# ESA Instruments vs NavDesk

The clearest difference is update cadence: NavDesk at every 2 months against ESA Instruments's every 6 months. NavDesk also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ESA Instruments ships an update every 6 months, NavDesk every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ESA Instruments | NavDesk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 3 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astra Yacht](https://appshunter.io/developer/516503620) | [Sailmon BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1082768941) |

## What reviewers say

### ESA Instruments

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/esa-instruments/id959518561)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NavDesk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navdesk/id1084984247)

Control your sailing instruments from any device on your boat. Adjust individual instruments or groups, customize settings like colors and text size, and calibrate sensors. Ping the start line and manage your ship's name for a comprehensive navigation experience.

**Highlights:** Control instruments individually or as a group, Customize instrument settings (colors, text size), Calibrate sensors, Ping the start line, Set ship name and LOGS status

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ESA Instruments free?

ESA Instruments is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NavDesk free?

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

### Do ESA Instruments or NavDesk have ads?

Neither ESA Instruments nor NavDesk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ESA Instruments or NavDesk?

ESA Instruments ships an update every 6 months, and NavDesk every 2 months. Most recently, ESA Instruments was updated on October 16, 2026 and NavDesk on October 24, 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.*