# Mapster vs Topo Maps+

The clearest difference is update cadence: Topo Maps+ at every 3 weeks against Mapster's every 14 months. Topo Maps+ also leads on ratings volume (9.4K vs 15) and chart position (#63 vs unranked). Mapster's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mapster sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Topo Maps+ sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Mapster holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Topo Maps+ has 9.4K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 62% and 62% positive.

Mapster ships an update every 14 months, Topo Maps+ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mapster | Topo Maps+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapster/id409304946/reviews)** | [4.7 (9.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **9.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 62.1% of reviews | **62.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#63** |
| Size | 11 MB | 252 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Syzygy Research & Technology Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/409047387) | [Glacier Peak Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/672246356) |

## What reviewers say

### Mapster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapster/id409304946)

Explore the Earth with detailed offline maps featuring topographical hillshading and contour lines. Discover hiking trails, ski runs, and geographical features, even without an internet connection. Access up-to-date information from OpenStreetMap for navigation and exploration.

**Highlights:** Detailed topographical maps, Offline map access, Hillshading and contour lines, OpenStreetMap data integration, Real-time location tracking, Monthly map updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited downloads for 30 days | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited downloads for 1 Year | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌍 Works offline without cell service
- 🗺️ Highly detailed maps for remote areas
- 📍 Accurate location tracking
- 🌲 Excellent for off-road and bush navigation
- 👍 Easy to use and simple interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Data can be old
- 😵 Text hard to read at highest detail
- ❓ No key for map symbols
- 🔵 Cannot turn off location circle
- 😩 Too many nag screens

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes continuously
- Cannot search for locations
- Crashes a lot more with latest iOS 6
- Doesn't allow a dropped pin to read an elevation
- Map shifts to wrong layout when zooming

**Requested features**

- Street view
- 3D aspect on buildings
- Team up with Google maps for details
- More contour readings
- Searchable placemarks


### Topo Maps+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353)

**Currently charting:** #63 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Plan and execute backcountry adventures with offline topographic maps and GPS navigation. Features include route building, waypoints, land boundaries, and on-trail tools. Integrates with Apple Watch and CarPlay for seamless outdoor exploration.

**Highlights:** Offline topographic maps, Smart route building, Waypoints and proximity alerts, Land boundary overlays, Track recording, Apple Watch and CarPlay integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials 3 Months | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro: 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials | $29.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite: 3 Months | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite | $79.99 | per year |
| 3 Month Map Pass | $11.99 | one-time |
| 6 Month Map Pass | $14.99 | one-time |
| 12 Month Map Pass | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months PRO | $29.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months PRO | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate offline maps
- 📍 Reliable GPS tracking
- 🗺️ Variety of map options
- 🔍 Detailed trail information
- ⛰️ Useful for backcountry navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐢 Slow map downloads
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Paywall for many features
- 🗺️ Limited map coverage outside US
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes during map downloads
- GPS tracking issues in certain areas
- Waypoint data loss after app updates

**Requested features**

- Improved route planning tools
- Ability to import/export user data
- Enhanced offline map caching
- More detailed map legends
- Integration with other outdoor apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mapster free?

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

### Is Topo Maps+ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Mapster or Topo Maps+?

Mapster is rated higher. Mapster averages 4.9 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Topo Maps+ averages 4.7 from 9.4K ratings.

### Do Mapster or Topo Maps+ have ads?

Neither Mapster nor Topo Maps+ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mapster or Topo Maps+?

Mapster ships an update every 14 months, and Topo Maps+ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Mapster was updated on October 5, 2026 and Topo Maps+ on October 15, 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.*