Comparison

NMEAconnect vs Anchor Pro

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

Head to head
About

NMEAconnect

This utility app acts as a server or bridge for NMEA data, connecting to various sources like TCP/UDP, BLE, and GPS. It organizes data into modules and can forward messages to other devices, acting as a multiplexer or repeater.

Highlights
  • NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, SignalK, MQTT support
  • TCP/UDP, BLE, internal/external GPS, Logfile connection
  • NMEA multiplexer, hub, and switch
  • Server/repeater for NMEA messages
  • Background updates and logging
  • Message filtering and rules
Read full description

NMEAconnect can connect to almost any NMEA source using TCP/UDP, BLE, internal/external GPS, Simulation or Logfile and act as an NMEA server/bridge via TCP/UDP. With NMEAconnect you have: ∙ support of NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, SignalK or MQTT data of almost any device ∙ a simple setup with preconfigured sources plus versatile configuration options ∙ all values ordered into clear 'Modules' ∙ a NMEA multiplexer, hub or switch ∙ a server/repeater to forward NMEA messages to other devices (most NMEA-WiFi gateways are accepting only one client) ∙ a server of the internal GPS Position as NMEA data to an external device ∙ a MQTT broker, client or gateway ∙ ‚unlimited‘ NMEA log (even when NMEAconnect is in background) ∙ nmeaconnect:// protocol to provide NMEA data e.g. to a Filemaker database ∙ background updates ∙ a visual indicator for NMEA activity ∙ Environments to handle different setups ∙ Message-Rules: Block, Gate Time and TalkerID for each NMEA sentence Supported & preconfigured Devices: For a complete list of supported devices please visit: www.zapfware.de/nmearemote/sources/ ∙ WiFi: Actisense W2K-1 AstraYacht B&G: Vulcan, Zeus comar (NMEA-2-WiFi & i300W/i320W) Digital Yacht (TCP, UDP & NavLink 2) GoFree™ (B&G) GMM (NMEA 0183 & N2k) iKommunicate nke NMEA WiFi Interface NMEA over IP (TCP, UDP) Open Skipper (N2k Datagram) Quark-elec PilotTech - AIS Pilot Plug WiFi PredictWind DataHub Sailor Hat WiFi Gateway SailTimer Air Link™ ShipModul: MiniPlex-2Wi, MiniPlex-3Wi(-N2K) SignalK Vesper: Cortex, XB 8000, Watch Mate Vision vYacht Yacht Devices YDWG-02 (N2k) Yakker ∙ Bluetooth: Calypso: ULTRASONIC, CUPS 4.0 & NMEA CONNECT 4.0 OpenWind RaceBox Skywatch BL 500/1000 ∙ Internal: Core Location (iOS GPS) iOS Barometer ∙ Misc: LogFile Simulation String NOT Supported Devices: ∙ Garmin GNT 10 & chartplotters ∙ Raymarine WiFi devices (these companies are not interested in collaborations and still keeping their systems secret - vendor lock)

About

Anchor Pro

This app helps boaters set and monitor their anchor position in real-time. It allows for defining safe zones, tracking boat movement, and receiving alerts for critical changes. Remote notifications and Apple Watch integration enhance its utility for secure anchoring.

Highlights
  • Set anchor location in real-time or manually
  • Define custom safe swing zones
  • Monitor boat movement and track history
  • Receive real-time alerts for position, GPS, and battery
  • Remote notifications via Telegram or email
  • Apple Watch companion app for key metrics
Features
Read full description

SET THE ANCHOR Set your anchor location in real time as you drop it, or specify it later by entering distance and bearing. Advanced users can also input exact coordinates. DEFINE THE SAFE ZONE Define the allowed swing area as a simple circle around the anchor, or create a more precise zone by setting two different radii at specific angles. MONITOR MOVEMENT Stay on top of every movement with comprehensive real-time data. Review key metrics on the main screen or switch to the map view to see your boat's track — ideal for analyzing whether your anchor is holding or dragging. GET ALERTED WHEN IT MATTERS Monitor position, GPS signal strength, and battery level — and receive alerts the moment any of these fall outside your set thresholds. REMOTE ALERTS Leave your phone on board and stay informed from shore. Receive alarm notifications via Telegram or email. With Telegram, you can also request a live status update at any time. APPLE WATCH Keep distance, bearing, and battery level on your wrist with the Apple Watch companion app — all updated in real time. TRY ANCHOR PRO FOR FREE Core features are always free. Want to explore everything? All premium features are available during a free trial period — no commitment required. Anchor Pro is ad-supported. Purchasing an Anchor Premium subscription removes ads and unlocks extra features. Payment is charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically at the same price unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the current period ends. You can manage auto-renewal anytime in your Account Settings. Anchor Premium is $6.99 USD/year (pricing may vary by country). Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited upon purchasing a subscription, where applicable. Terms of use: https://links.ideaboys.net/anchor-ios-terms.html GOOD TO KNOW Anchor Pro uses background audio and location services to keep alerts active when the app is not in the foreground. Please note that continuous GPS use will drain your battery faster than usual.

Screenshots

NMEAconnect4 screens
Anchor Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Anchor Pro at Free against NMEAconnect's $3.99. Anchor Pro also leads on ratings volume (3.5K vs 3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). NMEAconnect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.2). On rating, review sentiment, 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

Anchor Pro is free to download; NMEAconnect costs $3.99 up front. Anchor Pro sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.99 per year. NMEAconnect asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for NMEAconnect against 4.8 for Anchor Pro. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Anchor Pro has 3.5K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of NMEAconnect's written reviews are positive against 79% of Anchor Pro's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NMEAconnect ships an update every 5 months, Anchor Pro every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
NMEAconnect versus Anchor Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNMEAconnectAnchor Pro
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (3 ratings)4.8 (3.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews — better78.9% of reviews
Number of ratings33.5K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperzapfwareIdeaBoys GmbH

Customer experience

NMEAconnect

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

Anchor Pro

All ratings3,496 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.7%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews175 reviews
Positive78.9%
Neutral2.9%
Negative18.3%

Bugs and requests

NMEAconnect

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Anchor Pro

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • App randomly shuts off
  • Anchor position tracking glitches

Requested features

3 requests
  • Customizable anchor icon/color
  • Integration with marine GPS/chartplotter
  • Ability to adjust alarm parameters remotely

In-app purchases

None

NMEAconnect

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Anchor Pro

Subscriptions1
  • Anchor Premium7 Days trial$6.991 Year

Questions

Is NMEAconnect free?
NMEAconnect costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Anchor Pro free?
Anchor Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, NMEAconnect or Anchor Pro?
Anchor Pro is rated higher. NMEAconnect averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Anchor Pro averages 4.8 from 3.5K ratings.
Do NMEAconnect or Anchor Pro have ads?
Neither NMEAconnect nor Anchor Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NMEAconnect or Anchor Pro?
NMEAconnect ships an update every 5 months, and Anchor Pro every 2 months. Most recently, NMEAconnect was updated on September 21, 2026 and Anchor Pro on September 23, 2026.

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