# Theodolite vs Earthmate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Theodolite at 88% against Earthmate's 22%. Theodolite also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.7) and chart position (#8 vs unranked). Earthmate's advantage is price (Free vs $8.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Earthmate is free to download; Theodolite costs $8.99 up front. Theodolite sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Earthmate asks for nothing beyond the download.

Theodolite holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 902 and 272 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Theodolite's written reviews are positive against 22% of Earthmate's.

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, Earthmate monthly. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Theodolite | Earthmate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (902 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884/reviews)** | [2.7 (272 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **902** | 272 |
| Positive reviews | **87.8% of reviews** | 21.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### Theodolite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Paid · Navigation, #184 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app combines a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map with augmented reality features. Capture photos and videos with overlaid geographical data, and navigate using detailed offline maps. Share locations and collaborate with others for various outdoor and professional uses.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality viewfinder, Compass and inclinometer, GPS and map navigation, Data-overlay photo/video camera, Offline map support, Rangefinder and nav calculator, Coordinate system support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $0.99 | one-time |
| Team Tracking | $1.99 | one-time |
| World Datum Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| US Mountain Summits AR Layer | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $8.99 | one-time |
| 20,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $17.99 | one-time |
| US State Plane Coordinates | $24.99 | one-time |


### Earthmate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758)

Connect your satellite communicator to your mobile device for text messaging, navigation, and trip planning. Access offline maps, track your location, and share your adventures globally. Stay connected and safe on any outdoor expedition.

**Highlights:** Send/receive text messages, Offline topographic maps, Waypoint and route navigation, Tracking and location sharing, Trip logging and planning, Cloud storage for trips, Control inReach device features

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Offline maps
- 📡 Satellite communication
- 💬 Messaging functionality
- 🗺️ Tracking and navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable Bluetooth connectivity
- 🔍 Lacking detailed maps
- 🔑 Login/sync issues
- 🔧 Buggy and unstable
- 🗓️ Frequent app crashes

**Reported bugs**

- Invisible text fields
- Disappearing waypoints and tracks
- Inability to send preset messages from app
- Incorrect wind speed display
- Broken map downloads

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch integration
- Customizable preset messages
- Improved map detail and customization
- Seamless sync between app and device
- Frequent message check intervals


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Theodolite free?

Theodolite costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Earthmate free?

Earthmate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Theodolite or Earthmate?

Theodolite is rated higher. Theodolite averages 4.7 out of 5 from 902 ratings, while Earthmate averages 2.7 from 272 ratings.

### Do Theodolite or Earthmate have ads?

Neither Theodolite nor Earthmate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Theodolite or Earthmate?

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, and Earthmate monthly. Most recently, Theodolite was updated on October 19, 2026 and Earthmate on October 19, 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.*