# Topo Maps vs C

The clearest difference is price: C at Free against Topo Maps's $19.99. C also leads on ratings volume (2.3K vs 128) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). Topo Maps's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (70% vs 51%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

C is free to download; Topo Maps costs $19.99 up front. C sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Topo Maps asks for nothing beyond the download.

C holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: C has 2.3K ratings behind it against 128, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Topo Maps's written reviews are positive against 51% of C's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Topo Maps ships an update every 2 months, C every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Topo Maps | C |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-map-boating/id967289980/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 128 | **2.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **69.6% of reviews** | 51.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | #113 |
| Size | 112 MB | 169 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mappendix Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/298854054) | [Navico Norway AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/842162153) |

## What reviewers say

### Topo Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

Access detailed topographical maps for hiking and backcountry activities. Download maps for offline use and navigate with features like waypoints, current location tracking, and compass alignment. Search for millions of geographical features.

**Highlights:** Offline topographical map access, USGS and Canadian map downloads, Waypoint marking and GPX import/export, Current location and compass alignment, Search for geographical features, Distance and bearing measurement

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📍 Accurate USGS topographic maps for navigation
- 📱 Offline functionality without cellular service
- 💰 One-time purchase with no subscription fees
- 🎯 Precise GPS positioning and waypoint marking
- 📥 Easy map downloading and management

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🗺️ Outdated map data (10-30+ years old)
- 🔴 Alignment issues in some regions (Central Washington)
- ❌ No GPS tracking/breadcrumb trail feature
- 🚫 Limited geographic coverage (US/Canada only)
- ⚠️ Inconsistent elevation accuracy vs. actual GPS

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to open on iOS 16.2 and later versions
- Map download errors with spotty connectivity prevent future downloads
- App freezes after recent updates
- GPS location inaccuracy on iPhone (works better on iPad)
- Maps misaligned in certain regions

**Requested features**

- GPS tracking with automatic breadcrumb trails
- GPX and KML file import/export capabilities
- Cloud synchronization of waypoints across devices
- Satellite imagery download option
- Track recording and playback functionality


### C

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-map-boating/id967289980)

**Currently charting:** #113 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Access up-to-date nautical charts for global exploration and planning. Save points of interest and routes, record tracks, and view marine weather. Upgrade for offline maps, GPS, and advanced features like shaded relief and AIS.

**Highlights:** Free chart viewer, Autorouting, Personal waypoints, Track recording, Marine weather forecasts, Offline map downloads, High-resolution bathymetry

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Embark Advanced Weather | $1.99 | per month |
| Embark Offline Maps USA | $2.49 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Annual subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Region | $18.99 | per year |
| North America | $23.49 | per year |
| Maps Lakes South East USA | $25.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Caribbean | $32.99 | per year |
| Maps USA East Coast & Bahamas | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate maps and charts
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive
- 📍 Helpful for planning trips and routes
- 🛳️ Useful for both professionals and beginners
- ⚙️ Detailed features like shaded relief and weather info

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- ⚠️ Unreliable GPS tracking and location updates
- 🔌 Offline maps and features not working as expected
- 🤔 Confusing or missing functionality (e.g. route editing)
- 💸 Expensive subscription, not worth the cost

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to save tracks or routes
- Offline maps fail to download or disappear
- Depth/contour data inaccurate or not displaying properly
- Login and authentication issues preventing access

**Requested features**

- Add mast height/clearance feature
- Improve AIS integration and functionality
- Allow more customization of map views and data
- Provide better customer support and communication


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Topo Maps free?

Topo Maps costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is C free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Topo Maps or C?

C is rated higher. Topo Maps averages 4.3 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while C averages 4.5 from 2.3K ratings.

### Do Topo Maps or C have ads?

Neither Topo Maps nor C shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Topo Maps or C?

Topo Maps ships an update every 2 months, and C every 6 weeks. Most recently, Topo Maps was updated on October 10, 2026 and C on October 13, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Topo Maps or C?

Topo Maps currently peaks at #32 in the App Store charts, and C at #113. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*
