NMEAconnect vs Plan M8
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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)
Plan M8
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Yacht Maintenance Made Easy - Designed for marine engineers, captains and owner or operators. Improves reliability, saves time, and creates transparency. Implementing a structured planned maintenance schedule such as Plan M8 not only ensures your equipment and machinery on board is maintained through continuous monitoring at all times, It assures all your yacht maintenance is planned. Plan M8 provides a comprehensive and structured task-based scheduling of all required, recommended and manufacturer specific planned maintenance tasks of a vessel's components. Plan your maintenance ahead of time, pre-order spares and never miss a component with our pre-generated templates for your vessel. You will see a reduction in downtime and the need for emergency repairs as equipment is maintained before it fails. Operating costs are reduced as optimum service life is given to components. As you continue to use Plan M8, a detailed maintenance log of your vessel is being build. Proper records will be kept that can be easily passed onto new crew, contractors, surveyors, and prospective buyers. Get more transparency about your yacht maintenance status with all involved through our easy-to-use application; your "Plan Mate".
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Plan M8 at Free against NMEAconnect's $3.99. Plan M8 also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). NMEAconnect's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). 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
Plan M8 is free to download; NMEAconnect costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
NMEAconnect ships an update every 5 months, Plan M8 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NMEAconnect | Plan M8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 51 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | zapfware | coara OU |
In-app purchases
NMEAconnect
No in-app purchases
Plan M8
No in-app purchases









