Comparison

Back vs Backtrack

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

Head to head
About

Back

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
Read full description

Using the GPS of your device, Back Track helps guide you back to any location you've marked. Any time you're somewhere you think you may need to return to, but you're not sure you'll be able to find your way back, simply save your position with Back Track by marking the location. Whether it's where you parked your car or the hotel you're staying at, you can be sure you'll be able to find the location again. When ready, select the saved location and start tracking. It's as easy as that! Features - Create and edit unlimited preset destinations. - Mark your current location or enter longitude and latitude coordinates manually. - Choose from a selection of user interface styles. - HUD for detailed information of your current and target locations. - The settings panel gives you full control over information displayed and measurement units used. - Includes a power saving mode to conserve battery life. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Back Track's accuracy is dependent on that of your device. For better results, keep your device away from magnets and electronics, and calibrate it if prompted to do so.

About

Backtrack

Plan and navigate outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and biking with detailed maps and real-time weather. Collaborate with friends on shared routes and access backcountry ski information, including avalanche forecasts. Offers a free version with an optional Pro subscription for advanced features.

Highlights
  • Route planning and drawing
  • Collaborative map editing
  • Backcountry ski route information
  • Avalanche forecast and observations
  • Multi-layer map overlays
  • Real-time weather forecasts
Features
Read full description

Backtrack is an outdoor mapping application focused on helping you find and plan your next outdoor adventure. Whether it be backcountry skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or anything in between, Backtrack provides the tools and information you need to make a plan, share it with friends, and navigate safely. CREATE & SHARE MAPS - Plan your route by drawing your intended path. - Add markers to mark campsites, start points, and more. COLLABORATIVE MAPPING - Share maps with your travel partners to get everyone on the same page. - Edits by everyone are reflected in real-time. BACKCOUNTRY SKI - Explore over 800 backcountry ski routes with guidebook-like information. - Avalanche forecast & observations from your local avalanche center. - Scout ahead of time with Mountain View: 360º aerial imagery of popular backcountry ski areas POWERFUL MAP LAYERS - Slope angle shading - Sun exposure - Public lands - Avalanche accidents, observations, and forecast - Cell phone coverage - Ability to stack as many layers as you want WEATHER - Get forecasts along your route. - Real-time data from SNOTEL weather stations. DESKTOP APP - Visit backtrackmaps.com on your computer to map on the big screen. - Edits are synced across all your devices in real-time. SUBSCRIPTION - Use Backtrack for free - Optional subscription for Backtrack Pro: download offline maps, 3D maps, export GPX, and more. Backtrack Pro is available as an annual subscription managed through your iTunes account. Annual subscriptions will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Auto-renew can be turned off anytime via iTunes Account Settings. LEGAL Terms of Use: https://www.backtrackmaps.com/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://www.backtrackmaps.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Back1 screens
Backtrack4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Backtrack at 4.5 against Back's 3.6. Backtrack also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 41%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 20 months). Back's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.1). 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. Back sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Backtrack sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Backtrack holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backtrack has 115 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 41% of Back's written reviews are positive against 80% of Backtrack's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Back ships an update every 20 months, Backtrack fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Back versus Backtrack: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackBacktrack
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (17 ratings)4.5 (115 ratings) — better
Positive reviews41.2% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings17115 — better
Update frequencyEvery 20 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#197 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB127 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPilot XSlope LLC

Customer experience

Back

All ratings17 ratings
Positive52.9%
Neutral23.5%
Negative23.5%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive41.2%
Neutral11.8%
Negative47.1%

Backtrack

All ratings101 ratings
Positive86.1%
Neutral4.0%
Negative9.9%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Back

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$0.99
3 purchases

Backtrack

Subscriptions3
  • Backtrack Pro7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Backtrack Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Backtrack Pro$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Back free?
Back is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backtrack free?
Backtrack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Back or Backtrack?
Backtrack is rated higher. Back averages 3.6 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Backtrack averages 4.5 from 115 ratings.
Do Back or Backtrack have ads?
Neither Back nor Backtrack shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Back or Backtrack?
Back ships an update every 20 months, and Backtrack fortnightly. Most recently, Back was updated on November 1, 2026 and Backtrack on November 11, 2026.

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