# MTA Companion vs Backroads

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Backroads at 52% against MTA Companion's 33%. MTA Companion's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MTA Companion ships an update every 2 months, Backroads every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTA Companion | Backroads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.3 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backroads/id1479238431/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **69** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **52.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 45 MB | 173 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AXUS Travel LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/844650684) | [Backroads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479238430) |

## What reviewers say

### MTA Companion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mta-companion/id1088922283)

This app helps travelers manage their entire itinerary in a dynamic, paperless interface. It displays real-time travel details, consolidates tickets and reservations, and allows for offline access. It also archives past trips for inspiration and integrates with Apple Maps for navigation.

**Highlights:** Real-time shared travel details, Consolidated paperless itinerary, Offline access to travel information, Archive old itineraries for inspiration, Apple Maps integration for navigation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Backroads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backroads/id1479238431)

This app provides detailed information and daily route options for active travel adventures like biking and hiking. It offers helpful tips and regional information to enhance your journey. Your trip leaders are also available through the app for guidance.

**Highlights:** Daily route options, Trip schedules, Helpful tips, Regional information, Trip leader access

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MTA Companion free?

MTA Companion is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Backroads free?

Backroads is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MTA Companion or Backroads have ads?

Neither MTA Companion nor Backroads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MTA Companion or Backroads?

MTA Companion ships an update every 2 months, and Backroads every 4 months. Most recently, MTA Companion was updated on October 24, 2026 and Backroads on October 24, 2026.

---

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