# Theodolite vs Handy GPS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Handy GPS at none against Theodolite's 8. Handy GPS also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). Theodolite's advantage is ratings volume (906 vs 10) and chart position (#8 vs unranked). On rating, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Theodolite costs $8.99 and Handy GPS $9.99 up front. Theodolite sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Handy GPS asks for nothing beyond the download.

Handy GPS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Theodolite has 906 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 88% and 88% positive.

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, Handy GPS every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Theodolite | Handy GPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$8.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (906 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884/reviews) | **[4.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-gps/id704471940/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **906** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | **87.8% of reviews** | 87.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884) | [Anthony Dunk](https://appshunter.io/developer/704471943) |

## What reviewers say

### Theodolite

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

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Paid · Navigation (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 |


### Handy GPS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-gps/id704471940)

Navigate the outdoors with this comprehensive tool. Record waypoints, track logs, and find your way home using UTM or lat/lon coordinates. Supports offline maps and data export for planning and sharing.

**Highlights:** UTM and Lat/Lon coordinate support, Waypoint recording and navigation, Track log recording, Offline map tile downloads, KML/GPX file import and export, Magnetic compass and elevation profile, Sun and moon rise/set times

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Theodolite free?

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

### Is Handy GPS free?

Handy GPS costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Theodolite or Handy GPS?

Handy GPS is rated higher. Theodolite averages 4.7 out of 5 from 906 ratings, while Handy GPS averages 4.9 from 10 ratings.

### Do Theodolite or Handy GPS have ads?

Neither Theodolite nor Handy GPS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Theodolite or Handy GPS?

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, and Handy GPS every 6 weeks. Most recently, Theodolite was updated on November 1, 2026 and Handy GPS on November 1, 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.*