VesselFinder: the vessel tracker compared

VesselFinder is one of the most widely used AIS tracking platforms. Like the map on our homepage, it shows live ship positions collected from a global network of AIS receivers, along with vessel details, port information and ship photos.

What VesselFinder offers

The free web version lets you search any vessel by name, IMO or MMSI number and see its latest position, course, speed, destination and recent track. A free account adds a personal fleet list. Paid plans add satellite coverage for mid-ocean positions, longer track history and data exports. For developers, VesselFinder sells API access to live and historical AIS data.

VesselFinder or MarineTraffic?

In daily use the two overlap heavily: both are accurate near coasts, both have solid apps, and both charge for satellite coverage and history. Differences are mostly in detail: database depth, photo community and interface taste. Our advice: use the live map on this site for a quick look, and try both platforms if you need vessel-specific research; searching a ship on each takes seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Is VesselFinder free?

The core map and vessel search are free; satellite positions and history require a paid plan.

Which tracker has the best coverage?

Near coasts and shipping lanes they are comparable; differences appear mainly in open-ocean (satellite) coverage, which is a paid feature on both.