Comparison

MapLayers vs Open Maps

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

Head to head
About

MapLayers

Features
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MapLayers is a collection of maps for outdoor activities and more! New in Version 1.4: Compass for navigating to any point on the map New in Version 1.2: App URLs to open individual charts either in app or on the web. New in Version 1.1: GPS Track Logging. You can now record and review your travels!. Discovering and downloading maps for your adventures is easy and fast. Multiple types of maps are available and multiple maps can be viewed at the same time. Custom maps can be imported as GeoPDF and we are adding more maps constantly. Featuring maps from the USGS, Bureau of Land Management and more! Each map is viewable on our custom, spherical based map engine and can be overlaid with various base maps. Your current location can also be shown on the map. SUPPORT We can help! Email team@cartolake.com LEGAL End User License Agreement: https://www.cartolake.com/about/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.cartolake.com/about/privacy

About

Open Maps

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Open Maps for Everyone – Your Ultimate Collaborative Mapping Tool Discover a new way to explore, create, and share maps with Open Maps for Everyone. Designed for travelers, explorers, and community builders, our innovative app transforms the way you view locations and share experiences—all in one intuitive platform. Key Features: Custom Map Creation: Create public maps for the world to see, keep private maps just for you, or build member-only maps for a trusted circle. Tailor your maps to your lifestyle with flexible privacy settings. Versatile Drawing Tools: Draw more than just markers—add circles, polygons, and polylines to illustrate routes, zones, and areas of interest. Express your creativity and highlight the details that matter most. Enhanced Marker Functionality: Attach images, website links, and phone numbers directly to markers. With a simple tap, instantly open a website or place a call, making your maps not only informative but also interactive. Advanced Tagging & Search: Organize markers using multiple tags to easily filter and find exactly what you need. Utilize both address and keyword searches to quickly locate specific markers on your map. Personalized Marker Decoration: Customize markers with selectable background colors and choose from over 1,600 icons to visually represent your favorite locations. Highlight your best spots with favorite icons and rate them using a 5-star system. Seamless Navigation Integration: With one-tap functionality, launch third-party map apps directly from a marker for a smooth transition to turn-by-turn navigation and further exploration. Collaborative Mapping: Invite family, friends, or colleagues to co-edit your maps with varying permission levels—administrator, editor, or viewer. Build rich, shared maps that evolve with community input. Global Community Maps: Explore a vast collection of public maps created by users from around the world. Get inspired, find new places, and contribute your own discoveries to the global map community. Experience the freedom to create and explore with a tool that’s as dynamic as your adventures. Download Open Maps for Everyone now and start mapping your world in a fun, collaborative way! Terms of Use https://www.knecht.co/guidelines/terms-of-service Privacy Policy https://www.knecht.co/guidelines/privacy-policy

Screenshots

MapLayers4 screens
Open Maps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Open Maps at none against MapLayers's shown. Open Maps also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). MapLayers's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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. MapLayers sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $24.99 per year and Open Maps sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MapLayers ships an update every 3 weeks, Open Maps every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and July 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
MapLayers versus Open Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapLayersOpen Maps
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB93 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperCartoLake, LLCKnecht, Inc.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MapLayers

Subscriptions1
  • Basic Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year
8 purchases

Open Maps

Subscriptions8
  • Basic (Monthly)$4.991 Month
  • Basic (Monthly)$5.991 Month
  • Pro (Monthly)$9.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Pro (Monthly)$11.991 Month
  • Basic (Annual)$49.991 Year
  • Basic (Annual)$59.991 Year
  • Pro (Annual)$99.991 Year
  • Pro (Annual)$119.991 Year

Questions

Is MapLayers free?
MapLayers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Open Maps free?
Open Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MapLayers or Open Maps have ads?
MapLayers shows ads; Open Maps does not.
Which is updated more often, MapLayers or Open Maps?
MapLayers ships an update every 3 weeks, and Open Maps every 4 days. Most recently, MapLayers was updated on September 19, 2026 and Open Maps on July 29, 2026.

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