FTQ Lab vs Navigate Back
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FTQ Lab
This app facilitates public transport travel by automatically calculating fares based on your journey, regardless of stops or transfers. It requires an activation code for specific configurations and travel areas. Users can easily start and stop their trips, view tickets, and receive reminders to check out.
- Automatic fare calculation
- Supports multiple transport types
- No need to enter destination
- Start/Stop trip functionality
- View digital tickets
- Check-out reminders
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The purpose of the FTQ Lab app is to cover special use cases that are not addressed by our flagship product: FAIRTIQ app. IMPORTANT The configuration and available feature set can differ when using the FTQ Lab app. You must be in possession of an activation code in order to complete the registration process. If you don't have an activation code and haven't been instructed to download the FTQ Lab app then you should download the FAIRTIQ app instead. Furthermore, the activation code configures the app with a tailor-made setup. The configuration depends on the activation code used. It’s possible, for example, to use a FTQ Lab setup where purchasing valid travel tickets is not possible, and you, therefore, would need to purchase a separate ticket to be authorised to travel. Please check the specific terms & conditions and in-app information that are provided for each setup OVERVIEW With FTQ Lab, it doesn't matter how many stops you make along the way, or if you change between trains, buses and trams. With FTQ Lab there are no hassles, no complications, just smooth and easy travel! HOW IT WORKS The first step of the registration process requires an activation code. This activation code defines the geographical area where you can travel in and the corresponding configuration. Once you have registered, you are ready to travel with the FTQ Lab app! Shortly before boarding a vehicle, such as a train, bus, tram or boat, simply swipe the "Start" button in the FTQ Lab app. Your final destination does not need to be entered. Once you have arrived at your destination, swipe the "Stop" button in FTQ Lab. The optimised cost for your trip, if applicable, is then displayed in the app. Should you ever forget to check-out, we will remind you. If there is a ticket inspection, just open the app and click on “View Ticket”. Please check the specific terms & conditions and in-app information that are provided for each FTQ Lab setup. WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Our support team is at your disposal to answer any questions, offer advice and provide further information. Contact us at feedback@fairtiq.com.
Navigate Back
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Explore an unfamiliar city, wander through narrow streets—and suddenly you no longer know where your cruise ship is docked, where the bus is waiting, or where your hotel is. Navigate Back was created for exactly these situations. SAVE PLACES AND PLAN TRIPS Save hotels, berths, meeting points, destinations, or the location of your car. Add an address, GPS coordinates, notes, and important contacts. Prepare your trips at home on your iPhone or iPad. THREE WAYS TO EXPLORE Map Navigation: Choose a saved place, an address, or GPS coordinates. Navigate Back provides turn-by-turn directions—on foot, by bicycle, by car, or by public transport. Your journey is recorded along the way, and the outbound and return trips can be saved as separate tracks. Compass Navigation: When there is no suitable road network, the app shows the direct direction to your destination, along with the distance, estimated arrival time, and other information. Ideal for trips away from marked paths, across open terrain, or on the water. Your actual path is recorded automatically and saved as a separate route. Free Movement: No destination and no directional guidance—simply start walking, running, or riding. Navigate Back automatically records your path. Ideal for bike rides, hikes, walks, and exploratory trips where the journey itself matters. PHOTOS, MARKERS, AND TRIP DETAILS Add markers along the way and link photos to your route. After your trip, view details such as distance, duration, pace, elevation profile, steps, and more. You can also use your recorded track to help retrace your journey. STAY ORIENTED OFFLINE Using GPS and the compass, you can determine your current position, direction, and distance to your destination—even without a cellular connection. The app transfers all relevant destination data directly to Apple Maps for navigation. If the required maps have been downloaded in advance, navigation is also available offline. CONTACTS AND TRANSLATION ASSISTANCE Save phone numbers for tour guides, bus drivers, the ship’s reception desk, or family members. The conversation feature translates spoken or typed text and can read the translation aloud. Navigate Back is not an emergency, rescue, or maritime navigation service. In immediate danger, contact the local emergency services. When on the water, always use the required navigation equipment. COMPANION APP FOR APPLE WATCH On Apple Watch, you can view previously saved destinations and routes, use the compass to check direction and distance, and call important contacts. You can also start navigation on the paired iPhone. New places, contacts, and routes must be created in the iPhone or iPad app. The Watch app does not provide independent route planning or turn-by-turn navigation and requires a compatible iPhone with Navigate Back installed. PRIVACY No account, no registration, and no advertising or cross-app tracking. Location and route data are used only for features you initiate and are stored locally. When synchronization is enabled, the data is synced between your devices through your personal iCloud account. Navigate Back gives you the freedom to explore—and helps you find your way back later. Learn more about the story behind the app and all its features: https://www.onetwoapps.com/en/navigateBack.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FTQ Lab at Free against Navigate Back's $2.99. FTQ Lab also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Navigate Back's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
FTQ Lab is free to download; Navigate Back costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
FTQ Lab ships an update fortnightly, Navigate Back every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FTQ Lab | Navigate Back |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 104 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Fairtiq AG | Christian Drapatz |
In-app purchases
FTQ Lab
No in-app purchases
Navigate Back
No in-app purchases









