# iCTides vs Absolute Tides

The clearest difference is price: Absolute Tides at Free against iCTides's $0.99. Absolute Tides also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 44%). iCTides's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Absolute Tides is free to download; iCTides costs $0.99 up front. Absolute Tides sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. iCTides asks for nothing beyond the download.

iCTides ships an update every 7 months, Absolute Tides every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 2, 2026 and August 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iCTides | Absolute Tides |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ictides/id367253245/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | **67.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 30 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Seaside Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/349891547) | [Darren Edwards](https://appshunter.io/developer/1055828981) |

## What reviewers say

### iCTides

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ictides/id367253245)

Access tide predictions for over 4400 US coastal locations, along with current time, sunrise/sunset, and moonrise/moonset. Enjoy customizable backgrounds and soothing ocean sounds for a tranquil experience.

**Highlights:** 4400+ US coastal tide predictions, Current time, sunrise, sunset, moonrise/moonset, Customizable backgrounds and slideshows, Soothing ocean sound effects, Watch app with complications, Offline tide calculations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Absolute Tides

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absolute-tides/id1055828982)

Access official UKHO tidal data offline for up to a year in advance. View monthly tide tables, daily charts, and tidal streams. Includes weather forecasts and anchoring assistance.

**Highlights:** Offline UKHO tidal data, Annual data plugins, Monthly tide tables, Daily tide charts, Tidal stream view, Met Office weather forecast, Anchoring assistance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UK Tides 2016 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2017 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2018 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2019 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2020 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2021 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2022 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2023 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2024 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2026 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2025 | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iCTides free?

iCTides costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Absolute Tides free?

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

### Do iCTides or Absolute Tides have ads?

Neither iCTides nor Absolute Tides shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iCTides or Absolute Tides?

iCTides ships an update every 7 months, and Absolute Tides every 5 months. Most recently, iCTides was updated on September 2, 2026 and Absolute Tides on August 18, 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.*