Comparison

GPS 2 IP vs NavLink US

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

Head to head
About

GPS 2 IP

Stream real-time GPS NMEA location data from your iPhone or iPad to other devices. Ideal for advanced navigation software and enthusiasts who need external GPS capabilities.

Highlights
  • Stream NMEA GPS data wirelessly
  • Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE
  • Push data to online servers (TCP/UDP)
  • Supports TAIP protocol
  • Unique device identifiers
  • Automatic restart after device reboot
  • Selectable NMEA messages
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Do you need GPS NMEA location data for your computer or other device - maybe to use some mapping or navigation software? Until now, you couldn't get external access to the GPS inside your iPhone or iPad, but now with GPS2IP you can stream the information in realtime to solve your requirements. BEWARE - GPS2IP is *not* able to be used for the Apple turn-by-turn navigation app, or Google Maps, or most car navigation programs. It is designed for enthusiasts, or more sophisticated navigation software that can use an external wireless GPS unit. If you aren't sure what NMEA is, please check the website before buying. This is a rather special piece of software, and must be used in the right system. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE: www.capsicumdreams.com/iPhone/gps2ip/ We have a free version "GPS2IP Lite" that has most of the same features, so that you can try it out for free. Have a look on our website: http://capsicumdreams.com/gps2ip/differences.php Try it for free, and only buy this full-featured version if it does what you need! The iPhone becomes a GPS server, and to get the information, you just connect to your iPhone using either wifi or Bluetooth LE. Alternatively, you can also push the NMEA data to any online server, using either TCP or UDP and process the information however you want.The TAIP protocol is also supported. Each device running GPS2IP can send a unique identifier, so that if you have multiple devices you can determine which device is sending what messages. GPS2IP now can be configured to restart automatically after your iOS device restarts, so you'll always keep track of your position. Apart from navigation software, other methods for connection include telnet or netcat, or many terminal programs. Some navigation software such as MacEnc can read from an IP address natively. Setting up a connection between MacEnc and GPS2IP is easy. Just have a look at the capsicumDreams website! http://capsicumdreams.com/gps2ip/ Different NMEA messages can be selected for transmission according to your requirements. One non-standard message that GPS2IP transmits that is very useful for sailing is $PASHR. GPS 2 IP can run when the iPhone sleeps to support constant location reporting, but be aware that continued use of the GPS when running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. If your device dies or you turn it off when it was running, GPS2IP now automatically resumes sending the location. Beware that this will decrease battery life - we recommend keeping it charging if possible. GPS2IP can also be configured to output data at a selectable frequency (for example once every minute). You can lock the settings, so that no unauthorised people can change the settings. Lots more information and instructions on usage can be found on our website. Enjoy!

About

NavLink US

This marine navigation app transforms your Apple device into a full-featured chart plotter. It displays real-time GPS positions on NOAA charts, overlays AIS data, and allows for waypoint and route planning. Features include augmented reality views and weather buoy data.

Highlights
  • Real-time GPS plotting on NOAA charts
  • AIS overlay with compatible systems
  • Waypoint and route planning
  • Augmented reality HorizonView
  • Weather buoy data
  • A-B chart ruler
Features
Read full description

Marine Navigation App that turns your Apple Device in to a full function chart plotter. Features include: · Realtime GPS position plotted on Marine charts derived from NOAA data (Vector (ENC) & Raster (RNC)) · AIS overlay when connected to compatible wireless AIS system · Waypoints & routes with full route editing and planning function · Position, COG, SOG, VMG, bearing, distance & ETA displays · Configurable chart layers · HorizonView overlays navaid and targets onto iPad/Phone camera display · Automatic free chart updates included for 1 year · Weather buoy data · A-B chart ruler for quick & easy bearing and distance measurement · All NOAA US charts are included in the price · Optional in-app purchase of CA charts AIS Functionality When connected to an AIS system via a wireless NMEA link, NavLink will provide a real time overlay of AIS targets and CPA and TCPA alarms. Internet AIS requires Boat Beacon app HorizonView Overlay chart & AIS objects on the iPhone or iPad camera image to create an augmented HorizonView display, that makes Nav-Aid & vessel identification simple and reliable Plan & sail routes Instant route and waypoint creation by tapping on screen. Route reverse function and route overview with inter-leg bearing and distance. Share your routes via dropbox and email with other users NavLink Charting NavLink utilises the latest S57 based NOAA digital mapping & features automatic free updates for 1 year. With vector mapping, you can manage your layers of data to de-clutter the screen or maximise information. NavLink supports all key charting feature such as buoys, lights, bridges, depth contours, spot depths, depth contours, anchorage & military areas, weather buoys Interfacing NavLink is compatible with all Digital Yacht's wireless NMEA devices such as the iAIS, WLN10, WLN10HS, NavLink, iNavHub & PilotLink that stream wireless AIS data to your Apple device If you have a WiFi-only iPad you will need an external Bluetooth GPS receiver to enable navigation. 3rd Party units are available such as the Garmin Glo. Please note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life Subscriptions Your purchase includes 12 months free updates to the included chart set. At the end of the 12 month period continued access to ongoing chart updates is available via an in-app purchase. Charts for other regions may also be added to your product via optional in-app purchase. Our in-app purchases are 1 year subscriptions, which automatically renew at the end of the subscription period unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase, and will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Pricing for our 1 year US Charts update subscription is $9.99. Subscriptions may be managed by the iTunes account holder and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings after purchase. 
No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. Privacy policy:- http://seanav.net/digitalyacht/privacy.php Terms and conditions:- http://seanav.net/dyiostsandcs.php Safety Notice NavLink & the charts are intended to be used as an aid to navigation. Only official government charts and notice to mariners contain all of the current information needed for safe navigation. This product's features cannot be relied on to be complete or accurate and may vary locally. It is the Captain's or Boat Owner's responsibility to use official government charts, notice to mariners, caution, sound judgement and proper navigational skill when operating their vessel and using this or any other Digital Yacht product. By purchasing this App, you are accepting the limitations of this app and the NOAA charts. Third Party Licenses and Notices NOTICE: US Marine Charts are derived from official NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts.

Screenshots

GPS 2 IP4 screens
NavLink US4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GPS 2 IP at $7.99 against NavLink US's $30.99. GPS 2 IP also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). NavLink US's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

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

GPS 2 IP costs $7.99 and NavLink US $30.99 up front. NavLink US sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per year. GPS 2 IP asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GPS 2 IP holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GPS 2 IP has 15 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS 2 IP ships an update every 3 months, NavLink US every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
GPS 2 IP versus NavLink US: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPS 2 IPNavLink US
Price$7.99 — better$30.99
Rating4.2 (15 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews58.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings15 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#17 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.611.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAngus OliverDigitalYacht Ltd.

Customer experience

GPS 2 IP

All ratings15 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews60 reviews
Positive58.3%
Neutral1.7%
Negative40.0%

NavLink US

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

GPS 2 IP

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

NavLink US

Subscriptions4
  • Weather charts$7.991 Year
  • UK Charts$16.991 Year
  • US Chart Updates$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Canadian Charts$29.991 Year

Questions

Is GPS 2 IP free?
GPS 2 IP costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NavLink US free?
NavLink US costs $30.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GPS 2 IP or NavLink US?
GPS 2 IP is rated higher. GPS 2 IP averages 4.2 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while NavLink US averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do GPS 2 IP or NavLink US have ads?
Neither GPS 2 IP nor NavLink US shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GPS 2 IP or NavLink US?
GPS 2 IP ships an update every 3 months, and NavLink US every 6 months. Most recently, GPS 2 IP was updated on October 21, 2026 and NavLink US on October 3, 2026.

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