# Earthmate vs Back

The clearest difference is rating: Back at 3.6 against Earthmate's 2.7. Back also leads on review sentiment (41% vs 22%) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.0). Earthmate's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (monthly vs every 20 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Back sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Earthmate asks for nothing beyond the download.

Back holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Earthmate has 272 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Earthmate's written reviews are positive against 41% of Back's.

Earthmate ships an update monthly, Back every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Earthmate | Back |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (272 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758/reviews) | **[3.6 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/back-track/id595888131/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **272** | 17 |
| Positive reviews | 21.6% of reviews | **41.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 20 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 92 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) | [Pilot X](https://appshunter.io/developer/551849165) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Back

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/back-track/id595888131)

This navigation tool uses your device's GPS to help you return to saved locations. Mark spots like parking or hotel locations and easily find your way back. Offers customizable display options and power-saving features.

**Highlights:** Save and return to marked locations, Mark current location or enter coordinates, Customizable user interface styles, HUD for location information, Power saving mode, Unlimited preset destinations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Earthmate free?

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

### Is Back free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Earthmate or Back?

Back is rated higher. Earthmate averages 2.7 out of 5 from 272 ratings, while Back averages 3.6 from 17 ratings.

### Do Earthmate or Back have ads?

Neither Earthmate nor Back shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Earthmate or Back?

Earthmate ships an update monthly, and Back every 20 months. Most recently, Earthmate was updated on October 21, 2026 and Back on October 18, 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.*