# MapLayers vs OSM Maps

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OSM Maps at none against MapLayers's 1. OSM Maps also leads on ads (none vs shown). MapLayers's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MapLayers sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $24.99 per year. OSM Maps asks for nothing beyond the download.

MapLayers ships an update every 3 weeks, OSM Maps every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MapLayers | OSM Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osm-maps/id6740077038/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 24 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CartoLake, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604655747) | [Michael Roennau](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499959874) |

## What reviewers say

### MapLayers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maplayers/id6446806262)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


### OSM Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osm-maps/id6740077038)

View OSM maps from various sources, create notes, and add multimedia like photos, audio, and video. Record and manage routes and tracks in GPX format, with iCloud synchronization and desktop backup options.

**Highlights:** View OSM maps from multiple sources, Create and edit notes with multimedia, Record and manage GPX routes and tracks, iCloud synchronization, Desktop backup functionality, Open Source

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MapLayers free?

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

### Is OSM Maps free?

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

### Do MapLayers or OSM Maps have ads?

MapLayers shows ads; OSM Maps does not.

### Which is updated more often, MapLayers or OSM Maps?

MapLayers ships an update every 3 weeks, and OSM Maps every 11 days. Most recently, MapLayers was updated on October 6, 2026 and OSM Maps on October 7, 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.*