For many years, marine chartplotters have been expensive and fairly closed systems. Dedicated devices that can easily cost $700 to over $2000, and often become obsolete after only a few years.
However, the evolution of smartphones and tablets has completely changed this landscape.
Today it is possible to turn an Android phone or tablet into a fully capable marine chartplotter, with advanced charts, AIS, weather data, route planning and integration with onboard electronics.
In this article we take an in-depth look at three of the most popular marine navigation apps:
- Navionics (Garmin Boating)
- OpenCPN
- Orca Navigation
And we’ll see which one is actually the best option for sailing.
🎥 Full Video Comparison
Watch the full comparison here:
Why Use a Tablet as a Chartplotter?
Modern tablets and smartphones offer features that rival many dedicated marine devices:
- High-precision GPS
- Large bright displays
- Powerful processors
- Internet connectivity
- Support for multiple navigation apps
This makes them capable of working as extremely powerful chartplotters at a fraction of the cost.
Many setups can also integrate with onboard systems such as:
- AIS receivers
- NMEA 0183
- NMEA 2000
- Wind instruments
- Autopilots
- Real-time weather data
Overview Comparison
| Feature | Navionics | OpenCPN | Orca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software type | Commercial | Open Source | Commercial |
| Platforms | Android / iOS | Android / Linux / PC | Android / iOS |
| Pricing model | Annual subscription | One-time payment | Freemium |
| Electronics integration | Limited | Extensive | Requires Orca Core |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Moderate | Very easy |
| Community | Very large | Huge | Growing |
Charts: Which One Is the Best?
One of the most important aspects of any chartplotter is the quality of its charts.
| System | Data Source | Detail Level | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navionics | Official data + community sonar | Very high | Advanced bathymetry |
| OpenCPN (O-Charts) | Official hydrographic charts | High | Official chart data |
| Orca | Official data with visual processing | High | Modern visualization |
Winner for Chart Quality
Navionics, thanks to its SonarChart system, which uses depth data contributed by thousands of users.
This results in much more detailed bathymetric contour lines.
Performance on Devices
Modern tablets can run all three applications quite well, but there are still differences.
| Application | Performance | Startup Time | Smoothness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orca | Very fast | Very fast | Excellent |
| Navionics | Very good | Fast | Excellent |
| OpenCPN | Good | Slower | Good |
Winner for Performance
Orca, thanks to its modern architecture and highly optimized interface.
Integration with Boat Electronics
This is where the differences become much clearer.
| Feature | Navionics | OpenCPN | Orca |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIS support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NMEA data | Limited | Full support | Requires Orca Core |
| Instrument dashboards | No | Yes | Yes |
| Plugins | No | Yes | No |
Winner for Integration
OpenCPN, thanks to its open architecture and extensive plugin ecosystem.
Navigation Features
| Feature | Navionics | OpenCPN | Orca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic routing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weather integration | Yes | Via plugins | Yes |
| Sailing route optimization | No | Yes (Weather Routing plugin) | Yes |
| Route sharing | Yes | Limited | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
For many sailors, price is a major deciding factor.
| Application | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Navionics | $50–70 per year per region |
| OpenCPN | ~$10 app + charts ~$25 |
| Orca | Free online / subscription for offline charts |
Winner for Price
Tie between OpenCPN and Orca
- OpenCPN: very affordable with no mandatory subscriptions
- Orca: powerful free version with global charts while connected to the internet
Which One Should You Choose?
Each app is designed for a slightly different type of sailor.
Navionics
Best for sailors who want:
- the best bathymetry
- a simple interface
- easy coastal navigation
OpenCPN
Perfect for sailors who:
- want to integrate onboard electronics
- enjoy customizing their setup
- need maximum flexibility
Orca
A great choice if you prefer:
- a modern interface
- very simple navigation tools
- integrated sailing route planning
Conclusion
Today it’s perfectly possible to have a very capable marine chartplotter using only a tablet or smartphone.
All three apps offer excellent solutions, but each one stands out in a different area:
- Navionics → best bathymetry
- OpenCPN → best integration
- Orca → best user experience
The final choice will depend on your sailing style and your boat’s equipment.