracking
  • Points of interest display
  • Waterway information (locks, bridges, closures)
  • Route planning with customizable options
  • Exclusive RCR member features
Features
Read full description

WaterNav is unique in that it has been developed so that you can access all date even without an active internet connection. (It works offline once the maps are downloaded) It monitors you location using the phones inbuilt GPS, giving your precise location on the map. The maps display thousands of continually updated points of interest (such as pubs, shops, vets, diesel, moorings, etc), as well as all the waterway information such as locks, bridges, turning points, etc, and canal closures. It is the essential towpath companions for boaters, ramblers, cyclists, or anyone else enjoying the waterways. The route planning options and enhanced options are available once you create an account (no charges or obligations) and with options of picking location, searching for a location or using your own current position it provides lots of flexibility. You can also chose journey times, lock delays and speed. River Canal Rescue members will automatically be granted access to a special RCR interface that will offer exclusive features. RCR members will be able to access their membership details, see their RCR history, log callouts, book services, and request additional works. They will also be able to utilise a new arrival aid system which will allow them to track their engineer in real time. The WaterNav App is in ongoing development (our inhouse developers will respond to all requests or issues - just remember it can take time to get issues updated). There are new updates and development of new features and we are resolving issues continually. ( so make sure you regularly update, and let us know if we can make things easier for you)

About

Riverways

Read full description

Riverways is the all-in-one navigation app designed specifically for boaters on the UK's inland waterways. Whether you're planning a relaxing cruise or travelling to your next mooring, Riverways helps you find the safest and most efficient route with real-time information tailored to your vessel. Think of it as the navigation app for inland waterways. Currently supporting the Broads National Park, with additional waterways planned for future updates. Plan every journey by creating routes between destinations and receive accurate journey times, distances and estimated arrival times. Riverways takes your vessel into account, helping you avoid routes with bridges or waterways that aren't suitable for your boat. Navigate with confidence and follow clear turn-by-turn navigation designed for waterways instead of roads. Stay informed throughout your journey with important alerts and guidance along your route. Riverways combines essential boating information into a single easy-to-use app, including: Turn-by-turn waterway navigation Trip planning with journey times and distances Vessel-aware routing to avoid low bridges and inaccessible waterways Live bridge heights and average bridge clearance information Speedometer with local speed limit information Tidal information Current weather conditions Detailed mooring information Boat facilities and services Nearby points of interest Departure reminders to help you arrive on time Live hazard reporting Built for boaters Unlike traditional mapping apps, Riverways is designed specifically for inland waterways. From navigating tidal rivers to finding the right mooring, every feature has been created with boaters in mind. Whether you're exploring the Norfolk Broads for the first time or you're a regular visitor, Riverways helps make every journey safer, simpler and more enjoyable.

Screenshots

WaterNav4 screens
Riverways4 screens

Verdict

The call

WaterNav and Riverways 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WaterNav ships an update fortnightly, Riverways every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
WaterNav versus Riverways: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWaterNavRiverways
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.2 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews12.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size74 MB66 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRiver Canal Rescue LtdVesselDigital Technologies LTD

In-app purchases

None

WaterNav

No in-app purchases

None

Riverways

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WaterNav free?
WaterNav is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Riverways free?
Riverways is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do WaterNav or Riverways have ads?
Neither WaterNav nor Riverways shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WaterNav or Riverways?
WaterNav ships an update fortnightly, and Riverways every 10 days. Most recently, WaterNav was updated on October 13, 2026 and Riverways on October 3, 2026.

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