# The MST Guide vs Goat Maps

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The MST Guide at none against Goat Maps's 1. The MST Guide also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 76%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). Goat Maps's advantage is ratings volume (51 vs 12). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Goat Maps sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year. The MST Guide asks for nothing beyond the download.

The MST Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of The MST Guide's written reviews are positive against 76% of Goat Maps's.

The MST Guide ships an update every 2 weeks, Goat Maps every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The MST Guide | Goat Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mst-guide/id1547543639/reviews)** | [4.6 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goat-maps/id6499279582/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **51** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 76.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 29 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.1** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joshua Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547543641) | [Goat Maps, inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1743038711) |

## What reviewers say

### The MST Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mst-guide/id1547543639)

This comprehensive guide provides detailed maps and up-to-date information for North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It helps hikers navigate the nearly 1200-mile path, locate essential waypoints, and connect with other hikers through a virtual trail log.

**Highlights:** Real-time location tracking on trail, Up-to-date, rerouted trail maps, Detailed waypoint information (parking, camping, water), Virtual trail logs for hiker communication, Offline navigation capabilities

**In-app purchases:** none


### Goat Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goat-maps/id6499279582)

Navigate your outdoor adventures with confidence using this reliable and easy-to-use mapping application. It offers offline maps, advanced route planning, and custom topographic views, perfect for hiking, skiing, biking, and more. Explore off the grid without distractions.

**Highlights:** Offline Maps, Record Tracks, Advanced Route Planning, Custom Topographic Maps, Multiple Base Maps, Worldwide Map Coverage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Goat Maps Membership | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and speedy performance
- 👍 Clean and well-designed interface
- 🗺️ Precise tracking and navigation
- 💰 Good value for the price
- 🔋 Reliable offline functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Lack of CarPlay support
- 🗺️ Limited map layers and customization options
- 📋 Incomplete feature parity with competitors

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent icon and waypoint syncing from other apps

**Requested features**

- Web-based route planning
- Expanded map layers (e.g., private land, geology)
- More detailed trail information (e.g., seasonal openings, surface type)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The MST Guide free?

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

### Is Goat Maps free?

Goat Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The MST Guide or Goat Maps?

The MST Guide is rated higher. The MST Guide averages 4.9 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Goat Maps averages 4.6 from 51 ratings.

### Do The MST Guide or Goat Maps have ads?

Neither The MST Guide nor Goat Maps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The MST Guide or Goat Maps?

The MST Guide ships an update every 2 weeks, and Goat Maps every 3 weeks. Most recently, The MST Guide was updated on October 9, 2026 and Goat Maps on October 24, 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.*