# Withlocals vs Backroads

The clearest difference is rating: Withlocals at 4.8 against Backroads's 3.3. Withlocals also leads on review sentiment (87% vs 52%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). Backroads's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Withlocals holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Withlocals has 659 ratings behind it against 69, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of Withlocals's written reviews are positive against 52% of Backroads's.

Withlocals ships an update weekly, Backroads every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Withlocals | Backroads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (659 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withlocals-private-tours/id655695313/reviews)** | [3.3 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backroads/id1479238431/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **659** | 69 |
| Positive reviews | **87.2% of reviews** | 52.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 76 MB | 173 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Withlocals B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/919099996) | [Backroads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479238430) |

## What reviewers say

### Withlocals

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withlocals-private-tours/id655695313)

Discover unique city experiences with private tours led by local guides. Personalize your itinerary based on your interests, from food and culture to family-friendly adventures. Explore hidden gems and authentic local stories, skipping tourist crowds.

**Highlights:** Private tours with local guides, Personalized city and food experiences, Discover hidden gems and authentic spots, Skip tourist traps and crowds, Explore at your own pace, Verified traveler reviews, Secure in-app booking and payment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use app
- 🚀 Intuitive and user-friendly
- 🤝 Great way to connect with local guides
- 💰 Affordable private tours
- 🌍 Covers many destinations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and freezes
- ⚠️ Unreliable guide availability
- 🕰️ Slow response from customer service
- 💳 High commission fees for hosts
- 🔍 Lack of transparency in reviews

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with login and account creation
- Inability to view full review history
- Glitches in chat and messaging features
- Inconsistent app behavior across devices
- Problems with location and map integration

**Requested features**

- Improved app stability and performance
- Better communication with guides before tours
- More detailed review system for guides
- Expansion to more countries and cities
- Flexible cancellation and refund policies


### Backroads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backroads/id1479238431)

This app provides detailed information and daily route options for active travel adventures like biking and hiking. It offers helpful tips and regional information to enhance your journey. Your trip leaders are also available through the app for guidance.

**Highlights:** Daily route options, Trip schedules, Helpful tips, Regional information, Trip leader access

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Withlocals free?

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

### Is Backroads free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Withlocals or Backroads?

Withlocals is rated higher. Withlocals averages 4.8 out of 5 from 659 ratings, while Backroads averages 3.3 from 69 ratings.

### Do Withlocals or Backroads have ads?

Withlocals shows ads; Backroads does not.

### Which is updated more often, Withlocals or Backroads?

Withlocals ships an update weekly, and Backroads every 4 months. Most recently, Withlocals was updated on October 29, 2026 and Backroads on October 24, 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.*