Aqua Map Boating vs Anchor Alert
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Official NOAA nautical charts
- Offline map downloads
- GPS track recording
- Tides and currents predictions
- Anchor Alarm
- NMEA instrument connectivity
- AIS with collision detection
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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
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
Aqua Map Boating ships an update weekly, Anchor Alert fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Aqua Map Boating | Anchor Alert |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (14K ratings) — better | 4.7 (12 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 64.4% of reviews — better | 63.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 12 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #97 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 174 MB | 174 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | GEC s.r.l. | PredictWind Limited |
Customer experience
Aqua Map Boating
Anchor Alert
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
Aqua Map Boating
- 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
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- 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
- US & Canada - Nautical chart$49.99
- Bahamas - Explorer Chartbooks$139.99
Anchor Alert
- 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?
Is Anchor Alert free?
Which has better reviews, Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert?
Do Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert have ads?
Which is updated more often, Aqua Map Boating or Anchor Alert?
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