# Elevation vs Google Maps

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Google Maps at 7.4M against Elevation's 5.4K. Google Maps also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elevation sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month and Google Maps sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $0.89 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Google Maps holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Maps has 7.4M ratings behind it against 5.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Elevation's written reviews are positive against 44% of Google Maps's.

Elevation ships an update every 3 weeks, Google Maps every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elevation | Google Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (5.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elevation-altimeter-map/id480740433/reviews) | **[4.7 (7.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5.4K | **7.4M** |
| Positive reviews | 29.6% of reviews | **43.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#1** |
| Size | 53 MB | 469 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mapnitude Company Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/473558784) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Elevation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elevation-altimeter-map/id480740433)

Easily find your current elevation, altitude, and height above sea level. This app allows you to check elevations by touching the map, entering an address, or using your device's GPS or barometer. It also provides valuable data for flood prediction and outdoor planning.

**Highlights:** Find current elevation and altitude, Check elevation by map touch or address input, Utilize GPS and barometer for altitude, Record and display GPS altitude path, Standalone barometer functionality, Support for UTM and MGRS coordinates, Export timestamp, altitude, pressure, and coordinates

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Upgrade | $4.49 | per month |
| Plus Upgrade | $25.99 | per 6 months |
| Plus Upgrade | $48.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Helpful for research
- 👍 Useful for tracking elevation during storms
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on opening
- 🐛 Elevation readings are inaccurate
- 🐛 Doesn't work consistently
- 💰 Too many ads
- 🤔 Confusing user interface

**Reported bugs**

- Elevation readings not working
- App freezes or crashes frequently
- Inconsistent behavior across locations

**Requested features**

- Add search functionality
- Display elevation in feet instead of meters
- Improve accuracy of elevation readings


### Google Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354)

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Free · Navigation, #23 Top Free (US App Store)

Navigate your world with real-time traffic, turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport. Discover millions of businesses and places with photos and reviews. Plan trips with Street View, Immersive View, and offline maps.

**Highlights:** Real-time GPS navigation, Live traffic data, Public transport updates, Business and place discovery, Street View and Immersive View, Offline maps, User reviews and photos

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30 GB | $0.89 | per month |
| 30 GB | $0.89 | per month |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $1.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $2.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (400 GB) | $4.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (2 TB) | $9.99 | per month |
| Google AI Plus (2 TB) | $9.99 | per month |
| Google AI Pro (5 TB) | $19.99 | per month |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| 100 GB | $19.99 | per year |
| Google AI Pro (2 TB) | $19.99 | per month |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 200 GB | $29.99 | per year |
| 10 TB | $49.99 | per month |
| 2 TB | $99.99 | per year |
| 20 TB | $99.99 | per month |
| 2 TB | $99.99 | per year |
| Google AI Ultra (30 TB) | $249.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate navigation
- 👍 Helpful for travel and exploration
- 💡 Useful for delivery drivers
- 👍 Reliable traffic information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable directions
- 🔄 Constant rerouting without user consent
- 🗺️ Inaccurate or outdated maps
- 🚧 Dangerous routing suggestions
- 🤔 Confusing interface changes

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to save/access favorite locations
- Frequent crashes or freezes
- Incorrect address/location detection
- Voice navigation issues

**Requested features**

- Option to avoid tolls or specify vehicle type
- Ability to manually edit/update maps
- Better integration with public transit
- Improved offline functionality
- More customization options for routes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elevation free?

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

### Is Google Maps free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Elevation or Google Maps?

Google Maps is rated higher. Elevation averages 4.5 out of 5 from 5.4K ratings, while Google Maps averages 4.7 from 7.4M ratings.

### Do Elevation or Google Maps have ads?

Both Elevation and Google Maps show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Elevation or Google Maps?

Elevation ships an update every 3 weeks, and Google Maps every 6 days. Most recently, Elevation was updated on September 24, 2026 and Google Maps on September 24, 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.*