# GCBuddy vs Cachly

The clearest difference is rating: Cachly at 4.8 against GCBuddy's 3.3. Cachly also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (3.7K vs 3). GCBuddy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

GCBuddy costs $6.99 and Cachly $4.99 up front. Cachly sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. GCBuddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cachly holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cachly has 3.7K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 81% and 80% positive.

GCBuddy ships an update every 2 months, Cachly every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | GCBuddy | Cachly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | [3.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gcbuddy-geocaching/id298774229/reviews) | **[4.8 (3.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cachly-geocaching/id645384141/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **3.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.7% of reviews** | 80.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#76** |
| Size | 37 MB | 439 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BtStSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/290585565) | [Zed Said Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/392666756) |

## What reviewers say

### GCBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gcbuddy-geocaching/id298774229)

This app helps geocachers solve multi-caches by recording values and automatically calculating waypoint coordinates. It also allows you to navigate to parking spots and view cache details offline.

**Highlights:** Automatic waypoint coordinate calculation, Offline cache management, Paperless caching with image downloads, Parking spot navigation, Built-in compass and map, Log directly to geocaching.com

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cachly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cachly-geocaching/id645384141)

**Currently charting:** #76 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This app is an advanced tool for geocaching enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive suite of features for finding, logging, and managing geocaches. It supports offline maps, proximity alerts, and integrates with various navigation apps. Advanced users can track DeLorme grids and counties, manage online drafts, and scan trackable codes.

**Highlights:** Official Geocaching HQ Partner App, CarPlay Integration, DeLorme Grid & County Tracking, Auto Load Map, Online Draft Management, Adventure Labs Support, Proximity Alerts, Offline Vector Maps

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Cachly Pro Offline Maps | $4.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Maps Supporter | $2.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Maps Supporter + Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Maps Supporter + Big Tip | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best geocaching app
- 👍 Excellent features and functionality
- 🗺️ Offline maps and navigation
- 🔄 Constant updates and improvements
- 💬 Responsive and helpful developer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paid subscription required for full access
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🗺️ Offline maps not included by default
- ⏱️ Limited free access (3 caches per day)
- 🤔 Steep learning curve for new users

**Reported bugs**

- Cache details not loading properly
- Sync issues with Geocaching.com account
- Apple Watch app functionality problems

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved trackable management
- Customizable log templates
- Proximity alerts for nearby caches
- Breadcrumb trail for navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GCBuddy free?

GCBuddy costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cachly free?

Cachly costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GCBuddy or Cachly?

Cachly is rated higher. GCBuddy averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Cachly averages 4.8 from 3.7K ratings.

### Do GCBuddy or Cachly have ads?

Neither GCBuddy nor Cachly shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GCBuddy or Cachly?

GCBuddy ships an update every 2 months, and Cachly every 9 days. Most recently, GCBuddy was updated on October 29, 2026 and Cachly on October 29, 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.*