Best Garmin Explore™ alternatives: apps like Garmin Explore™

9+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
9 free apps
Updated November 2026

Looking for something like Garmin Explore™? We've analyzed 9+ similar apps to help you find the best alternative. Each app is compared by ratings, features, and real user reviews, so you can make the right choice.

Top Alternatives to Garmin Explore™

CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping#1

CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping by CalTopo LLC

Route Planning & Navigation
Editor's Choice
🗺️ Navigation
4.8😊(7.6K ratings)
Free
CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping screenshot 1
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Plan and navigate off-grid adventures with detailed offline maps and real-time weather forecasts. Trusted by professionals, this app offers seamless syncing and collaborative planning for backcountry pursuits.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Powerful mapping features
  • 💡 Extensive data layers
  • 👍 Detailed trail and terrain information
  • 👍 Useful for SAR operations
  • 👍 Great for planning outdoor adventures

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and unstable mobile app
  • 🐛 Maps not always loading properly
  • 🐛 Slow map rendering
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 👎 Difficult to use for casual users
Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps#2

Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps by TrailBehind

Hiking, Overlanding, Camping
Strong Contender
🗺️ Navigation
4.8😐(32K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#9in Navigation
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Discover trails, campsites, and routes with detailed topographic maps and GPS navigation. Plan your adventures with offline maps, weather updates, and distance tracking. Explore hiking, off-roading, camping, and skiing with this comprehensive outdoor companion.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent offline functionality
  • 🗺️ Detailed and customizable maps
  • 🧭 Accurate GPS tracking and navigation
  • 📸 Ability to add photos to tracks
  • 🔍 Useful map overlays (e.g. property boundaries)
  • 🤝 Seamless sync between devices

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and unstable app performance
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🔍 Confusing map/feature management
  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🇬🇧 Limited functionality for non-US users
Trailforks: Offline Bike Maps#3
4.7😐(16K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#15in Navigation
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Access a vast database of trails for biking and hiking with offline map capabilities. Navigate routes, record your rides, and get real-time trail conditions. Support local trail associations and discover new paths.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Accurate trail maps
  • 📍 Offline GPS functionality
  • 🗺️ Comprehensive trail database
  • 🔍 Helpful trail details and conditions
  • 🤝 Crowdsourced community contributions
  • 🗺️ Useful for planning and discovering new trails

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🔒 Restricted access to features without subscription
  • 🐛 Buggy and unreliable app performance
  • 🔁 Difficulty restoring/managing subscription
  • 🗺️ Limited trail coverage in some regions
  • 🤯 Frustrating user experience without subscription

More apps like Garmin Explore™

4
onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps
onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps
onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps
Offline Hiking & Biking GPS
Free

Navigate the outdoors with detailed 3D offline maps for hiking, biking, and skiing. Plan routes, track your progress, and access real-time weather and hazard information, even without cell service.

Interactive 3D offline mapsGPS navigation and activity trackingActivity-specific map modes
🗺️ Navigation
(6.6K)
free with in-app purchases
5
FarOut: Hike, Bike, Paddle
FarOut: Hike, Bike, Paddle
FarOut: Hike, Bike, Paddle
Offline GPS Trail Maps
Free

This app provides offline GPS trail maps and navigational guides for hiking, biking, and paddling adventures worldwide. It offers trusted, official trail data and a check-in feature to keep loved ones informed of your location. Choose from flexible subscription or lifetime purchase options for extensive global coverage.

Offline GPS trail mapsGlobal navigational guidesTrusted trail data
🗺️ Navigation
(27K)
free with in-app purchases
6
GPS Tracks
GPS Tracks
GPS Tracks
GPS Tracker and Offline Maps
Free

Track outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running with detailed route recording and waypoint navigation. Explore offline with downloadable maps and various map layers. Share your real-time location with friends and access advanced measurement tools.

Route tracking for outdoor activitiesOffline map downloadsWaypoint navigation and storage
🗺️ Navigation
(18K)
free with in-app purchases
7
Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping
Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping
Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping
GPS Navigation & Trail Maps
Free

Navigate any terrain with offline GPS maps, even without cell service. Explore a vast Map Store for hiking, biking, and travel, or import your own custom maps. Record tracks, add notes, and identify your location precisely.

Offline GPS navigationReal-time GPS position and directionRecord GPS tracks
🗺️ Navigation
(129K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Polaris®
Polaris®
Polaris®
Powered by RIDE COMMAND.
Free

Manage your powersports vehicle's maintenance, plan rides with detailed mapping, and discover gear. Connect to in-vehicle displays for enhanced control and remote connectivity.

Vehicle service history and maintenance remindersSnap-to-trail routingOn/offline maps
🗺️ Navigation
(2.9K)
free
9
Footpath Route Planner
Footpath Route Planner
Footpath Route Planner
Running, Hiking, Bike Maps
Free

Easily plan and navigate custom routes for any outdoor activity. Draw your path with a finger and the app snaps to roads and trails. Measure distances, elevations, and get turn-by-turn directions, even offline.

Snap to roads and trailsMeasure distance and elevationTurn-by-turn navigation
🗺️ Navigation
(22K)
free with in-app purchases