# Avenza Maps vs Earthmate

The clearest difference is rating: Avenza Maps at 4.8 against Earthmate's 2.7. Avenza Maps also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 22%) and ratings volume (127K vs 271). Earthmate's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Avenza Maps sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $32.99 per year. Earthmate asks for nothing beyond the download.

Avenza Maps holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Avenza Maps has 127K ratings behind it against 271, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Avenza Maps's written reviews are positive against 22% of Earthmate's.

Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, Earthmate monthly. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avenza Maps | Earthmate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (127K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049/reviews)** | [2.7 (271 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **127K** | 271 |
| Positive reviews | **52.3% of reviews** | 21.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 334 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Avenza Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387212805) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### Avenza Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Grossing · Navigation, #56 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Avenza Maps Plus | $32.99 | per year |
| Avenza Maps Plus | $34.99 | per year |
| Avenza Maps Pro | $169.99 | per year |
| Forest Service Topo Product | $0.99 | one-time |
| Garmin Tier 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| BaseImage, LLC Map Product | $0.99 | one-time |
| Western Michigan University Map Product | $2.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R5 Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R6 Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| Map the Xperience Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R2 Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R4 Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| National Geographic Map Product | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


### 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 Avenza Maps free?

Avenza Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Earthmate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Avenza Maps or Earthmate?

Avenza Maps is rated higher. Avenza Maps averages 4.8 out of 5 from 127K ratings, while Earthmate averages 2.7 from 271 ratings.

### Do Avenza Maps or Earthmate have ads?

Neither Avenza Maps nor Earthmate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Avenza Maps or Earthmate?

Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, and Earthmate monthly. Most recently, Avenza Maps was updated on September 26, 2026 and Earthmate on September 26, 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.*