# Theodolite HD vs Earthmate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Theodolite HD at 91% against Earthmate's 22%. Theodolite HD also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.6) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Earthmate's advantage is price (Free vs $8.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Earthmate is free to download; Theodolite HD costs $8.99 up front. Theodolite HD sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Earthmate asks for nothing beyond the download.

Theodolite HD holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 136 and 273 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Theodolite HD's written reviews are positive against 22% of Earthmate's.

Theodolite HD ships an update every 4 months, Earthmate monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Theodolite HD | Earthmate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (136 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242/reviews)** | [2.6 (273 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 136 | **273** |
| Positive reviews | **91.4% of reviews** | 21.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 30 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### Theodolite HD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242)

This app combines a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map for augmented reality navigation. It allows users to capture data-overlay photos and videos, view positions on a map with offline options, and share location data with others. It's designed for professional use and outdoor activities.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality viewfinder, Compass and inclinometer, GPS and map with offline options, Data-overlay photo/video camera, Rangefinder and nav calculator, Location sharing and team tracking

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $0.99 | one-time |
| Team Tracking | $1.99 | one-time |
| World Datum Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| US Mountain Summits AR Layer | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $8.99 | one-time |
| 20,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $17.99 | one-time |
| US State Plane Coordinates | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🔍 Accurate measurements and data
- 📷 Useful photo documentation features
- 🧭 Versatile for various applications
- 🏫 Great for educational and teaching purposes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Occasional compass/sensor accuracy issues
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for maps and features
- 📱 Separate iPhone and iPad versions require double purchase
- 🔄 Lack of screen rotation support on some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes or freezes, especially on older devices
- Camera orientation issues on some devices

**Requested features**

- Add option to set elevation angle to 0 degrees horizontal
- Implement cross-device sync and data sharing
- Expand map coverage and reduce in-app purchase costs
- Add support for more camera features like video recording


### 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 Theodolite HD free?

Theodolite HD costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Earthmate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Theodolite HD or Earthmate?

Theodolite HD is rated higher. Theodolite HD averages 4.7 out of 5 from 136 ratings, while Earthmate averages 2.6 from 273 ratings.

### Do Theodolite HD or Earthmate have ads?

Neither Theodolite HD nor Earthmate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Theodolite HD or Earthmate?

Theodolite HD ships an update every 4 months, and Earthmate monthly. Most recently, Theodolite HD was updated on October 23, 2026 and Earthmate on October 30, 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.*