Comparison

Topo GPS vs Private Maps

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Topo GPS

This app transforms your device into a comprehensive GPS with detailed topographic maps for offline use. Plan, record, and follow routes with various layers and coordinate systems, ideal for outdoor adventures.

Highlights
  • Detailed topographic maps
  • Offline map access
  • Route recording and planning
  • Waypoint management
  • Multiple coordinate systems
  • GPX/KML/GeoJSON file support
Features
Read full description

Makes from your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and/or Macbook a complete GPS device with detailed topographic maps. Viewed maps will be stored on your device so that Topo GPS can also be used offline. Why should you buy an expensive GPS device if you can install Topo GPS? Topo GPS contains all functions of a regular GPS device for less money, has a much more detailed map, and is more convenient to operate. The accuracy of the position determination is in favorable conditions about 5 m. Ideal for walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, sailing, horse-riding, geocaching, scouting, trail running and other outdoor activities. Also suited for outdoor professionals. - Map * To use Topo GPS you need to buy a map. * Official topographic maps of many countries, including Great Britain (OS Explorer), New Zealand and Australia are available as in-app purchase. * Topographic maps are very detailed maps, include height contours and are very suited for outdoor activities. * All maps of a certain region can be made offline accessible using the map download screen. * Easy switching between maps. - Routes * Recording routes, with pause and restart possibility. * Planning routes via route points. * Generating routes * Editing routes * Synchronization with your other devices via iCloud. * Searching routes with filters. * Routes can be organized into folders. - Waypoints * Easy adding by pressing long on map. * Adding waypoints through address or coordinates. * Sharing waypoints. * Editing waypoints. - Layers Layers contain information that can be added to and removed from the map. * Long distance bicycle routes * Mountainbike routes - Coordinates * Easy entering coordinates * Scanning coordinates * Supported coordinate systems: WGS84 decimal, WGS84 degree minutes (seconds), UTM, MGRS, and other country specific coordinate systems. * Coordinates grid layers - Intuitive interface * Clear menu with most important functions. * Different dashboard panels with distance, time, speed, altitude and coordinates. * Clear manual at www.topo-gps.com - Supported file formats: * gpx, kml/kmz, geojson (all also zip compressed), WFS, csv If you are recording a route, the GPS will run in the background. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Rdzl, the company behind Topo GPS, does not obtain in any way the position of the user of Topo GPS. Rdzl does also not obtain the routes recorded by the user, and save the routes planned by the user, unless the route is shared with Topo GPS. We sell our product, not our user data. Privacy policy: https://www.topo-gps.com/privacy-policy Terms of use: https://www.topo-gps.com/terms-of-use

About

Private Maps

This navigation app offers detailed, minimalist maps powered by OpenStreetMap data. It prioritizes user privacy with its own servers and ensures no usage data is collected or shared. Enjoy a clean interface and high-resolution maps.

Highlights
  • Minimalist OpenStreetMap data
  • Own servers for privacy
  • No usage data collection
  • High-resolution detailed maps
  • Clean interface
Read full description

The maps are based on OpenStreetMap data and style. Own servers are used to guarantee your privacy. Clean and minimalist interface. High-resolution detailed maps. The usage data is neither collected nor shared. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Topo GPS4 screens
Private Maps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Topo GPS at 70% against Private Maps's 0%. Topo GPS also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Topo GPS sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Private Maps sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Topo GPS ships an update every 3 weeks, Private Maps every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Topo GPS versus Private Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTopo GPSPrivate Maps
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (478 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews69.7% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings478 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size107 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerrdzl64 Characters

Customer experience

Topo GPS

All ratings478 ratings
Positive89.1%
Neutral4.0%
Negative6.9%
Written reviews402 reviews
Positive69.7%
Neutral7.5%
Negative22.9%

Private Maps

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

Topo GPS

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Purchased maps disappearing after updates
  • Inability to restore previous purchases on new devices
  • Crashes and freezes when using the app

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add elevation data to topo maps
  • Improve route planning and navigation features
  • Provide more detailed trail/path data
  • Add CarPlay and Apple Watch support
  • Improve map download and caching performance

Private Maps

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Topo GPS

One-time10
  • 64 km² of Great Britain$0.99
  • United States - Aerial imagery$0.99
  • Hiking node network$2.99
Show 7 more
  • United States topographic map$2.99
  • Topographic map of Spain$3.99
  • Topographic map New Zealand$3.99
  • Topographic map of Norway$3.99
  • Topographic map of Sweden$3.99
  • Topographic map of Germany$3.99
  • OpenStreetMap world coverage$4.99
2 purchases

Private Maps

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Pro14 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Topo GPS free?
Topo GPS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Private Maps free?
Private Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Topo GPS or Private Maps have ads?
Neither Topo GPS nor Private Maps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Topo GPS or Private Maps?
Topo GPS ships an update every 3 weeks, and Private Maps every 2 months. Most recently, Topo GPS was updated on November 10, 2026 and Private Maps on November 3, 2026.

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