# Avenza Maps vs what3words

The clearest difference is ads: Avenza Maps at none against what3words's shown. Avenza Maps also leads on chart position (#18 vs #94). what3words's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Avenza Maps sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $34.99 per year and what3words sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.69 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Avenza Maps against 4.8 for what3words. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 128K and 44K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 51% of Avenza Maps's written reviews are positive against 55% of what3words's.

Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, what3words weekly. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avenza Maps | what3words |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (128K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049/reviews) | **[4.8 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **128K** | 44K |
| Positive reviews | 51.2% of reviews | **55.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#18** | #94 |
| Size | 335 MB | 315 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Avenza Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387212805) | [what3words Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657878533) |

## What reviewers say

### Avenza Maps

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

**Currently charting:** #18 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 (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| 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


### what3words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530)

**Currently charting:** #94 Top Free · Navigation, #132 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app assigns a unique three-word address to every 10-foot square on Earth. Easily find, share, and navigate to precise locations worldwide using simple word combinations. It's ideal for pinpointing exact meeting spots, deliveries, or even emergency services.

**Highlights:** Navigate using three-word addresses, Share precise locations, Find current address offline, Compatible with navigation apps, Save and categorize favorite locations, Offline navigation with compass mode, Supports over 60 languages

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| what3words Pro | $4.69 | per month |
| what3words Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate location tracking
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚑 Potentially life-saving in emergencies
- 🗺️ Precise location sharing
- 🤝 Helpful for meeting up with friends/family

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent location accuracy
- 🤔 Confusing/not well-explained
- 📱 Requires data/cellular connectivity
- 🗺️ Outdated map data
- 🔍 Difficult to find/search saved locations

**Reported bugs**

- Location changes unexpectedly
- App crashes on launch
- Unable to select country/language

**Requested features**

- Add ability to sort/organize saved locations
- Integrate with contacts/address book
- Provide voice output for location names
- Offer offline map downloads
- Develop a version for seniors/accessibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Avenza Maps free?

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

### Is what3words free?

what3words is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Avenza Maps or what3words?

what3words is rated higher. Avenza Maps averages 4.8 out of 5 from 128K ratings, while what3words averages 4.8 from 44K ratings.

### Do Avenza Maps or what3words have ads?

what3words shows ads; Avenza Maps does not.

### Which is updated more often, Avenza Maps or what3words?

Avenza Maps ships an update every 2 months, and what3words weekly. Most recently, Avenza Maps was updated on November 7, 2026 and what3words on November 7, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Avenza Maps or what3words?

Avenza Maps currently peaks at #18 in the App Store charts, and what3words at #94. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*