# HIN Search vs VMRC Maps

HIN Search and VMRC Maps both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of VMRC Maps's written reviews are positive against 41% of HIN Search's. VMRC Maps also leads on price (Free vs $8.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 8 months). HIN Search's advantage is ratings volume (73 vs 11). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

VMRC Maps is free to download; HIN Search costs $8.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for HIN Search against 4.6 for VMRC Maps. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HIN Search has 73 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 41% of HIN Search's written reviews are positive against 100% of VMRC Maps's.

HIN Search ships an update every 8 months, VMRC Maps every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HIN Search | VMRC Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.6 (73 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hin-search-boat-hin-decoder/id529669534/reviews) | **[4.6 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vmrc-maps/id1103889712/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **73** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 41.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 8 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **16.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Juggernaut Technology, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/494748553) | [Todd Sperling](https://appshunter.io/developer/1103889711) |

## What reviewers say

### HIN Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hin-search-boat-hin-decoder/id529669534)

Instantly decode US boat HINs offline with a comprehensive database of manufacturers and build dates. Detect suspicious HINs and access builder information, even without an internet connection. Ideal for marine professionals and boat buyers.

**Highlights:** Offline HIN decoding, Suspicious HIN detection, Manufacturer and build date lookup, Search by company or brand name, Favorites list with notes, Share/Print/Save results

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VMRC Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vmrc-maps/id1103889712)

This app helps users locate their position relative to mapped areas of the Chesapeake Bay, including oyster grounds and fishing zones. It functions offline and downloads map data periodically for up-to-date information. Users are advised to verify data with the Marine Resources Commission for regulatory purposes.

**Highlights:** Locate position relative to mapped marine areas, Offline functionality, Periodic map data updates, Displays oyster leases and fishing grounds, Shows blue crab sanctuary areas

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HIN Search free?

HIN Search costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VMRC Maps free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HIN Search or VMRC Maps?

VMRC Maps is rated higher. HIN Search averages 4.6 out of 5 from 73 ratings, while VMRC Maps averages 4.6 from 11 ratings.

### Do HIN Search or VMRC Maps have ads?

Neither HIN Search nor VMRC Maps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HIN Search or VMRC Maps?

HIN Search ships an update every 8 months, and VMRC Maps every 2 months. Most recently, HIN Search was updated on October 18, 2026 and VMRC Maps on October 9, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*