# Backroads vs exploreCHQ

The clearest difference is rating: exploreCHQ at 5.0 against Backroads's 3.3. exploreCHQ also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). Backroads's advantage is ratings volume (62 vs 2). 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.

exploreCHQ holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backroads has 62 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Backroads ships an update every 4 months, exploreCHQ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 31, 2026 and May 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backroads | exploreCHQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backroads/id1479238431/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorechq/id1658590686/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **62** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 52.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 173 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Backroads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479238430) | [THE CHAUTAUQUA BIRD TREE AND GARDEN CLUB INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1658590688) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### exploreCHQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorechq/id1658590686)

Discover the natural beauty of the Chautauqua Institution campus with this self-guided touring app. Explore thousands of trees, hundreds of gardens, and the thriving lakeshore habitat alongside its renowned cultural activities.

**Highlights:** Self-guided campus tours, Discover trees and gardens, Explore lakeshore habitat, Information on local flora and fauna, Highlights cultural activities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backroads free?

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

### Is exploreCHQ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backroads or exploreCHQ?

exploreCHQ is rated higher. Backroads averages 3.3 out of 5 from 62 ratings, while exploreCHQ averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Backroads or exploreCHQ have ads?

Neither Backroads nor exploreCHQ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backroads or exploreCHQ?

Backroads ships an update every 4 months, and exploreCHQ every 2 months. Most recently, Backroads was updated on August 31, 2026 and exploreCHQ on May 31, 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.*