Comparison

SPOT Connect 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

SPOT Connect

This app enables satellite messaging from remote locations by pairing with a dedicated device. Send custom messages, location coordinates, and emergency alerts via satellite to contacts worldwide. Track progress and share your journey with loved ones.

Highlights
  • Satellite messaging
  • GPS location sharing
  • SOS emergency alerts
  • Custom message composition
  • Automated track progress
  • Predefined messages
  • Contact group management
Features
Read full description

The SPOT Connect App pairs the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with SPOT Connect, a revolutionary satellite messenger engineered to transmit messages via satellite from virtually anywhere in the world, including remote locations. The award-winning SPOT Connect device provides connectivity to the Globalstar satellite network for sending location-based messages from areas beyond cellular phone coverage or around town. By simply downloading the SPOT Connect App, SPOT Connect wirelessly synchs via Bluetooth® with Apple® iOS devices. The SPOT satellite message features are initiated directly from the app’s intuitive user interface. SPOT Connect utilizes proven SPOT technology to notify others of one’s GPS location coordinates and current status. By sending a message to the Globalstar satellite network, the user’s selected contacts will receive a custom Type and Send or Predefined message delivered as an SMS text message or email. SPOT Connect messages contain the user’s latitude and longitude, date, time stamp and a link to maps. Established SPOT message features include Check-in/OK, Help, SPOT Assist, SOS and automated Track Progress. SPOT Connect messaging feature overview: •SOS - Emergency assistance request sent with your GPS location to GEOS every 5 min until batteries die or until cancelled. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe. Custom Type & Send messages can be sent with SOS for detailed emergency information. •Help/SPOT Assist* - Request help from friends and family or professional service providers every 5 min for 1 hour. Custom Type & Send messages can be sent with a Help/Assist message for more detailed personal help. * SPOT Assist subject to availability. •Check-in/OK - Send a Predefined Message or custom Type & Send message allowing your friends and family to get a message from you with your GPS location virtually anywhere on the globe. With a push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to a contact group. You can also send your Check-in/OK messages to social sites like Facebook or Twitter. •Track Progress - This feature allows you to send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress in near real time using maps. With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a map. (Additional service required). The SPOT Connect App extends the functionality of Apple® devices while making available new features for customers. Custom messages can now be composed and sent on-the-go. Users can store up to 14 Predefined messages and 10 personal contract groups consisting of up to 50 contacts each. Additionally, the SPOT Connect App turns devices like iPod touch or iPad Wi-Fi into a satellite messenger utilizing SPOT Connect’s onboard GPS and satellite transmitter. Users can even send location-based messages to Facebook and Twitter from isolated regions such as mountainous terrain and areas off-shore. Overview: • Uses the GPS satellite system to determine location and the Globalstar satellite network to transmit that information to personal contacts or an international emergency response center • Send location-based messages via satellite to others delivered as SMS text or email • Send custom “Type and Send” 41 character text messages from your location • Update social networks including Facebook and Twitter from remote locations • Provide GPS functionality to non-GPS devices • Store up to 10 predefined messages for quick reference and sending • Store 10 contact groups on device – each group can consist of up to 50 contacts • On device SOS button for standalone emergency operation • Bluetooth wireless connection Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

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

SPOT Connect4 screens
BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps at 4.2 against SPOT Connect's 1.0. BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 4). SPOT Connect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.4). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support 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. BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SPOT Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps has 26 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of SPOT Connect's written reviews are positive against 35% of BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SPOT Connect ships an update every 6 months, BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SPOT Connect versus BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSPOT ConnectBRMB Maps by Backroad Maps
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (4 ratings)4.2 (26 ratings) — better
Positive reviews28.2% of reviews35.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings426 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS6.0 — better15.4
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB230 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSPOT LLCMussio Ventures Ltd.

Customer experience

SPOT Connect

All ratings4 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews71 reviews
Positive28.2%
Neutral14.1%
Negative57.7%

BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps

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

Bugs and requests

SPOT Connect

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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

None

SPOT Connect

No in-app purchases

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 SPOT Connect free?
SPOT Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
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, SPOT Connect or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps?
BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps is rated higher. SPOT Connect averages 1.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps averages 4.2 from 26 ratings.
Do SPOT Connect or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps have ads?
Neither SPOT Connect nor BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SPOT Connect or BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps?
SPOT Connect ships an update every 6 months, and BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps every 3 weeks. Most recently, SPOT Connect was updated on October 15, 2026 and BRMB Maps by Backroad Maps on October 30, 2026.

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