# what3words vs Garmin Explore™

The clearest difference is rating: what3words at 4.8 against Garmin Explore™'s 4.1. what3words also leads on ratings volume (44K vs 1K) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Garmin Explore™'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. what3words sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.69 per month. Garmin Explore™ asks for nothing beyond the download.

what3words holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: what3words has 44K ratings behind it against 1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of what3words's written reviews are positive against 46% of Garmin Explore™'s.

what3words ships an update weekly, Garmin Explore™ monthly. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | what3words | Garmin Explore™ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530/reviews)** | [4.1 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-explore/id1276675721/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **44K** | 1K |
| Positive reviews | **56.1% of reviews** | 45.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #128 | **#112** |
| Size | 315 MB | 452 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 18.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [what3words Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657878533) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### what3words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530)

**Currently charting:** #128 Top Free · Navigation, #141 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app assigns a unique three-word address to every 10-foot square on Earth. Easily find, share, and navigate to precise locations worldwide using simple word combinations. It's ideal for pinpointing exact meeting spots, deliveries, or even emergency services.

**Highlights:** Navigate using three-word addresses, Share precise locations, Find current address offline, Compatible with navigation apps, Save and categorize favorite locations, Offline navigation with compass mode, Supports over 60 languages

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| what3words Pro | $4.69 | per month |
| what3words Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate location tracking
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚑 Potentially life-saving in emergencies
- 🗺️ Precise location sharing
- 🤝 Helpful for meeting up with friends/family

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent location accuracy
- 🤔 Confusing/not well-explained
- 📱 Requires data/cellular connectivity
- 🗺️ Outdated map data
- 🔍 Difficult to find/search saved locations

**Reported bugs**

- Location changes unexpectedly
- App crashes on launch
- Unable to select country/language

**Requested features**

- Add ability to sort/organize saved locations
- Integrate with contacts/address book
- Provide voice output for location names
- Offer offline map downloads
- Develop a version for seniors/accessibility


### Garmin Explore™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-explore/id1276675721)

**Currently charting:** #112 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Navigate off-grid with this app, which pairs with a compatible Garmin device for trip planning, mapping, and navigation even without Wi-Fi or cellular service. Plan routes, download maps for offline use, and sync data to the cloud.

**Highlights:** Off-grid navigation, Trip planning, Offline map downloads, Pair and sync with Garmin device, Activity library, Cloud storage, LiveTrack location sharing

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Excellent for planning routes and activities
- 💡 Great for offline navigation with downloaded maps
- 👍 Seamless integration with Garmin devices
- 👍 Useful for tracking and sharing adventures

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sync issues with Garmin devices
- 🔍 Lacking detailed map options in some regions
- 🔍 Confusing interface and terminology
- 🐛 Crashes and performance issues
- 🔒 Requires login and internet connection for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Sync failures between app and Garmin devices
- Disappearing or corrupted user data
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS/Android versions
- Unreliable offline map downloads

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit waypoint coordinates
- More customization options for map layers and displays
- Improved route planning and navigation features
- Better syncing and data management between app and devices
- Support for more Garmin device models


## Frequently asked questions

### Is what3words free?

what3words is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Garmin Explore™ free?

Garmin Explore™ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, what3words or Garmin Explore™?

what3words is rated higher. what3words averages 4.8 out of 5 from 44K ratings, while Garmin Explore™ averages 4.1 from 1K ratings.

### Do what3words or Garmin Explore™ have ads?

what3words shows ads; Garmin Explore™ does not.

### Which is updated more often, what3words or Garmin Explore™?

what3words ships an update weekly, and Garmin Explore™ monthly. Most recently, what3words was updated on October 18, 2026 and Garmin Explore™ on October 18, 2026.

### Which is more popular, what3words or Garmin Explore™?

what3words currently peaks at #128 in the App Store charts, and Garmin Explore™ at #112. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*