Comparison

Simple Map Distance vs VesselFlow

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

Head to head
About

Simple Map Distance

Measure distances on a map by tapping two points. Ideal for planning routes, exploring geography, or tracking exercise paths. Offers precise measurements without unnecessary features.

Highlights
  • Tap two points to measure distance
  • Connect multiple points for route planning
  • Precise geographical measurements
  • Minimalist interface
  • Ideal for runners and geography enthusiasts
Read full description

Discover the beauty of distances with our minimalist geography tool. Simply tap two points on the map to measure the exact distance between them. Perfect for geography enthusiasts, students, runners planning their routes, and anyone curious about Earth's dimensions. Create your ideal running path by connecting multiple points, or measure direct distances with a single tap. No extra features - just pure, precise measurements for both exploration and exercise planning.

About

VesselFlow

Explore a live map of global marine traffic in real-time. Track cargo ships, ferries, yachts, and more, viewing their current position, speed, and destination. Enhance your experience with detailed vessel specifications and voyage information through an optional subscription.

Highlights
  • Real-time ship positions
  • Global marine traffic map
  • Detailed vessel information
  • Search by name, MMSI, or IMO
  • Personal watchlist
  • Full vessel specifications (Pro)
  • Live voyage details (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Watch the world's ships move in real time. VesselFlow is a live ship tracker that turns global AIS data into a beautiful map of marine traffic. Follow cargo ships, tankers, cruise liners, ferries, tugs, fishing boats, and sailing yachts anywhere on the map. Maritime pro, ship spotter, or just curious about the vessel on the horizon? VesselFlow makes it effortless to find a ship, see where it's headed, and explore global shipping in a single tap. HOW IT WORKS: Open VesselFlow and explore the live map of ships worldwide. Tap any vessel for its name, type, speed, and heading. Search by name, MMSI, or IMO to find a specific ship. Add vessels to your watchlist and follow them anytime. LIVE SHIP MAP: • Real-time vessel positions from live AIS data. • Worldwide coverage of ports, coastlines, and busy shipping lanes. • A fluid, density-aware map that reveals more ships as you zoom in. • Vessels color-coded by type, so you can read the traffic at a glance. TAP ANY VESSEL: • Name, ship type, and country flag. • Live speed, course, and heading. • Its recent track, drawn right on the map. SEARCH & FOLLOW: • Instant search by vessel name, MMSI, or IMO. • Find vessels near you. • Build a personal watchlist of the ships you care about. • Jump back to recently-viewed vessels. TRACK ANYTHING AT SEA: • Cargo ships, container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers. • Cruise ships, passenger ferries, yachts, and sailing boats. • Tugs, pilot boats, fishing vessels, and more. FREE TO USE: The live map, search, watchlist, and live vessel details are free, with optional in-app purchases to unlock more. Upgrade to VesselFlow Pro: Full vessel specifications: length, beam, draught, gross tonnage, deadweight, year built, home port, and call sign (where available). Live voyage: destination, estimated arrival (ETA), and route progress. In-depth track history: recent track with speed, distance, and timeline stats. VesselFlow Pro is available as an auto-renewable subscription: Weekly, Monthly, or Annual. Subscription details: Payment is charged to your Apple Account at purchase confirmation. Auto-renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, at the stated cost. Manage subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal in your Account Settings. DISCLAIMER: • VesselFlow is unaffiliated with any shipping company, vessel operator, or maritime authority. • Positions come from publicly-broadcast AIS data and may be delayed, incomplete, or unavailable. • For informational use only, not for navigation or any safety-of-life-at-sea decision. Privacy Policy: https://caseadri.com/vesselflow/privacypolicy.html Terms & Conditions: https://caseadri.com/vesselflow/termsandconditions.html Support: vesselflow-support@caseadri.com

Screenshots

Simple Map Distance3 screens
VesselFlow4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: VesselFlow at Free against Simple Map Distance's $0.99. Simple Map Distance's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

VesselFlow is free to download; Simple Map Distance costs $0.99 up front. VesselFlow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Simple Map Distance asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Map Distance ships an update every 4 days, VesselFlow every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Simple Map Distance versus VesselFlow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple Map DistanceVesselFlow
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—4.1 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichal MalekStephen Fung

Customer experience

Simple Map Distance

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

VesselFlow

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Simple Map Distance

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

VesselFlow

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Yearly$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Simple Map Distance free?
Simple Map Distance costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VesselFlow free?
VesselFlow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Simple Map Distance or VesselFlow have ads?
Neither Simple Map Distance nor VesselFlow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple Map Distance or VesselFlow?
Simple Map Distance ships an update every 4 days, and VesselFlow every 2 weeks. Most recently, Simple Map Distance was updated on September 7, 2026 and VesselFlow on September 15, 2026.

Other comparisons