Comparison

GPX Follower vs BareGPS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GPX Follower

Easily import, view, and follow GPS tracks in GPX format. Ideal for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and motorcycling.

Highlights
  • Import GPX files
  • View GPS tracks
  • Follow navigation routes
  • Supports walking
  • Supports cycling
  • Supports motorcycling
Read full description

Import, view and follow GPS eXchange format (GPX) files. Can be used for walking, cycling, motorcycling

About

BareGPS

Read full description

Overview BareGPS is a free field-use hiking-focused GPS tracker/recorder which allows caching of mapping to allow offgrid use. The app does not bundle area specific waypoints or waypoint collections, but allows import of these from third-party sources to suit your purpose and location. Menus β€’ Search: Search local waypoints and the wider world. β€’ About: shows this app guide and the app logo. β€’ Settings: opens the settings menu. β€’ Cache: saves and manages offline map areas. β€’ GPX: manages recording and saved tracks. β€’ Map Layer: switches the map layer. β€’ Orientation: resets the map to north-up. β€’ Recenter: returns the map to your current position. GPX Recording Metrics Grids In Settings, under Recording Display, you can choose between two metrics grids on the map. The options are a full metrics display with recording controls and a compact display, which is the default, without recording controls. Recording using full on-map grid When using the full grid, a long tap makes the grid active and usable for 20 seconds, after which it becomes inactive in order to prevent accidental operation. Recording using compact on-map grid Tap the GPX Recording button in the right column and a dialog including recording controls will open. Using Recording Controls Tap Start to begin recording, Stop to end the current track, Discard to throw away a recording you do not want to keep, and Save to keep it on the device. Location Permissions and Data BareGPS uses location access to show your position, and support map recentering and recording features. The app can record, with permission, while it is minimised, in the background or while your phone is locked. For this reason, we suggest choosing While Using the App and turning on Precise Location in Location Services. Location data is processed on device for map display and related features. The app does not require an account, and GPX files, created waypoints or any saved data stays in the app’s local storage unless you export it yourself. Safety BareGPS is a mapping tool, not a substitute for local judgment, route planning, or outdoor safety checks. Note that, for your own safety, you should not rely solely on this app, or any app, for your navigation and safety in the hills. Possession of a map and compass and/or a dedicated GPS unit, and the ability to use them correctly, is an essential precaution. While phones have improved immeasurably in recent years, shortcomings in battery life, waterproofing and signal mean they are not yet suitable as a sole navigation device in the hills. Your safety is your responsibility. Take that responsibility seriously. Private Land Respect property boundaries, access restrictions, and local signage. If a route crosses private land or a restricted area, use lawful access only and choose an alternative route when needed. Credits AppsbyOnzy@gmail.com. β€’ Map rendering: MapLibre Native. β€’ Topographic maps: Map data Β© OpenStreetMap contributors; DEM: SRTM, Sonny; map style Β© OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA). β€’ OpenStreetmaps: Β© OpenStreetMap contributors. β€’ Satellite maps: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, USDA, and USGS.

Screenshots

GPX Follower3 screens
BareGPS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GPX Follower at every 2 weeks against BareGPS's every 3 months. GPX Follower also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPX Follower ships an update every 2 weeks, BareGPS every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 6 level
GPX Follower versus BareGPS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPX FollowerBareGPS
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews33.3% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks β€” betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPod β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS9.0 β€” better18.2
Further details β€” not scored
Size10 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJohan DegraeveDavid Owens

In-app purchases

None

GPX Follower

No in-app purchases

None

BareGPS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPX Follower free?
GPX Follower is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BareGPS free?
BareGPS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GPX Follower or BareGPS have ads?
Neither GPX Follower nor BareGPS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GPX Follower or BareGPS?
GPX Follower ships an update every 2 weeks, and BareGPS every 3 months. Most recently, GPX Follower was updated on November 3, 2026 and BareGPS on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons