# Maps for OSM vs MapLayers

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Maps for OSM at none against MapLayers's 1. Maps for OSM also leads on ads (none vs shown). MapLayers's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MapLayers sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $24.99 per year. Maps for OSM asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Maps for OSM against 5.0 for MapLayers. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Maps for OSM | MapLayers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maps-for-osm/id1595273365/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maplayers/id6446806262/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Roennau](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499959874) | [CartoLake, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604655747) |

## What reviewers say

### Maps for OSM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maps-for-osm/id1595273365)

Explore detailed maps from OpenStreetMap with offline capabilities. Record tracks, add notes, and capture photos or videos directly on the map. This open-source application offers robust data management and backup features.

**Highlights:** Offline map tile preloading, Place markers and notes, Photo and video capture, GPX track recording and export, Data backup and restore, Open source

**In-app purchases:** none


### MapLayers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maplayers/id6446806262)

Access a wide variety of maps for outdoor activities, including USGS and Bureau of Land Management charts. Import custom GeoPDF maps and overlay them with different base layers. Track your GPS location and record your travels for review.

**Highlights:** GPS tracking and logging, Multiple map types, Custom GeoPDF import, Map overlays, Compass navigation, View current location

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Maps for OSM free?

Maps for OSM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MapLayers free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Maps for OSM or MapLayers?

Maps for OSM and MapLayers are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Maps for OSM or MapLayers have ads?

MapLayers shows ads; Maps for OSM does not.

### Which is updated more often, Maps for OSM or MapLayers?

Maps for OSM ships an update every 3 weeks, and MapLayers every 3 weeks. Most recently, Maps for OSM was updated on October 12, 2026 and MapLayers on October 27, 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.*