# GridPoint GB vs what3words

The clearest difference is ads: GridPoint GB at none against what3words's shown. GridPoint GB also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 56%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.1). what3words's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 16 months) and chart position (#117 vs unranked). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GridPoint GB sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and what3words sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.69 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, what3words weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GridPoint GB | what3words |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **44K** |
| Positive reviews | **72.3% of reviews** | 55.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#117** |
| Size | 23 MB | 315 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [George MacKerron](https://appshunter.io/developer/314445601) | [what3words Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657878533) |

## What reviewers say

### GridPoint GB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridpoint-gb/id314445598)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Magnificent tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Majestic tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Monumental tip | $8.99 | one-time |


### what3words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530)

**Currently charting:** #117 Top Grossing · Navigation, #134 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

This app assigns a unique three-word address to every 10-foot square on Earth. Easily find, share, and navigate to precise locations worldwide using simple word combinations. It's ideal for pinpointing exact meeting spots, deliveries, or even emergency services.

**Highlights:** Navigate using three-word addresses, Share precise locations, Find current address offline, Compatible with navigation apps, Save and categorize favorite locations, Offline navigation with compass mode, Supports over 60 languages

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| what3words Pro | $4.69 | per month |
| what3words Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate location tracking
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚑 Potentially life-saving in emergencies
- 🗺️ Precise location sharing
- 🤝 Helpful for meeting up with friends/family

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent location accuracy
- 🤔 Confusing/not well-explained
- 📱 Requires data/cellular connectivity
- 🗺️ Outdated map data
- 🔍 Difficult to find/search saved locations

**Reported bugs**

- Location changes unexpectedly
- App crashes on launch
- Unable to select country/language

**Requested features**

- Add ability to sort/organize saved locations
- Integrate with contacts/address book
- Provide voice output for location names
- Offer offline map downloads
- Develop a version for seniors/accessibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GridPoint GB free?

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

### Is what3words free?

what3words is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do GridPoint GB or what3words have ads?

what3words shows ads; GridPoint GB does not.

### Which is updated more often, GridPoint GB or what3words?

GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, and what3words weekly. Most recently, GridPoint GB was updated on October 23, 2026 and what3words 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.*