GPS vs GPX viewer 2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GPS
This professional-grade GPS system offers real-time tracking and route recording for various activities. It functions as a standalone app or in network mode for remote monitoring, supporting multiple map types and data export.
- Stand-Alone and Network Modes
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Track recording with photos
- Multiple map integrations (Apple, Google, OSM)
- Offline map support
- KML/GPX file import/export
- Long-term track storage
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Designed for reliable GPS tracking in real-world field operations. Record and manage GPS tracks with long-term stability and precision. Fully equipped with comprehensive GPS tracking features. Continuously developed and updated since the launch of the App Store in 2009. Compatible with the latest iOS. ==== FEATURES ==== • Reliable GPS recording for hours, days, or long journeys • Distance-based or time-based recording (Time-based is GPS-Trk exclusive feature. Intervals from 5 seconds to 1 day) • Stop and resume track recording • Add photos and notes to tracks • Low power consumption • GPS recording works even without cellular or Wi-Fi connection • Store years of tracks on device • Edit tracks (split, merge) and search • GPX / KML / KMZ import & export via iCloud, Files app, Dropbox (KMZ can contain photos.) • Auto generate track name from start location name • Multiple display formats for distance, altitude, speed, and coordinates • Apple Maps / Google Maps / OpenStreetMap • Offline map support for OpenStreetMap • Apple Maps LookAround / Google Maps StreetView • Speed and altitude chart • 3D map view (Swipe with two fingers) • Photo and note markers on maps • Display time, speed, and altitude along tracks • Track color coding by speed or altitude • Track animation • Tap the map or charts to quickly select any point along a track • Create map screenshots for sharing on social media • Window resize support. Single app optimized for both iPhone and iPad. • iPhone Mirroring (Interact with iPhone on Mac) • Dark mode • Clean, uncluttered, and easy-to-use user interface ==== USE CASES ==== • Field operations • Fleet operations • Event management • Survey & inspection work • Racing • Sailing • Expeditions • Outdoor activities • Long-distance travel ==== GPS-TRK NET INTEGRATION(OPTIONAL)==== GPS-Trk integrates with GPS-Trk Net for web-based live tracking and remote monitoring. Tracks, photos, and notes can be viewed in real time from web browsers on smartphones, tablets, and PCs. (No dedicated hardware required — only iPhone/iPad and internet connection. Check it out at https://gpstrk.hc-eng.com.) • Fleet monitoring • Race tracking • Event operations • Support teams • Remote field monitoring ==== SUBSCRIPTION ==== App purchase includes one year of usage rights. Continued use after the first year requires an annual subscription. ==== PRODUCT SITE ==== www.hc-eng.com [Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store after purchase. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.hc-eng.com/privacy-policy.html]
GPX viewer 2
Easily import and view GPX files, displaying tracks on various base maps with interactive elevation profiles. Track your position, access navigation tools, and get weather information for your outdoor adventures.
- Import GPX files (tracks/routes)
- Multiple base map options
- Interactive elevation profile
- Real-time position tracking
- Navigation tools (compass, GPS)
- Offline map downloads
- Weather at starting point
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GPX viewer 2 is my independent app for viewing and following your GPX routes. Carefully crafted for all outdoor enthusiasts – hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists and geocachers – with no ads and no subscription. Import your routes from GPX files (tracks or routes), even if your file contains multiple tracks. Display them on a wide range of base maps (standard, satellite, OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap, Swisstopo, IGN…) or on your own custom maps, and download them for offline use. Browse the interactive elevation profile, statistics, points of interest, image galleries, and even an audio guide if your GPX file includes one. Weather conditions at the start of your route are also available. Follow your progress in real time and head out with confidence thanks to the navigation tools: compass, altitude, speed and manual bearing markers. With an Apple Watch, send your routes to your wrist and follow them with your iPhone in your pocket: the track, its direction and its points of interest, in a pared-back interface that stays readable at a glance. The app contains everything you need to go hiking and follow your route. To go further, three Pro levels are available as a one-time purchase – no subscription and no ads. A great way to support the app's development. Thank you! Feature details: - Import GPX files via a file, a web link, or directly from the Fitness app - Manage imported GPX files (library) - Display GPX track on the map (track and route, multi-tracks supported) - Multiple base maps: standard, hybrid, 3D satellite, OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap, Swisstopo - Add your own custom maps from a library or manually - Download maps for offline use - Map display: current position, start and end of route, points of interest, scale, route direction - Choose track color and width - Dynamic track coloring based on altitude variations, slope, or elevation gain - Custom color and icon for waypoint markers - Geocaching waypoint support with all geocaching-specific fields (cache type, difficulty, terrain, etc.) - Keep screen always on to better follow the route (especially useful for cycling or motorcycling) - Larger interface for cycling and motorcycling - Rain mode to prevent accidental interface activation in wet conditions - Map tile caching system - GPX details: name, description, elevation profile, elevation gain/loss, distance, altitudes, image gallery, link, points of interest, duration - Waypoint details: name, description, image gallery, links, distance along route - Audio link support for audio guides (on GPX and Waypoints) - Navigation tools with compass, GPS location, altitude, direction, and manual bearing markers on the map – with manual GPS coordinate entry and custom icon selection for each marker. Perfect for Geocaching! - Apple Watch app: follow your routes on your wrist – track oriented to your heading, points of interest, remaining distance and elevation, and guidance if you stray from the route - Weather conditions at the start of the route - Navigate to the start of the route via Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze - Share a GPX - GPX source code editor (with easy renaming feature) - Speed indicator - Metric, imperial, or nautical measurement system (NM, ft, kts) – perfect for aviation and sailing Note: If a GPX file won't open in my app, please contact me with the file – I will certainly be able to help. My GPX viewer 1 app is still available on the App Store if your device is not compatible with GPX viewer 2.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: GPX viewer 2 at Free against GPS's $9.99. GPX viewer 2 also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 50%) and ratings volume (13 vs 2). GPS's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
GPX viewer 2 is free to download; GPS costs $9.99 up front. GPS sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per year and GPX viewer 2 sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
GPS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GPX viewer 2 has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of GPS's written reviews are positive against 85% of GPX viewer 2's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
GPS ships an update weekly, GPX viewer 2 monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GPS | GPX viewer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 4.1 (13 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 85.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 13 — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 23 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | hc-eng | Jonathan Gander |
Customer experience
GPS
GPX viewer 2
In-app purchases
GPS
- 1 Year GPS-Trk$2.991 Year
- 1 Month GPS-Trk Net$4.99
- 1 Year GPS-Trk Net$49.99
GPX viewer 2
- A coffee$3.99
- Hike$4.99
- Hiking snack$7.99
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- Adventure$9.99
- A freeze-dried hiking meal$19.99
- Expedition$29.99









