# iNavX vs KnowWake

The clearest difference is rating: iNavX at 4.8 against KnowWake's 4.1. iNavX also leads on ratings volume (22K vs 250) and chart position (#113 vs unranked). KnowWake's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iNavX sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. KnowWake asks for nothing beyond the download.

iNavX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iNavX has 22K ratings behind it against 250, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 44% of iNavX's written reviews are positive against 55% of KnowWake's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

iNavX ships an update every 5 weeks, KnowWake every 11 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iNavX | KnowWake |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inavx-marine-navigation/id286616280/reviews)** | [4.1 (250 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knowwake/id688017646/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **22K** | 250 |
| Positive reviews | 43.7% of reviews | **55.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#113** | — |
| Size | 298 MB | 123 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NavX Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/286616283) | [Application Generation, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/571709068) |

## What reviewers say

### iNavX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inavx-marine-navigation/id286616280)

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

This app provides comprehensive marine navigation tools, including worldwide chart coverage, weather forecasts, and AIS integration. It allows users to plan routes, track their position, and connect with onboard instruments for a complete boating experience.

**Highlights:** Worldwide marine chart access, Real-time GPS plotting, Waypoint and route management, GRIB weather forecasts, AIS integration, Nautical instrument connectivity

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Theyr Premium - Mobile (Monthly) for iOS | $9.99 | per month |
| iNavX Professional+ USA | $29.99 | per year |
| Navionics+ USA/Canada (iPhone) | $29.99 | per year |
| Navionics+ Caribbean (iPhone) | $44.99 | per year |
| Theyr Premium Weather | $49.99 | per year |
| iNavX Professional+ USA Canada | $59.99 | per year |
| C-MAP World Chart | $59.99 | per year |
| Explorer Chartbooks - Bahamas | $69.99 | per year |
| Navionics+ USA/Canada (iPad) | $79.99 | per year |
| Navionics+ Caribbean (iPad) | $79.99 | per year |
| AIS Live | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate and precise navigation
- 📊 Comprehensive charting and navigation features
- 🛠️ Customizable instrument settings
- 🔄 Redundancy across devices
- 💨 Reliable performance over many years

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Clunky and unintuitive user interface
- 🗺️ Cumbersome chart management and downloading
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription model for charts
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to remove waypoints
- Inconsistent behavior when transitioning International Date Line
- Disappearing or missing chart data

**Requested features**

- Seamless chart switching and panning
- Integrated tidal and current data
- Support for more chart types and providers
- Improved route planning and editing tools
- Automatic chart updates and management


### KnowWake

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knowwake/id688017646)

This marine navigation platform offers detailed waterway information for numerous global locations. Discover waterfront destinations, access real-time community reports on hazards and marine life, and utilize advanced navigation features for a safer and more informed boating experience.

**Highlights:** Waterfront destinations, Real-time waterway reports, Wake zone indicators, Marine weather forecasts, Anchor alarm, Location sharing, Offline mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🗺️ Comprehensive wake zone and speed restriction information
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 🆓 Free app with valuable features
- 📍 Accurate location data for marinas, restaurants, and fuel docks
- 🚤 Essential tool for boaters and water sports enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing issues
- ⏱️ App becomes unstable after 30 seconds of use
- 🔌 Constant stability problems across multiple iOS versions
- ❌ Routing functionality frequently fails
- 🗺️ Limited coverage for certain regions (Great Lakes, some Florida lakes)

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes immediately upon opening
- App freezes after 30 seconds of use
- Login/registration fails or times out indefinitely
- Routing returns error messages and crashes
- Tapping on location icons does nothing or crashes app

**Requested features**

- Improved stability and crash prevention
- Course-up/heading-up map orientation option
- Depth layer integration for navigation safety
- NOAA raster charts availability
- Better routing algorithm with estimated time and distance


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iNavX free?

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

### Is KnowWake free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iNavX or KnowWake?

iNavX is rated higher. iNavX averages 4.8 out of 5 from 22K ratings, while KnowWake averages 4.1 from 250 ratings.

### Do iNavX or KnowWake have ads?

iNavX shows ads; KnowWake does not.

### Which is updated more often, iNavX or KnowWake?

iNavX ships an update every 5 weeks, and KnowWake every 11 days. Most recently, iNavX was updated on September 24, 2026 and KnowWake on September 24, 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.*