# Geocaching® vs Game Maps IRL

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Geocaching® at 70% against Game Maps IRL's 19%. Geocaching® also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). Game Maps IRL's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Geocaching® sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Game Maps IRL sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Geocaching® holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 66K and 30K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Geocaching®'s written reviews are positive against 19% of Game Maps IRL's.

Geocaching® ships an update fortnightly, Game Maps IRL every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Geocaching® | Game Maps IRL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (66K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geocaching/id329541503/reviews)** | [4.6 (30K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-maps-irl/id6742728012/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **66K** | 30K |
| Positive reviews | **70.3% of reviews** | 19.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#10** | #22 |
| Size | 143 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Groundspeak Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/292242506) | [Retry Apps Yazılım Limited Şirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/6775402222) |

## What reviewers say

### Geocaching®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geocaching/id329541503)

**Currently charting:** #10 Top Grossing · Navigation, #36 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Discover millions of hidden containers worldwide with this app. It guides you through finding your first geocache with tips and instructions. Navigate using maps, compass, or driving directions, and connect with a global community of treasure hunters.

**Highlights:** View geocache details, activity, and hints, Navigate via map, compass, or directions, Live Search for nearby geocaches, Find traditional geocaches and events, Message other players, Trackable item management, Log geocaches with photos

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Membership | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium membership | $6.99 | per month |
| 2 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| 5 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $11.99 | per year |
| 2 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $11.99 | per year |
| 10 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| 5 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| 10 Shareables Yearly Subscription | $17.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium Membership | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium membership | $39.99 | per year |
| 3-month membership | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1-year membership | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun outdoor activity
- 🌳 Explores new places
- 👍 Great family activity
- 🗺️ Useful navigation features
- 📸 Ability to log finds and photos

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive premium subscription
- 🔒 Locking higher difficulty caches behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and bugs
- 🗺️ Inaccurate or limited map features
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to log trackables from the app
- Inconsistent performance when zooming and panning maps
- Unreliable GPS and compass functionality
- Difficulty canceling premium subscription

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit cache descriptions and add images
- Option to filter by cache placement year
- Trackable journey tracking on the app
- Seamless integration with other navigation apps
- Offline caching data and navigation


### Game Maps IRL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/game-maps-irl/id6742728012)

**Currently charting:** #22 Top Grossing · Navigation, #30 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Transform everyday navigation into an adventure by viewing your location through the styles of iconic game maps. Get directions with a fresh, engaging perspective. Some features require in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Stylized maps inspired by game designs, Turn-by-turn navigation, Apple CarPlay support, Save home location, Personalized navigation experience

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Game Maps IRL - Weekly Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Game Maps IRL: Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Game Maps IRL - Monthly Offer | $14.99 | per month |
| Game Maps IRL - Yearly Offer | $39.99 | per year |
| Game Maps IRL - Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlock All Maps Offer | $29.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Maps | $49.90 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤠 RDR2 map included
- 💡 Cyberpunk map included

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription ($4.99/week or $40/year)
- 🔒 Can't access most maps without paying
- 🤔 Requires subscription to even view maps
- 📍 Can't search for addresses, only scroll on map

**Reported bugs**

- Excessive ads (6 ads before doing anything)
- Doesn't provide navigation/directions

**Requested features**

- Make RDR2 map free
- Add ability to search for addresses
- Sync with other apps to check location


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Geocaching® free?

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

### Is Game Maps IRL free?

Game Maps IRL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Geocaching® or Game Maps IRL?

Geocaching® is rated higher. Geocaching® averages 4.8 out of 5 from 66K ratings, while Game Maps IRL averages 4.6 from 30K ratings.

### Do Geocaching® or Game Maps IRL have ads?

Neither Geocaching® nor Game Maps IRL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Geocaching® or Game Maps IRL?

Geocaching® ships an update fortnightly, and Game Maps IRL every 2 months. Most recently, Geocaching® was updated on October 17, 2026 and Game Maps IRL on October 17, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Geocaching® or Game Maps IRL?

Geocaching® currently peaks at #10 in the App Store charts, and Game Maps IRL at #22. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*