# VesselFinder vs TZ iBoat

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TZ iBoat at 79% against VesselFinder's 28%. TZ iBoat also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.6 vs 4.2). VesselFinder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, update cadence, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TZ iBoat sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. VesselFinder asks for nothing beyond the download.

TZ iBoat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 284 and 887 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of VesselFinder's written reviews are positive against 79% of TZ iBoat's.

VesselFinder ships an update fortnightly, TZ iBoat every 8 days. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VesselFinder | TZ iBoat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (284 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vesselfinder/id918080862/reviews) | **[4.6 (887 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tz-iboat-marine-navigation/id1312769833/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 284 | **887** |
| Positive reviews | 28.2% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#102** |
| Size | 47 MB | 428 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AstraPaging Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/438160792) | [Nobeltec, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1312769832) |

## What reviewers say

### VesselFinder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vesselfinder/id918080862)

Track ships and monitor maritime traffic globally in real-time. Access detailed vessel information, movement history, and predicted routes. Ideal for maritime professionals and enthusiasts alike.

**Highlights:** Real-time vessel tracking, Vessel movement history, Predicted routes and ETAs, Comprehensive vessel particulars, Port call details, My Fleet for favorite vessels, Weather overlays

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 💰 Free version provides basic functionality
- 🗺️ Clear map display with sea blue and land green
- 📊 Comprehensive vessel information available
- ⚓ Good for casual ship tracking and hobbyists

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Severely outdated vessel position data (days old)
- 🐛 App freezes on startup/splash screen frequently
- 💸 Misleading free version with limited functionality
- 🔄 Inconsistent and unreliable data updates
- ❌ Search functionality requires paid version

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes on splash screen and won't load
- Crashes when attempting to zoom on map
- Black screen display on certain devices
- App won't open or opens after long delays
- Crashes on iOS 11 and newer versions

**Requested features**

- Real-time GPS tracking instead of delayed AIS data
- Distance measurement tool restoration
- German language support
- Destination and departure information display
- Ability to remove ads without expensive pro version


### TZ iBoat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tz-iboat-marine-navigation/id1312769833)

**Currently charting:** #102 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Essential Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Great Lakes | $19.99 | per year |
| Canada West | $19.99 | per year |
| USA | $19.99 | per year |
| Bahamas | $30.99 | per year |
| Central America & Caribbean | $30.99 | per year |
| Elite Subscription | $39.99 | per month |
| AIS module | $8.99 | one-time |
| Radar module | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VesselFinder free?

VesselFinder 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, VesselFinder or TZ iBoat?

TZ iBoat is rated higher. VesselFinder averages 4.2 out of 5 from 284 ratings, while TZ iBoat averages 4.6 from 887 ratings.

### Do VesselFinder or TZ iBoat have ads?

VesselFinder shows ads; TZ iBoat does not.

### Which is updated more often, VesselFinder or TZ iBoat?

VesselFinder ships an update fortnightly, and TZ iBoat every 8 days. Most recently, VesselFinder was updated on November 6, 2026 and TZ iBoat on November 6, 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.*