Compare: Garmin ActiveCaptain® vs Simrad: Companion for Boaters

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Metric	Garmin ActiveCaptain®	Simrad: Companion for Boaters
User count	1,681,084	175,462
Average rating	4.09	4.42
Rating count	6,817	1,754
Last updated	2026-06-03	2025-12-15
Size	221.99 MB	181.52 MB
Version	44.0.3459	2.5.4

Short description	Connect your Garmin GPS plotter with the free ActiveCaptain app for wireless chart updates, trip planning, and boat monitoring from anywhere.	Simrad app offers detailed nautical charts, GPS navigation, weather updates, route planning & AIS for boaters. Perfect for cruising & fishing adventures.
Full summary	The Garmin ActiveCaptain® app offers seamless integration between your compatible mobile device and Garmin chartplotters. Designed for boaters engaged in cruising, fishing, sailing, or diving, this free app allows you to wirelessly transfer and access charts, maps, software updates, routes, and waypoints. With features like ONECHART™ boasting premium cartography, users can purchase and upload detailed charts directly from their mobile devices. ActiveCaptain enhances your boating experience by letting you plan trips, sync user data automatically, and connect with a vibrant community for real-time feedback on marinas and points of interest. The app's Helm™ feature enables remote control of your chartplotter, while smart notifications keep calls and texts visible on your chartplotter display. Additionally, the OnDeck™ hub connectivity provides boat monitoring and alert systems remotely. Tailored for Garmin chartplotter owners, ActiveCaptain ensures an enriched, informed, and safer time on the water.	The Simrad Companion app is an essential tool for boaters and water enthusiasts, providing advanced navigation aided by detailed C-MAP nautical charts. Whether used standalone or synced with Simrad chartplotters, it offers features like route planning, GPS tracking, personal waypoints, and updates on marine weather and traffic. Users can explore Autorouting™ for optimized routes, access thousands of points of interest including marinas and harbors, and import or export GPX files to share routes with friends. The app also enables offline chart downloads, chart personalization, and measuring distances. For enhanced functionality, the Premium upgrade unlocks full GPS capabilities, high-resolution bathymetry, shaded relief maps, and AIS traffic overlays. With a free trial available, continuous updates ensure the latest maps and features, making Simrad a top choice for cruising and fishing adventures on the water.