Maritime · head to head
Sea Machines vs Xeneta
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Sea Machines requires hardware fitted to the vessel; the autonomy systems are retrofits or new build installations rather than a software purchase; Xeneta pricing is by quote only, with no public rate card or published tiers
- They diverge on capability: Sea Machines covers Autonomous control, Xeneta covers Rate benchmarking.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Sea Machines and Xeneta actually diverge.
| Attribute | Sea Machines | Xeneta |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50000/one-time | $1000/month |
| Pricing model | one-time | subscription |
| Platforms | Embedded, Web, Mobile | Web, Api |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).
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 Sea Machines
- Autonomous control
- Remote operation
- Collision avoidance
- Pattern following
- Vessel systems
- Communication networks
- Shore-based control
- Embedded support
Only in Xeneta
- Rate benchmarking
- Market intelligence
- Trend analysis
- Contract optimization
- TMS platforms
- Procurement systems
- BI tools
- Api support
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Sea Machines
- Intelligent voyage and transit autonomy for workboatsnot Xeneta
- Pattern autonomy for survey and repetitive route worknot Xeneta
- Collision avoidance using the AI-ris computer vision sensornot Xeneta
- Remote command and control of vessels, including in GPS denied environmentsnot Xeneta
- Fleet management and telemetry through Fleetviewer and the SMLINK APIsnot Xeneta
Xeneta
- Benchmarking ocean and air freight rates against market datanot Sea Machines
- Supporting freight procurement and contract negotiation with rate benchmarksnot Sea Machines
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Sea Machines
- Requires hardware fitted to the vessel; the autonomy systems are retrofits or new build installations rather than a software purchase
- Targeted at vessels from 10 to 300 ft, so it does not address the largest commercial tonnage
- Pricing is not published and is arranged directly with the vendor
- The SM300-NG is the class-approved unit, so the cheaper SM300-SP does not carry the same approval
Xeneta
- Pricing is by quote only, with no public rate card or published tiers
- Access is gated behind a sales demo rather than any self serve signup
Pricing, plan by plan
Sea Machines
$50000/one-time- SM300$75000/one-time
- Autonomous control
- Collision avoidance
- Remote operation
Xeneta
$1000/month- Professional$2500/month
- Rate benchmarking
- Market trends
- Analytics
Which should you pick?
Choose Sea Machines if
- You need autonomous control.
- You work on Embedded, Web, Mobile.
- You also want remote operation.
Choose Xeneta if
- You need rate benchmarking.
- You work on Web, Api.
- You also want market intelligence.
Questions people ask
- Is Sea Machines or Xeneta better?
- Neither clearly leads. Sea Machines starts at $50000/one-time and Xeneta at $1000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Sea Machines or Xeneta?
- Sea Machines starts at $50000/one-time and Xeneta at $1000/month.
- Does Sea Machines or Xeneta run on more platforms?
- Sea Machines runs on Embedded, Web, Mobile. Xeneta runs on Web, Api.
- What is Sea Machines best used for?
- Sea Machines is most often used for intelligent voyage and transit autonomy for workboats, pattern autonomy for survey and repetitive route work, collision avoidance using the ai-ris computer vision sensor, remote command and control of vessels, including in gps denied environments. Of those, intelligent voyage and transit autonomy for workboats and pattern autonomy for survey and repetitive route work are not what Xeneta is typically brought in for.
- What can Sea Machines do that Xeneta cannot?
- Sea Machines covers Autonomous control, Remote operation, Collision avoidance, Pattern following. Xeneta covers Rate benchmarking, Market intelligence, Trend analysis, Contract optimization. Both handle Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Sea Machines: How much does Sea Machines cost?
Pricing is not published. Sea Machines requires customers to contact their sales team directly through the Contact Us link on their website for pricing quotes tailored to specific products and use cases.
SourceXeneta: Does Xeneta publish pricing tiers online?
No. Xeneta uses a custom, quote-based pricing model. Prospects must request a demo or contact their team at [email protected] for pricing tailored to their needs and data volume.
SourceSea Machines: What is the pricing model for Sea Machines products?
Sea Machines offers autonomy systems and software solutions for maritime vessels. Pricing is determined on a per-product basis through direct sales consultation rather than published subscription tiers.
SourceXeneta: Is a free trial or demo available without contacting sales?
A free demo is available through their website. Xeneta also offers a free benchmarking analysis when prospects talk to their team.
SourceXeneta: What are Xeneta's free access terms?
The site references 'Free Access Terms' in the footer but does not disclose specifics on the main page. Details require contacting their team.
SourceXeneta: How quickly does Xeneta's pricing pay for itself?
Xeneta states customers typically recover the platform cost within a single tender cycle, but this varies based on implementation and usage.
SourceRelated pages
More on Sea Machines
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