Comparison

Ventus PRO vs Messina Strait Currents

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

Head to head
About

Ventus PRO

Control key features of Expedition Navigation Software remotely from your device. Manage timers, set start lines, view active marks, and create new courses with precision.

Highlights
  • Remote control for Expedition Navigation Software
  • Expedition Timer control (15, 10, 5, 3 min)
  • Set Start Line ends
  • View Active Mark
  • Select Active course
  • Ping new mark by range and bearing
  • MOB Button
Features
Read full description

Ventus PRO, the first and only system that gives you control of key Expedition Navigation Software features from a remote device. Our new PRO version not only has all the features of the original Ventus Navigator that lets you view all the data that Expedition puts out in the palm of your hand but also gives you the ability to control the key functions of Expedition remotely. New Features Include: * - Uses the Expedition Timer 15, 10,5, or 3 minute timers * - Set the ends of the Start Line * - View the Active Mark in your current course * - Select Active course from your course list * - Select the mark you want to be Active in the current course * - Ping new mark by range and bearing to create a new active course, or to insert new mark into an existing course * - MOB Button on each page

About

Messina Strait Currents

Features
Read full description

Messina Strait Currents provides tidal current predictions for the Strait of Messina, helping anyone navigating the Strait to plan crossings safely. Based on official harmonic constants, the app calculates tidal current direction and speed at the Strait of Messina's two main reference points, Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri, as well as in secondary areas of the Strait. Results are also displayed through a simple graph, providing a quick and clear overview of tidal current trends. Tidal currents in the Strait of Messina may exceed 6 knots. Knowing the predicted current conditions helps you plan a safer crossing. Home Screen widgets provide at-a-glance current information for Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri, without opening the app. Apple Watch. Check tidal current direction and speed at Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri directly from your wrist, view current trend charts, and access current analysis for the Strait of Messina. Use the Digital Crown to explore predictions by adjusting the date and time. Ring Smart for Apple Watch. Ring Smart watch face complications display current values and trends for Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri at a glance, without opening the app. Shortcuts and Siri. Check tidal currents at Punta Pezzo, Ganzirri, and across the Strait of Messina using shortcuts, which can also be activated with Siri for quick access to current information. The app also provides: • Sunrise and sunset times • Moonrise and moonset times • Moon phase • Illuminated portion of the Moon Specifically designed for navigation in the Strait of Messina. Messina Strait Currents builds on the experience of the previous app, available on the App Store since 2012, with a completely redesigned layout and numerous improvements. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Ventus PRO4 screens
Messina Strait Currents4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Messina Strait Currents at Free against Ventus PRO's $119.99. Messina Strait Currents also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 4 months). Ventus PRO's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On ads, in-app purchases 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

Messina Strait Currents is free to download; Ventus PRO costs $119.99 up front. Ventus PRO sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Messina Strait Currents sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ventus PRO ships an update every 4 months, Messina Strait Currents every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Ventus PRO versus Messina Strait Currents: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVentus PROMessina Strait Currents
Price$119.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVentus Navigation LLCAldo Buongarzone

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Ventus PRO

One-time2
  • VentusPro - Pebble Watch Link$9.99
  • VentusPro - Strip Chart$24.99
3 purchases

Messina Strait Currents

Subscriptions1
  • 1 year$3.991 Year
One-time2
  • 7 days$0.99
  • 1 month$1.99

Questions

Is Ventus PRO free?
Ventus PRO costs $119.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Messina Strait Currents free?
Messina Strait Currents is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Ventus PRO or Messina Strait Currents have ads?
Neither Ventus PRO nor Messina Strait Currents shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ventus PRO or Messina Strait Currents?
Ventus PRO ships an update every 4 months, and Messina Strait Currents every 8 days. Most recently, Ventus PRO was updated on October 11, 2026 and Messina Strait Currents on October 15, 2026.

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