Head-to-head
Fishbox vs FishAngler
Fishbox
45
Winner
FishAngler
FishAngler
65
FishAngler is the better choice for anglers seeking a community-driven app with generally accurate forecasts, despite recent paywall criticisms, while Fishbox struggles with consistent data accuracy and aggressive subscription practices.
Full reviews: Fishbox · FishAngler
FishAngler offers a strong community aspect and helpful features like catch logging and forecasts, though recent updates have moved some previously free features behind a paywall. Fishbox provides fishing forecasts and spot recommendations but faces significant user complaints regarding subscription practices, data accuracy, and limited saltwater information.
Head to head
Fishbox Fishbox users appreciate its fishing forecasts, ability to find new spots, and recommendations for lures/baits, especially for beginners R2R11. However, many users report a lack of data for specific locations, particularly for saltwater fishing or rivers, and inaccurate tide charts R4R15R22. Some also note that public fishing spots disappeared with a recent update R10.
FishAngler FishAngler is praised for its fishing forecasts, ability to find spots, and a social media-like community where users can log catches and connect with other anglers . Users also appreciate its depth and accuracy for weather and prime fishing times . However, recent updates have moved features like seeing other people's catches, fish forecasts, lunar data, and depth charts behind a paywall, leading to significant user frustration .
Fishbox Fishbox is described as a bit complicated by some users, while others find it great for beginners R5R11. However, many users report significant issues with signing in, verification codes, and general slowness R7R28. The user experience (UX) is also noted as needing refining R6.
FishAngler FishAngler is generally considered easy to use and in-depth by some, especially for new users . However, other users find the new app version too busy and difficult to understand . There are also reports of login issues, infinite loading screens, and app crashes . Some users also experienced glitches when logging bodies of water and difficulty logging multiple catches .
Fishbox Fishbox is criticized for its aggressive subscription model, with users reporting deceptive practices, forced subscriptions after questionnaires, and charges without clear consent or after cancellation attempts R1R3R14R16. Many feel the price is too high for the information provided, especially since many features previously free are now paid R3R14.
FishAngler FishAngler users are highly critical of recent updates that moved many core features, like seeing other people's catches, fish forecasts, lunar data, and depth charts, behind a paywall . Users feel the app has become too expensive, with annual costs up to $80, and that the value has decreased significantly since much of the information can be found elsewhere for free .
Fishbox Fishbox users report significant issues with canceling subscriptions and obtaining refunds, with some describing the process as cumbersome or impossible, and customer service as unhelpful or deceptive R16R18R22R28. There are complaints about being charged after trial periods or without explicit consent R16R18R22.
FishAngler FishAngler's support is criticized for being unhelpful with refund requests, with one user stating they blamed Apple for a charge . Users also complain about deceptive practices regarding the free trial and being charged heavily if they miss the cancellation deadline .
Pick Fishbox if
You are a beginner angler looking for basic fishing forecasts and lure recommendations, and are willing to navigate a potentially aggressive subscription model R11.
Pick FishAngler if
You value a community aspect, enjoy logging your catches, and are willing to pay for premium features like detailed forecasts and maps, or if you primarily use the free version for its social features .
Evidence note: Both apps have a high number of recent negative reviews, primarily centered around the introduction or expansion of paywalls for features that were previously free. This skews recent sentiment negatively, even for apps with high lifetime ratings. The free-vs-paid asymmetry is very strong here, as many negative reviews for both apps stem from free users encountering paywalls or issues with trial cancellations.
Frequently asked
Are Fishbox and FishAngler truly free?
How do Fishbox and FishAngler compare on accuracy?
What are the common complaints about subscriptions for these apps?
Both apps face significant complaints about their subscription models; Fishbox is criticized for deceptive practices, forced subscriptions after questionnaires, and difficulties canceling trials or subscriptions, with charges reported even after cancellation attempts R1R16R18R22, while FishAngler is criticized for moving previously free core features like fish forecasts and catch locations behind paywalls, with annual costs up to $80 .
What reviewers actually said
Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.
- [R2] Fishbox This is real helpful: It helps a lot
- [R4] Fishbox Eh. Would not rebuy this app: Probably better for freshwater people. No one on the coast uses it, or logs catches. Has terrible ‘insight’ for coastal anglers, and doesn’t even have enough proper options for world famous local fish like striped bass, bluefish, tuna, Black Sea bass, etc. Like for selecting bait. Or where/when to fish. Very little saltwater info, will be politely asking for my $35
- [R10] Fishbox You broke it: All the previous public fishing spots have disappeared with version 30.0. The app is basically useless now. Well done
- [R11] Fishbox Great app for beginners: I love this app! It’s taught me so much and keeps me aware of the best times to fish.
- [R5] Fishbox Love it: It is a bit complicated, but it is good
- [R6] Fishbox Great info needs refining: Great info and good enough to keep my premium subscription (for now) but need refining to UX
- [R7] Fishbox Bad: I tried signing in about 30 times it never let me sign in because apparently it couldn’t verify the verification code. I don’t know why it’s just stupid and I would not recommend buying this.
- [R1] Fishbox It’s a scam: The app employs deceptive practices: after installing it, you have to complete a nonsensical 20-minute questionnaire, after which it demands a subscription. There is no way to skip this.
- [R3] Fishbox Used to prefer this over Fishbrain: I’ve had this app for about a year if not a little longer, and loved it because of the fishing forecast it showed, now all of a sudden everything even where to go fishing is behind a subscription. It seemed like this happened overnight because I’ve even used these features this summer. I liked the forecast feature so much I used this over Fishbrain but reading o
- [R14] Fishbox I would give it 5 star: I would give it 5 stars but it cost money which I don’t blame them but to use the map that other people document it it’s just unfair in my opinion
- [R16] Fishbox Still charging my card after canceling subscription: Very shady and do not pay for the subscription they will keep charging you
- [R18] Fishbox Subscription Trap: Be aware that it’s very easy to miss the details in the free trial and if you mess it up you will be charged $27 which is NON-REFUNDABLE without jumping through a series of cumbersome loops. If the app wen out and caught fish for me I wouldn’t use it just based on how exploitive the interactions with the team felt. UPDATE: After some back and forth with the team here they fu
- [R22] Fishbox Beware: I bought the service and then 2 later found that they don’t provide meaningful info for rivers, which I primarily fish. I sent an email cancelling well within 7 day free trial. Guess what they continue to charge $27.99. I’ve sent a copy of my dated email cancelling to the owner and he still owning that his company isn’t honoring their trial offer. So now Amex is involved. Beware! Don’t bel
- [R28] Fishbox Terrible UI: I tried this app but couldn’t even login and I am in the trial period, i followed all the instructions but to no avail was I successful. I sent an email to cancel my trial, not sure if that will work. According to their documentation you can only cancel from within the app. Well i cant even get in and based on all the other reviews I dont want to be bombarded with ads. I just want t
- [R21] Fishbox No paying: I don’t want to pay for premium I want to learn how to fish and tie knots with out paying 3 stars
- [R15] Fishbox Tide chart: Your listed tide chart is inaccurate at best. I fish the shoreline more than any other kinds of fishing. I rely on accurate tide charts for my best efforts. The charts you supply are not reliable. Is there anything you can do to rectify it. Rhode Island is where I fish the most.
- [R32] Fishbox Wrong info: I have never got a correct information from this app. They’ve been wrong about Tides. They have been wrong about whether they have been wrong about the fish bite. I’m no longer going to have this subscription as soon as I figure out how to do that.
- [R40] Fishbox It’s okay. Not as accurate: Like title says. A lot of this is not updated stuff. Like taking you to a place that’s been dried up, or no activity. There’s better apps
- [R48] Fishbox Second chance: I just wanted to begin by saying that I believe in second chances. So this is the second time I have tried this app to no avail. At least in my case it has not worked at all. The day I went out no one was catching anything. So I know this is not a good tool to plan a fishing trip. With the price of fuel bait and everything else I would not recommend this app.
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store