Comparison

UK Map vs Grid Ref UK and Ireland

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

UK Map

Explore Great Britain with detailed offline maps using Ordnance Survey data. Download free 1:25,000 and 1:10,000 scale maps, plan routes, mark waypoints, and view terrain in 3D. Access place names, street names, and postcodes without an internet connection.

Highlights
  • Unlimited free map downloads
  • Offline map access
  • Route planning and track recording
  • 3D terrain mode
  • Offline place, street, and postcode search
  • GPX file import/export
Features
Read full description

* Unlimited free map downloads based on Ordnance Survey® OpenData, at 1:25,000 and 1:10,000 scales, and now also paid map downloads at 1:50,000, 1:25,000 and 1:10,000 scales, just like the paper maps. * 3D mode ideal for mountains. * Maps downloaded and saved for off-line use. * Mark waypoints, plan routes and record tracks. * Import and export GPX files. * Plot graphs of altitude and speed. * View your photos on the map. * Off-line place, street name and postcode search. After installing the app, please touch the '?' button to view instructions including how to download detailed maps. Northern Ireland is not included. The Isle of Man is included only at 1:250,000 (free) and 1:50,000 (paid). The Channel Islands are not included. Since 2010, Britain's national mapping agency Ordnance Survey has released a large amount of free map data. UK Map makes much of that data available in a single app. It includes 1:1M MiniScale® and 1:250k road maps, which are built into the app, and 1:25k district maps and 1:10k street maps for the entire country which you can download in 5km by 5km tiles. As the free O.S. data does not include footpaths, this app superimposes footpaths derived from volunteer-collected data from OpenStreetMap.org. These downloads are free of charge. In addition to the free maps, you can also purchase and download 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps that are just like the Ordnance Survey paper maps. You can also purchase 1:10,000 maps for selected urban areas which show more detail than the free 1:10,000 maps. Once you've downloaded the detailed maps that you need, an internet connection is not required. The app can load GPX files (for example, from websites, other apps and from nearby devices via AirDrop) and display waypoints, tracks and routes. You can also mark waypoints, plan routes and record tracks within the app, and export them. You can view graphs of altitude or speed along recorded tracks and routes. The app has a 3D mode that lets you view the terrain from any viewpoint, useful for visualising hills and mountains. The app also includes a searchable gazetteer containing over 250,000 place names, 850,000 street names and 1.6 million post codes. All of this data is built in to the app, so this search also works when there is no network connection. The app also supports the compass and GPS - on those devices that have them - to display your position, orientation and altitude. Paid maps are licensed for personal and non-commercial use only. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 - 2024. Please visit the website for more information - https://ukmapapp.com/

About

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

Pinpoint your exact map reference location in the UK and Ireland. Displays GB and Irish Grid References, along with OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude/Longitude. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts needing precise location data.

Highlights
  • GB Grid Reference
  • Irish Grid Reference
  • WGS84 Latitude/Longitude
  • OSGB36 Latitude/Longitude
  • Location sharing via Twitter
  • Graphical grid guides
Features
Read full description

Pinpoint your current map reference location anywhere in the United Kingdom or Ireland. App Provides: GB Grid Ref, Irish Grid Ref, OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude and Longitude values. GB Grid Reference Values are used on Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps in Great Britain (Mainland). Irish National Grid Values are used on Ordnance Survey Ireland and Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) Maps. Grid References will be given to 3 Digits. The Accuracy of Readings, as indicated by your device, will also be shown. Tweet to Share your Location via Twitter! Grid Ref UK and Ireland - Your Grid Reference App! App will operate internationally, but the "Grid Reference" information is intended for use in the British Isles (UK and Republic of Ireland). App includes a graphical guide to the GB and Irish National Grids. Ideally suited for use by walkers, hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is recommended that you should always carry a map and physical compass when on outdoor pursuits. For best results, use in a flat position, not an upright position. Much like a traditional compass. Use in an open space, where possible, away from trees, buildings and sources of interference. The screen can, optionally, be set to stay on, for continued on-screen display of Grid Reference information. Compatible with handsets that feature GPS hardware. You may have to grant the app permission to use this information. -- Ad Supported. Users can opt to Get 10 Figure Grid References and Remove All Ads from the App, via an In-App Purchase.

Screenshots

UK Map4 screens
Grid Ref UK and Ireland4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Grid Ref UK and Ireland at Free against UK Map's $9.99. Grid Ref UK and Ireland also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (81% vs 68%). UK Map's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 9 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Grid Ref UK and Ireland is free to download; UK Map costs $9.99 up front. UK Map sells 92 one-off in-app purchases and Grid Ref UK and Ireland sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Grid Ref UK and Ireland holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of UK Map's written reviews are positive against 81% of Grid Ref UK and Ireland's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

UK Map ships an update every 4 weeks, Grid Ref UK and Ireland every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
UK Map versus Grid Ref UK and Ireland: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUK MapGrid Ref UK and Ireland
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating3.3 (7 ratings)4.3 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews67.5% of reviews81.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size288 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMappendix LimitedMike Irving

Customer experience

UK Map

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive67.5%
Neutral3.5%
Negative28.9%

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative19.0%

In-app purchases

92 purchases

UK Map

One-time92
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 32$0.39
  • Canterbury OS City Map$1.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9F$1.49
Show 89 more
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 31$1.49
  • Portsmouth OS City Map$1.69
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 1$1.89
  • Dundee OS City Map$1.95
  • Exmouth OS City Map$1.95
  • Derby OS City Map$1.99
  • Northampton OS City Map$1.99
  • Reading OS City Map$1.99
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 2$1.99
  • Portishead OS City Map$2.00
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 7G$2.09
  • Inverness OS City Map$2.09
  • Swansea OS City Map$2.09
  • Bristol OS City Map$2.19
  • Fareham OS City Map$2.19
  • Wolverhampton OS City Map$2.19
  • Landywood OS City Map$2.19
  • Aberdeen OS City Map$2.19
  • Dover and Folkestone OS City$2.19
  • Paisley OS City Map$2.19
  • Stirling OS City Map$2.19
  • Coatbridge OS City Map$2.19
  • Perth OS City Map$2.19
  • Preston OS City Map$2.19
  • Windsor OS City Map$2.19
  • St Albans OS City Map$2.19
  • Esher OS City Map$2.19
  • Lancaster OS City Map$2.19
  • Plymouth OS City Map$2.19
  • Newport OS City Map$2.19
  • Plympton OS City Map$2.19
  • Exeter OS City Map$2.19
  • Caerphilly OS City Map$2.19
  • Gloucester OS City Map$2.19
  • Cheltenham OS City Map$2.19
  • Central London SE OS City Map$2.19
  • Bath OS City Map$2.19
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9D$2.29
  • Wembley OS City Map$2.29
  • Central London NW OS City Map$2.29
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 42A$2.29
  • Margate OS City Map$2.39
  • Edinburgh OS City Map$2.39
  • Oxford OS City Map$2.49
  • Liverpool OS City Map$2.49
  • Manchester OS City Map$2.49
  • Hounslow OS City Map$2.49
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9G$2.49
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 24J$2.59
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9J$2.89
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 41E$2.95
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 8J$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 26Q$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 36S$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 21K$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 37N$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 21J$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 26K$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 31J$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 31K$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 30J$3.09
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 8L$3.19
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 22J$3.19
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 36Q$3.19
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 20$3.39
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9A$3.69
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 8$3.69
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 8C$3.79
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 3$3.79
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 10F$3.79
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 13$3.89
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 21$3.89
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 29S$3.99
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9H$4.09
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 22$4.19
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 15$4.29
  • OS 1:25,000 maps sheet 9K$4.29
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 28$4.49
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 6$4.49
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 10$4.59
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 23$4.69
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 4$4.69
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 30$4.89
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 5$4.95
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 14$5.19
  • OS 1:50,000 maps region 9$5.49
  • OS 1:25,000 maps Eng & W N$107.99
  • OS 1:25,000 maps Eng & W S$109.99
  • OS 1:25,000 maps Scotland$111.99
1 purchases

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

One-time1
  • 10 Figure Grid Refs, no ads$0.99

Questions

Is UK Map free?
UK Map costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Grid Ref UK and Ireland free?
Grid Ref UK and Ireland is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, UK Map or Grid Ref UK and Ireland?
Grid Ref UK and Ireland is rated higher. UK Map averages 3.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Grid Ref UK and Ireland averages 4.3 from 4 ratings.
Do UK Map or Grid Ref UK and Ireland have ads?
Neither UK Map nor Grid Ref UK and Ireland shows ads.
Which is updated more often, UK Map or Grid Ref UK and Ireland?
UK Map ships an update every 4 weeks, and Grid Ref UK and Ireland every 9 months. Most recently, UK Map was updated on September 25, 2026 and Grid Ref UK and Ireland on September 16, 2026.

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