Comparison

GridPoint GB vs OS2Maps

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GridPoint GB

Locate yourself on a paper Ordnance Survey map using your iPhone's GPS and compass, even without mobile reception. It provides your grid reference and heading, with accurate coordinate conversions. Features include Apple Watch integration, location sharing, and sunset/sunrise times.

Highlights
  • GPS and compass for location
  • Accurate coordinate conversions
  • Apple Watch app and complication
  • Location sharing
  • Sunset and sunrise times
  • Distress signal
Features
Read full description

If you have a paper Ordnance Survey (OS) map, GridPoint GB makes it easy to locate yourself β€” even when you've got no mobile reception. The app uses your iPhone's GPS and compass to provide your current grid reference and heading, and illustrates how to use this to locate yourself on the map. Coordinate conversions are implemented via OS's OSTN02, accurate to within 1m. The app also: * Includes an Apple Watch app and associated complication * Reports full numerical easting and northing, tetrad, raw latitude/longitude, a nearby postcode, and various heading parameters * Has a sharing facility so you can share, copy or store your location * Calculates next sunset and sunrise times * Can emit a distress signal, just in case All features are free to use β€” the in-app purchase is simply a tip you can give the developer to show appreciation. For details and instructions, please see http://mackerron.com/gridpointgb/ Please note: this app works ONLY in Britain (i.e. England, Scotland or Wales). It does not operate in other parts of the UK or British Isles and cannot provide coordinates in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, since a different coordinate system is used.

About

OS2Maps

This app converts UK Ordnance Survey grid references into standard GPS coordinates. Once converted, it allows you to easily open these locations in Apple Maps or Google Maps for navigation. It's ideal for planning outdoor activities where starting points are given in OS grid format.

Highlights
  • Convert UK OS grid references
  • Generate GPS latitude and longitude
  • Open locations in Apple Maps
  • Open locations in Google Maps
  • Navigate to converted locations
Features
Read full description

Convert UK Ordinance Survey grid references into standard GPS latitude and longitude. Following conversion the app enables the location to be opened easily in Apple or Google Maps. This is useful for situations such as when a start location for a walk is provided in OS grid format as this enables Apple or Google Maps to be used to navigate to the start easily.

Screenshots

GridPoint GB4 screens
OS2Maps2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GridPoint GB at Free against OS2Maps's $1.99. GridPoint GB also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 50%). OS2Maps's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 16 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

GridPoint GB is free to download; OS2Maps costs $1.99 up front. GridPoint GB sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. OS2Maps asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, OS2Maps every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences Β· 3 level
GridPoint GB versus OS2Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridPoint GBOS2Maps
PriceFree β€” better$1.99
Positive reviews72.3% of reviews β€” better50.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 16 monthsEvery 6 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases β€” betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac β€” better
Requires iOS12.011.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size23 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGeorge MacKerronAlastair Begley

Customer experience

GridPoint GB

Written reviews65 reviews
Positive72.3%
Neutral1.5%
Negative26.2%

OS2Maps

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

GridPoint GB

One-time3
  • Magnificent tip$2.99
  • Majestic tip$4.99
  • Monumental tip$8.99
None

OS2Maps

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GridPoint GB free?
GridPoint GB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OS2Maps free?
OS2Maps costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GridPoint GB or OS2Maps have ads?
Neither GridPoint GB nor OS2Maps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridPoint GB or OS2Maps?
GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, and OS2Maps every 6 days. Most recently, GridPoint GB was updated on September 17, 2026 and OS2Maps on September 10, 2026.

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