ExploreHK vs Benchmrk
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ExploreHK
Read full descriptionHide full description
ExploreHK is an app designed to help visitors and locals alike discover the best attractions and experiences in Hong Kong. The app features a comprehensive guide to must-visit destinations in the city, from famous landmarks to hidden gems that are off the beaten path. With ExploreHK, users can explore Hong Kong's diverse neighborhoods, discover local markets, taste authentic cuisine, and experience the city's vibrant culture. The app provides detailed descriptions, photos, and maps for each attraction, as well as video shot by Ventplore. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, ExploreHK is the perfect tool for discovering all that Hong Kong has to offer. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive content, and customizable features, this app is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the city in a fun and informative way. For now, 21 places are included in this app, other must-visit places in Hong Kong will be added in the coming updates. In version 3.0, a brand new user interface is updated to include the Liquid Glass texture in our app. Hope you enjoy the design!
Benchmrk
Read full descriptionHide full description
Benchmrk is for people who care where they sit. Discover benches on a map, check in when you take a seat, rate the view and comfort, listen for birds, and follow friends to see where they’ve been sitting. THE MAP Explore benches near you — or search any area on the map. Set home for local weather and featured picks. Add new benches with a photo when you find a seat worth sharing. Save drafts and finish them later. BENCH DETAILS Every bench has photos, location, and community ratings for condition, view, and comfort. See who’s sat there recently, read comments, and check the forecast before you go. CHECK IN When you’re at a bench, check in and rate your sit. Location-verified check-ins help the community find the good spots — and count towards your stats. BIRD ID Sit down and listen. Benchmrk identifies birds on your device using BirdNET — no audio is sent to the cloud for identification. After checking in, share confirmed species to the bench’s bird list. Browse birds found at any bench, with photos and calls. HOME FEED Your bench world at a glance: community stats, friend stories, featured benches, latest bird discoveries, and the newest seats on the map. BENCH BUDDIES Add friends and see their check-ins, new benches, and birds found in stories and on your feed. Share your profile and invite others to join. LEVEL UP Progress along four paths — Bench, Sit, Visitor, and Bird — from Bench Spotter to Pathfinder, Iron Butt, and beyond. Collect achievements and choose a flair to show off your rank. Browse the map as a guest. Sign in with Apple or Google for the full experience. Built for walkers, park explorers, and anyone who stops to sit outdoors.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Benchmrk at every 10 days against ExploreHK's every 3 months. Benchmrk also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ExploreHK ships an update every 3 months, Benchmrk every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ExploreHK | Benchmrk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 268 MB | 160 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kai Hin Tsoi | Brent Charlton |
In-app purchases
ExploreHK
No in-app purchases
Benchmrk
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ExploreHK free?
Is Benchmrk free?
Do ExploreHK or Benchmrk have ads?
Which is updated more often, ExploreHK or Benchmrk?
Other comparisons















