Waterspeed vs WindsportTracker (2026): which windsport tracker?
Both track wing, windsurf, kite and sailing with jibe stats and best speeds. WindsportTracker adds Polar sync, more file formats, 360s and wave rides; Waterspeed adds live tracking, VMG and polars, and 30+ watersports.
By Paula Acebo
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Choose WindsportTracker if you ride with a Polar watch, want 360s and wave rides counted, or import files from speedsurfing GPS units (SBP, OAO and similar). Choose Waterspeed if you also paddle or race, want live tracking for people ashore, or want VMG and polar charts from your own sessions.
Compared as of October 2026, from WindsportTracker’s website and App Store and Google Play pages, and Waterspeed’s help centre. We make Waterspeed; corrections welcome at support@waterspeedapp.com.
How do Waterspeed and WindsportTracker compare?
| Waterspeed | WindsportTracker | |
|---|---|---|
| Sports | 30+ watersports, from sailing, wing, windsurf and kite to SUP, kayak and rowing | 13+ sports, focused on wind and foil sports |
| Phone and web | iPhone, Android, web app | iPhone, Android, web |
| Watches recording directly | Apple Watch, Wear OS, Garmin (Connect IQ app) | Apple Watch, Wear OS |
| Automatic sync | Garmin, COROS, Suunto | Garmin, COROS, Suunto, Polar |
| File import | GPX, FIT, VKX (Vakaros) | SBN, SBP, FIT, GPX, TCX, OAO, GPY, VKX |
| Tacks and jibes | Each one with entry and exit speed, made or missed | Tacks, jibes, power jibes, 360s, success rate by side |
| Wave rides | No | Yes |
| Best speeds | 2 s to 1 hour; alpha 250 m to 1 km | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 500 m, 1 NM, alpha |
| VMG and polar chart | Yes (Ultra) | Not listed |
| Live tracking for people ashore | Yes, from iPhone, Android or Apple Watch | Not listed |
| GPS-Speedsurfing | Uploads sessions | Not yet, says WindsportTracker |
| Strava | Upload, by hand or automatic | Upload, in beta |
| Price model | Free; Pro and Ultra subscriptions | Subscription after a 27-day free trial, no card needed |
| Ratings | App Store US 4.6 (1,112), 22 Oct 2026 | App Store US 5.0 (2); Google Play 4.8 (371), 30 Oct 2026 |
Where is WindsportTracker stronger?
- It syncs Polar as well as Garmin, COROS and Suunto, and imports the formats speedsurfers use (SBN, SBP, OAO, GPY) besides FIT, GPX, TCX and VKX.
- It counts power jibes, 360s and wave rides, with success rates by side.
- WindsportTracker says sessions are hosted in the EU.
Where is Waterspeed stronger?
- The same app covers SUP, kayak, surfski, rowing, dinghy and keelboat sailing.
- Live tracking lets people ashore follow you from the phone or the watch.
- With Ultra you get VMG by leg, true wind angle and a polar chart built from your own track.
- Challenges, groups and a feed keep a crew or club together.
- Sessions upload to GPS-Speedsurfing from Waterspeed today.
Which should you choose?
- Polar watch, or files from speedsurfing GPS units: WindsportTracker.
- Wave sailing or freestyle, where 360s and wave rides matter: WindsportTracker.
- Several watersports, or racing upwind: Waterspeed.
- People ashore need to see where you are: Waterspeed.
For more options, see best kitesurf tracking apps and windsurf speed tracking.
FAQ
Is WindsportTracker free?
No. It has a 27-day free trial without a card, then a monthly or yearly subscription.
Can I move my sessions from WindsportTracker to Waterspeed?
Yes, as files: export GPX or FIT and import them in the Waterspeed web app. To check a single file first, use the free GPX and FIT analyzer.
Do both work on Apple Watch?
Yes. Both record on Apple Watch and on Wear OS.
