Software · head to head
CargoSmart vs MarineTraffic
The short version
- They diverge on capability: CargoSmart covers Real-time tracking, MarineTraffic covers Real-time vessel tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which CargoSmart and MarineTraffic actually diverge.
| Attribute | CargoSmart | MarineTraffic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Founded | 2000 | 2007 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Ios, Android, Api), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in CargoSmart
- Real-time tracking
- Exception management
- Carbon tracking
- SAP TM
- Oracle
- Shipping lines
- TMS
- Api support
Only in MarineTraffic
- Real-time vessel tracking
- Global AIS coverage
- Voyage history
- Port call data
- REST API
- Google Earth
- GIS systems
Both cover
- ETA predictions
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
CargoSmart
No use cases recorded yet. See the CargoSmart review.
MarineTraffic
- Real-time vessel trackingnot CargoSmart
- Port call and ETA tracking for logisticsnot CargoSmart
- Fleet monitoring for shipping and charteringnot CargoSmart
- Maritime research and analytics via API feedsnot CargoSmart
- Vessel and company database lookupsnot CargoSmart
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
CargoSmart
Nothing recorded yet. See the CargoSmart review.
MarineTraffic
- Specific numeric prices for the Basic/Essential tiers are not published on a directly accessible page (plans pages are bot-protected)
- Enterprise tier is sales-assisted, quote-only
- API access is credit-consumption based with cost varying by AIS data source and detail level, making cost opaque
- Commercial API access now routes through parent company Kpler via demo request
Pricing, plan by plan
CargoSmart
Free- Professional$299/month
- Unlimited tracking
- ETA predictions
- Analytics
MarineTraffic
Free- Basic$undefined/mo
- Free vessel tracking account
- Essential$undefined/mo
- Expanded tracking features
- Enterprise$undefined/mo
- Quote-only, sales-assisted
Which should you pick?
Choose CargoSmart if
- You need real-time tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
- You also want exception management.
Choose MarineTraffic if
- You need real-time vessel tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- You also want global ais coverage.
Questions people ask
- Is CargoSmart or MarineTraffic better?
- Neither clearly leads. CargoSmart starts at Free and MarineTraffic at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, CargoSmart or MarineTraffic?
- CargoSmart starts at Free and MarineTraffic at Free.
- Does CargoSmart or MarineTraffic run on more platforms?
- CargoSmart runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api. MarineTraffic runs on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- Can I use CargoSmart for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can CargoSmart do that MarineTraffic cannot?
- CargoSmart covers Real-time tracking, Exception management, Carbon tracking, SAP TM. MarineTraffic covers Real-time vessel tracking, Global AIS coverage, Voyage history, Port call data. Both handle ETA predictions, Web support, Ios support, Android support.