# Explore Shanghai vs Beijing MRT Map

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Beijing MRT Map at none against Explore Shanghai's 1. Beijing MRT Map also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). Explore Shanghai's advantage is ratings volume (1.3K vs 5). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Explore Shanghai sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Beijing MRT Map asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Explore Shanghai against 4.8 for Beijing MRT Map. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Explore Shanghai has 1.3K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Explore Shanghai ships an update every 2 months, Beijing MRT Map every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explore Shanghai | Beijing MRT Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explore-shanghai/id340706615/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beijing-mrt-map/id6502695124/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 80.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 53 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ExploreMetro](https://appshunter.io/developer/340706618) | [炽金 练](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523269489) |

## What reviewers say

### Explore Shanghai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explore-shanghai/id340706615)

Navigate Shanghai's metro system with an up-to-date, offline map and route planner. Features include GPS station finder, integrated street maps for exits, and support for English and Chinese.

**Highlights:** Up-to-date metro map, Offline functionality, Route planner, GPS nearest station finder, Integrated street maps, English and Chinese support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP mode | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient route planning
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🗺️ Accurate and up-to-date maps
- 🔊 Voice announcements for station names
- 💰 Helpful fare and travel time information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Missing new metro lines and stations
- 🗺️ Lack of offline street maps
- 💰 Paid features not worth the cost
- 🔄 Restore purchases not working
- 📢 Ads in paid version

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on certain devices
- Nearest station feature not working
- Inaccurate route planning and travel times

**Requested features**

- Offline street maps with station exits
- Chinese character support for station names
- Integration with Google Maps for directions
- Customizable route planning options
- Closure times for specific metro lines


### Beijing MRT Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beijing-mrt-map/id6502695124)

This travel app provides a comprehensive Beijing subway map and intelligent route planning. It offers detailed station information, including first and last bus times, to help you navigate the city efficiently. Supports multiple languages for a user-friendly experience.

**Highlights:** Complete subway line map, Multi-language support (Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English), Intelligent route planning with transfers, Station details, First and last bus times

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explore Shanghai free?

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

### Is Beijing MRT Map free?

Beijing MRT Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Explore Shanghai or Beijing MRT Map?

Beijing MRT Map is rated higher. Explore Shanghai averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Beijing MRT Map averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do Explore Shanghai or Beijing MRT Map have ads?

Both Explore Shanghai and Beijing MRT Map show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Explore Shanghai or Beijing MRT Map?

Explore Shanghai ships an update every 2 months, and Beijing MRT Map every 3 weeks. Most recently, Explore Shanghai was updated on October 12, 2026 and Beijing MRT Map on September 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.*