# what3words vs Blue Light Maps

The clearest difference is ads: Blue Light Maps at none against what3words's shown. Blue Light Maps also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). what3words's advantage is ratings volume (44K vs 1) and review sentiment (55% vs 35%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 and Blue Light Maps sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Blue Light Maps holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: what3words has 44K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of what3words's written reviews are positive against 35% of Blue Light Maps's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

what3words ships an update weekly, Blue Light Maps every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | what3words | Blue Light Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what3words-navigation-and-maps/id657878530/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blue-light-maps/id6470309173/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **44K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **55.5% of reviews** | 35.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#94** | — |
| Size | 315 MB | 154 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [what3words Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657878533) | [Blue Light Maps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713374398) |

## What reviewers say

### what3words

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

**Currently charting:** #94 Top Free · Navigation, #177 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


### Blue Light Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blue-light-maps/id6470309173)

Navigate faster and more accurately with this specialized navigation app designed for emergency responders. It offers detailed maps, optimized routing using legal exemptions, and features tailored for larger emergency vehicles. Offline maps ensure connectivity even in areas with poor reception.

**Highlights:** Detailed maps with visible addresses, Optimized routing with legal exemptions, Up to 60% shorter routes, Early turn notifications, Tailored for large emergency vehicles, Offline maps, Integrated destination search

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is what3words free?

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

### Is Blue Light Maps free?

Blue Light Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, what3words or Blue Light Maps?

Blue Light Maps is rated higher. what3words averages 4.8 out of 5 from 44K ratings, while Blue Light Maps averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do what3words or Blue Light Maps have ads?

what3words shows ads; Blue Light Maps does not.

### Which is updated more often, what3words or Blue Light Maps?

what3words ships an update weekly, and Blue Light Maps every 3 weeks. Most recently, what3words was updated on November 7, 2026 and Blue Light Maps on November 3, 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.*