# Topo Maps US vs Apex Scout

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Topo Maps US at none against Apex Scout's 6. Topo Maps US also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). Apex Scout's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Apex Scout sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Topo Maps US asks for nothing beyond the download.

Topo Maps US ships an update every 2 months, Apex Scout every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Topo Maps US | Apex Scout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (215 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-us/id1033846196/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **215** | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [DC Cloud Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/353416960) | [Apex AR Systems, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6786930463) |

## What reviewers say

### Topo Maps US

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-us/id1033846196)

Access and download detailed topographic maps of the United States for offline use. Track your location, mark waypoints, and record your routes for outdoor activities. Navigate with direction arrows and measure distances on the map.

**Highlights:** Download US topographic maps, Offline map viewing, GPS location tracking, Add and import waypoints (flags), Import and share GPX/LOC files, Record and share trails, Elevation profile charts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and simple user interface
- 📱 Works completely offline with downloaded maps
- 💰 Free app with no subscriptions or ads
- 🗺️ High-quality USGS topographic maps
- 📍 Accurate GPS location tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 White/gray blocks appearing on offline maps
- 🔋 High battery drain during route recording
- ❌ Limited color options for flags (only red)
- ⚠️ Route recording stops unexpectedly
- 🔍 No search functionality for trails/landmarks

**Reported bugs**

- White and gray blocks appearing on downloaded offline maps
- Route recording stops unexpectedly mid-hike
- High battery drain during route tracking
- GPX file import issues in iOS 13+
- Map display issues near borders

**Requested features**

- Pause/resume tracking during hikes
- Search feature for trails and landmarks
- Apple Watch app support
- CarPlay integration
- Slope shading visualization


### Apex Scout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apex-scout/id6786930461)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Essential Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Essential Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Annual | $149.99 | per year |
| Pro Annual | $199.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Topo Maps US free?

Topo Maps US is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Apex Scout free?

Apex Scout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Topo Maps US or Apex Scout have ads?

Neither Topo Maps US nor Apex Scout shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Topo Maps US or Apex Scout?

Topo Maps US ships an update every 2 months, and Apex Scout every 3 weeks. Most recently, Topo Maps US was updated on October 29, 2026 and Apex Scout on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*