# CycleMaps vs Beacons

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Beacons at none against CycleMaps's 7. Beacons also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CycleMaps sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year. Beacons asks for nothing beyond the download.

CycleMaps ships an update weekly, Beacons every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | CycleMaps | Beacons |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclemaps/id428397791/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 57 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [motocode ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/428397794) | [Jr Cabbry](https://appshunter.io/developer/6772217681) |

## What reviewers say

### CycleMaps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclemaps/id428397791)

This app plans bicycle routes using multiple data sources, prioritizing cycle paths and quiet streets worldwide. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, and Apple Watch integration for a seamless cycling experience. Track your rides, view elevation profiles, and import/export routes.

**Highlights:** Worldwide bicycle route planning, Turn-by-turn navigation, Offline maps, Apple Watch integration, Ride tracking & Apple Health sync, GPX/KML import/export, Cycle path overlays

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CycleMaps Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| CycleMaps Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| CycleMaps Premium Family Year | $29.99 | per year |
| CycleMaps Premium Family Year | $29.99 | per year |
| Watch Trial | Free | one-time |
| CycleMaps Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| CycleMaps Premium Family | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent route planning
- 👍 Quiet/safe route options
- 👍 Useful for exploring new areas
- 👍 Good for commuting and leisure rides
- 👍 Helpful for mobility scooter users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional route suggestions on unsafe roads
- 🐛 Delayed or inaccurate voice instructions
- 🐛 Slow map redraw and loading issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Confusing or unintuitive user interface

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect GPS location detection
- Inability to sign up or reset password
- Crashes or freezes when using certain features

**Requested features**

- Option to avoid hills, stairs, or unpaved paths
- Ability to reverse or edit saved routes
- Automatic rerouting when going off course
- Display of bike share station locations and availability
- Voice navigation through connected Bluetooth headphones


### Beacons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacons-light/id6774511490)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CycleMaps free?

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

### Is Beacons free?

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

### Do CycleMaps or Beacons have ads?

Neither CycleMaps nor Beacons shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CycleMaps or Beacons?

CycleMaps ships an update weekly, and Beacons every 10 days. Most recently, CycleMaps was updated on October 10, 2026 and Beacons on October 10, 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.*