# YB Connect vs Absolute Tides

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: YB Connect at none against Absolute Tides's 11. YB Connect also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). Absolute Tides's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 40%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Absolute Tides sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. YB Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

YB Connect ships an update every 2 months, Absolute Tides every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | YB Connect | Absolute Tides |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yb-connect/id904965311/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **67.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ground Control Technologies UK Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774186724) | [Darren Edwards](https://appshunter.io/developer/1055828981) |

## What reviewers say

### YB Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yb-connect/id904965311)

Remotely configure and manage your YB Tracking devices. Adjust settings like tracking frequency and GPS accuracy directly from your iPhone or iPad. Compatible with specific YB Tracking device models.

**Highlights:** Remote device configuration, Adjust tracking frequency, Modify GPS accuracy settings, Bluetooth LE compatibility, iPhone and iPad support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Absolute Tides

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absolute-tides/id1055828982)

Access official UKHO tidal data offline for up to a year in advance. View monthly tide tables, daily charts, and tidal streams. Includes weather forecasts and anchoring assistance.

**Highlights:** Offline UKHO tidal data, Annual data plugins, Monthly tide tables, Daily tide charts, Tidal stream view, Met Office weather forecast, Anchoring assistance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UK Tides 2016 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2017 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2018 | Free | one-time |
| UK Tides 2019 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2020 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2021 | Free | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2022 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2023 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2024 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2026 | $2.99 | one-time |
| UK & Eire Tides 2025 | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 🚀 Accurate tide and time data
- 🗺️ Useful for pre-trip planning
- 🌊 Excellent for real-time navigation at sea
- 💰 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes or stops working
- 📅 Updates stop at the end of the year
- 🔌 Purchase not transferable across devices
- ⚠️ Incorrect port data (e.g., Newcastle)
- 🤔 Offsets are confusing and not well explained

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working after 2025/2026 update
- App crashes when selecting River Tyne ports
- App crashes immediately on opening with 2024 data
- Tyne ports cause app to disappear and require reinstallation
- App crashes on iPad when clicking 'Streams'

**Requested features**

- Version covering full French Brittany & Atlantic coasts using SHOM charts
- Indication of Standard vs. Secondary port in tide time display
- Include Fleetwood or more detailed Morecambe Bay data
- Map showing port locations
- Apple Watch complication


## Frequently asked questions

### Is YB Connect free?

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

### Is Absolute Tides free?

Absolute Tides is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do YB Connect or Absolute Tides have ads?

Neither YB Connect nor Absolute Tides shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, YB Connect or Absolute Tides?

YB Connect ships an update every 2 months, and Absolute Tides every 5 months. Most recently, YB Connect was updated on October 8, 2026 and Absolute Tides on October 16, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*