# Distance Tool vs LiDAR Rangefinder

The clearest difference is rating: Distance Tool at 4.4 against LiDAR Rangefinder's 3.1. Distance Tool also leads on ratings volume (2.2K vs 9) and review sentiment (58% vs 33%). LiDAR Rangefinder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Distance Tool sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. LiDAR Rangefinder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Distance Tool holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Distance Tool has 2.2K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Distance Tool's written reviews are positive against 33% of LiDAR Rangefinder's.

Distance Tool ships an update every 2 months, LiDAR Rangefinder every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Distance Tool | LiDAR Rangefinder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distance-tool/id478687476/reviews)** | [3.1 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lidar-rangefinder/id6760343634/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **58.1% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Applorium Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688522804) | [WILLIAM BENJAMIN BURRARD-LUCAS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880688161) |

## What reviewers say

### Distance Tool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distance-tool/id478687476)

Calculate distances between points and areas of polygons on a map. Supports metric and imperial units, GPS location, and freehand drawing. Altitude calculation is also available, with or without data connectivity.

**Highlights:** Distance calculation between points, Area calculation for polygons, GPS location dropping, Metric and imperial units, Altitude calculation, Freehand drawing, Follow mode for real-time calculation

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Distance Calculator Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Distance Measure Premium - Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Distance Calculator Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Distance Measure Premium - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium - freehand & follow | $7.99 | one-time |
| Distance Tool Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate measurements
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 💡 Useful for various applications (farming, surveying, etc.)
- 🚀 Works well in remote areas

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy pin drop functionality
- 🐛 Inaccurate distance measurements
- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🐛 Difficulty unsubscribing from paid plans

**Reported bugs**

- GPS not working on certain devices
- App crashes when trying to access location services
- Saved routes not loading properly
- Inconsistent distance calculations

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit/reposition dropped pins
- Option to toggle visibility of distance labels
- Support for entering coordinates manually
- Improved map quality and zooming capabilities


### LiDAR Rangefinder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lidar-rangefinder/id6760343634)

This utility app transforms your iPhone into a quick and easy distance measuring tool. Simply aim at a point to get an instant reading, with options to switch units and copy values. It's designed for effortless everyday use, providing fast answers for various measuring needs.

**Highlights:** Instant distance readout, LiDAR-equipped iPhone compatible, Zoom for precision aiming, Switch between meters and feet, Copy distance to clipboard, Clean, minimal interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Distance Tool free?

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

### Is LiDAR Rangefinder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Distance Tool or LiDAR Rangefinder?

Distance Tool is rated higher. Distance Tool averages 4.4 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while LiDAR Rangefinder averages 3.1 from 9 ratings.

### Do Distance Tool or LiDAR Rangefinder have ads?

Neither Distance Tool nor LiDAR Rangefinder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Distance Tool or LiDAR Rangefinder?

Distance Tool ships an update every 2 months, and LiDAR Rangefinder every 3 weeks. Most recently, Distance Tool was updated on November 6, 2026 and LiDAR Rangefinder on November 5, 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.*