# Wahoo vs Packstack

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Packstack at 100% against Wahoo's 43%. Packstack also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Wahoo's advantage is ratings volume (43K vs 5). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Wahoo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Packstack asks for nothing beyond the download.

Packstack holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Wahoo has 43K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Wahoo's written reviews are positive against 100% of Packstack's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Wahoo | Packstack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (43K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wahoo/id391599899/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packstack-backpacking-gear/id6760873801/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **43K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 42.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 387 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wahoo Fitness](https://appshunter.io/developer/359225354) | [Jerad Maplethorpe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886603203) |

## What reviewers say

### Wahoo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wahoo/id391599899)

This app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a powerful fitness tracker for various activities like running, cycling, and strength training. It helps you visualize training zones, analyze past workouts, and connect with Bluetooth sensors for detailed data. You can also manage and update compatible Wahoo devices.

**Highlights:** Record indoor and outdoor workouts, Visualize training zones (power, heart rate), Analyze activity history from Wahoo devices, Pair and use multiple Bluetooth sensors, Connect, update, and set up Wahoo devices, Control KICKR smart bikes and trainers, Accurate calorie burn calculation

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wahoo Core | $4.99 | per month |
| Wahoo | $17.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Tracks more than just pace and heart rate
- 🚀 GPS tracking is sound
- 👍 Audio announcements have good options
- 👍 Works well with Zwift
- 👍 Provides a consistent training experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently, especially for long workouts
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly even in battery saving mode
- 🔒 Requires mandatory account creation and data sharing
- 🐛 Unreliable GPS and cadence tracking
- 🐛 Inconsistent distance and calorie measurements

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when connecting to trainer
- Fails to record GPS, heart rate, and other sensor data
- Syncing issues with Strava and other platforms
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between workout types

**Requested features**

- Allow customization of data screens
- Add ability to create and load pre-set workouts
- Improve Strava and Apple Health integration
- Bring back offline workout editing
- Add an Apple Watch app for better integration


### Packstack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packstack-backpacking-gear/id6760873801)

This app helps backpackers and hikers meticulously track gear, organize packing lists, and calculate essential trip details like base weight and calorie needs. It offers a comprehensive gear inventory, reusable kits, and detailed trip planning features. Syncs across devices and allows sharing of setups.

**Highlights:** Gear inventory management, Trip-specific packing lists, Reusable gear kits, Base weight and calorie calculation, Hiker profile creation, Trip planning tools, Gear catalog search

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Wahoo free?

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

### Is Packstack free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Wahoo or Packstack?

Packstack is rated higher. Wahoo averages 4.7 out of 5 from 43K ratings, while Packstack averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Wahoo or Packstack have ads?

Neither Wahoo nor Packstack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Wahoo or Packstack?

Wahoo ships an update fortnightly, and Packstack fortnightly. Most recently, Wahoo was updated on October 13, 2026 and Packstack on October 2, 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.*