# The Highlands vs Smith Optics

The Highlands and Smith Optics both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Smith Optics's written reviews are positive against 67% of The Highlands's. Smith Optics also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). The Highlands's advantage is ratings volume (388 vs 9). On price, rating, 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.

Smith Optics holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Highlands has 388 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of The Highlands's written reviews are positive against 100% of Smith Optics's.

The Highlands ships an update every 3 months, Smith Optics monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Highlands | Smith Optics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (388 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-highlands/id1333044181/reviews) | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smith-optics/id1582078506/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **388** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 150 MB | 383 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Boyne Resorts](https://appshunter.io/developer/473563032) | [SMITH SPORT OPTICS, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1582078509) |

## What reviewers say

### The Highlands

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-highlands/id1333044181)

Get real-time updates on ski lift and run status, trail maps, and resort webcams. Purchase lift tickets, book lodging, and browse amenities. Receive exclusive on-site deals and notifications.

**Highlights:** Ski lift and run status, Expanded trail map views, Resort webcams, Weather and snow conditions, Lift ticket purchases, Lodging reservations, Push notifications for deals

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smith Optics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smith-optics/id1582078506)

Create custom-fit ski and snowboard goggles using 3D scanning technology. The app captures your facial data to design a personalized frame, ensuring a perfect fit with no light leaks or pressure points for maximum comfort and an expanded field of view.

**Highlights:** 3D face scanning for custom fit, Personalized frame design, Eliminates light leaks and pressure points, Expands field of view, 3D printed goggles, Digital scan to design team submission

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Highlands free?

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

### Is Smith Optics free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Highlands or Smith Optics?

Smith Optics is rated higher. The Highlands averages 4.8 out of 5 from 388 ratings, while Smith Optics averages 5.0 from 9 ratings.

### Do The Highlands or Smith Optics have ads?

Neither The Highlands nor Smith Optics shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Highlands or Smith Optics?

The Highlands ships an update every 3 months, and Smith Optics monthly. Most recently, The Highlands was updated on October 24, 2026 and Smith Optics on October 14, 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.*