Comparison

Avenza Maps vs BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

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

Head to head
About

Avenza Maps

Navigate any terrain with offline GPS maps, even without cell service. Explore a vast Map Store for hiking, biking, and travel, or import your own custom maps. Record tracks, add notes, and identify your location precisely.

Highlights
  • Offline GPS navigation
  • Real-time GPS position and direction
  • Record GPS tracks
  • Add photos and notes to locations
  • Import custom maps
  • Map Store with professional maps
Features
Read full description

New Description: Avenza Maps is a powerful offline navigation app for professional field work. Use offline maps with GPS navigation to stay on track anywhere—no signal required, so you can navigate confidently with precise location awareness. Discover and download trail, topographic, land use, utility, nautical, and survey data from trusted publishers, or import your own maps. Avenza supports custom map import, letting you work with PDF maps, GeoPDF®, and GeoTIFF files for reliable navigation both on and off the grid. Explore trusted outdoor & professional data Access the largest mobile Map Stores featuring content from: National Geographic National Park Service US Forest Service (USFS) US Geological Survey (USGS) NOAA, FAA, BLM, and more Avenza is widely used by professionals worldwide for surveying, land management, environmental work, GIS field operations, and more. Make your own maps? Import your custom maps and never get lost off the grid. Maps are available for free or purchase from the in-app Map Store. Plus subscription is available for unlimited custom map imports. Pro subscription is available for professional users with full access to all features and mapping tools. ENHANCE YOUR MAPS WITH THESE FEATURES - Locate your realtime GPS position and find direction, even when offline - Record GPS tracks during your activities - Navigate to features using compass tools - Add photos and notes to any location - Add placemarks to your map and style them with recreational symbols - Measure distances and estimate times - Supports KML, GPX, and CSV Formats GET MORE WITH AVENZA MAPS PLUS For users who need more - Up to 20 custom PDF, GeoPDF®, and GeoTIFF imports - Create geofences for up to 50 individual features and up to four geofence layers GET EVEN MORE WITH AVENZA MAPS PRO For professionals and organizations who require an offline mapping solution with location awareness with more features and tools - Unlimited import of your own geospatial PDF, GeoPDF®, and GeoTIFF maps - GPS averaging, additional coordinate display formats, custom symbol sets - Connect high-accuracy GPS devices via Bluetooth - Created unlimited geofences and get global geofence notifications - Convert tracks to areas - Map orientation lock - Import and export Esri® Shapefiles - Import and manage custom symbology sets - Priority technical support Avenza Maps Pro subscription required for commercial, academic, government, and professional use. Avenza Maps Plus and Pro are available as annual subscriptions. You can subscribe and pay through your Apple ID. Subscriptions are 12 months in duration and will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the rate of your selected plan. Auto-renewal can be turned off in your iTunes Account Settings. If you didn’t use iTunes to subscribe, you can manage your subscription through Avenza. SUPPORT We can help! Go to support.avenzamaps.com LEGAL Privacy Policy: avenzamaps.com/legal/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: avenzamaps.com/legal/terms.html CONNECT WITH US avenzamaps.com facebook.com/avenzamaps twitter.com/avenzamaps instagram.com/avenzamaps

About

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

Navigate Canada's backcountry with detailed topographic maps and over 900,000 points of interest. Plan, track, and explore offline for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and more.

Highlights
  • Topographic GPS maps
  • Current location tracking
  • Offline map downloads
  • Custom adventure layers
  • Trip recording and waypoints
  • Satellite imagery overlay
Features
Read full description

Canada’s #1 App for Hunting, Fishing, Camping & Outdoor Adventure Explore Canada’s outdoors with confidence using BRMB Maps, the most detailed and trusted GPS navigation app for the backcountry. Built from the award-winning Backroad Mapbooks series, BRMB Maps combines detailed topographic maps with over 900,000 searchable Points of Interest across every province and territory. Whether fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, paddling, ATVing, snowmobiling or wildlife viewing, BRMB Maps has everything you need to plan, navigate and explore – online or offline. Key Features -Topographic GPS Maps – View relief shading, contour lines, backroads, parks and geographic features -Current Location Tracking – Use your phone’s GPS to navigate in real time -Cross-Device Access – Use on smartphone, tablet and desktop with a single account -Canada-Wide Basemap – Includes a seamless Backroad Maps basemap across Canada -Custom Adventure Layers (PRO) – Enable fishing, hunting, trails, paddling, Crown land & more -Offline Maps (PRO) – Download maps and all POI details for off-grid navigation -Satellite Imagery (PRO) – Overlay roads, trails and features on high-res satellite maps -Trip Recording & Custom Waypoints – Track routes, mark campsites and save locations -Printable Custom Maps (PRO) – Create and print stunning maps from brmbmaps.com Explore Over 150,000 Adventures Fishing -22,000+ lakes, rivers, creeks & ocean fishing areas -Bathymetry (lake & ocean depths), fish species, stocked lakes, boat launches & marinas -Boundaries & regulations Hunting -3,500+ hunting areas (WMU, WMZ, species-specific zones) -Species details, boundaries & regulations -Crown land & private land layers Camping & Parks -20,000 national, provincial, regional, urban and natural parks -Campsites, picnic areas, backcountry campsites, huts & cabins -Private campgrounds, resorts & lodges, amenities & services Hiking, Biking & Horseback Trails -130,000+ km of multi-use trails with trailheads, difficulty, distance & elevation gain -Includes hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking and multi-use -Separate Trans-Canada Trail layer with trailheads, pavilions and alternate routes Paddling (Canoeing & Kayaking) -107,000+ km of routes with access points, difficulty, distance & grading -Features lake circuits, river and ocean paddling routes, whitewater & more -Paddling routes include portages with distances, campsites, put-ins & take-outs ATV, OHV, Off-Road and Overland Routes -160,000+ km of trails and routes with staging areas, difficulty & distance -Features ATV/OHV, dirt biking and overlanding routes -Plus 3,000,000+ km of Roads and 160,000+ km of Logging Roads to explore Snowmobiling -150,000+ km of trails and routes with staging areas, difficulty & distance -Features federation & club-maintained trails, plus backcountry routes -Clubhouses, warming huts & shelters, side trails and more Winter Recreation -9,500+ km of ski & snowshoe trails for cross-country, Nordic, backcountry & downhill skiing -2,100+ trailheads, Nordic areas & ski centres -Trails feature difficulty, distance, elevation gain & ski area amenities Wildlife Viewing & Nature -1,800+ sites for birdwatching & wildlife viewing -Features birding sites, fish hatcheries, marine life, small & large animals -Bird viewing & scenic lookouts, trailheads & wildlife centres Attractions & Unique Sites -20,000+ points, including roadside and backroad attractions -Features big trees, caves, waterfalls, hot springs, lighthouses, beaches, museums and scenic areas -Hours, location and contact information Why BRMB Maps? Unlike other GPS apps, BRMB Maps is built specifically for Canadian terrain and adventures, with unmatched detail, local insights and recreation-focused layers. Start exploring Canada’s wild spaces with BRMB Maps – your GPS trail map, hunting app, fishing tool and trip planner all in one. Download BRMB Maps today and experience Canada's most complete outdoor mapping app.

Screenshots

Avenza Maps4 screens
BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Avenza Maps at 4.8 against BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps's 4.2. Avenza Maps also leads on ratings volume (128K vs 27) and review sentiment (51% vs 35%). BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.4 vs 18.0). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Avenza Maps sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $34.99 per year and BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Avenza Maps holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Avenza Maps has 128K ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Avenza Maps's written reviews are positive against 35% of BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Avenza Maps versus BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAvenza MapsBRMB Maps by Backroad Maps
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (128K ratings) — better4.2 (27 ratings)
Positive reviews51.2% of reviews — better35.1% of reviews
Number of ratings128K — better27
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#18 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size335 MB230 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAvenza Systems Inc.Mussio Ventures Ltd.

Customer experience

Avenza Maps

All ratings128,071 ratings
Positive96.4%
Neutral2.9%
Negative0.8%
Written reviews890 reviews
Positive51.2%
Neutral6.7%
Negative42.0%

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

All ratings26 ratings
Positive73.1%
Neutral11.5%
Negative15.4%
Written reviews77 reviews
Positive35.1%
Neutral3.9%
Negative61.0%

User reviews

Avenza Maps

From 128K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🗺️ Accurate GPS tracking
  • 📥 Offline maps
  • 💾 Ability to download maps
  • 🗺️ Detailed topographic maps

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Poor search functionality
  • 🗺️ Inaccurate map placement
  • 💰 Expensive maps
  • 🔋 Battery drain
  • 🤔 Confusing interface

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

From 27 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🗺️ Great maps and data
  • 🇨🇦 Excellent for exploring Canada
  • ⛰️ Detailed topos and satellite imaging
  • 👍 User-friendly for some
  • ✨ Recent improvements noted

Room to improve

  • 💸 Expensive subscription
  • 😠 Excessive and disruptive ads
  • 🐛 Sync issues (hit or miss)
  • 🚫 No waypoint management
  • 📱 Poor CarPlay integration

Bugs and requests

Avenza Maps

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Maps disappearing after updates
  • Airdrop functionality issues
  • Compatibility problems with newer devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to stitch/overlay multiple maps
  • Apple CarPlay integration
  • Improved map search and discovery
  • Easier map management and organization
  • Ability to export/share recorded tracks

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

Reported bugs

53 issues
  • Unwanted push notifications for challenges
  • Issues resetting password
  • CarPlay useless (no tracking/waypoint access)
  • Sync of data is hit or miss
  • Waypoints are a jumble of names, no numbers, folders, filters
Show 48 more
  • Waypoint list different on web
  • No 7 day free trial as advertised
  • Zoom doesn't work on MacOS app
  • Scroll doesn't work in MacOS settings
  • MacOS window size fixed, fullscreen not working
  • Ads are relentless, can't exit
  • Advertisement glitch: closing ad returns to location
  • Sync in both directions is hit or miss
  • CarPlay map only moves at one preset zoom level
  • App runs like a BETA 1 version
  • Free version doesn't make you want to use pay version
  • Ads pop up full screen, annoying
  • Closing ad puts user back to current location
  • Paid for Pro subscription, no 7-day free trial
  • Adding waypoint on cell service takes up to 10 min
  • Touching screen by accident adds waypoint and menu
  • Search function doesn't work
  • Cannot change from meters to feet
  • Recording a trail jumps massive lines when restarting
  • Cannot edit or erase certain sections of trail
  • Cannot re-edit waypoint location or move it
  • Editing waypoint requires going through two menus
  • Interface is poorly designed with too many levels
  • Continually asks to drop a pin/waypoint when moving map
  • Satellite images are out of date
  • Updated roads are missing
  • Cannot download maps for offline use without paying
  • Ads appear every couple of minutes
  • Advertising even when paying for subscription
  • Requires restoring of purchase too often
  • Caught out without offline maps due to purchase timeout
  • Ads interrupt and are hard to close
  • Advertising even when paying for the app
  • PRO subscription not accessible after payment
  • Excessive disruptive ads, each ad resets map
  • Charged for subscription on 2nd day of free trial
  • Unable to use pro upgrade after payment
  • App asks to pay for subscription again on different device
  • Version 3 broke 'Your trip' feature
  • Cannot remove trails I've been on
  • Maps on app do not match book maps
  • Not easy to use, not as easy as Google Maps
  • Cannot control manual off
  • App crashes every time it's opened
  • Nothing showed for the entire United States
  • Downloads time out after 10 minutes
  • No search function for specific locations
  • Instructions on web are for previous version

Requested features

29 requests
  • Icon for mines/pins
  • Crown land for BC
  • Direction feature with distance and turn directions
  • Waypoint management (numbers, folders, filters)
  • CarPlay integration with tracking/waypoint access
Show 24 more
  • Ability to plan routes
  • Direction arrow showing icon facing
  • Trace function to outline or create trails with finger
  • Export KML or GPX files
  • More waypoint icons and customization (color, outlines)
  • Ability to edit/erase trail sections
  • Ability to move waypoint location
  • Description or notes section for waypoints
  • Sort waypoints (closest, alphabetical, recent)
  • Folders for waypoints
  • CarPlay map with adjustable zoom
  • Dark mode
  • Advanced analytics dashboard
  • Ability to add different colors to tracks
  • Organize tracks into folders
  • Full featured OSX version with offline map downloads
  • Export file from OSX to iOS version offline
  • URL for websites of points of interest
  • More detailed options on iOS app (drill down for parks)
  • Sync settings between iOS and browser
  • Ability to plan excursions on PC and access on iOS app
  • Edit track colors
  • Organize tracks into folders
  • CarPlay support

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Avenza Maps

Subscriptions2
  • Avenza Maps Plus1 Month trial$34.991 Year
  • Avenza Maps Pro1 Month trial$169.991 Year
One-time8
  • Forest Service Topo Product$0.99
  • Garmin Tier 1$0.99
  • BaseImage, LLC Map Product$0.99
Show 5 more
  • Western Michigan University Map Product$2.99
  • US Forest Service R5 Map Product$4.99
  • US Forest Service R6 Product$4.99
  • Map the Xperience Map Product$4.99
  • National Geographic Map Product$11.99
4 purchases

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

Subscriptions4
  • BRMB Maps PRO7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • BRMB Monthly PRO Access7 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • BRMB Yearly PRO Access7 Days trial$44.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly PRO Promo1 Year trial$44.991 Year

Questions

Is Avenza Maps free?
Avenza Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps free?
BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Avenza Maps or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps?
Avenza Maps is rated higher. Avenza Maps averages 4.8 out of 5 from 128K ratings, while BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps averages 4.2 from 27 ratings.
Do Avenza Maps or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps have ads?
Neither Avenza Maps nor BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Avenza Maps or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps?
Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, and BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps every 3 weeks. Most recently, Avenza Maps was updated on November 5, 2026 and BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons