# Back vs Topo Maps+

The clearest difference is rating: Topo Maps+ at 4.7 against Back's 3.6. Topo Maps+ also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 20 months) and ratings volume (9.4K vs 17). Back's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Back sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Topo Maps+ sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Topo Maps+ holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Topo Maps+ has 9.4K 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 62% of Topo Maps+'s.

Back ships an update every 20 months, Topo Maps+ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Back | Topo Maps+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/back-track/id595888131/reviews) | **[4.7 (9.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **9.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 41.2% of reviews | **62.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 20 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#73** |
| Size | 14 MB | 252 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pilot X](https://appshunter.io/developer/551849165) | [Glacier Peak Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/672246356) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Topo Maps+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-plus-topographic-maps/id672246353)

**Currently charting:** #73 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Plan and execute backcountry adventures with offline topographic maps and GPS navigation. Features include route building, waypoints, land boundaries, and on-trail tools. Integrates with Apple Watch and CarPlay for seamless outdoor exploration.

**Highlights:** Offline topographic maps, Smart route building, Waypoints and proximity alerts, Land boundary overlays, Track recording, Apple Watch and CarPlay integration

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials 3 Months | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro: 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Essentials | $29.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite: 3 Months | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Topo Maps+ Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Topo Maps+ Elite | $79.99 | per year |
| 3 Month Map Pass | $11.99 | one-time |
| 6 Month Map Pass | $14.99 | one-time |
| 12 Month Map Pass | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months PRO | $29.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months PRO | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate offline maps
- 📍 Reliable GPS tracking
- 🗺️ Variety of map options
- 🔍 Detailed trail information
- ⛰️ Useful for backcountry navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐢 Slow map downloads
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Paywall for many features
- 🗺️ Limited map coverage outside US
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes during map downloads
- GPS tracking issues in certain areas
- Waypoint data loss after app updates

**Requested features**

- Improved route planning tools
- Ability to import/export user data
- Enhanced offline map caching
- More detailed map legends
- Integration with other outdoor apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Back free?

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

### Is Topo Maps+ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Back or Topo Maps+?

Topo Maps+ is rated higher. Back averages 3.6 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Topo Maps+ averages 4.7 from 9.4K ratings.

### Do Back or Topo Maps+ have ads?

Neither Back nor Topo Maps+ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Back or Topo Maps+?

Back ships an update every 20 months, and Topo Maps+ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Back was updated on October 23, 2026 and Topo Maps+ on October 29, 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.*