Comparison

KnowWake vs TZ iBoat

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

Head to head
About

KnowWake

This marine navigation platform offers detailed waterway information for numerous global locations. Discover waterfront destinations, access real-time community reports on hazards and marine life, and utilize advanced navigation features for a safer and more informed boating experience.

Highlights
  • Waterfront destinations
  • Real-time waterway reports
  • Wake zone indicators
  • Marine weather forecasts
  • Anchor alarm
  • Location sharing
  • Offline mode
Features
Read full description

KnowWake is a FREE marine navigation platform packed with waterfront destinations in the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Arabian Peninsula and NOW all of Australia and New Zealand!! Salt and freshwater points of interest include 50,000+ VERIFIED: restaurants, marinas, fuel docks, yacht clubs, lodging, vessel services, dive shops, boat ramps, dive & snorkel areas, bridges, locks, popular spots, town docks, anchorages, inlets and more! KnowWake also uses real-time waterway reports from the community to see and share things like hazards, marine life, police and other important information. Features include: · Wake zones - Simplified, color-coded waterways · Marine Weather Suite - Current and forecasted marine conditions · NAVAIDS - Navigation Channel Markers, Buoys & Beacons · Anchor Alarm - Get notified if your vessel moves outside of a predetermined area · Virtual Dive Flag - Alert other vessels of swimmers in the water · Routing - Point to point waterway routing with distance to location · Depth - See depth based on current NOAA bathymetry charts · Location sharing - Share location with a single person, group or everyone · Vessel Tracks - Leave tracks along the way to see or share later · Offline mode - Use KnowWake anywhere, even with bad network service · Augmented Reality - See what's ahead including all KnowWake points of interest · Safety First - An SOS button, Safety Checklists and Float Plan generator Sharing with friends is easier than ever. Simply click the share button on any point, route or favorite location and choose who you want to share it with - This feature is perfect to retrace steps, show friends how to get somewhere or just share your adventures. Adding to the chart helps everyone. Whether posting a waterway report, adding a missing point or updating an existing one, you can help keep the chart current with local knowledge. Thank you to everyone helping keep the chart updated and we'll see you on the water soon!!

About

TZ iBoat

Navigate the seas with advanced marine charts, GPS, and AIS data, even offline. This app offers detailed bathymetry, community-contributed map data, and dynamic features for safe boating, sailing, and fishing.

Highlights
  • Offline marine charts
  • GPS and route planning
  • AIS Online tracking
  • Community map contributions
  • Dynamic mooring and lighting
  • Advanced fishing tools
  • Tides and tidal currents
Features
Read full description

Your next-generation chartplotter. Navigate with the world’s #1 marine charts app for coastal boating, sailing, and fishing. Marine GPS, nautical charts, AIS Online, tides & tidal currents, anchoring, marine weather, radar, sounder, and NMEA data — everything you need for safer navigation at sea. Built for sailors, boaters, and fishermen who need reliable navigation anywhere, online or offline. THE SMARTEST AND CLEAREST NAVIGATION INTERFACE AT SEA A cutting-edge interface makes navigation clearer and faster: • TZ Bar: quick access to key features • Dedicated screens: Weather, Fishing, NavData, Logbook, Mooring, Tides, Sounder • Cleaner chart view, easier to read • Customizable interface for faster access • Modern design focused on readability WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH TZ iBoat • Navigate with marine GPS and nautical charts • Monitor AIS targets locally and globally • Plan routes and anchor safely • Access tides, currents, and weather forecasts • Fish smarter using oceanographic data FOR SAILORS & BOATERS – Navigate safely • TZ MAPS: vector, raster, satellite, and bathymetry charts • SMART SEARCH: find marinas, buoys, tide stations, routes • DYNAMIC LIGHTS: real-time light sectors • DYNAMIC MOORINGS: wind-aware anchorage • Precise GPS for coastal navigation AIS & SAFETY – Stay aware beyond your horizon • AIS ONLINE: global AIS targets via internet (Essential plan) • Share AIS data with the community • Radar and onboard instrument integration • Real-time traffic awareness for safer navigation FOR FISHERMEN – Gain the edge Turn ocean data into real fishing results: • Identify productive zones using SST, chlorophyll, currents, altimetry (Elite plan) • Spot fish-holding conditions faster • BATHYVISION: high-resolution bathymetry with contour lines • Target high-potential areas with precision • EVENT & CATCH: log and analyze catches on nautical charts WEATHER – Clearer and more useful • Dedicated Weather screen • Real-time forecasts and offline access • Rain Radar with lightning data • High-resolution models available in Premium plan • Iridium GO! compatibility CONNECTIVITY & PRECISION • NMEA connectivity: manage and prioritize data sources • Connect AIS, radar, autopilot, and instruments • Latitude/longitude keyboard optimized for use at sea • Easy coordinate entry with multiple formats COMMUNITY & ECOSYSTEM • COMMUNITY MAPS: share local knowledge (hazards, POIs, marinas) • Contribute and improve charts • Trusted by 500,000+ boaters worldwide SUBSCRIPTION PLANS Choose the plan that fits your needs: • Essential: AIS Online, onboard instruments, autopilot integration via Wi-Fi NMEA • Premium: Essential + high-resolution forecasts, Rain Radar, multiple models, comparison • Elite: Premium + ocean layers (SST, Chlorophyll, SSH, Currents). Monthly and annual plans available, with savings on yearly options. Core features remain available for free. CHARTS AND DATA PLANS SUBSCRIPTIONS: The payment will be debited from the Apple account once the purchase is confirmed. The subscriptions and automatic renewals can be managed by entering the account settings after making the purchase. Any unused part of a free trial period, if offered, will be lost when a subscription is purchased. Terms of use: https://mytimezero.com/eula/ Privacy policy: https://mytimezero.com/privacy-statement/

Screenshots

KnowWake4 screens
TZ iBoat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TZ iBoat at 4.6 against KnowWake's 4.0. TZ iBoat also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 55%) and chart position (#85 vs unranked). KnowWake's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. TZ iBoat sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. KnowWake asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TZ iBoat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 273 and 885 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of KnowWake's written reviews are positive against 80% of TZ iBoat's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

KnowWake ships an update every 11 days, TZ iBoat every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
KnowWake versus TZ iBoat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKnowWakeTZ iBoat
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (273 ratings)4.6 (885 ratings) — better
Positive reviews55.3% of reviews79.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings273885 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 daysEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#85 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.2
Further details — not scored
Size123 MB428 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperApplication Generation, IncNobeltec, Inc.

Customer experience

KnowWake

All ratings250 ratings
Positive74.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative22.0%
Written reviews103 reviews
Positive55.3%
Neutral4.9%
Negative39.8%

TZ iBoat

All ratings885 ratings
Positive91.5%
Neutral3.2%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews393 reviews
Positive79.6%
Neutral7.1%
Negative13.2%

User reviews

KnowWake

From 273 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🗺️ Comprehensive wake zone and speed restriction information
  • 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
  • 🆓 Free app with valuable features
  • 📍 Accurate location data for marinas, restaurants, and fuel docks
  • 🚤 Essential tool for boaters and water sports enthusiasts

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing issues
  • ⏱️ App becomes unstable after 30 seconds of use
  • 🔌 Constant stability problems across multiple iOS versions
  • ❌ Routing functionality frequently fails
  • 🗺️ Limited coverage for certain regions (Great Lakes, some Florida lakes)

TZ iBoat

From 885 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Accurate charts
  • 🚀 Useful features (weather, tides, currents, etc.)
  • 🚀 Good integration with Furuno radar and AIS
  • 🚀 Seamless cloud sync between devices

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing
  • 🐛 Inaccurate or outdated charts in some areas
  • 🐛 Anchor alarm not loud enough
  • 🐛 Difficulty importing/managing routes and waypoints
  • 🔋 Battery drain on mobile devices

Bugs and requests

KnowWake

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • App crashes immediately upon opening
  • App freezes after 30 seconds of use
  • Login/registration fails or times out indefinitely
  • Routing returns error messages and crashes
  • Tapping on location icons does nothing or crashes app
Show 9 more
  • Filtering options don't work (removed items still appear)
  • Depth chart feature returns 'error tap on water area' message
  • Freshwater/saltwater detection incorrect
  • NOAA overlay charts work once then fail
  • Vessel picture change causes symbol display issues
  • Buoy recognition inconsistent (only recognizes one random buoy)
  • Contact form CAPTCHA rejects valid input
  • App won't load or appear in app list after download
  • Force closing and random shutdowns

Requested features

12 requests
  • Improved stability and crash prevention
  • Course-up/heading-up map orientation option
  • Depth layer integration for navigation safety
  • NOAA raster charts availability
  • Better routing algorithm with estimated time and distance
Show 7 more
  • Ability to save multiple vessel profiles
  • Layer on/off toggle functionality
  • Bridge information with contact details and height specifications
  • Water amenities for canal boaters (water points, Elsan disposal, pump out sites)
  • Improved filtering system that actually works
  • Better icon explanations or legend
  • Expanded lake coverage in central Florida and other regions

TZ iBoat

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • GPS position not updating reliably while moving
  • Radar overlay not functioning properly
  • Compatibility issues with older devices or iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Automatic routing and trip planning
  • Improved satellite imagery and overlays
  • Better integration with other marine electronics
  • More customization options for data displays
  • Ability to mirror camera feeds as a rear-view

In-app purchases

None

KnowWake

No in-app purchases

13 purchases

TZ iBoat

Subscriptions11
  • Essential Subscription$2.991 Month
  • Premium Subscription$9.991 Month
  • Great Lakes7 Days trial$19.991 Year
Show 8 more
  • Canada East and North7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Canada West7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • USA7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Bahamas7 Days trial$30.991 Year
  • Central America & Caribbean7 Days trial$30.991 Year
  • Elite Subscription$39.991 Month
  • Western Mediterranean7 Days trial$40.991 Year
  • Eastern Mediterranean7 Days trial$61.991 Year
One-time2
  • AIS module$8.99
  • Radar module$49.99

Questions

Is KnowWake free?
KnowWake is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TZ iBoat free?
TZ iBoat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, KnowWake or TZ iBoat?
TZ iBoat is rated higher. KnowWake averages 4.0 out of 5 from 273 ratings, while TZ iBoat averages 4.6 from 885 ratings.
Do KnowWake or TZ iBoat have ads?
Neither KnowWake nor TZ iBoat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KnowWake or TZ iBoat?
KnowWake ships an update every 11 days, and TZ iBoat every 8 days. Most recently, KnowWake was updated on October 21, 2026 and TZ iBoat on October 26, 2026.

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