Comparison

Aqua Map Boating vs Anchor Alert

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

Head to head
About

Aqua Map Boating

This app provides official, weekly updated nautical charts for marine navigation. It allows for offline map downloads, GPS track recording, and integration with onboard instruments. Enhance your boating safety and experience with advanced features like weather forecasts and AIS collision detection.

Highlights
  • Official NOAA nautical charts
  • Offline map downloads
  • GPS track recording
  • Tides and currents predictions
  • Anchor Alarm
  • NMEA instrument connectivity
  • AIS with collision detection
Features
Read full description

Free 14-day trial for all subscriptions   Aqua Map offers weekly updated OFFICIAL NAUTICAL CHARTS (NOAA) for marine navigation. Purchase a chart subscription for the area of your interest, download the map areas for offline use, and connect your onboard instruments for a complete experience. ● BASIC FEATURES - Switch between manual and auto route planning modes - Record your GPS tracks - Store and share your navigation data (markers, routes, and recorded tracks) - Display tides and currents predictions and simulations - Increase your safety with Anchor Alarm - Enable Live Sharing to interact with the Aqua Map community - Display points of interest from the "ActiveCaptain" and "Waterway Guide" communities ● EXPERT SUBSCRIPTION Note: this subscription does not include charts; it must be paired with a chart subscription. - Marine forecasts (wind, waves, currents, gusts, salinity, sea surface temperature + weather information for any point on the map) - Overlay satellite images on the charts - Advanced AnchorLink with anchorage mirroring and email/telegram notifications for greater peace of mind while anchored, even if you are away from the boat - Connect your NMEA instruments via WiFi (autopilot, depth sounder, wind sensor, compass, GPS) and use their data on the app - AIS with automatic collision detection - Route Explorer for real-time information on all elements along your route ● MASTER SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE BEST NAVIGATION EXPERIENCE Note: this subscription does not include charts; it must be paired with a chart subscription. - All features of the EXPERT subscription are included in the MASTER subscription. + LOCAL DATA: > US: Army Corps of Engineers surveys for safe navigation in shallow waters > US: LNMs and "List of Lights" navaids from the Coast Guard. > Canada: NAVWARNs from the Coast Guard. > France: Warnings, Notices and Regulations from the PING > Denmark: Warnings and Notices from the DMA > Western Australia: temporary Notices from the Transport WA   ● PURCHASE OPTIONS To access the charts, you need to purchase a chart subscription for the area of interest. Optionally, you can add the Expert subscription or the Master subscription to unlock extra navigation features and additional data. Subscription payments will be made through your account (Apple ID). The annual subscription will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before expiration. You can manage your subscription and disable automatic renewal in the account settings section after purchase. Terms of use: https://www.aquamap.app/terms-and-conditions Privacy policy: https://www.aquamap.app/privacy-policy

About

Anchor Alert

Monitor your boat's position and anchor status from anywhere. Set custom alerts for real-time and forecast conditions, and access detailed marine weather forecasts. Connects to your boat's N2K network or works independently.

Highlights
  • Anchor and boat position monitoring
  • Customizable real-time and forecast alerts
  • N2K DataHub integration
  • PredictWind marine weather forecasts
  • Local anchorage knowledge and reviews
  • Works on and off the boat
Features
Read full description

Get the best and newest Anchor App developed by the trusted world leaders in marine forecasting - PredictWind Monitor your boat from anywhere on your phone. Set alerts & monitor your boat at anchor, view live N2K data and weather forecasts, on or off the boat. Customise your alerts, then relax knowing your boat is in good hands, with Anchor Alert. * Monitor your Anchor and Boat Position - Set your anchor position and preferences in quick or advanced mode, then monitor your vessel and position history on the map. Can be used with just your Phone or connected to your N2K backbone and a PredictWind DataHub. * 3 Modes, Simple, Advanced or Datahub linked - Use Simple Mode to quickly drag the anchor into position and set a safe radius. Advanced allows you to manually enter data for increased accuracy. DataHub Link reads your N2K data and fills in the relevant info, then input how much chain you’ve let out, and you’re done! * Set Up Alerts - Use our preset alerts or customise your own real-time and forecast alerts. The DataHub allows Anchor Alert to read your boat’s N2K network and alert you when conditions move outside your specified safe limits. * Works On & Off The Boat - Monitor your vessel and receive alerts onboard via the DataHub’s Wi-Fi network, or head ashore and stay connected over your vessel's existing internet connection. The DataHub is compatible with the Iridium GO! exec and other satellite connections to keep you connected literally anywhere on earth. * Get PredictWind Weather forecasts - Know exactly what weather is headed your way, with highly accurate marine forecasts by PredictWind. View world-leading weather data with Daily Briefing, Tables and Graphs. * Find the best spots to Anchor with Local Knowledge - See anchorage ratings and reviews from other users to get the top tips and advice. Leave your Boat in Good hands with Anchor Alert by PredictWind. Terms & Conditions: The Anchor Alert App is not error or bug free. You agree to use the Anchor Alert App carefully and at your own risk. We disclaim all representations and warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We are not liable for damages, direct or consequential, resulting from your use of the Anchor Alert App. You agree to defend, indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, losses, liability costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees) arising from any such use. You acknowledge that you have only a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Anchor Alert App. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.predictwind.com/about-us/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

Aqua Map Boating4 screens
Anchor Alert4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Aqua Map Boating at 14K against Anchor Alert's 12. Aqua Map Boating also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and chart position (#97 vs unranked). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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. Aqua Map Boating sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and Anchor Alert sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $15.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Aqua Map Boating against 4.7 for Anchor Alert. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Aqua Map Boating has 14K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 64% and 64% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aqua Map Boating ships an update weekly, Anchor Alert fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Aqua Map Boating versus Anchor Alert: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAqua Map BoatingAnchor Alert
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (14K ratings) — better4.7 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews64.4% of reviews — better63.9% of reviews
Number of ratings14K — better12
Update frequencyWeekly — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#97 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size174 MB174 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGEC s.r.l.PredictWind Limited

Customer experience

Aqua Map Boating

All ratings13,793 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative3.1%
Written reviews295 reviews
Positive64.4%
Neutral9.2%
Negative26.4%

Anchor Alert

All ratings12 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews72 reviews
Positive63.9%
Neutral2.8%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

Aqua Map Boating

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Inconsistent GPS tracking and positioning
  • Compatibility issues on older devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved route planning and optimization
  • Offline map caching and seamless downloads
  • Tidal and wind data overlays
  • Sync capabilities across devices

Anchor Alert

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

17 purchases

Aqua Map Boating

Subscriptions15
  • Florida - NOAA Nautical chart14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • Alabama to Texas charts14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • Cape Cod to Chesapeake Charts14 Days trial$4.991 Year
Show 12 more
  • New England - Nautical charts14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • Virginia to Georgia - Charts14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • Midwest-Minnesota lake charts14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • Michigan & Great Lakes chart14 Days trial$4.991 Year
  • US - Nautical & Lakes charts14 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Canada - nautical charts14 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • US & Canada - nautical charts14 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Caribbean South Nautical chart14 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Bermuda - nautical charts14 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Aqua Map Expert14 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Aqua Map Master14 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Bahamas - Explorer Charts14 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time2
  • US & Canada - Nautical chart$49.99
  • Bahamas - Explorer Chartbooks$139.99
3 purchases

Anchor Alert

Subscriptions3
  • Anchor Pro 1 monthly1 Month trial$15.001 Month
  • Anchor Pro 3 monthly1 Month trial$29.003 Months
  • Anchor Pro Yearly1 Month trial$99.001 Year

Questions

Is Aqua Map Boating free?
Aqua Map Boating is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anchor Alert free?
Anchor Alert is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert?
Aqua Map Boating is rated higher. Aqua Map Boating averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14K ratings, while Anchor Alert averages 4.7 from 12 ratings.
Do Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert have ads?
Neither Aqua Map Boating nor Anchor Alert shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert?
Aqua Map Boating ships an update weekly, and Anchor Alert fortnightly. Most recently, Aqua Map Boating was updated on October 20, 2026 and Anchor Alert on October 19, 2026.

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