# SonsOfSmokey vs Backseat Geologist

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Backseat Geologist at 92% against SonsOfSmokey's 45%. Backseat Geologist also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.8) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). SonsOfSmokey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backseat Geologist sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SonsOfSmokey asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backseat Geologist holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 86 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of SonsOfSmokey's written reviews are positive against 92% of Backseat Geologist's.

SonsOfSmokey ships an update every 3 months, Backseat Geologist fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SonsOfSmokey | Backseat Geologist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonsofsmokey/id1625870688/reviews) | **[4.8 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backseat-geologist/id6746209605/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews | **92.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.5** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sons of Smokey](https://appshunter.io/developer/1625870690) | [Blake Morgan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1815745960) |

## What reviewers say

### SonsOfSmokey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonsofsmokey/id1625870688)

This app helps users identify and report illegal dumping on public lands. Users can geo-tag and photograph dump sites, then mark them as cleaned up. It aims to unite public land users and volunteers in restoring natural areas.

**Highlights:** Identify illegal dump sites, Geo-tag and photograph debris, Real-time trash map, Mark locations as cleaned up, Volunteer for cleanup projects

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Backseat Geologist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backseat-geologist/id6746209605)

This app provides audio explanations of the geology visible from your car. Explore geological features, create custom routes, and learn about earth history on the go. Offline access and adjustable audience settings enhance the learning experience.

**Highlights:** Audio descriptions of geology, Interactive geologic map, Custom route creation, Offline map and data access, Adjustable audience settings, Points of Interest (volcanoes, earthquakes), Background audio playback

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Max Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $17.99 | per year |
| Max Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Colorado I-70 Route Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Seward Highway | $4.99 | one-time |
| Moab Utah Route Pack | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SonsOfSmokey free?

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

### Is Backseat Geologist free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist?

Backseat Geologist is rated higher. SonsOfSmokey averages 3.8 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Backseat Geologist averages 4.8 from 86 ratings.

### Do SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist have ads?

Neither SonsOfSmokey nor Backseat Geologist shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist?

SonsOfSmokey ships an update every 3 months, and Backseat Geologist fortnightly. Most recently, SonsOfSmokey was updated on November 3, 2026 and Backseat Geologist on November 8, 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.*