# CarryMap vs Garmin Alpha

The clearest difference is review sentiment: CarryMap at 80% against Garmin Alpha's 24%. CarryMap also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.5) and monetization model (free vs subscription). Garmin Alpha's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

CarryMap holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 200 and 127 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of CarryMap's written reviews are positive against 24% of Garmin Alpha's.

CarryMap ships an update every 4 months, Garmin Alpha every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CarryMap | Garmin Alpha |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (200 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carrymap/id1105790610/reviews)** | [3.5 (127 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-alpha/id6449200205/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **200** | 127 |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 23.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 119 MB | 474 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [XTools Pro, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1726151466) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### CarryMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carrymap/id1105790610)

This app enables seamless field work with offline maps and spatial geodata collection. Create, edit, and analyze points, lines, and polygons, attach media, and record voice comments. Navigate using GPS, measure distances, and export data in various formats.

**Highlights:** Offline map management, Create and edit spatial features, Attach media and voice notes, GPS tracking and navigation, Measure distances and areas, Data export in multiple formats

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### Garmin Alpha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-alpha/id6449200205)

Track your dog's movements using cellular technology and your smartphone. This app works with a compatible Garmin dog tracking system to provide real-time location data and navigation features.

**Highlights:** Cellular dog tracking, Smartphone integration, VHF tracking signal support, Integrated mapping, Waypoint marking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Peace of mind for dog owners
- 👍 Good technology for hunting
- 👍 Easy to use software
- 👍 Good maps
- 👍 Customer service is second to none

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Many bugs currently
- 🐛 New update needs tweaking
- 🐛 New update is garbage
- 🐛 Map options don't work
- 🐛 Lost functionality from old app

**Reported bugs**

- Cursor lag on opening
- No distance, heading, or name on map when tracking dog
- Tracks won't clear
- Green screen when satellite map selected
- Unable to view any data from Alpha 10 on the map

**Requested features**

- Add yards as a unit of measure
- Add watch app
- Option to make corrections directly from the app
- Easier to switch between Bluetooth devices
- Option to connect multiple devices at once


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CarryMap free?

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

### Is Garmin Alpha free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CarryMap or Garmin Alpha?

CarryMap is rated higher. CarryMap averages 4.6 out of 5 from 200 ratings, while Garmin Alpha averages 3.5 from 127 ratings.

### Do CarryMap or Garmin Alpha have ads?

Neither CarryMap nor Garmin Alpha shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CarryMap or Garmin Alpha?

CarryMap ships an update every 4 months, and Garmin Alpha every 3 weeks. Most recently, CarryMap was updated on September 21, 2026 and Garmin Alpha on September 23, 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.*