# OpenSeaMap vs BlueHelm Boating

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BlueHelm Boating at 100% against OpenSeaMap's 38%. BlueHelm Boating also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). OpenSeaMap's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OpenSeaMap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and BlueHelm Boating sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BlueHelm Boating holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of OpenSeaMap's written reviews are positive against 100% of BlueHelm Boating's.

OpenSeaMap ships an update every 2 months, BlueHelm Boating every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenSeaMap | BlueHelm Boating |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openseamap/id495210783/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluehelm-boating/id6781840043/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 38.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 13 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [appdoctors UG](https://appshunter.io/developer/961029450) | [Blue Helm LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6781840045) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenSeaMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openseamap/id495210783)

This app provides a free, worldwide nautical chart with detailed sea information, including lights, weather data, and harbor details. It offers chartplotting, waypoint management, and offline map caching for navigation. Users can mark locations, enter coordinates, and adjust chart zoom for optimal viewing.

**Highlights:** Free worldwide sea chart, Chartplotting with tracking, Waypoint creation and export, Offline map caching, Mark and search locations, Adjustable chart zoom

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OpenSeaMap Professional | $1.99 | one-time |


### BlueHelm Boating

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluehelm-boating/id6781840043)

This app provides advanced navigation tools for boaters, including an anchor alarm, trip planning with smart routing, and marine weather forecasts. It also acts as a personalized AI guide for your vessel, offering offline access to your boat's systems and procedures.

**Highlights:** Anchor-drift alarm, Live float plans, Marine weather forecasts, AI-powered boat guide, Offline vessel procedures, Smart water routing, Find nearest marinas and fuel docks

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Crew Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Captain Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Add a Boat | $49.00 | per year |
| Add a Boat (2nd) | $49.00 | per year |
| Add a Boat (3rd) | $49.00 | per year |
| Crew Annual | $99.00 | per year |
| Captain Annual | $199.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenSeaMap free?

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

### Is BlueHelm Boating free?

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

### Which has better reviews, OpenSeaMap or BlueHelm Boating?

BlueHelm Boating is rated higher. OpenSeaMap averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while BlueHelm Boating averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do OpenSeaMap or BlueHelm Boating have ads?

Neither OpenSeaMap nor BlueHelm Boating shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenSeaMap or BlueHelm Boating?

OpenSeaMap ships an update every 2 months, and BlueHelm Boating every 4 days. Most recently, OpenSeaMap was updated on October 21, 2026 and BlueHelm Boating on October 10, 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.*