GPS 2 IP vs SeaNav
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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!
SeaNav
This app provides high-resolution marine charts, route planning, and real-time navigation for boaters. It offers features like AIS ship tracking, tide and weather information, and offline chart access. Advanced capabilities include augmented reality views and autopilot integration.
- High-resolution marine charts
- Autoroute planning
- Real-time GPS navigation
- AIS ship tracking
- Tides and weather
- Offline chart access
- Augmented Reality View
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SeaNav combines high-resolution marine charts, route planning and real-time navigation in one simple boating app for your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Charts, Autoroute planning, AIS ship tracking, tides and weather in one powerful and affordable navigation app. Built from official hydrographic data with extensive coverage across North America, Europe and Australia. Professional marine navigation features including: Planning • Create and edit routes with auto-routing for creating waypoints • Measure distance & bearing • Import & export GPX routes • Tides, Streams & Weather • Works offline Navigate with Confidence • Real-time GPS navigation • Course Up & North Up modes • ETA, XTE, VMG, SOG & COG • Sailing HUD display • Background navigation • Automatic Waypoint advancing & alerts Live AIS & Safety (Optional IAP) • Real-time AIS ship positions • Collision alarms • AIS position sharing • Internet AIS integration • Free AIS when used with Boat Beacon • MOB and Anchor alarm (IAP) - NMEA Link for Depth, Wind & AutoPilot - Real time local wind feed and Sailing laylines display (IAP) Alongside this SeaNav offers advanced onboard capabilities rarely found in a single app: Apple Watch app SeaNav for Apple Watch is included at no extra cost, giving you route data, key navigation information and quick access controls directly from your wrist. Sophisticated AIS Display and Position sharing The leader in the field with global coverage and clear, information-rich vessel tracking with intelligent filtering and collision prediction tools. CPA and TCPA alerts help you assess risk early and act confidently. Augmented Reality View Overlays navigation, AIS and chart data directly onto the real-world camera view for intuitive situational awareness. Includes night mode support for compatible thermal cameras such as FLIR. SeaNav Autoroute and Autopilot Integration - Just choose where you want to go and SeaNav will create the route for you - Go one step further and let SeaNav pilot the route with compatible autopilot systems from Raymarine, SIMRAD, Lowrance and B&G SeaNav comes with a built-in tutorial mode with free access to all features including charts, AIS, AR & wind The free version includes all navigation and trip planning tools. High resolution vector charts are available by In App Purchase (IAP) including updates for 12 months. Requirements: GPS only required for real time route navigation. Optional Real time AIS, Tides and Weather information require an active internet connection. WiFi-only iPad will need an external GPS receiver for navigation. Please note that continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Subscriptions 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. 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. NOTICES: This product has been derived in part from material obtained from the UK Hydrographic Office with the permission of the UK Hydrographic Office, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.” “© British Crown Copyright, [2026]. All rights reserved. The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and its licensors make no warranties or representations, express or implied, with respect to this product. The UKHO and its licensors have not verified the information within this product or quality assured it. Terms of Use: http://seanav.net/termsofuse.php Privacy Policy: http://seanav.net/privacy.php Support: help@pocketmariner.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SeaNav at Free against GPS 2 IP's $7.99. SeaNav also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (247 vs 15). GPS 2 IP's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 18) and chart position (#28 vs unranked). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
SeaNav is free to download; GPS 2 IP costs $7.99 up front. SeaNav sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. GPS 2 IP asks for nothing beyond the download.
SeaNav holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SeaNav has 247 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of GPS 2 IP's written reviews are positive against 55% of SeaNav's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
GPS 2 IP ships an update every 3 months, SeaNav every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GPS 2 IP | SeaNav |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.2 (15 ratings) | 4.4 (247 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 58.5% of reviews — better | 54.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 15 | 247 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Best chart rank | #28 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 159 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Angus Oliver | Pocket Mariner Ltd. |
Customer experience
GPS 2 IP
SeaNav
Bugs and requests
GPS 2 IP
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
SeaNav
Reported bugs
8 issues- Frozen/locked app
- Not picking up vessels or ship traffic
- App does not open
- Crashes after crashes
- Sailing mode crash
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- Confused and buggy, buttons hidden
- Crashes when pressing boat button
- French charts missing information (buoys, wind farms)
Requested features
7 requests- Can you see water depth on Apple Watch?
- Download all purchased charts button
- Update all purchased charts button
- Legend for symbols and colors
- Brief chart reading explainer
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- Course integration with NMEA 2000 devices
- Easy export/import of route plans between iOS devices
In-app purchases
GPS 2 IP
No in-app purchases
SeaNav
- Weather charts$4.991 Year
- New Zealand Charts$5.991 Year
- NOAA US Raster Charts$9.991 Year
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- US Charts$9.991 Month
- Pro Features$10.491 Year
- Bermuda and BVI Charts$12.991 Year
- Italy, Sardinia and Sicily$17.991 Year
- Norwegian Charts$18.491 Year
- US Charts$19.991 Year
- Portuguese Charts$19.991 Year
- BE & NL Charts$20.991 Year
- Spanish Charts$24.991 Year
- UK & IE Charts$24.991 Year
- French Charts$24.991 Year
- Canadian Charts$26.991 Year
- Croatian Charts$28.491 Year
- Man Overboard & Anchor Watch$4.99
- Pro Features$14.99









