Comparison

CONNECT vs SMARTDOCK

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

Head to head

Boat control

About

CONNECT

Features

Read full description

The CONNECT-X app transforms your smartphone or wearable into a remote command mic, allowing you to roam freely around your vessel while managing communication, navigation, and emergency functions from anywhere onboard. With the app installed, you can access AIS data for enhanced convenience and safety, respond instantly to emergencies with MOB alerts and recovery locations, and stay informed of CPA, anchor drift, and inbound DSC messages. You can also maintain full control over VHF communications, including private or vessel-wide crew communications and PA system management.

About

SMARTDOCK

Features

Read full description

Control your boat easily and conveniently via app. Use our product SMARTDOCK-ECU to control your drives conveniently with your smartphone from any position on your boat. With SMARTDOCK-TCU you can complement your control unit with your bow and stern thruster. The app offers two different control views allowing you to choose whatever suits you best. All compatible boat motors as well as bow and stern thrusters are listed on our website www.smartdock.de/en.

Screenshots

CONNECT4 screens

SMARTDOCK4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SMARTDOCK at every 10 days against CONNECT's every 2 months. SMARTDOCK also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). CONNECT's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CONNECT ships an update every 2 months, SMARTDOCK every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 10, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level

CONNECT versus SMARTDOCK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter	CONNECT	SMARTDOCK
Price	Free	Free
Update frequency	Every 2 months	Every 10 days — better
Ads	No	No
In-app purchases	No	No
Devices	iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better	iPhone, iPod
Requires iOS	15.0	12.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size	68 MB	91 MB
Age rating	4+	4+
Developer	SRT Marine Systems plc	Thitronik

In-app purchases

None

CONNECT

No in-app purchases

None

SMARTDOCK

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CONNECT free?

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

Is SMARTDOCK free?

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

Do CONNECT or SMARTDOCK have ads?

Neither CONNECT nor SMARTDOCK shows ads.

Which is updated more often, CONNECT or SMARTDOCK?

CONNECT ships an update every 2 months, and SMARTDOCK every 10 days. Most recently, CONNECT was updated on September 10, 2026 and SMARTDOCK on September 10, 2026.